Powering ON
A message from Founder, Billy Cioffredi PT on finding power in adversity…
I must confess, I was a little intimidated to read the interview with a client of ours, Will Peterson, who received care for a tendon problem. He is the Dartmouth Medical Student who started running ultramarathons, distances well beyond the 26 standard miles. What can you give someone who has that level of mental and physical aptitude?
My colleague, Neil Mackenzie, DPT, a full Ironman level triathlete, got straight to the point:
You give them more knowledge; more understanding of how they can help themselves.
In the care of this elite athlete who was experiencing sensations of pain, one could conclude the problem was overuse and simply prescribe rest. Not so. Rest alone could not restore the integrity and strength of the tendon. Neil helped Will understand his body and pain better, learning what specific sensations were indicative of appropriate loading to strengthen the injured tendon and what sensations were overloading it to break it down further. That knowledge enabled him to push through and continue his training for his record-breaking attempt on the VT Long Trail.
Will Peterson: Just Go For It
My takeaway? Be willing to experience.
Life is full of all kinds of pain: Physical, emotional, and the combination of both. It’s important not just to find those who can help ‘fix you,’ but those who give you power in more knowledge and understanding so you can learn, adapt, and grow from these experiences. For me, that is what seems to make for a rich life.
If you read our last newsletter, you may know that I have been recovering from a severe leg injury. I have a great measure of gratitude for those who have empowered me through my experience. More broadly, as we face adversity as individuals and a community, I find myself thankful for the many who dedicate themselves to helping others realize their power to effect change. With this in mind, I hope you find stories like Will’s not intimidating, but rather inspiring. You too have the potential to grow and expand your life by meeting the challenges along the way.
Best wishes,
This article first appeared in the November 2024 Cioffredi & Associates Newsletter:
Newsletters & Articles
“10 weeks out from a major lower spine surgery… I had lost much of my control/use of my left leg and was dealing with severe pain. I was also frustrated with the compete lack of results from other PT clinics. I felt that I was at a crossroad where if I wasn’t able to work through my situation, would be crippled for the rest of my life. I began working with Joe Soojian and Tyler Gendron and began to experience results that, while very slow at first, began to create improvement. As many weeks went by my improvement increased and began to build upon itself. I am now at the point where I can walk and function so much better with less pain. Meeting and working with Joe and Tyler was a godsend. These are the best PTs I’ve ever worked with. I cannot thank them enough.” -M.S.
