Life Shouldn't Hurt

Grant Fedoruk
  • 4.9 (9)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

  1. 8 HRS AGO

    Fuelling Your Engine: Nutrition Science with Dr. Scott Forbes

    Hey everyone, Grant Fedoruk here. Welcome back to Life Shouldn't Hurt. Have you ever stopped to think about how you fuel the only vehicle you get for this entire journey of life—your body? In our latest episode, we explore exactly that. Expert Insights with Dr. Scott Forbes To help us separate scientific fact from social media fiction, I sat down with Dr. Scott Forbes, a leading researcher in sports nutrition and human performance from Brandon University. We explore the science behind what we consume and how it directly impacts how we feel, think, and perform every single day. Whether you are training for a marathon, carrying heavy grocery bags, or just trying to stay sharp and energized at work, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom you can apply right now. Key Takeaways to Tune Up Your Routine We uncover some incredible insights to help you optimize your health: The Truth About Pre-Workout: Spoiler alert—you don't need expensive pre-workout supplements. Dr. Forbes explains exactly how to time everyday carbs and protein to naturally power your body.Creatine's Hidden Superpowers: I used creatine back in my university rugby days, but we learned it's not just for bodybuilders. It actually has amazing benefits for your brain, helping combat mental fatigue, and even strengthens your bones.Aging Strong: Discover why older adults actually need to consume more protein than younger folks to maintain crucial muscle mass and stay actively moving through life.Busting Nutrition Myths: We put an end to persistent rumors, like creatine causing muscle cramps or hair loss, and remind ourselves of the one incredibly simple food we all need to eat more of to live longer (hint: it's green).Science-Backed Health for Everyday Life My ultimate goal is to empower you with reliable, science-backed information so you can make confident decisions that help you live a healthier, happier life. This conversation is all about practical, everyday steps to tune up your engine so you can enjoy every single moment. Subscribe & Join the Community If you are curious about how to unlock your best self, tune in to this episode! Please follow and subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss out on these insights. Join our growing community, share our story with your friends, and let's keep moving forward together—because as you know, life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  2. MAR 11

    Lung Cancer Survivorship and the Power of Rehabilitation with Dr. Nathalie Daaboul

    Welcome to another deeply personal episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt. I'm your host, Grant Fedoruk, and today we are tackling a topic that touches almost every single one of us: cancer. Whenever I speak about this, it brings up memories of my dad and his long, brave battle—a journey that still brings tears to my eyes. Because of him, and the countless patients we see in our cancer rehab clinics, this conversation is incredibly close to my heart. Exploring the Missing Piece: Cancer Survivorship In this episode, Anita Cassidy and I are honoured to sit down with Dr. Nathalie Daaboul, a compassionate hematologist-oncologist who is shifting the way we look at lung cancer care. We move past the medical treatments to explore a massive missing piece in the healthcare puzzle: survivorship. Surviving cancer is a medical marvel, but what happens after the chemo and radiation? We unpack the incredible, evidence-based role of specialized rehab in helping patients safely overcome lingering issues like: Nerve numbness (neuropathy)Swelling (lymphedema)Chronic fatigueYou shouldn't just be thankful to be alive; you deserve the absolute best chance at living a vibrant, active life. Actionable Wisdom for Your Health This conversation is packed with actionable wisdom you can apply to your life today, even if cancer hasn't directly impacted your family: Listen to your body's "Check Engine" light: I share a humbling story from my own clinic about a patient whose persistent, non-responsive shoulder pain turned out to be lung cancer. We outline the subtle symptoms you should never ignore and why advocating for early screening is life-saving.Protect your home from Radon: Did you know that odorless, invisible radon gas creeping into our basements is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? Anita and I explain exactly how easy and affordable it is to test your home and mitigate this risk to protect your kids and family.The Power of Mindset: We explore the profound, physical impact that hope, belief, and community support have on your health outcomes and longevity.Empowerment and Hope In life, pain and obstacles are part of the journey, but you don't have to face them alone. Whether you are currently navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to proactively protect your family's health, this episode will leave you empowered, informed, and filled with hope. Support the Mission If you find value in our mission to help people move, live, and age without unnecessary pain, please follow and subscribe to our show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with someone you care about, because the more people we reach, the more lives we can help. Thank you for trusting us with your time—tune in, and let's learn together! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  3. FEB 27

