PT Rebels Podcast

Dr. Gina Fick
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Our mission is to educate and empower athletes and active adults of all ages to take charge of their own healthcare, to optimize their recovery from injury, and to maximize their athletic potential. Be a rebel and don't settle for anything less than excellent value-based care from your physical therapist. You deserve the best!

  1. 6D AGO

    Pushed vs. Broken: Training Hard Without Losing Longevity

    On this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD dives into one of the most misunderstood parts of training: the difference between being pushed and being broken. Hard training is often glorified in sports, but not all suffering leads to progress. Dr. Fick explains that real performance gains come from the right balance of stress and recovery, not just effort. When that balance is off, athletes may believe they’re getting tougher when they’re actually digging themselves into a deeper hole. This episode breaks down the difference between healthy training stress and being broken. Healthy training stress feels challenging but controlled—you’re fatigued but you bounce back, you stay engaged in the work, and your confidence in the process grows. Being broken looks very different: soreness that never fully resolves, nagging aches, slipping performance, poor sleep, and motivation that slowly drains away until training starts to feel more like survival than progress. Dr. Fick also explores how athletes often normalize the wrong kind of struggle, how coaching culture and communication shape those expectations, and what it really costs to stay in that broken state, including higher injury risk and a shorter athletic lifespan. If you’ve ever wondered whether your training is building you up or quietly breaking you down, this episode will help you recognize the difference and rethink what true performance longevity really looks like. 00:00 Welcome to PT Rebels 00:28 The Line in Training 01:28 Hard Work Isn’t Always Progress 02:18 Why Athletes Confuse Stress 03:23 Signs You’re Being Pushed 04:11 Signs You’re Being Broken 05:10 Effort vs Management 05:47 Coaching and Culture 06:35 The Real Cost of Breakdown 07:09 Self Check-In Questions 07:39 Red Flags and Real Toughness 08:31 Weekly Action and Wrap-Up To learn more about Fick PT and Performance, please visit us at https://www.fickptandperformance.com/ To schedule an appointment, please call or text us at 720-480-2866 or book online here: https://app.pteverywhere.com/fickptp/bookingonline

    10 min

  2. MAR 2

    Reframing Rehab in Athletes: Common Misconceptions and Evidence-Based Principles

    In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, examines prevalent mistakes and misconceptions in athletic rehabilitation and how they may contribute to delayed recovery or recurrent injury. Drawing on current rehabilitation science, she explores why effective rehab must extend beyond symptom resolution and instead prioritize progressive capacity development. The discussion addresses the limitations of rest as a standalone strategy, the integration of psychological and physiological recovery processes, and the importance of graded exposure to sport-specific demands. Dr. Fick also clarifies why rehabilitation should not simply replicate traditional training sessions, emphasizing instead structured, criterion-based progression and restoration of confidence in movement. This episode provides clinicians and athletes with a framework for approaching rehabilitation as a comprehensive, performance-oriented process grounded in evidence-based practice. 00:00 Introduction to Athlete Rehab 01:30 Understanding the Frustration of Rehab 02:23 Common Misconceptions About Rehab 03:22 The Importance of Active Rehab 06:07 Mental Aspects of Rehab 06:51 Consistency and Smart Returns 08:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement To learn more about Fick PT and Performance, please visit us at https://www.fickptandperformance.com/ To schedule an appointment, please call or text us at 720-480-2866 or book online here: https://app.pteverywhere.com/fickptp/bookingonline

    11 min

  3. FEB 16

    Rewriting Rehab for Gymnasts with Dr. Sam Shively, DPT, CSCS

    In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, sits down with Dr. Sam Shively, DPT, CSCS, to explore how physical therapy must evolve to meet the unique demands of gymnastics. Drawing from her extensive gymnastics background, Dr. Shively shares why sport-specific knowledge is non-negotiable when treating gymnasts and how traditional rehab models often fall short. Together, they discuss integrating strength and conditioning into rehab, building individualized treatment plans, and the importance of clear communication with coaches and parents. Dr. Shively makes a compelling case for performance-driven rehabilitation that not only restores athletes but also elevates them to elite performance. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians who want to rethink how they approach rehab for high-level athletes. 00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast 00:25 Meet Dr. Sam Shively: Gymnastics-Specific PT 01:31 Sam's Journey from Gymnast to PT 03:43 Challenges in Traditional Physical Therapy for Gymnasts 04:47 Understanding Gymnastics from a PT Perspective 06:47 Day-to-Day Gymnastics-Specific Physical Therapy 10:20 Blending Strength and Conditioning with Rehab 17:54 Advice for Clinicians and Athletes 22:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To learn more about Fick PT and Performance, please visit us at https://www.fickptandperformance.com/ To schedule an appointment, please call or text us at 720-480-2866 or book online here: https://app.pteverywhere.com/fickptp/bookingonline

