In this episode of the Pain, Performance & Porrada Podcast, I lay out why the traditional, insurance-driven PT model fails combat athletes—and what the modern, tech-enabled, human model looks like. The old setup (2–3 in-clinic visits/week, 15 minutes with the PT, a stack of generic exercises, hot/cold packs and ultrasound) confuses “time in clinic” with progress. Real change happens between sessions—through daily guidance, feedback, and adjustments around your life, training, and stress.

I also answer a question I get a lot: “Can AI replace you?” Templates and PDFs can list exercises. What they can’t do is coach you through the messy middle—family stress, work demands, fear, identity, and the mindset shifts required to break old patterns. Results come from a relationship, not a printout.

My evolved practice model keeps you competing and out of surgery by combining constant access, objective milestones, and sport-specific progressions—without wasting your time.

Top 3 Takeaways

The factory PT model is broken for athletes.

• Minimal facetime, fluffy modalities, and visit caps don’t get you mat-ready. Progress = smart work between sessions with clear metrics and progression.

• You need empathy, accountability, and context-driven decisions when real-world stress collides with rehab. That’s human work.

• Daily messaging, video form checks, weekly check-ins, and sport-specific standards create faster, safer returns—and long-term longevity on the mats.

Where to find me:

https://www.instagram.com/smithforgedsc/

https://www.youtube.com/@SmithForgedSC

Want to connect with me directly?

Visit https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3txjhZ90zlk_yWXKp-rm_JyGIVzxfwrKSeYUYNOkrqf2cgpzhxlfeOu8FfokRAvfZu-xUwBNn5 to book a call