Back pain can bring even the strongest athletes to their knees. Mark learned this hard lesson through a severe back injury that turned everyday activities into painful challenges. Putting on socks became a dreaded task, let alone training for strongman competitions. However, with the help of Tom at Elite Physical Medicine, Mark embarked on a 14-week journey that took him from back pain to pulling a fire engine.
Photography Credit: David Dales Photography
Having previously played rugby and being a huge fan of the World’s Strongest Man on TV, Mark started his strongman journey last year, competing for the first time. When his injury first struck, the thought of not being able to compete in strongman was devastating for him.
Thankfully, Tom was the first to offer a glimmer of hope. During the initial consultation, he reassured Mark that his back was resilient and strong, capable of full recovery. Tom then designed a tailored rehab plan, understanding the needs of Mark’s sport, which they undertook in Elite’s gym. The first few weeks of rehab focused on managing pain and restoring mobility, introducing gentle exercises to mobilize his back and improve hip flexibility. This was crucial in helping Mark regain some flexibility and reduce stiffness and pain.
As the pain subsided, the focus shifted to strengthening. These exercises targeted the stabilizing muscles of his spine and core, crucial areas for any strongman. Gradually, functional movements like squats and deadlifts with light weights were reintroduced to ensure Mark maintained proper form and built confidence without risking further injury.
Fully committed to Tom’s plan, the results were remarkable. Mark was pain-free and moving properly within a few weeks. By the eighth week, he started to see significant improvements, lifting weights close to his pre-injury levels. His strength and endurance were returning. Tom continued to emphasize the importance of a proper warm-up routine and post-training stretches to maintain Mark’s flexibility and prevent future injuries.
Fourteen weeks after the injury, Mark was back in the competition arena, setting new personal records, pulling a fire engine, deadlifting a car, and lifting atlas stones. The journey from barely being able to put on socks to competing again was tough, but it stood as a testament to the power of a well-structured physiotherapy program.
Mark’s sport is unique, but at Elite Physical Medicine, we pride ourselves on being versatile and adapting to the needs of every patient, whether they are strongman competitors, busy parents, or individuals managing daily activities. Managing back pain does not need to be costly or involve multiple sessions; hands-on treatment is often short-lived. We firmly believe that with the right exercise and lifestyle changes, back pain can be effectively self-managed.
