Being human means being drawn to a long list of health, wellness, and physical‑preparation topics. Some people are captivated by fancy watches and impressive workouts, others by cryochambers or Paleo meals that taste like sawdust. I’m not here to judge, because everything has its time and place, and people respond differently. What works for me may not work for you, and that’s perfectly fine.
Back in 2009–2010, at Cressey Sports Performance, I was introduced to PRI (Postural Restoration Institute). We adopted some of their principles—especially positional breathing—and applied them to our athletes’ and clients’ programs with solid results. Since then PRI has grown in popularity, and I still use some of its ideas, though the key word is “some.” I’ve kept a portion of their principles in my practice.
PRI can be captivating and, in some cases, pull people into a never‑ending rabbit hole of mystery. Today’s guest post by Boston‑based physical therapist Mike DeMille offers a needed perspective on this tendency. I’d also suggest checking out Mike’s course or mentorship if this topic interests you.
What would I tell someone starting out? In a field that blends biomechanics, neurology, chronic pain, and resilience, choosing continuing education courses can be overwhelming. I’ve been a Postural Restoration Certified (PRC) physical therapist for five years, and I know how easy it is to get drawn into the rabbit hole of information.
After taking various courses, it can be hard to sift through everything and add useful principles to your practice while leaving behind minutiae that won’t help your clients’ results. So, what is the minutiae you should skip? The specific techniques, exercises, prehab/rehab protocols, and cues that aren’t essential to building your system. That’s part of why we’re here.
Having worked in a cash‑based physical therapy and personal training setting and started my own clinic near Boston, I’ve developed rules—tenets—to keep and others to leave behind.
Think practitioner/coach, speak client. Clients don’t care what terms you use, and neither should you. If you can’t explain a concept in plain terms, you probably shouldn’t spend a lot of time on it. Picture writing a message with a bold, clear marker rather than with a small, faint pencil. For example, if a client is in a position of lumbar extension and needs to learn to exhale to reduce pain, keep the message simple. Build buy‑in with a straightforward story and let your client feel the difference during your program. You don’t need to spell out all possible compensatory strategies to gain trust.
Nothing is truly new; it just has a newer name. Many new practitioners suffer from shiny object syndrome. After seeing dramatic short‑term changes from a fancy breathing exercise, you may want to apply it to everyone. But there’s a difference between techniques that cause transient changes and principles that produce lasting, repeatable results. Useful principles for a movement practice focused on pain might include: clear communication to avoid nocebo effects; an axial skeleton position that reduces harmful load on joints; and progressive overload. It may feel less exciting, but these principles offer a sustainable way to help clients and grow your business.
Closing thoughts: there’s nothing wrong with taking new courses, finding helpful information, and engaging clients with the nuances of physical therapy and strength training. But the goal is to tie your name to something that delivers consistent results—that’s why we chose this profession in the first place.
PRI: piquing your interest? If this resonates, there’s a community for physical therapists and movement professionals to sift through information and apply the relevant principles. Tyler Tanaka and I have built a group to help you apply what you’ve learned and communicate effectively with your ideal clients to grow the practice you want. In the 10‑week Solidify Program you’ll get a detailed curriculum and one‑on‑one refinement calls to address tough patients and big‑picture questions about your practice and business. For more information, visit the program page. Solidify begins June 6, and spots are limited.
