Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

Fred Bagares
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

My name is Fred Bagares a board certified sports and spine medicine physician in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  After 10 years of practice, I still find musculoskeletal medicine both fascinating and challenging.  This podcast is about the lingering thoughts and questions I’ve had after residency and fellowship.  My hope is to spark discussion, challenge dogma, and share our experiences in musculoskeletal medicine.

  1. 20H AGO

    Movement Mindset for 2026

    Every year starts the same way: new goals, new motivation, and a fresh commitment to “getting back in shape.” And every year, most people hit the same wall—burnout, frustration, or injury—by February or March. In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares explains why the problem isn’t motivation or discipline. It’s the way we think about movement. Quick wins, extreme workouts, and all-or-nothing plans feel productive—but they’re rarely sustainable. They depend on perfect timing, perfect energy, and pain-free joints. When real life shows up, the system collapses. This episode introduces a more durable approach: building a daily movement identity, not just chasing workouts. You’ll learn: Why intense daily workouts don’t fix inactivityHow “I worked out, so I’m done moving” quietly sabotages progressWhy most people overestimate how active they really areThe difference between workouts and movement habitsHow the Movement Bucket Framework helps you stay consistent without guilt or injuryInstead of asking, “Did I work out?” You’ll start asking, “Which movement buckets did I fill today?” This mindset shift removes the false choice between everything and nothing, protects joint health, and keeps movement alive through stress, pain, travel, and aging. If you want results that last past January—and a body that keeps working with you instead of against you—this episode will change how you approach movement in 2026 and beyond. For more frameworks, clarity tools, and movement resources, visit FredBagares.com or MSKDirectVB.com. Support the show

    16 min

  2. DEC 9

    Don't Normalize "Less"

    Why is it that in almost every industry, “more” is considered good service—more communication, more clarity, more personal attention—yet in healthcare, asking for more gets you treated like you’re being unreasonable? In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares breaks down why the traditional insurance-based system consistently delivers less: less time, less access, less personalization, and less continuity. And more importantly—what patients can actually do about it. You’ll hear a relatable story of a patient who followed all the rules and still ended up with delays, fragmented opinions, a surprise bill, and barely eight minutes of face-to-face time. Not because anyone involved was unkind, but because the system isn't built around people. It’s built around billing, risk management, and volume. Dr. Bagares explores: • Why “less” has become normalized in healthcare  • The service-industry comparison that makes the problem impossible to ignore  • How delays, gatekeeping, and rushed visits are baked into the insurance model  • Why the system won’t fix itself—and what proactive patients can do now  • Five practical paths for reclaiming clarity, access, and personalized care  • How direct care rebuilds medicine around you, not billing protocols If you’ve ever felt rushed, unheard, or confused after a medical visit, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not expecting too much. There are better options. For clarity guides, diagnostic tools, and resources that help you understand your body and next steps, visit FredBagares.com or MSKDirectVB.com. Support the show

    13 min

  3. NOV 18

    Coupon-Style Insurance: What It Actually Covers

    What if your health insurance works more like a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon than a true safety net? In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares, DO—Sports & Spine specialist and founder of MSK Direct Virginia Beach—breaks down why even the best insurance plan often leaves you paying more, waiting longer, and still not getting the care that matters most. Through the story of Nate, a weekend pickleball player whose shoulder injury led him through the endless maze of copays, prior authorizations, and denials, you’ll see how the “coupon system” in healthcare rewards transactions—not outcomes. Dr. Bagares explains why direct-care models are changing the game for people who want clarity, access, and results—not just coverage. If you’ve ever wondered why your MRI, PT, or specialist visit feels like checking a box instead of getting better, this episode will help you understand what you’re really paying for—and when it’s worth stepping outside the insurance coupon aisle. 🕰 Timestamps + Key Themes [00:00] The coupon analogy – why insurance feels like a discount that never applies  [01:00] Nate’s story – from shoulder pain to four months of red tape  [03:00] How “in-network” limits real choice and quality of care  [05:00] The fine print – what’s excluded even when you’re “covered”  [06:00] Prior authorizations and hidden hoops  [07:00] The illusion of savings – why EOB discounts aren’t real deals  [08:00] What insurance rarely covers: clarity, speed, and commitment  [09:00] Direct-care contrast – 90-minute visits, diagnostic ultrasound, PRP, shockwave  [10:00] How to use insurance for catastrophe—and care for recovery  [11:00] Two truths: Insurance protects • Direct care delivers  [11:30] Closing reflection – Stop letting a coupon decide your recovery If this episode helped you see healthcare differently, hit subscribe and share it with someone stuck in the insurance maze. For Clarity Visits and advanced treatment options like PRP, Shockwave Therapy, or Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, visit 👉 MSKDirectVB.com or FredBagares.com. Support the show