    Dealing with IT Band Pain and Advocating for Accessibility with Sandy Saunders

    Hey everyone, it’s Grant Fedoruk here, your friendly neighbourhood pain whisperer. Welcome back to another episode where we trade stiff upper lips for real talk, because while pain might be a part of life, it certainly doesn’t get to be the boss. In this episode, I’m joined by my "everyday legend" co-host Anita Cassidy to tackle a physical issue that plagues so many of us as we get active this time of year: that nagging, insidious pain on the outside of the knee known as IT Band Friction Syndrome. Myth-Busting IT Band Friction Syndrome If you’ve ever felt that sharp friction while running downhill or even just walking on the beach, you need to hear this. We bust some major myths—specifically, why you can’t actually stretch the IT band (it’s as tough as cheesecloth!) and why taking a metal scraping tool to your leg until you bruise is likely doing more harm than good. We get into the nitty-gritty of why the problem might actually be coming from: Your old shoesIssues with your feetTight hip musclesWe discuss what you should really be doing to fix it and get back to moving pain-free. A Conversation on Resilience with Sandy Saunders The heart of this episode beats in my conversation with our incredible guest, Sandy Saunders. Sandy has been navigating life as a T5 paraplegic since a car accident at age 14 in 1977. Her story isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving, community, and the evolution of independence over five decades. Sandy takes us through the reality of accessibility in 2025—from the frustration of snow-covered sidewalks that block wheelchairs to the "low-hanging fruit" that businesses constantly miss. Actionable Wisdom for Business Owners and Neighbours We explore insights that business owners and neighbours need to hear right now. Sandy shares a critical point about parking: with the rise in accessible placards, wheelchair users often can’t find the wide spaces they need to deploy their ramps. Her practical challenge to businesses? Safeguard that one spot closest to the door specifically for wheelchair users so they aren't forced to navigate dangerous parking lots behind vehicles. Living Your Own Journey Sandy also leaves us with a profound piece of life advice that applies whether you are in a wheelchair or not: Stop comparing your journey to others. Focus on yourself, pace yourself, and find your own community—like the inspiring environment Sandy found at the Steadward Center. This conversation is a powerful reminder that accessibility isn't an inconvenience; it’s about basic human rights and dignity. I promise you will leave this episode feeling informed, moved, and ready to look at your community a little differently. Join the Community If you find value in these conversations and want to learn how to move better and feel better, please follow and subscribe to the show. Let’s make sure life doesn’t hurt more than it has to. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  4. FEB 11

    Necks Level Solutions for Chronic Neck Pain

    Life Shouldn’t Hurt: Why Your Pain Isn’t “Normal” — From Feet to Neck Pain Solutions Introduction If you’ve ever tuned in to Life Shouldn’t Hurt, you know that I believe pain shouldn't be your normal state of being—even if my singing voice at the top of the show might cause a little phantom pain for my co-host, Anita Cassidy! Understanding the Kinetic Chain: How Foot Mechanics Influence Knee Pain In this episode, we tackle the aches and pains that literally weigh us down, from our feet all the way up to our heads. We kick things off by looking at the kinetic chain—how your feet might actually be the culprits behind your knee pain. Anita and I break down Patellofemoral Syndrome, a condition where the kneecap tracks incorrectly. If you or your teenagers get sore knees just from sitting through a movie (what we call the moviegoer’s sign), you need to hear this. I even share my own painful history of mowing lawns for the county and how—believe it or not—wearing cowboy boots during the Calgary Stampede taught me a valuable lesson about foot biomechanics. The Epidemic of Neck Pain: From Whiplash to Tech Neck Then, we shift our focus to an epidemic we’re all facing: neck pain. Whether it’s from an old whiplash injury or just “tech neck” from doom-scrolling in bed, our necks are taking a beating. I sit down with physical therapist Dr. Scott Dickinson, the inventor of a game-changing device called NecksLevel. Why Traditional Neck Exercises Fail Scott explains why traditional neck exercises—like awkwardly strapping bands to your head—often fail because of discomfort and compliance issues. We explore his invention, which is essentially a “Pilates reformer for your neck,” allowing you to strengthen those critical stabilizing muscles while lying down, completely eliminating the stress of gravity. We discuss why rotation is the secret weapon for neck health and how to finally get lasting relief from that stiffness that makes shoulder-checking in your car a nightmare. Your Environment Matters: Small Tweaks, Big Impact My biggest takeaway for you? Your environment matters. Whether it's the shoes on your feet or the pillow under your head, small tweaks make a massive difference. And please, for the sake of your neck and your wallet, leave that smartphone in the closet at night! Final Thoughts I hope this episode empowers you to take control of your recovery. If you find value in our conversations, please follow and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Remember, life shouldn't hurt! Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min

