Goldilocks and Postseason Basketball
- Tissue load vs. tissue capacity and how they relate to injury
- The most recent progress in our expansion!
The Goldilocks Guide to Injury-Free Training
Too hot. Too cold. Aaah, just right.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is one of the simplest and most effective allegories we use in rehab. When someone’s dealing with shoulder pain or a running injury, the first instinct is often to blame a lack of stretching or the wrong shoes. While those factors might play a minor role, the primary issue is usually tissue load - the frequency, duration, and intensity of activity. We weigh this against the body’s capacity - its ability to tolerate, recover from, and adapt to that load. When load consistently exceeds capacity, tissues begin to break down, leading to pain or injury.
Photo credit: E3 Rehab
In the rehab process, we first bring load down well within capacity to allow tissues to heal and pain to decrease. Next, we increase capacity with specific training and a progressive return to activity. By consistently exposing the body to exercises and gradually increasing challenge, we help it become more resilient.
Optimizing nutrition, sleep, stress management, and alcohol intake creates the foundation for effective recovery and adaptation to training. Quality sleep supports tissue repair while proper nutrition fuels recovery. Paying attention to these factors can provide some extra wiggle room when pushing towards capacity.
Photo credit: E3 Rehab
This load-capacity imbalance is often magnified late in the NBA season, when fatigue, condensed schedules, and high stakes push athletes beyond their ability to recover. Achilles tendon ruptures, like those recently sustained by Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, are a classic example - where tissues are pushed past their threshold in a moment when capacity is worn thin.
Here are some takeaway points:
- Introduce activity in a gradual manner to minimize risk
- Listen to cranky or irritable tissues and check in with duration, intensity, or frequency
- Know thyself - are you inclined to be an over-doer or a workout skipper?
- Periods of inactivity result in decreased capacity
Construction Update: Framing is Underway!
Over the past two weeks, a lot of progress has been made at the new facility despite battling a near record-breaking heat wave. The concrete pad has been poured, and framing is officially underway - bringing the vision to life, one wall at a time.
This week, we’re expecting window deliveries, and the roofing crew is set to begin work shortly after. Things are moving fast, and we’re one step closer to welcoming you into the new space!
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building something special!
Learn More From Us!
- Have questions? We're happy to help! Shoot us an email at ptprogressionma@gmail.com
- Rather call? We're happy to chat over the phone at (508) 650-1984