FIGHTERS DO NOT SKIP PHYSICAL THERAPY!!

What's up, guys? Today, I have a great subject to tackle. Before we dive in, I need to make it clear that this is not medical advice—just my personal experiences and what I've learned over my career. So, make sure to consult a medical professional for your specific needs.

The Vital Importance of Physical Therapy

Many people underestimate the significance of physical therapy after sustaining an injury or undergoing surgery. However, I cannot stress enough how essential it is. Whether you're dealing with a surgical recovery or rehabilitating an injury without surgery, skipping physical therapy can seriously hamper your long-term recovery and mobility.

Real-Life Testimonial

At the onset of my career, I was fortunate to receive some invaluable advice from an experienced fighter. He had undergone knee surgery but neglected his physical therapy. As a result, his knee never fully recovered. He couldn't perform certain kicks and experienced pain even years later when grappling. His message was clear: Never skip physical therapy.

Around the same time, I met another older gentleman during one of my physical therapy sessions. He wasn’t a fighter, just an ordinary guy rehabbing a shoulder injury. He, too, emphasized how skipping physical therapy resulted in permanent loss of mobility in his shoulder.

Both these encounters deeply influenced my approach to injury recovery.

My Personal Journey with Surgeries and Physical Therapy

Throughout my career, I've had five surgeries, four of which required rigorous physical therapy. Thanks to the early advice I received, I never skipped a session. My first experience with physical therapy was eye-opening. Despite adhering strictly to the regimen, I still didn't regain full flexibility in my shoulder. But the situation could have been worse had I ignored the therapy.

Here’s a look at my flexibility:

• My right arm can bend pretty far back.
  
• My left arm, however, stops at a much more limited range.

This discrepancy highlights just how crucial it is to follow through with your therapy sessions. Even with diligent effort, some flexibility may not return entirely—but the alternative is far worse.

The Role of a Good Physical Therapist

The quality of your physical therapist can make a significant difference in your recovery. Ideally, find a therapist with a sports background. They don’t need to have martial arts experience, but familiarity with athletic training can provide an edge in your recovery process. In my experience, therapists who were athletes themselves pushed me harder and helped speed up my recovery.

For instance, I had a therapist who cut my recovery time from an expected six months to just four. The key was consistency and the extra effort recommended by the therapist.

Going the Extra Mile

Another crucial piece of advice from therapists was to do additional exercises at home. If you’re required to do 50 reps of a shoulder pull during a session, replicate that at home. Some therapists even suggested doubling or tripling the exercises to expedite recovery.

One notable instance was after my hip surgery. The recovery was excruciating, but early engagement in therapy made a huge difference. My therapist—a co-owner at the gym and a physical therapist by profession—allowed me to start light exercises much earlier than usual. Thanks to her guidance, I regained almost full mobility much faster than expected.

Optimal Recovery Tips

1. Always attend your physical therapy sessions: Consistency is critical.
2. Find a good physical therapist: Preferably one with a sports background.
3. Do extra exercises at home: Follow your therapist’s advice on extending your regimen.
4. Start early but safely: Early engagement, under professional guidance, can speed up recovery.

"Never skip physical therapy." This advice from an experienced fighter changed my entire approach to recovery and saved me from long-term issues.

Special Cases: Hip Surgery

One of the most challenging recoveries I faced was from a hip surgery due to a torn labrum. The pain mimicked a pulled groin and flared up just before a significant fight. Post-surgery, my recovery was expected to be around five to six months. However, with the help of my therapist, I managed to achieve full functionality in four months.

The Final Word: Take It Seriously

In conclusion, taking physical therapy seriously has profoundly impacted my career and long-term health. It's a lesson I pass on to everyone, especially those engaged in physical activities like martial arts. Remember, while this is my personal experience and not medical advice, the principles of staying consistent, finding the right therapist, and going the extra mile in your recovery can make a significant difference.

If you have any more questions or topics you'd like me to discuss, feel free to leave a comment. And if you’re new to martial arts and looking to find a gym near you, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." The link is in the description below.
Thank you, and take care of yourselves!