  5. JAN 7

    From Ice to Insight: Marc Kennedy on Pain-Free Performance

    In this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, I am thrilled to bring you a blend of medical expertise and Olympic-level wisdom that will completely change how you view your physical longevity. Whether you are an elite athlete or just trying to get through the day pain-free, this episode is packed with tools you can use immediately. Understanding Achilles Pain We start by tackling a problem that brings so many of you limping through my clinic doors: Achilles pain. You might know it as the strongest tendon in the body, but as I explain to Anita, it is also a classic weak spot. We break down the crucial difference between tendonitis (inflammation) and tendinosis (degeneration), because knowing which one you have changes how you treat it. If you have ever felt that stiffness in the morning or pain on the back of your heel, you need to hear why “no pain, no gain” is the wrong approach here. I also share specific, actionable advice on how to stretch properly—specifically why you need to stretch with both a straight leg and a bent knee to target the different muscles that pull on that tendon. Marc Kennedy on the Physical Demands of Curling But the real highlight of this show is my conversation with Canadian curling legend, Marc Kennedy. You might think of curling as a gentle game, but Marc reveals the intense physical toll it takes on the hips and shoulders over a twenty-year career. Marc opens up about the secrets behind his incredible longevity, including his transition to a “glute-focused” training regimen after a chiropractor identified that his hip pain stemmed from weakness there. A Practical Warm-Up Routine for Everyday Athletes We get very practical for the recreational athletes listening: Marc walks us through his 5-minute warm-up routine using foam rollers and resistance bands. I explain the science behind why his method works—how rolling specific spots stimulates a reflex that relaxes the tissue, and how exercises like “monster walks” wake up the muscles you actually need before you play. A Personal Journey Toward Health and Family Legacy Beyond the physical, this episode touches on something deeply personal. Marc shares his powerful decision to eliminate alcohol from his life. He speaks candidly about his father’s battle with alcoholism and how he and his wife chose a healthier path to set an example for their daughters. It is a touching testament to how our lifestyle choices impact not just our performance, but the people we love. In fact, Marc reveals that his dedication to physio and chiropractic care has inspired his own daughter to pursue a career in healing, which put a massive smile on my face. Conclusion: Longevity, Transformation, and Taking Care of Yourself From fixing your heels to thinking like a gold medalist, this episode is about longevity, transformation, and the quiet power of taking care of yourself. I hope you tune in and find something that helps you move better, because life really shouldn't hurt Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    40 min

  6. JAN 5

    Pelvic Health and the Emsella Chair Breakthrough

    In this episode, I wanted to surprise you—and my co-host Anita—by tackling two specific areas of the body that often cause silent suffering: the side of the hip and the pelvic floor. If you have ever woken up with a deep ache after sleeping on your side, or if you find yourself planning your day around bathroom breaks, this conversation is essential listening for you. We start by unpacking a condition that is often confused with sciatica or back issues: Trochanteric Bursitis. It’s a pain that radiates down the leg and screams at you when you try to cross your legs or lie down at night. In this episode, we explain exactly what is happening inside that fluid-filled sac on the side of your hip. But more importantly, I explain why just resting or getting a cortisone shot often isn't enough. We discuss the vital difference between simply stopping the pain and actually fixing the weakness or tightness that caused it in the first place so you can get back to moving freely. Then, we shift gears to have an open, honest, and much-needed conversation about pelvic health. I’m joined by Kristen Fitzgerald, a compassionate expert from our team, to break the stigma surrounding incontinence and pelvic dysfunction. Whether you are a man dealing with the after-effects of surgery, a woman navigating perimenopause, or someone experiencing urgency, you need to know that this is not something you just have to live with. Kristen shares some surprising practical advice, including why drinking more water—not less—is actually the key to calming an irritated bladder. We also debunk the myth that pelvic health is only a concern for new moms; it affects athletes, men, and people of all ages. Finally, we introduce a breakthrough technology that is changing lives: the Emsella Chair. Imagine doing nearly 12,000 kegels in just 30 minutes, all while fully clothed and sitting comfortably reading a magazine. We discuss how this electromagnetic treatment helps retrain your brain and strengthen your muscles to treat incontinence and even improve intimate wellness without surgery or invasive exams. My goal with this episode is to help you realize that you don’t have to settle for discomfort or embarrassment. There are solutions, and often, they are easier than you think. If you find value in these conversations and want to keep learning how to live a pain-free life, please take a moment to follow and subscribe to the show. It helps us continue to bring you expert advice and real solutions. Tune in, get informed, and let’s get you feeling better. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    38 min