    24 min

  4. FEB 2

    Health Is the New Wealth: The Foundation of Long-Term Performance

    Athletic performance doesn’t exist without health—and in this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, explains why. Using real-world case studies from soccer, CrossFit, and baseball athletes, she highlights how minor pain, tightness, and compensation patterns quietly derail progress over time. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone who just wants to stay active for life, this episode makes the case for managing your health so you can train consistently, perform better, and invest in longevity. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Health in Athletic Performance 00:49 Case Study: Soccer Player's Hamstring Issues 02:27 Case Study: CrossFit Athlete's Back Tightness 03:51 Case Study: Baseball Player's Shoulder Pain 04:47 Common Threads and Final Thoughts 06:01 Conclusion: Investing in Longevity

    9 min

  5. JAN 19

    Stuck in Pain? Here’s Why Your Injury Isn’t Getting Better

    In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, breaks down why injuries often persist—even after physical therapy, rest, or surgery. She uncovers five commonly overlooked factors that stall healing: improper load management, faulty movement patterns, poor recovery and sleep, compensations from past or current injuries, and psychological barriers such as fear avoidance. Dr. Gina also shares practical, actionable strategies to address each issue, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to rehab. From detailed movement assessments and progressive loading to prioritizing recovery and mental well-being, this episode offers a roadmap to breaking the pain cycle and achieving lasting results. Tune in to learn how to move beyond short-term fixes and build true, long-term recovery. 00:00 Introduction to Healing Challenges 00:48 Reason 1: Poor Load Management 01:53 Reason 2: Poor Movement Patterns 03:08 Reason 3: Inadequate Recovery and Sleep 04:22 Reason 4: Compensations from Other Injuries 06:02 Reason 5: Psychological Factors and Fear Avoidance 07:28 Recap and Final Thoughts

    11 min

  6. JAN 5

    Why Fewer PT Visits May Actually Lead to Better Outcomes

    In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, challenges the long-standing belief that more physical therapy visits equal better results. She breaks down how high-frequency treatment models are often shaped by insurance-driven incentives—not optimal patient care. Drawing on clinical evidence and real-world outcomes, Dr. Fick explains why fewer, higher-quality sessions can accelerate recovery, foster long-term independence, and lower overall healthcare costs. Listeners will learn the power of a thorough evaluation, strategically timed check-ins, and customized home exercise programs designed to put patients—not systems—at the center of care. 00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast 00:45 The Problem with Insurance-Based Clinics 02:27 Myths About Frequent Physical Therapy 03:49 The Benefits of Less Frequent Visits 05:50 Cost Comparison: Insurance vs. Cash-Based PT 07:50 The FIC PT and Performance Model 10:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

    11 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Why Your Running Injuries Keep Coming Back: Ten Common Mistakes

    Why do so many runners end up injured—even when they’re “doing everything right”? In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD uncovers the top 10 mistakes runners make that lead to overuse injuries and chronic pain. From ramping up mileage too quickly and neglecting strength work to poor recovery habits, inefficient cadence, mobility deficits, and outdated footwear, this episode gives runners actionable strategies to train smarter and reduce injury risk. If you want to stay consistent, improve performance, and avoid setbacks, this is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast 00:52 Top 10 Mistakes Runners Make 00:52 Mistake 1: Increasing Mileage Too Quickly 01:53 Mistake 2: Skipping Strength Training 03:25 Mistake 3: Running Through Pain 04:45 Mistake 4: Ignoring Recovery 05:40 Mistake 5: Weak Glutes and Core 06:56 Mistake 6: Poor Cadence 08:01 Mistake 7: Worn Out or Wrong Shoes 08:48 Mistake 8: Neglecting Mobility 09:49 Mistake 9: Lack of Variety in Training 10:31 Mistake 10: No Movement Assessment 11:32 Recap and Final Thoughts

    13 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Elevate Your Care With Cash Pay Physical Therapy

    In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, addresses common misconceptions and concerns about cash pay physical therapy. She contrasts cash pay with insurance-based physical therapy, highlighting limitations like restricted visits, shortened session times, and bureaucratic obstacles. Dr. Fick uses a case study of a recreational runner to illustrate the effectiveness of personalized and comprehensive care available in cash-based settings.    00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast 00:10 Understanding Cash Pay Physical Therapy 00:37 Limitations of Insurance-Based PT 01:06 Case Study: Achilles Tendinopathy 03:17 Benefits of Cash Pay PT 05:04 Addressing Common Concerns 07:14 Making the Right Choice for Your Health 09:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

    11 min
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About

Our mission is to educate and empower athletes and active adults of all ages to take charge of their own healthcare, to optimize their recovery from injury, and to maximize their athletic potential. Be a rebel and don't settle for anything less than excellent value-based care from your physical therapist. You deserve the best!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Gina Fick
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Gina Fick
  • Show Website
    PT Rebels Podcast