In today’s episode we meet with Dr. Jess Evans, physical therapist, neurological clinical specialist, and owner of Headstrong Physical Therapy. She schools us in neuro-pathways, what types of pain are appropriate during physical activity, what to expect with physical therapy, and the connection between physical and mental health as well as some of her experience as a competitive weight lifter. It’s quite the comprehensive conversation.

As soon as we started our conversation with Dr. Jess we knew we were in for a wealth of information. In our short time together, she teaches us about neuroplasticity, the importance of dosage and recovery in exercise, and gives us tips specific to the challenges we (Dayle and Aaron) face when it’s difficult to start and stay consistent. It turns out, it’s not as hard as we often make it. 

As physical therapist and owner of Headstrong Physical Therapy, Dr. Jess guides people to recovery through understanding neuropathy and physiology, as well as the mental hurdles we can come up against. “The best exercise is the one that you’re going to do,” she tells us. Her individualized plans for her patients include activities they enjoy. If cycling was something you enjoyed, she’ll bring that into your treatment plan, knowing that the neural pathways that were established in the past can be a piece of the puzzle leading to recovery.

Give this episode a listen and begin to set realistic goals, place importance on recovery and listening to your body, get rid of the idea that pain naturally comes with age, and take your health seriously by doing the activities you enjoy most.

Learn more at the Headstrong Physical Therapy website and follow @HeadstrongRehab on Instagram!

For all you avid readers out there, check out, “The Body Keeps the Score,” a NY Times Bestseller by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

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