  7. 2025-12-26

    Mending the Mind: A Guide to Cognitive Rehabilitation

    Have You Ever Lost Your Train of Thought? Have you ever walked up to your sock drawer, opened it, and stood there completely blank on why you were there? If you’ve ever felt that frustration, or the “baby brain” fog that my co-host Anita Cassidy vividly describes, you aren't alone. My Own “Glitch in the Matrix” Moment I’m Grant Fedoruk, and in this episode of Life Shouldn't Hurt, we explore the fascinating world of Cognitive Rehab. I open up about my own “glitch in the matrix” moments following a rugby concussion—a day where I tried to order a “Big Brute” at Boston Pizza three different times because my brain just couldn't hold onto the thought. It’s a personal look at how trauma, whether from a concussion, a stroke, or even the lingering effects of viral infections and chemotherapy, can disrupt our lives. Featuring Cognitive Rehab Expert Lisa Huskins We are joined by Lisa Huskins, an occupational therapist and cognitive rehabilitation expert from Leading Edge Physiotherapy, who reveals why the old advice of “rest, rest, rest” is outdated. Instead, we explore the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain's incredible ability to build new bridges around damaged areas. What You Will Learn in This Episode • The Battery Analogy Lisa explains why “pacing” is critical. When your brain is recovering, it operates on a half-charged battery, meaning you need to take breaks every 45 minutes to recharge rather than pushing through. • Hardware vs. Software We break down how your brain structure (hardware) can be intact while your processing (software) struggles, affecting everything from focus to word-finding. • The Exercise Connection Discover why aerobic exercise is actually vital for recovery, releasing chemicals like brain-derived neurotrophic factor that help you rebuild neurons. • Active Training Why simply doing a crossword puzzle might not be enough, and how structured, graded brain games can improve memory and processing speed. Hope and Practical Strategies for Recovery Whether you are navigating the aftereffects of an injury or just want to keep your mind sharp as you age, this episode offers hope and practical strategies. We believe that thinking shouldn't hurt, and neither should life. Support the Show If you find value in these discussions and want to support our mission to help you navigate life's difficulties, please show your support by following and subscribing to our show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    40 min

  8. 2025-12-22

    Life Shouldn't Hurt Bob Steadward - Disability in Sport

    The Paralympic Movement and Disability in Sport Welcome back to Life Shouldn't Hurt. It is almost 2026, and I am thrilled to kick off the new year with my guest host, Anita Cassidy. While we opened the show discussing our personal resolutions—including Anita’s shocking decision to drink her first cup of coffee after 49 years of abstinence, and our mutual commitment to walking and strength training to protect our joints and bone health—the heart of this episode was a conversation that every Canadian needs to hear. A Legend in the Studio I had the immense privilege of sitting down with Dr. Bob Steadward, a man I consider the “godfather” and one of the founding fathers of the modern Paralympic movement. Dr. Steadward’s journey began in a small farming community in Saskatchewan before he came to the University of Alberta in the mid‑1960s. While he was a high‑level athlete himself in hockey, baseball, and track, his focus shifted when he saw the immense physical and attitudinal barriers facing people with disabilities. Dr. Steadward didn’t just observe these problems; he changed the global landscape of sport. In the 1980s, frustrated by the lack of a world body to govern disability sports, he took a risk to lead change when no one else would. He founded the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and was instrumental in the 1988 Seoul Games, where the Paralympics and Olympics were finally held in the same city under a unified committee, marking the true beginning of the modern games. The Critical State of Disability Sport Our conversation shed light on the urgent importance of accessibility and infrastructure. Dr. Steadward pointed out a concerning trend: while Canada was once ranked top three in the world for Paralympic sport, we have fallen to between 12th and 15th because other nations have learned from us and surpassed us. The barriers to entry are high. Specialized equipment, such as racing chairs or monoskis, requires sophisticated technology and can cost upwards of $30,000 to $40,000. This creates a significant financial divide, not just for developing nations, but for Canadian athletes as well. Furthermore, high‑performance coaches need to better understand the functional aspects of disability, such as the logistical challenges of simply getting a wheelchair‑bound athlete to a facility. The Steadward Centre Model We also discussed the “Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement” at the University of Alberta, a facility that serves nearly 1,400 people ranging from children to elite athletes. Dr. Steadward shared his philosophy of “segregation before inclusion.” This means providing a safe, specialized environment where individuals can learn independent skills—like transferring from a wheelchair or swimming—among peers before integrating into broader community programs. The impact of this work is profound. Dr. Steadward shared a moving story of a woman who recently told him that the center saved her life.  A Call to Action Our country needs more facilities like this. As Dr. Steadward noted, we need leaders in communities across Canada to “pick up the torch” and build the infrastructure necessary to support these athletes. Until next time, Grant Fedoruk Support the show Follow on Spotify/Apple Podcasts for regular inspirational stories and pain-free living tips. We appreciate you! This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Pain & injury are part of our life experience.  A Canadian sports injury and chronic pain physiotherapist since 1999, Grant Fedoruk shares his unique observations on pain, injury, business and life. He combines humour and laughs with interviews of his colleagues, patients and other experts in the field to learn how and why: Life Shouldn't Hurt.

Information

  • Creator
    Grant Fedoruk
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Life Shouldn't Hurt
  • Show Website
    Life Shouldn't Hurt

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