Aug at Positive Action: The MRI Finding That Scares People Most...

Your Monthly Wellness Update!

August 2026

Consistency beats perfection.

Every time.

When she first walked into our clinic, running wasn't her biggest challenge, it was everyday life. She had been dealing with low back and hip pain for years, dating back to her military service.

A short run could leave her hurting for days, and even simple tasks like bending over to tie her shoes caused pain. She loved staying active, but every workout came with uncertainty. Would today be a good day, or would the pain come back? Life didn't slow down. Between international travel, wedding planning, work, and the everyday stress that comes with a busy schedule, there were plenty of reasons to put her goals on hold. Instead, she stayed consistent.

Week by week, she focused on building strength, improving movement, and gradually returning to the activities she loved. Small victories started adding up. She progressed from run/walk intervals to pain-free workouts. EMOMs became routine. Kettlebell swings, reverse lunges, burpees, jump rope even they no longer triggered her back pain. One of her biggest milestones came recently when she joined a local run club for the first time. She finished the run with no pain.

The only thing she noticed? Her back felt a little tight, not painful. That's a huge difference from where she started. Today she's walking her dog twice a day, staying active, running with confidence, and doing workouts she once thought would aggravate her back. Even her shoulder pain has improved along the way. Her journey is a reminder that recovery isn't about finding a quick fix. It's about building a body that's resilient enough to handle the life you want to live. Pain-free movement isn't just the goal, it's the foundation for doing more of what you love. Consistency beats perfection. Every time.

Physical Therapy Graduates!

Imagine a pub crawl...but instead of bars, you're exploring San Antonio's best local fitness studios. Join a team, run through East/uptown San Antonio, complete fun mini-workouts at each stop, meet amazing coaches, and discover your next favorite gym. This is not a race. Whether you're an experienced athlete or just getting started, every workout is designed to be welcoming, scalable, and fun. This is about moving together, building connections, and having fun. Participants should be able to run at least 4 miles. Only 100 spots available.

If you're not able to participate but would still like to be part of the fun! We are looking for volunteers. Reply to this email info@positiveactionpt.com or let us know on your next visit. In advance THANK YOU for your help!

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TIP OF THE MONTH:

A Bulging Disc Is Not A Life Sentence

That MRI from 5 years ago? It’s not your life sentence.

Too many people stop lifting, running, bending, or living because they were told they have a “disc bulge” or “herniation.” But here’s the reality: Bodies heal. Discs heal. People adapt. As one example, in a study by Maigne J et al, 48 patients with acute disc herniations were treated conservatively and then followed over the course of 48 months. Most patients with lumbar disc herniations treated conservatively showed significant healing over time with many shrinking dramatically or even resolving completely. Even a large population of this group showed significant reduction in herniation at 1 month. Your imaging is just a snapshot. It does NOT tell the full story of your strength, resilience, or what your body is capable of today. Pain changes. Capacity changes. Function changes.

Don’t let an old image keep you stuck in a life your body may have already moved past. The Video Below will give you some exercises to test and start doing to help you.

WATCH VIDEO

Join the Positive Action Relay Teams

at the Zoo Run!

We're looking for 5 patients to join one of our 3 relay teams for the 41st Annual Zoo Run on Friday, September 11, at 6:00 PM! Each Physical Therapy will captain a relay team, making this a fun opportunity to meet other Positive Action patients, cheer each other on, and experience race day with a supportive community.

How the relay works:

Teams of 4 runners
Each runner completes a 2.1-mile loop
Perfect if you want the excitement of race day without running the full distance

Interested? Reply to this newsletter email or let us know at your next visit. Spots are limited (ONLY 5), and we'd love to see our Positive Action community run wild together!

At-Home PT Made Simple

Consistency is key to real recovery and having the right tools at home makes it easier. We’ve put together a list of therapist-recommended essentials to help you stay on track with your exercises, reinforce what you learn in sessions, and support faster, safer progress. Set up your space, stay consistent, and keep making wins at home.

GET MY ESSENTIALS

Fall Race Season Starts Now!

Whether you're eyeing the San Antonio Marathon in December or your first 5K, August marks the time when most training plans begin. If you're already dealing with nagging aches, pains, or injuries, July is the perfect time to get ahead of them before mileage and intensity start ramping up. If something feels "off," don't wait until it turns into a six-week setback during peak training season. Small issues are often much easier and less expensive to fix than bigger ones.

You have been invited by your fav Physical therapists to join the Group/Team (“Positive Action Rehab & Performance”) for the 2026 San Antonio Marathon. Join the Positive Action San Antonio Marathon Group and train alongside fellow runners in the community while representing the team! As a bonus, everyone who joins through our group will get some free Positive Action swag. Already registered for the race? No problem, you can still go back and add yourself to the Positive Action team! Whether you're tackling your first marathon, half marathon, or chasing a PR, we'd love to have you on the team.

Positive Action San Antonio Marathon Group

Traveling This Summer?

Long flights and road trips can leave hips, backs, and calves feeling stiff and achy. Try getting up every 60–90 minutes, staying hydrated, and spending 5 minutes moving when you arrive. Here are 3 quick exercises to reset your body after travel:

✅ 10 Ankle Pumps per side – Helps improve circulation and wakes up stiff calves and ankles.

✅ 10 Hip Flexor Stretch Rocks per side – Step into a half-kneeling lunge and gently rock forward to open up the front of the hip after hours of sitting.

✅ 10 Cat-Cows or Trunk Rotations – Gets the spine moving again and helps reduce that "car back" or "plane back" feeling.

Bonus: Take a quick 5-10 minute walk once you arrive at your destination. Movement is often the best medicine after sitting for hours. Your body will thank you on vacation and when you get back to training.

Patient Perks & Discounts