Welcome to this transformative conversation between Robbie Stahl, leader in anti-aging fitness, and Dr. Trent Nessler, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics, and Motor Learning specialist. If you've been living with the limitations of old injuries, surgery recovery, or trauma, this video contains breakthrough insights that could change everything about how you move—and how you feel.

Did you know that most people are walking around with knee problems they don't even realize they have? As Dr. Nessler explains, one of the most common issues is allowing the knee to move inward toward the midline (what experts call "dynamic valgus"). This seemingly small movement pattern can lead to uneven joint wear, which explains why many people end up needing a knee or hip replacement on just one side.

But here's the empowering truth: these issues aren't simply "part of aging" that you must accept. The latest biomechanical research reveals that how you move has a profound impact on your pain and function—even years after an injury or surgery.

One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is that the source of your pain often isn't where you feel it. Consider these surprising connections:

‍• Foot mechanics: A collapsing arch can change how your entire leg aligns, placing stress on your knee with every step
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‍• Hip stability: Weak hip muscles (particularly the glute medius) can cause your pelvis to drop, changing how forces travel through your knee
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‍• Core function: The "core" isn't just your abs—it's everything from your knees to your shoulders working together to stabilize your body

This whole-body approach explains why spot-treating the painful area often fails to provide lasting relief. Instead, addressing the root cause—which might be far from where you feel pain—can create transformative results.

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of recovery is what happens above the shoulders. As Robbie explains, old injuries create both physical and emotional patterns:"Those traumas get held into the tissue and it like no longer is just physical. It's also emotional aspects as well, which presents things like what's called kinesiophobia or fear of motion and movement."

This fear-pain cycle can dramatically slow your healing. In fact, Dr. Nessler notes that people with negative mindsets about their recovery often take two to three times longer to heal. The good news? You can retrain both your body AND your mind:

‍• Mental rehearsal: Research shows it takes 30,000 repetitions to create change in the higher centers of the brain—and mental practice counts toward this total
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‍• Interoceptive focus: By deeply connecting with how movements feel, you can achieve 20-60% more improvement in mechanics without increasing physical load
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‍• Emotional awareness: Recognizing and addressing the emotional aspects of pain can break through plateaus in recovery

One of the most common questions about old injuries is whether you should rest or keep moving when pain flares up. Dr. Nessler offers clear guidance:
"When you stop moving your knee, it's going to get stiff. And when it gets stiff, it's going to get sore and painful."

‍The key is finding the right kind of movement. If running causes pain, perhaps try an elliptical or bike instead. You're still maintaining mobility, but with less stress on the injured area.

‍How do you know if you're moving in the right direction? Monitor these three factors:
‍1. Frequency: Is pain occurring more or less often?
‍2. Intensity: Is the pain getting stronger or weaker?
‍3. Duration: How long does it take to recover after activity?

If any of these are increasing, it's time to adjust your approach.

Did you know that being just slightly dehydrated can cut your healing time in half? The simple "pee test" can guide you: aim for clear to light yellow urine to ensure your tissues have the hydration they need for optimal recovery and function.

While this video provides powerful insights, the most effective approach for complex old injuries is personalized assessment.

The Fitness Doctor's approach combines cutting-edge biomechanical understanding with personalized guidance to help you move without fear, without pain, and without the limitations that old injuries can impose.

Living with the effects of old injuries doesn't have to be your permanent reality. By understanding the true root causes of pain, addressing the mind-body connection, and following personalized guidance, you can transform how you move—and how you live.

‍Your body has an incredible capacity to heal and adapt when given the right support. That journey begins here, with awareness, understanding, and hope.