Lifting Injuries
We are physical therapists who put a priority on our own fitness. Helping gym goers and barbell athletes manage injuries is our specialty at Sustain Physical and Performance
- Are you worried when lifting something, and pain doesn't go away no matter what you do?
- Are you frustrated that your current pain relief methods aren't working?
- Are you having to slow down or quit lifting altogether?
- Are you still looking for a long-term solution so you can enjoy your favorite exercises?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you are in the right place!
Many lifters endure unnecessary pain because they’ve been told things like…
- “Just rest it, and it’ll heal” (but months later, the pain lingers...)
- This is just something that happens as you age.
- You need more pills to manage the discomfort.
- Your only option is to stop lifting entirely.
The Truth is…
- Resting isn't the answer. You might feel temporary relief, but once you start training again, the pain returns.
- Lifting-related injuries don’t automatically increase with age.
- Painkillers can be addictive, dangerous, and lead to other complications in your body.
- Adjusting or quitting your lifting routine isn’t your only option—it’s just the only one your family doctor knows to suggest.
At Sustain Physical Therapy and Performance, we help lifter's and barbell athletes stay in the gym.
It can be overwhelming to decide what to do when you’re dealing with lifting-related pain. You’ve probably heard recommendations like…
- A family member advises a specific stretch.
- A co-worker suggests seeing a massage therapist.
- YouTube "experts" recommend a particular exercise.
- A friend tells you to try yoga.
- Meanwhile, your doctor advises you to rest.
Do You Recognize Yourself In This Scenario?
Deciding what to do next can be scary and exhausting with all the different options available, but inaction is even worse.
Analysis paralysis is a real phenomenon that prevents people from moving forward. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
When it comes to addressing something serious like a lifting injury…
You need to choose the right healthcare provider. If you don’t, you risk unnecessary surgery (when it wasn’t needed) or becoming dependent on painkillers.
Getting the least-invasive, most natural therapy is key to preventing your pain from coming back.
To achieve that, you need a provider who not only treats your pain but also uncovers the root cause. When the underlying issue is addressed, your pain can be resolved for good.
This is where we come in...
We developed our 3 step process to eliminate your pain, make sure it doesn't return, all while keeping you in the gym.
Step #1 - We Listen To Your Story
The healthcare system can be frustrating. You wait weeks for an appointment, only to have a rushed conversation with a doctor who barely has time to hear your concerns.
Most physical therapy clinics operate in a similar way—overbooked, rushed, and unable to focus on your specific pain.
That’s why our first step is simple: we listen to your story.
Having worked with many lifters suffering from pain, we’ve learned that no two people are exactly the same. Your body, your history, and your pain are unique.
Our first priority is to have a conversation and let you share your experience. This helps us gain a deep understanding of what’s happening—not just in your body, but also how it affects your life.
Step #2 - Find Out WHY The Pain Started
You’ve likely searched for your symptoms online or visited a doctor who gave you a medical diagnosis. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re told to rest, take medication, or even consider surgery.
These suggestions don’t always provide immediate relief and don’t address the root of the issue. Every lifter’s pain has a different cause. What’s triggering your discomfort is unique to you.
We focus on finding the specific cause of your pain so that it not only goes away but stays away. We understand you might still have doubts about whether physical therapy is the right solution for you. That’s why we offer a Discovery Visit.
Our Discovery Call and Initial Evaluation are designed for those who are unsure, skeptical, or have been disappointed before. During the Discovery Call, you’ll learn what’s wrong, how long it will take to fix it, and get peace of mind that your problem can be resolved naturally.
Step #3 - Eliminate The Pain & Prevent It From Returning
This is where the big transformation happens. We’ll create a personalized plan that allows you to:
…Lift with confidence, knowing the pain won’t return.
…Return to your favorite workouts pain-free.
…Resume your pre-injury training program.
Our best clients are those who are motivated and ready to reclaim their active lifestyle—even if they feel stuck right now!
We Treat a Wide Range of Injuries
We specialize in treating various injuries common among barbell athletes, ensuring that you receive the care needed to recover fully and prevent future setbacks:
- Shoulder Impingement & Rotator Cuff Strains: Often caused by repetitive overhead lifting or improper form during pressing exercises.
- Tendinitis & Tendinopathies: Including conditions like patellar tendinitis or biceps tendinopathy, usually resulting from overuse and excessive load.
- Lower Back Strains & Disc Issues: Commonly seen in athletes performing deadlifts and squats, often due to poor lifting mechanics or overloading.
- Knee Pain & Ligament Strains: Such as ACL or meniscus issues, particularly in those who regularly engage in heavy squats or lunges.
- Hip Flexor Strains & Labral Tears: Often resulting from inadequate warm-up, poor hip mobility, or high-intensity training.
Why Choose Sustain Physical Therapy?
At Sustain Physical Therapy, we understand the demands of lifting and the importance of a quick, effective recovery. Our approach is designed to not only address your current pain but also improve your overall lifting performance.
- Thorough Assessments: We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your injury, your lifting technique, and your movement patterns to develop a targeted treatment plan.
- Customized Treatment Plans: We know that every athlete is different, which is why we tailor our treatment plans to your specific needs and goals.
- Performance-Focused Rehabilitation: Our treatment isn’t just about relieving pain—we aim to enhance your strength, mobility, and technique to prevent future injuries and improve your lifting performance.
You don’t have to sacrifice the time in the gym you love over problems that can be fixed.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Babcock, PT, DPT
Founder of Sustain Physical Therapy & Performance