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In this episode, Brodie Sharpe sits down with Sara to share her inspiring journey of overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) after struggling with it for several years. Sara's story is filled with ups and downs, from navigating misdiagnoses and passive treatments to discovering the power of strength training and the mind-body connection. Whether you’re currently battling PHT or looking for guidance on chronic pain, this episode offers valuable insights and hope.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction to today’s episode and Sara’s success story
00:33 – Background on Sara’s PHT journey and how it developed over the years
01:07 – Sara shares the onset of her symptoms dating back to 2009
02:34 – The chronic resurgence in 2017 and the role of life transitions
03:54 – Seeking treatment: from passive treatments to sports medicine
05:49 – Ineffective treatments: PRP, dry needling, and acupuncture
06:48 – Diagnosis of PHT and later gluteal tendinopathy
08:15 – Attempting different procedures: Tenex, injections, and shockwave therapy
09:43 – The mental and emotional toll of chronic pain
10:41 – Finding Brodie’s podcast and beginning strength training
12:18 – The importance of slow, heavy progressive strength training in recovery
14:13 – Balancing treatment approaches and avoiding unnecessary interventions
16:29 – Returning to running: overcoming fear and rebuilding confidence
19:22 – A pivotal moment: discovering ‘Think Away Your Pain’ and the mind-body connection
24:27 – The impact of personality traits on chronic pain and recovery
27:53 – How stress and responsibility play a role in pain persistence
31:36 – Understanding the emotional component of pain and its management
34:27 – Key strategies for overcoming hypervigilance and overanalysis
37:45 – How to shift treatment strategies when progress plateaus
41:02 – Sara’s current status: running again and symptom management
42:51 – Final advice for PHT sufferers and key takeaways

Key Takeaways:
✔ Passive treatments like PRP, dry needling, and injections may not provide long-term relief for PHT.
✔ Strength training, specifically slow, heavy progressive loading, is a crucial foundation for recovery.
✔ Addressing the mind-body connection can be a game-changer in managing chronic pain.
✔ Hypervigilance and fear of movement can perpetuate pain—learning to reframe these thoughts is essential.
✔ Recovery is a journey—adjusting your approach when progress stalls is key to success.
✔ Stress and personality traits (perfectionism, responsibility, self-criticism) can influence chronic pain.

Resources Mentioned:

Sara's email: sarashaff@gmail.com
Think Away Your Pain – David Schechter
Healing Back Pain – Dr. John Sarno
Emily's TMS Instagram
Dan’s YouTube Channel: Pain Free You

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Sara's Running Injury Success Story

The Run Smarter Podcast