Sound of Movement Podcast Episode 343: Redefining Injury Recovery, Load Management & Healing

In today's Sound Of Movement - Unity Gym podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Phil White from AD PT Physio. Phil began his career in the fitness industry as a remedial massage therapist in 2012, eventually completing his Exercise and Sports Science degree and postgraduate Doctor of Physiotherapy degree.

In this episode, Phil addresses several questions from our audience, including the factors that contribute to persistent injuries, the best way to sustainably stay injury-free, and the time it takes to heal after an injury or surgery. 

Our discussion also delves into the concept of load management and its impact on recovery.

Often, individuals seeking medical help for injuries receive short-term solutions without addressing the long-term, bigger picture issues. However, it is essential to consider the various factors affecting an individual's life to optimize long-term outcomes.

Load management is a term used to describe how exercise is prescribed, taking into account factors such as workout volume, intensity, range of movement, tempo, and rest. Managing these variables can help prevent overloading the body and reduce the risk of injury.

The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing exercise as a stressor on the body, along with other stress mechanisms, such as diet, sleep, work, and relationships. All these factors can impact the body's ability to recover from injuries.

Phil also discusses the distinction between acute and chronic injuries. Acute injuries usually have a clear cause, while chronic or persistent issues may have an insidious onset, making it crucial to examine the bigger picture of a person's life to determine the cause.

The concept of "healing" is essential to understand, as many people believe that an injury must return to its pre-injury condition to be considered healed. However, this outdated way of thinking overlooks the complexities of function and pain science. Imaging techniques can sometimes provide misleading information, as they may reveal "pathologies" that aren't necessarily the source of pain or dysfunction.

Instead, healing should be viewed as returning to the activities one loves without pain or limitations. By focusing on load management, understanding the various factors influencing recovery, and redefining healing, individuals can work towards sustainable injury recovery.

To gain more insight into the fascinating world of injury recovery and load management, we encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode. You'll find valuable information and advice to help you navigate the complexities of healing and return to the activities you love.