<p>Robbie is a MSc Physiotherapist and founder of the Back Pain Back To Exercise program.</p>
<p>With a proven track record in aiding both elite athletes and chronic pain sufferers alike, Robbie offers a unique, holistic approach to overcoming back pain.</p>
<p>His expertise lies in assisting individuals in overcoming recurring injuries, utilizing a comprehensive program titled ‘Back Pain Back To Exercise’.</p>
<p>This group program is meticulously designed to facilitate recovery and restore optimal physical function.</p>
<p>In addition to this, Robbie hosts the ‘Rebalanced Podcast’, a platform where he disseminates valuable insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.</p>
<p>He is also currently in my 6-month business mentorship program where I’ve to see the incredible work he does first hand.</p>
<p>Here are some of the things we talked about in today’s podcast:</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Episode Outline</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="#t=04:00">04:00</a> The mind body connection and when injuries are more than just impact or purely physical</li>
<li><a href="#t=07:53">07:53</a> The story of the break ups causing a back pain flare up and how it led to the topic of this podcast</li>
<li><a href="#t=15:09">15:09</a> Back pain rehab and recovery 101</li>
<li><a href="#t=21:30">21:30</a> The mindset of injury – managing fear and anxiety</li>
<li><a href="#t=27:39">27:39</a> Reframing fare ups as a positive thing so you can finally heal and rehab a chronic injury</li>
<li><a href="#t=31:56">31:56</a> Having the correct expectations when managing flare-ups</li>
<li><a href="#t=37:54">37:54</a> The connection between your identity and back pain and recovery</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Points</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Back pain can often be a complex interplay between physical injury and emotional stress. The nervous system can record an injury and develop a heightened sensitivity to pain, known as sensitization. This can lead to prolonged pain that outlasts the typical healing timeline, particularly in chronic cases like back injuries. Diagnostic images such as MRIs often do not correlate directly with the experience of pain, meaning we need a holistic approach to treatment that considers both the physical and psychological components of back pain. Comprehensive strategies including controlled exercise, stress management, and mindfulness can help manage pain flare-ups and contribute to long-term recovery.</li>
<li>When it comes to recurring injuries, it’s important to reframe our understanding of pain and recovery. Rather than viewing flare-ups as setbacks, they should be seen as opportunities for growth and increased resilience. The fear and anxiety associated with recurring injuries can hinder recovery, creating a negative feedback loop that perpetuates the problem. To combat this, setting realistic recovery expectations and creating strategic flare-ups can be beneficial. These allow us to maintain control and gradually build up tolerance, instead of completely avoiding exercise out of fear. It’s also powerful to harness identity and belief in the healing process, to challenge self-imposed limitations to facilitate progress and rehabilitation.</li>
<li>Emotional turmoil, such as break-ups or work-related stress, can act as catalysts for injury flare-ups. Emotional distress can exacerbate physical discomfort by ramping up the nervous system into a state of heightened sensitivity. This emotional hyperarousal can trigger pain in areas where the body has become overprotective thanks to past injuries or “pain spots”. Moreover, stress can impair sleep, which in turn can make the body more susceptible to negative sensations and pain. Recognizing the link between emotional well-being and physical pain is crucial; addressing underlying emotional issues is a vital part of alleviating physical symptoms. This understanding encourages a more integrated approach to health, recognizing the invisible but powerful connections between our emotional health and bodily aches.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Powerful Quotes by Robbie</h2>
<p>Recovery doesn’t just involve the physical. It involves the mental, emotional, and spiritual, as well.</p>
<p>Your identity forms your behaviors and habits, and your behaviors and habits form your identity.</p>


Robbie Cassidy

Podcast

MOBILITYTUTOR Book

MSc Physio Robbie Cassidy on Back Pain, Fixing Recurring Injuries and What You Didn’t Know About How Break Ups/Work Conflict/Stress Impact Injury Flare Ups! 

MSc Physio Robbie Cassidy on Back Pain, Fixing Recurring Injuries and What You Didn’t Know About How Break Ups/Work Conflict/Stress Impact Injury Flare Ups!

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