Rethinking Injury: It's Not Your Body, It's Your Capacity

May 22

"I have a bad knee." How many times have you heard someone utter those words, resigned to the belief that a certain body part is inherently flawed, incapable of performing certain movements or activities? Whether it's a knee, shoulder, or any other body part, many of us have received similar messages, whether from healthcare professionals, well-meaning friends, or our own internal dialogue.

But what if I told you that your body isn't damaged? What if I told you that, in most cases, the limitations you're experiencing aren't due to faulty structures but rather to your body's capacity?

Here's the truth: Human bodies are resilient, adaptable entities with an innate ability to heal and overcome challenges.

Yes, there are instances where a fracture or traumatic injury necessitates intervention, but for the majority of athletic injuries, the problem lies elsewhere.

Let's break it down:

Capacity Problem: If your knee hurts after running 3 miles but not after 1 mile, it's not your knee that's the issue—it's your body's capacity to handle that level of activity.
Load Tolerance Problem: Similarly, if your knee protests when squatting with 100 pounds but not with 75 pounds, it's not a knee problem but a matter of your body's tolerance to the load.
Force Absorption Problem: Pain when jumping but not when walking? That's not a knee problem—it's your body struggling to absorb and dissipate forces efficiently.
Endurance Problem: Pain during 200 body weight squats but not during 30? It's not your knee—it's your body's endurance capacity that's being challenged.
Recovery Problem: And if your knee flares up with daily running but not with every other day, it's not your knee—it's your body's recovery mechanisms that need attention.

These concepts—capacity, load tolerance, force absorption, endurance, and recovery—are often overlooked in traditional injury discussions, where blame is often placed squarely on the joint itself or attributed to age-related factors. But it's time to shift the narrative. Instead of blaming our bodies, let's focus on understanding our body's needs and capabilities.

This is where working with a physical therapist who understands your sport and your body becomes invaluable. By addressing these underlying factors and developing targeted strategies to improve capacity and resilience, you can reclaim control over your movement and performance.

So, if you're tired of being sidelined by pain and limitations, know that there's hope. Your body isn't damaged—it's capable of so much more than you think. And when you're ready to embark on the journey of reclaiming your strength and mobility, we're here to guide you every step of the way.