In this RAW conversation, Dr. Craig Liebenson—founder and director of L.A. Sports & Spine and author of Rehabilitation of the Spine and The Functional Training Handbook—joins Marty Gallagher, J.P. Brice, and Jim Steel to connect modern rehabilitation with practical strength training. We cover movement quality, pain‑aware coaching, regressions and progressions, and how to build durable capacity with free weights, functional trainers, and low‑impact cardio. You’ll hear how to structure sessions for back, hip, and shoulder resilience; when to use self‑care tools; and how coaches and home gym lifters can bridge the gap from rehab to performance. Full episode list and resources: https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. Craig Liebenson is the founder and director of L.A. Sports & Spine and a leading voice on integrating rehabilitation, movement, and strength training.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How a movement‑first lens improves outcomes for back, hip, and shoulder issues.
Simple progressions that link rehab drills to free‑weight and cable training.
When to apply self‑care tools (mats, rollers, bands) without overdoing it.
How to organize weekly training so capacity grows while symptoms decline.
KEY TOPICS
Assessment to action: identify a weak link, address it, then load it.
Minimal effective dose: quality reps, smart ranges, controlled tempo.
Building durable capacity with functional trainers, walking, and basic free weights.
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: How do I know if I should keep training when something “aches”?
A: Favor pain‑aware movements that improve during the session; avoid patterns that worsen symptoms and regress the exercise until it’s tolerable.
Q: What equipment best supports return‑to‑training rehab at home?
A: Start with a firm mat, stability ball, a few bands or floss, and a pair of adjustable dumbbells; add a functional trainer or walking treadmill as capacity rises.
Q: How often should mobility and tissue work be used?
A: Briefly before training to restore range and after hard sessions to down‑shift; a few focused minutes beats long, fatiguing routines.
SHOP THE EPISODE
Dual Stack Functional Trainer — Body‑Solid GFT100
https://www.ironcompany.com/dual-stack-functional-trainer-body-solid-gft100?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
Body‑Solid Endurance Walking Treadmill T50
https://www.ironcompany.com/body-solid-endurance-walking-treadmill-t50?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
Aeromat Extra Firm Foam Rollers
https://www.ironcompany.com/aeromat-extra-firm-black-foam-rollers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
Resist‑A‑Ball Stability Balls
https://www.ironcompany.com/resist-a-ball-stability-balls?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
Mobility & Recovery Compression Floss Bands
https://www.ironcompany.com/mobility-recovery-compression-floss-bands?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep96