PT Rebels Podcast

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 bein...

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...

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...

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...

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 pa...

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 Introd...

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 Introduc...

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...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, from Fick PT and Performance in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, shares 20 practical, research-backed strategies to maximize your physical therapy results. These tips highlight how to set clear goals, stay engaged with your treatment, and communicate openly with your therapist. Dr. Fick also covers the importance of consistency with home exercises, tuning in to your body’s signals to prevent injury, and supporting recovery through quality sleep and proper nutrition.

00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast

00:30 Mindset Matters: Setting Goals for Success

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On this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, explores the distinctions between radial pressure wave and focused shockwave therapies. She explains the science behind each technique, reviews their most common applications, and discusses the latest supporting evidence for different conditions. Dr. Fick also shares practical protocol advice, weighs the pros and cons, and addresses safety guidelines and helpful resources so that both clinicians and patients can make informed treatment choices.

00:00 Introduction to PT Rebels Podcast

00:13 Understanding Radial Pressure Wave vs. Focused Shockwave

01:06 Physics and Mechanisms of Shock...

On this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, we talk all things sports psychology with Brooke Ewert. Through the episode, we cover everything from recovering from life-altering events in an athlete's career to building strong bonds with mentors and coaches along a sports journey.

For more information on Brooke and how to get in contact visit https://rockymountainsportscounselingcenter.com/.

For more information about Fick PT and Performance visit our website https://fickptandperformance.com/

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On this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, welcomes Dr. Samantha Shively, PT, DPT, CSCS, to the Fick PT and Performance team. Hear how Sam’s recent journey from Maryland to Colorado, her experience as a high-level competitive gymnast, and her personal recovery from injuries inspire her unique and compassionate approach to physical therapy. Discover how Sam is helping to build a culture of trust and excellence for athletes and patients alike at Fick PT and Performance.

Rebels Podcast

00:24 Meet Sam Shively: Background and Journey

01:42 Sam's Personal...

Join host Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, as she sits down with Dr. Jamie Mor, founder of Rehabletics in Cherry Hill, NJ, for a dynamic exploration of today's most pressing topics in sports physical therapy and athletic performance. Dr. Mor, a seasoned physical therapist and certified athletic trainer, shares insights from his new book 'Redefining Rehab,' reflecting on his professional journey, core motivations, and the challenges facing the field. The episode dives into the advantages of cash-based physical therapy compared to insurance-driven models, stressing the value of truly patient-focused care and smart technology adoption in clinical practice. Through persona...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD discusses the increasing incidence of ACL tears in adolescent athletes, particularly those involved in high school sports. Drawing from research published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics, Dr. Fick delves into the causes, risks, and recurrence patterns of these injuries, with a special focus on female athletes and multi-sport players. Through compelling case studies and clinical recommendations, the episode emphasizes the importance of injury prevention training, individualized programs, and rigorous return-to-play criteria. Dr. Fick also advocates for greater awareness and proactive measures from coaches, parents, and a...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT ScD delves into the contentious topic of early sports specialization. Highlighting the pressures on young athletes to commit to a single sport year-round, Dr. Fick reveals the physical, mental, and emotional toll this trend can take. She draws on scientific research and her clinical experience to underscore the heightened risk of injuries, overuse conditions, and burnout among specialized youth athletes. Dr. Fick also urges parents and coaches to rethink the push towards early specialization in favor of fostering long-term athletic development and well-being.

00:00 Int...

Join host Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD as she welcomes Simon Godding, a seasoned strategist and business coach with over a decade of experience. In this engaging episode, Simon shares valuable insights from his book, Wealth and Wellness, offering practical advice on finding inspiration in your career, learning from common business mistakes, and developing the essential character traits that lead to lasting success. The conversation explores how to optimize operations and systems within private practices, and Simon introduces his proven framework—awareness, clarity, focus, action, and results—to help listeners enhance both productivity and profitability.Throughout the episode, Simon and Gina d...

Go behind the scenes of elite athletic recovery and performance with Carrie Lane, Director of Speed and Strength Performance at Under Armour and coach to some of the world’s top distance runners. In this episode, Carrie shares her journey from collegiate runner to renowned performance coach, offering a firsthand look at her innovative approaches to speed, strength, and rehabilitation for athletes at every level. Listeners will discover how Carrie’s unique coaching background and personal experiences shape her work with Under Armour’s Mission Run teams, as well as the latest educational initiatives and collaborations driving athlete development. She also s...

Go behind the scenes of elite athletic recovery and performance with Carrie Lane, Director of Speed and Strength Performance at Under Armour and coach to some of the world’s top distance runners. In this episode, Carrie shares her journey from collegiate runner to renowned performance coach, offering a firsthand look at her innovative approaches to speed, strength, and rehabilitation for athletes at every level. Listeners will discover how Carrie’s unique coaching background and personal experiences shape her work with Under Armour’s Mission Run teams, as well as the latest educational initiatives and collaborations driving athlete development. She also s...

