Welcome to “The PT Handbook!” This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world.
This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at “Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC” where our patient population includes athletes and active individuals. Reply to this email with questions!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: Why Deadlifts DO NOT Hurt Your Back
Deadlifts get blamed for back pain all the time. A common fitness myth if i do say so myself.
“You shouldn’t deadlift if you have back pain.” “Deadlifts are bad for your spine.”
But here’s the reality: Deadlifts aren’t the problem.
Deadlifts are NOT BAD FOR YOUR BACK.
Rather, back pain during deadlifts comes down to one thing:
Your body isn’t tolerating the load (yet). That can look like:
• Too much weight, too soon
• Poor control through the movement
• Fatigue breaking down your form
• Not enough gradual exposure over time
• Need some form tweaks from a performance physical therapist (me) or strength coach
Your back isn’t fragile. It’s just being asked to handle more than it’s ready for.
Deadlifts can be great for your back if done correctly and with smart progressions.
Here’s the crazy things, DEADLIFTS CAN ACTUALLY HELP YOUR BACK.
When programmed well, deadlifts can reduce back pain and build resilience.
They help:
• Strengthen your posterior chain
• Improve your ability to lift safely
• Increase your tolerance to load over time
Your spine is built to adapt to stress. Deadlifts help it do exactly that. All of that. Instead of avoiding deadlifts, focus on:
Reducing load temporarily
Improving control and positioning
Training within a tolerable range
Gradually increasing intensity
The goal isn’t to stop deadlifting. It’s to deadlift better and stronger over time.
Your ability to handle deadlifts depends on what happens outside the gym too. Your sleep quality, total training volume, nutrition/hydration, overall stress.
If recovery is off, your body (especially your back) feels it first. That’s one reason I recommend Thorne supplements. They're third-party tested and clinically dosed, which matters when you’re training consistently. I recommend the creatine and multivitamin to all my clients.👉 Get 10% off Thorne HERE:
The takeaway? Deadlifts don’t cause back pain. They can actually help prevent it.
Poor load management is usually the issue. Build capacity. Progress gradually. And stay consistent.
Got back pain? Reply to this email or hit the link below to “contact us”😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below. We have a lot going on but we’re going to try to do a new one this Thursday! Stay tuned.
👉 Check out Thorne supplements HERE and get 10% off your first order!
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or trust as a PT. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am a Thorne/Legion supplements ambassador and trust their products.
Having pain or have a nagging injury? Book below:
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Adios,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body