Fitness & Performance Training

The Discovery Visit at Sports Performance Physical Therapy is a personalized, no-pressure session designed to help you understand the root cause of your pain, review treatment options, and create a customized recovery plan. Led by Dr. Chris Garcia, this visit gives you clarity, confidence, and simple at-home tips to jumpstart your healing—even before formal treatment begins.

Many people are told back surgery is their only option—but that’s often not true. In this blog, Dr. Chris Garcia explains why MRIs can be misleading and outlines three signs your back pain may be mechanical (and fixable) without surgery. He highlights the importance of a full-body movement evaluation and personalized care over generic, insurance-based therapy. Before considering surgery, explore smarter, non-invasive options that address the root cause of your pain.

Most people believe MRIs and X-rays reveal the root cause of their back pain—but research shows otherwise. Many individuals with no pain show disc bulges or degenerative changes on scans, while others with severe pain have “normal” imaging. In this video, Dr. Chris Garcia explains why back pain is more often tied to movement issues, muscle imbalances, stress, and poor sleep than structural damage. He shares real success stories and emphasizes that 90% of back pain can improve without surgery through proper movement-based treatment. Your MRI doesn’t define your outcome—your recovery plan does.

Most people with back pain make the same three mistakes during rehab: waiting for pain to fully go away before moving, only treating the painful area, and relying solely on passive treatments like massage or chiropractic care. In this blog, Dr. Chris Garcia explains why these approaches delay healing and what to do instead—emphasizing the importance of safe movement, addressing the root cause, and using active rehab to achieve long-term relief.

Most people are given outdated advice for back pain—rest, medication, and temporary fixes that don’t address the real problem. This blog, based on insights from Dr. Chris Garcia at Sports Performance, breaks down why those strategies often fail and explains how active treatment, personalized therapy, and guided movement are the keys to lasting relief. If you’re stuck in the pain cycle, it’s time to take control and get the right help.

This blog breaks down the key differences between traditional physical therapy and sports performance therapy. Traditional PT focuses on pain relief and recovery after injury or surgery, while sports performance therapy is designed for athletes aiming to improve strength, movement, and prevent re-injury. The blog helps readers decide which approach fits their goals and explains how combining both can lead to the best long-term results.

Many people rely on health insurance for physical therapy, but insurance limitations can often delay or limit recovery. Insurance plans typically restrict the number of visits and treatments allowed, forcing physical therapists to prioritize what’s reimbursable rather than what’s most effective. This system can result in incomplete treatment, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and fear of physical activity.

Choosing an out-of-network provider offers more personalized, one-on-one care without the restrictions of insurance. With access to longer sessions, a wider range of treatments, and holistic care, you can recover faster and more effectively. At Sports Performance Physical Therapy, we focus on helping clients achieve long-term relief and regain their active lifestyles through customized treatment plans.

Setting goals is essential for improving your health, fitness, and overall wellness. However, many people struggle to stay on track because their goals lack structure. The SMART goal-setting method—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely—provides a clear framework to help you stay motivated and achieve success. Whether you’re training for a marathon, aiming to lose weight, or improving your strength, applying SMART principles ensures your goals are realistic and trackable. Discover how to stay motivated, overcome setbacks, and create goals that align with your lifestyle. For expert guidance and support, the team at Sports Performance Physical Therapy is here to help you reach your full potential.

Chronic pain isn’t just a physical issue—it’s a brain and body problem. Even after an injury heals, your brain can continue sending pain signals, keeping you stuck in discomfort. If you’ve tried massages, injections, or medication without success, it’s because many treatments only address the body, not the brain’s response to pain. Ignoring chronic pain can lead to unnecessary surgeries, medications, and even mental health struggles. The key to lasting relief? A rehab approach that retrains both your brain and body.

Low back pain can feel overwhelming, making even simple movements difficult. Many people avoid seeking help, fearing they’ll be told to rest or take unnecessary medications. But rest alone can make things worse—leading to stiffness, inactivity, and a frustrating cycle of pain.

Instead, focus on three key strategies to regain control: keep moving within your limits, modify your work positions, and adjust your fitness routine. Gentle movement helps reduce inflammation, small posture changes at work prevent stiffness, and scaling back your workouts allows for safe recovery.

If you’re struggling to find the right balance, seeking guidance from a physical therapist can provide a tailored plan to keep you active and pain-free. Ready to take charge of your recovery? Start with these simple steps today!