Ever get ‘analysis paralysis’ when working with patients? It can feel like there are too many things to work on and it’s hard to know where to start. If so, you’re not alone! I think we all get that at times. It can really help to think what is the priority right now? Is it pain? Lack of fitness? Fatigue? Unmet rehab needs like strength? Make that the priority before considering the next steps. Let’s look at some examples: Pain is the priority - your patient has trained too much and hobbles down the corridor with severe, irritable symptoms. We focus on calming that down with load management, self treatment strategies and pain relieving options. Fitness is key - a runner has taken a break from training and symptoms have largely resolved. They have a race coming up though so gradually building fitness and preparing them for that race becomes the focus.  Fatigue is the problem - an athlete sees you in the taper period pre-marathon. They’ve trained well but are tired and tight. They want to do more but the priority now is addressing fatigue through recovery strategies and sleep not squeezing more in! Strength is lacking - for this patient there’s no race on the horizon, their symptoms are fairly well controlled but your testing reveals reduced strength in key muscles. Now we focus on building that strength and addressing their rehab needs.

Side planks are surprisingly challenging for the Glutes, especially when you lift the top left!! 🍑🔥