    11 min

  4. NOV 11

    The Orthopedic Care Value Gap

    Why does the average patient spend over $1,000 on orthopedic care before ever receiving a clear diagnosis? In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks what he calls “the orthopedic treadmill”—a six-month cycle of copays, referrals, and vague answers that leaves patients frustrated and no closer to recovery. Through the story of Maria, a 42-year-old runner trapped in this maze, Dr. Bagares explores how insurance-based medicine often rewards volume over value—and what a clarity-first, direct-care model could look like instead. You’ll hear how sunk costs, choice overload, and “coverage confusion” keep patients spinning their wheels—and how a more transparent, diagnostic-driven approach can shorten recovery time, improve outcomes, and restore trust. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re paying for access or actual answers, this episode will make you rethink the true cost of care—and why clarity shouldn’t be the most expensive part of your recovery. 🕰 Timestamps + Key Themes [00:00] The $1,000 Question Why most patients spend four figures before anyone explains what’s actually wrong. [00:01:00] Maria’s Story: A Runner on the Orthopedic Treadmill From urgent care to orthopedics to PT—six months, six copays, still no clarity. [00:03:00] When “Good Insurance” Isn’t Good Care Coverage vs. quality, and why “in-network” often means “out-of-answers.” [00:05:00] The Psychology of Staying Stuck How sunk-cost bias and the burden of choice keep patients cycling through the system. [00:06:00] The Coupon Illusion How insurance behaves like a coupon that only works after you overspend. [00:07:00] What Value-Based Care Could Look Like A side-by-side comparison: traditional care vs. a direct, clarity-driven model. [00:09:00] Maria’s Turning Point How a clear diagnosis and coordinated plan restored her confidence—and her miles. [00:10:00] Access vs. Answers Why clarity, continuity, and communication are the real currencies of modern care. [00:11:00] The Reframe Coverage doesn’t equal care. Access doesn’t equal outcomes. You deserve better. 🎧 Listen if: You’re tired of waiting months for results, confused by your MRI report, or wondering if the system is working for you or on you. 👉 CTA: If you want Clarity Guides, next-step tools, or to explore advanced treatments like PRP or shockwave therapy, visit FredBagares.com or MSKDirectVB.com. Support the show

    12 min

  5. OCT 28

    Missing Ingredient in Rehab: Learning to Trust Your Body

    What if doing everything right still doesn’t make you feel whole again? In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares, board-certified Sports & Spine physician and founder of MSK Direct, explores why so many patients “pass” their rehab programs yet still don’t feel like themselves. From a teenage athlete afraid to trust her ankle again to a commercial pilot living with chronic back pain, these stories reveal a deeper truth: healing isn’t about finishing a protocol — it’s about rebuilding trust in your body and confidence in your movement. You’ll learn why traditional rehab often misses the psychological side of recovery, how fear alters your nervous system’s response to pain, and what real progress looks like beyond pain scores. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or helping others heal, this episode reframes rehabilitation as a partnership, not a prescription — and a process of moving forward, not just going back. 🎯 Key Takeaways Why “passing the test” doesn’t mean you’re readyHow fear and trust shape recovery outcomesWhat true progress looks like in real lifeThe difference between discomfort and danger🔗 For clarity guides, treatment options, or to explore personalized recovery plans, visit MSKDirectVB.com or FredBagares.com. Support the show

    10 min

  6. OCT 21

    Who helps you make orthopedic decisions?

    Have you ever been told you’re “bone on bone” — and walked out of the appointment feeling terrified, confused, and unsure what to do next? In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares, DO, Sports & Spine physician and founder of MSK Direct VB, explains how medical language can influence your decisions more than you realize — and how to tell when your doctor is nudging you versus truly guiding you. Through the story of a patient named Tom, Dr. Bagares reveals how three words — “bone on bone” — completely changed one man’s belief about his body, leading to months of fear, inactivity, and unnecessary suffering. You’ll learn how to interpret your diagnosis with clarity, ask the right follow-up questions, and stay active and informed while deciding on surgery or conservative care. If you’ve ever left a visit with more fear than answers, this conversation will help you rebuild confidence and make medical decisions from a place of knowledge — not panic. Timestamps + Key Themes [00:00] Tom’s story: “Bone on bone” and the fear that follows  [01:00] When the system fails: urgency without guidance  [02:00] How medical words shape beliefs about fragility and damage  [03:00] The psychology of “nudges” in medicine — why language steers behavior  [04:00] The missing piece between diagnosis and decision  [06:00] How to bridge the gap with actionable guidance  [08:00] Reframing arthritis: from fragile to adaptive  [10:00] Why injections, PT, and movement still matter before surgery  [12:00] Spotting the difference between nudging and genuine guidance  [14:00] Three red flags in medical communication  [15:00] Five questions to ask your doctor to make confident decisions  [17:00] What Tom’s story teaches about trust, guidance, and control  [18:00] Closing reflection: urgency moves you — guidance directs you f this episode helped you see your diagnosis differently, hit subscribe and share it with someone facing a tough medical decision. For clarity consultations and advanced treatment options, visit MSKDirectVB.com  or  FredBagares.com. Support the show

    18 min

  7. OCT 14

    How do you "trust" in 7 minutes?

