02/28/2026
THE RESILIENCE OF A COMPETITIVE ATHLETE. 💪🏽👑✨
Today we’re highlighting a long-term member of the SCIO community: Arielle!!!
We’ve had the privilege of working with Arielle on and off for a number of years, supporting her through the highs and lows of her powerlifting journey. Arielle isn’t just a dedicated competitive powerlifter; she’s a transplanted military spouse and an Orthopedic Nurse—meaning she spends her days (and nights) caring for others on her feet before heading to the gym to move heavy weight.
Over the years, we’ve successfully navigated through hip and low-back challenges to keep her on the platform. However, most recently, we tackled an acute neck issue that had been limiting her ability to do what she does best: deadlift 😈
In powerlifting, the smallest mechanical “hitch” can become a major barrier under load. By identifying the root cause of her neck discomfort and implementing sport-specific interventions, we’ve been able to get her back to pulling without restriction.
Here’s a preview of our process:
- Arielle’s pain was stemming from neck muscles that run from the back of the head to her shoulder blade.
- Every time she went to deadlift, this area DID NOT like to be tensed. If you’ve ever deadlifted heavy before, you know the challenge of keeping your shoulder blades back.
- After ruling out any serious trauma or underlying causes, we identified positional and load-based deficits that were holding her back.
- An assortment of manual interventions and scapular stability was trialed, and she significantly improved in time to peak for her next meet.
Arielle’s journey is a testament to the fact that performance isn’t a straight line—it’s a long-term commitment to maintenance and resilience. Whether she’s in scrubs at the hospital or in a singlet on the platform, she embodies what it means to be a “serious athlete.”
Thank you for trusting us with your performance all these years, Arielle! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Stop letting “nagging” pains limit your lifts. Whether it’s neck, back, or hips—let’s find the solution. Link in bio to book your Complimentary Consultation. 🔗