The Barbell Physio

More athletes are on TRT than ever. Most know the benefits. Far fewer know about this. 👇

TRT accelerates muscle strength and size — but tendons adapt much more slowly than muscle tissue. And testosterone actually reduces collagen adaptation in tendons.

The result: your muscles outpace what your tendons can handle. That’s when patellar, Achilles, and rotator cuff tendinopathies start showing up — often right after a period of rapid strength gains.

Most athletes and providers blame overuse or technique. They never connect it to TRT.

If you’re on TRT and training hard, your tendons need more attention — not less. Swipe for what to do about it. 👉

All sports and fitness activities come with a risk of injury.

The key? Find the type of fitness you enjoy most — and keep getting after it.

Far too often we’re still 💩 on certain forms of fitness because we don’t like them and label them dangerous.

The data says otherwise.

And that argument misses the point entirely when so many people are doing nothing to move their health and fitness forward.

Use the gym. Don’t leave the gym. — 🏋️

Injured? There’s still a squat variation for you.
These movements keep you loading the lower body, maintaining fitness, and staying sane — without making your injury worse.

Comment “LINKS” and I’ll DM you the full breakdown. 👇

Your 8am client comes in.

Incredible muscle soreness in his biceps. They’re swollen. He can’t fully straighten his arms. Reports darkened urine.

This isn’t DOMS from a tough workout.

This is rhabdomyolysis.

As PTs, we’re often the first clinician an athlete calls after a brutal workout. Knowing this presentation isn’t optional. Swipe through for what rhabdo is, what causes it, and the symptoms that require immediate care.

Comment NEWSLETTER to get on the ICE Physio Fitness Athlete newsletter — clinical content built for rehab providers working with this population.

The “is it really RX?” debate misses the point every single year.

Murph isn’t about how you partition the reps or whether you’re wearing a vest. It’s about choosing a version that makes you nervous — then holding the line.

The summer sale is live for the next 3 days. 40% off all programs and memberships with code SUMMER40

This year’s sampler was a blast.

Palpated .mitch.dpt obturator internus 😂
Taught with the .icephysio division on reducing recurring low back pain
Learned from the pelvic, dry needling, and spine divisions.
Plus fitness and good times with a bunch of amazing PTs.

If a traditional deadlift is off the table right now, these variations let you stay in the game, keep your strength, and not lose months of progress while you recover.

Because the goal isn’t just to rest — it’s to find what you CAN do.

Save this for when you need it.