    Trust used to be automatic — a white coat, a degree, a firm handshake. Not anymore. In a world where average appointments last just seven minutes, how can any real connection be built? In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares shares a real encounter that changed how he views the physician–patient relationship. Through one tense appointment and a moment of silence that said more than words, he explores why trust has become the rarest, yet most powerful, currency in modern medicine — and how rebuilding it might be the most therapeutic act of all. 🕰 Timestamps + Key Themes [00:00] The Encounter That Said Everything A patient’s guarded body language and one honest question reveal how distrust quietly shapes the exam room. [01:00] Seven Minutes or Less Why today’s average appointment length mirrors a Starbucks transaction — and what’s lost when speed replaces connection. [02:00] The Systemic Trade-Off Healthcare rewards throughput, not presence. There’s no billing code for listening — yet it determines whether treatment even works. [03:00] When Authority Isn’t Enough Forty years ago, credentials guaranteed trust. Now, patients fact-check us in real time — and influencers fill the emotional gap. [04:00] The Four Myths That Break Connection Credentials equal credibilityMore time means better careObjectivity requires detachmentPatients can’t tell when we’re distracted[05:00] The New Language of Trust Why emotional tone outlasts medical details — and how warmth, not authority, keeps people engaged. [06:00] Respect Over Authority Trust is no longer given; it’s earned through clarity, presence, transparency, and reliability — one micro-interaction at a time. [07:00] A Different Kind of Medicine Inside direct care: how slowing down, thinking out loud, and clear follow-up create genuine partnership. [09:00] The Shift From Guilt to Awareness When a patient’s frustration becomes a mirror for systemic failure — and how it inspired Dr. Bagares to leave the insurance model. [10:00] Trust as a Physiologic Force Pain research shows that feeling safe literally changes how the body processes pain. Safety is chemistry — and trust is the trigger. [12:00] The Long Game You can’t build trust in one visit, but you can start it. The goal isn’t instant belief — it’s enough credibility to be invited back. [13:00] The Reframe In seven minutes, you can’t fix a life — but you can prove you care enough to try. That’s where healing begins. If this episode made you rethink how healthcare relationships are built, share it with someone who’s lost faith in the system — or a clinician working to restore it. #TalkingRehabPodcast #MSKDirectVB #TrustInMedicine #HealthcareReform #PatientExperience #FredBagaresDO #DirectCare Support the show

    14 min

  8. OCT 7

    Don't Touch The Rearview Mirror

    Most people think of their rearview mirror as just a driving tool — but what if it’s also your most honest posture coach? In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks a small everyday habit — adjusting your mirror — and how it silently reveals the way your spine compresses, your posture changes, and your body adapts throughout the day. It’s a surprisingly powerful feedback loop about how awareness, not intensity, shapes recovery. By the end, you’ll see how one mindful pause — a five-second mirror check — can become 730 posture resets a year. Whether you’re a clinician, an athlete, or just tired of feeling “off” by the end of the day, this episode reframes posture as a practice of attention, not perfection. 🕰 Timestamps + Key Themes [00:00] The Moment in Traffic  How a simple mirror adjustment sparked a decade-long observation about posture and spine compression. [01:00] What the Mirror Really Shows  Why your height changes throughout the day — and what that says about your discs, gravity, and daily movement patterns. [02:00] The Honest Feedback Loop  Your mirror versus your Fitbit — the only device that never lies about your body position. [03:00] The Science Behind Shrinking  Hydration, discs, and the physics of spinal compression explained in plain language. [04:00] Behavioral Blind Spots  Why we adjust the mirror instead of our posture — and what that teaches us about how the brain avoids friction. [05:00] The Hidden Training Effect  How each “quick fix” reinforces unconscious habits and accelerates postural drift. [06:00] The Real Problem: Invisibility  When something becomes automatic, it becomes invisible — and eventually, it becomes permanent. [07:00] The Five-Second Reset  The simple practice: pause before you adjust, sit tall, and reset yourself to your morning posture. [08:00] The 730-Day Rule  How twice-daily awareness adds up to 730 posture checkpoints a year — and why that small math changes everything. [09:00] Real-World Examples  How one software engineer used the mirror cue to reduce shoulder pain — and the ripple effect that followed. [10:00] Awareness vs. Perfection  Why progress in rehab starts with noticing drift, not eliminating it. [11:00] Turning Daily Habits Into Checkpoints  How micro-awareness moments build sustainable posture integrity over time. [12:00] Your Challenge for the Week  Set your mirror once in the morning — and don’t touch it for seven days. Let awareness, not adjustment, guide you. [13:00] Closing Reflection  You can’t stretch away eight hours of compression — but you can catch it twice a day. Awareness is the first rep. 👉 If this episode shifted how you think about posture, recovery, or the quiet ways your body adapts, subscribe and share it with someone who needs a reminder to pause before they adjust. For movement guides and clarity tools, visit MSKDirectVB.com or FredBagares.com. Support the show

    12 min
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About

My name is Fred Bagares a board certified sports and spine medicine physician in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  After 10 years of practice, I still find musculoskeletal medicine both fascinating and challenging.  This podcast is about the lingering thoughts and questions I’ve had after residency and fellowship.  My hope is to spark discussion, challenge dogma, and share our experiences in musculoskeletal medicine.

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