Dr. Gina Fick returns to the PT Rebels Podcast after a brief hiatus with exciting updates and major news. In this episode, Gina announces a significant milestone for Fick PT and Performance — the opening of a brand-new location inside Hustle Denver Gym, located in the vibrant Central Park area of North Denver. This expansion marks a major step forward in bringing high-quality rehabilitation and performance services closer to athletes and active individuals in the northern part of the city.

Gina dives into the vision behind this growth, highlighting the strong, long-standing partnership with Hustle Track Clu...

In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, recaps the significant milestones and achievements of 2024 for Fick PT and Performance. From moving into a new, larger facility to introducing new services like wellness memberships and hiring exceptional staff, the year has been transformative. Dr. Gina highlights personal challenges and the invaluable support from family, dedicated employees, and mentors. The episode also explores the introduction of advanced equipment and new sports performance training programs led by former NFL player Cody Latimer. Looking ahead to 2025, we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD sits down with Taylor Whitfield, a collegiate runner and former guest, who shares her journey from high school to college athletics. She discusses her recruitment experiences during COVID-19, challenges faced with coaching changes at Baylor, transferring to Concordia University Irvine, and overcoming injuries. Taylor offers insights for aspiring college athletes on selecting schools and coaches, highlights the importance of mental toughness, and emphasizes the role of faith in her journey. She also shares goals for her upcoming indoor and outdoor track seasons and her future aspirations...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, we explore  the evolving landscape of physical therapy with a particular focus on the rise of cash-based practices. We discuss patient frustrations with insurance-based care, including high rates of denials for necessary treatments and the limitations imposed by insurance companies. At Fick Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, we value personalized care, longer sessions, and advanced treatment options not typically covered by insurance. The episode underscores the importance of patient-centered care and the growing trend towards cash pay models in the physical therapy industry.

For more information about Fick PT an...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, discusses the application of motivational interviewing in sports physical therapy, emphasizing its importance in coaching athletes. She explores the principles of motivational interviewing, practical strategies for physical therapists, and the significance of building trust and communication with athletes. The conversation highlights how these techniques can enhance athlete recovery, performance, and overall well-being.

Reference: 

Ames, J. (2021). Coaching Athletes to Be Their Best, Applications of Motivational Interviewing: By Stephen Rollnick; Jonathan Fader; Jeff Breckon; Theresa B. Moyers. Guilford Publications. The Guilford Press., 218pp.

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, host Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, explores the technique of dry needling, particularly its application and effectiveness for high-level athletes dealing with sports injuries. The conversation delves into the science behind dry needling, its comparison with traditional treatment methods, and its benefits for common sports injuries. Gina emphasizes the importance of combining dry needling with other therapies for optimal results while also addressing potential risks and the future of this technique in sports medicine. 

For more information about Fick PT and Performance visit our website https://fickptandperformance.com/

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, we explore the benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training, a revolutionary technique that enhances sports performance, particularly in sprinting. Gina explains the principles of BFR, its physiological benefits, and how it can be effectively integrated into training regimens. The conversation also highlights safety considerations and the importance of professional guidance when using BFR.

References: 

Behringer M, Behlau D, Montag JCK, McCourt ML, Mester J. Low-Intensity Sprint Training With Blood Flow Restriction Improves 100-m Dash. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(9):2462-2472. 

Loenneke, J.P., Wilson, J.M...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, discusses the effective use of beta alanine for runners, exploring its benefits for both sprinters and distance runners. She explains how beta alanine works, its role in buffering lactic acid, and its impact on performance. The conversation covers dosage, timing, potential side effects, and how to incorporate beta alanine into training regimens. Gina emphasizes the importance of combining supplementation with proper training and nutrition for optimal results.

For more information about Fick PT and Performance visit our website https://fickptandperformance.com/

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In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD interviews Jaclyn Church, a media professional who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a serious snowboarding injury. Jaclyn discusses the challenges she encountered during her recovery, including both physical and mental health struggles, as well as the importance of community support throughout her recovery. She reflects on the unexpected blessings that arose from her injury, including personal growth and a newfound perspective on adversity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding a good physical therapist and the value of self-compassion during the healing process.

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In this comprehensive episode, we explore the innovative treatments for bone stress injuries in athletes, particularly focusing on extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). The discussion encompasses the diagnostic processes, including clinical exams, ultrasounds, and MRIs, and explains the Frederickson scale for grading injury severity. Key findings from recent studies and clinical observations highlight the efficacy of shockwave therapy in enhancing bone healing and muscle recovery. The episode also addresses the psychological impact of these injuries, the role of nutritional and biological risk factors, and the importance of avoiding NSAIDs during treatment. Various management techniques, including the anti-gravity treadmill and hyperbaric c...

In this insightful episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD reflects on key themes of overcoming challenges and building a vision for success, inspired by a recent business conference in Orlando, Florida. The episode emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with influential mentors, rejecting limiting beliefs, and maintaining a clear vision for future achievements. 

