When you feel pain, your brain is trying to tell you something. And a good physiotherapist can help you interpret that message. But pain doesn’t always mean tissue damage, and an elite physio will look at biomechanics as well as any external factors that might impact your pain experience or the recovery process.
Erwin Seguia serves as the Cofounder and CEO of Match Fit Performance, a sports performance, rehabilitation and physical therapy practice based in New York City. He is a Board-Certified Physical Therapist, the Sports Director for the New York Empire, and the Secondary Physiotherapist for Gotham Knights Rugby. Erwin is passionate about soccer and enjoys CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting, and as a physio, he has experience with rugby, endurance sports, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, golf, CrossFit, powerlifting and dance.
On this episode of Ali Fitness, Erwin joins us to discuss how Match Fit differs from traditional physical therapy, explaining why the team only uses manual therapy when absolutely necessary. He walks us through the concept of progressive load and describes the way physiotherapy should help athletes move MORE—without aggravating an injury. Listen in as Erwin busts common myths around muscle tightness, manual therapy, and glute activation—and learn about the major role our brain plays in the pain experience!
Topics Covered [1:10] How Match Fit differs from traditional physical therapy
Goes beyond biomechanical cause for complete picture
Explore external factors that contribute to experience (i.e.: sleep, nutrition, stress)
[4:26] Why Erwin recommends seeing a physiotherapist first
Capable of diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries
Refer to MD, cardiologist, etc. when necessary
Easily accessible through direct access in US
[7:29] Why match fit only uses manual therapy when absolutely necessary
Damages client’s self-efficacy to depend on touch
Use only to change pain experience, follow up with movement
Literature suggests MUCH force necessary to deform tissue
[16:54] Erwin’s insight around the pain experience
Pain = brain’s way of communicating with us
Interpret message with specificity (e.g.: sharp, stabbing, burning, etc.)
[23:40] Erwin’s approach to reducing the threat in our brain
Leverage manual therapy as intervention
Similar movement in position feel less threatened
Take through questioning process to determine external factors
[27:09] How Match Fit uses the concept of progressive load
Bodies resilient, get stronger with gradual exposure to increased load
Tissue adapts without being at risk or setting off pain alarm
[29:40] Erwin’s thoughts around athletes who push too hard too fast
Ask body to push redline consistently (e.g.: CrossFit)
Injury part of learning experience to understand limits
[31:24] Why a PT should partner with a physiotherapist
Powerful duo when focus on mutual client
Operate from abundance mindset
[35:13] Resisting physiotherapy because you don’t want to stop working out
Goal to help client move more without aggravating injury
Maintain conditioning, stay involved in sport-specific activities
[40:38] The myth around learning to ‘turn on your glutes’
Term gluteal amnesia coined by Stuart McGill (linked to lower back pain)
Use different semantics, e.g.: input in spine + hips vs. activate
[45:51] Erwin’s take on cyclists who drive force with glutes to avoid hip flexor pain
Discuss volume of cycling and how often
Address load management or hip flexor strength issue
[48:35] The myth around muscle tightness
Input in closest joint usually alleviates tightness
Usually indicates core stability or strength issue
[52:32] The myth around kinesiology tape and wrapping
Ultimately won’t prevent tissue damage
Placebo effect changes what brain feels
[55:02] Erwin’s top tip for Ali Fitness listeners
Good training program worthless without adequate recovery
Learn More About Erwin Seguia Match Fit Performance
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Resources Jill Cook’s Study on Tendinopathy + the Brain
Dr. Stuart McGill
RockTape Class Action Lawsuit
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