02/10/2026
YOU AREN'T MADE OF PORCELAIN
I think individuals are genuinely quite shocked to come out of a visit without being told they are "not allowed" to do a particular exercise or activity. Unfortunately, there are still a ton of providers that are telling individuals that they will "never be able to squat again", that they should "never run again" and the list goes on of blanket statement recommendations given. All this does is further promote disability and brings individuals further away from their goals or needs.
This approach creates movement illiteracy. Individuals never learn how to load, modify, or self-regulate because they are being told that the movement itself is the villain. It creates dependency on the clinician to tell them what they can and can't do, and that their only solution to their pain is to seek care.
The underpreparation mentality shifts the focus from avoidance to capacity. The question becomes "What are you not ready for YET?" instead of "What must you never do?" It simply respects adaptation. Gradual, progressive exposure is how tissue, nervous systems, and confidence improve over time.
"Off-limits" assumes the body is fragile.
"Underprepared" assumes the body is adaptable.
So what are you not ready for yet, but want to progress to?