For more information about Fick PT and Performance visit our website https://fickptandperformance.com/

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In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, discusses iliotibial band pain, or IT band pain, a condition affecting many runners. The episode explains the causes, symptoms, and biomechanics associated with IT band pain, emphasizing its nature as a compression injury rather than a friction syndrome. The host highlights the importance of managing training loads and biomechanics to avoid exacerbating symptoms. Strategies for rehabilitation are outlined, focusing on a progressive approach through phases, incorporating resistance training, plyometrics, and biomechanical adjustments, such as increasing running cadence. The episode also touches on the limitations of diagnostic...

In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD discusses the concept of having a winning mindset, reflecting on personal experiences in business and family life to emphasize its importance. She discusses how challenges and adversities can be faced with a resilient attitude. This episode encourages listeners to persevere, emphasizing that success is earned through effort, and failures are opportunities for growth. Dr. Fick shares strategies to develop a winning mindset, including believing in oneself, surrounding oneself with supportive people, taking consistent action, embracing failures, maintaining positivity, and being adaptable. The episode closes with an...

On today's episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, we talk about all things Bone Stress Injuries from injury identification to recovery steps. Listen in to learn about some ways we help athletes stay in peak shape and return to activities safely and effectively. Also, learn about factors holding you back from the best performance possible no matter who you are.

For more information about Fick PT and Performance visit our website https://fickptandperformance.com/

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In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD discusses the topic of shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome. She covers the causes, symptoms, and biomechanics associated with this common overuse injury, particularly prevalent among runners. Dr. Fick provides a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to shin splints such as overtraining, improper footwear, and muscular imbalances. She outlines a detailed evaluation process for diagnosing shin splints and offers insights into treatment approaches, including strength training and mobility work. She discusses the benefits of professional gait analysis as well as the art...

This podcast episode is dedicated to understanding and overcoming Achilles tendinopathy. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone dealing with chronic Achilles tendon pain, this podcast offers a comprehensive look into one of the most common tendon injuries that we encounter in our practice. We dive deep into the complexities of Achilles tendinopathy, exploring everything from the latest research to practical tips for managing and recovering from this condition. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and strategies needed to effectively navigate the road to recovery.

For more information about Fick PT and Performance...

In this podcast episode, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new recovery membership programs tailored for athletes and active individuals of all ages. The program includes three tiers: Fundamental, Advanced, and Elite, each offering a range of recovery tools and services such as the TheraBody RecoveryAir compression boots, Theraguns, Therabody Smart Goggles, and the Recovery Therm Back and Knee Thermal and Cryo compression system, as well as Marc Pro electrical stimulation, DNA vibe infrared therapy, and the Squid Go Cryotherapy and Compression System. Listeners will learn about the benefits of each tier, including exclusive discounts on...

In this episode of the PT Rebels Podcast, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, discusses the pivotal topic of return to sport for athletes. The episode explores various factors considered in the continuum, such as the type of athlete, the specific injury, tissue healing times, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of continuous assessment through qualitative and quantitative measures. Dr. Fick emphasizes the significance of technology in the rehabilitation process, the necessity of personalized rehabilitation plans, and the critical role of communication among all stakeholders involved in an athlete's recovery. The episode concludes by stressing the complex nature of return to...

In this episode, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, introduces Dunte Hector, an expert in strength and conditioning who shares his journey from competing in multiple sports and facing injuries to becoming a self-taught coach and self-coached athlete. Dunte discusses his experience in training fitness clients, scaling gyms, and developing elite competitors in ultimate rugby. He elaborates on his approach to keeping athletes performing optimally with minimal necessary work, focusing on recovery and longevity in sport. Along with insights into working with masters athletes, physical therapy collaboration, and the importance of recovery, Dunte emphasizes the role of building a supportive...

In this episode, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, introduces Dunte Hector, an expert in strength and conditioning who shares his journey from competing in multiple sports and facing injuries to becoming a self-taught coach and self-coached athlete. Dunte discusses his experience in training fitness clients, scaling gyms, and developing elite competitors in ultimate rugby. He elaborates on his approach to keeping athletes performing optimally with minimal necessary work, focusing on recovery and longevity in sport. Along with insights into working with masters athletes, physical therapy collaboration, and the importance of recovery, Dunte emphasizes the role of building a supportive...

In this episode, Dr. Gina Fick PT, ScD, dives into the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a new addition to Fick Physical Therapy and Sports Performance. We discuss what hyperbaric oxygen therapy is, its mechanism of action, and its extensive benefits for athletes and those recovering from injuries. The episode also explores how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, stimulate the production of new blood vessels and stem cells, and enhance endurance performance. Lastly, there is a mention of other new services like red light therapy and PEMF available at the facility for improved overall recovery.<...

In this episode of the PT Rebels podcast, Dr. Gina Fick, PT, ScD, delves into the pervasive issue of back pain and its profound impact on individuals in the United States and across the globe. Dr. Gina also highlights an upcoming back pain workshop at Fick Physical Therapy and Sports Performance scheduled for Saturday, August 24th, entitled, “How to FINALLY Ease (and Possibly FIX) Chronic Low Back Pain and Excruciating Sciatica (Without Pills, Surgery, and Wasting Time Visiting Another Doctor)”. This free, interactive workshop is designed to offer practical solutions and exercises to relieve chronic lower back pain and scia...