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At 12 year old I began writing workout programs for myself. As a young teen tuning into ESPN2 in the morning I would watch Corey Everson on BodyShaping to learn about weightlifting. I immersed myself into books and magazines hungry for more knowledge. Reading Arnold’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding and Education of a Bodybuilder changed my life trajectory. Since academia is just as important as my passion for the weights, I graduated from NIU with a degree in physical therapy in 2006.
As a powerlifter lifter myself, I understand the importance of seeking a PT with weight-lifting background and experience. For 17 years I have been a licensed PT working in orthopedics with a heavy emphasis on manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. I have had the fortune working alongside skilled physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, a certified-hand therapist, physiatrists and athletic trainers. Since my rookie year I have treated hundreds of patients with rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstructions, shoulder and hip impingements, tendon rupture repairs, joint total joint reconstructions (ie shoulders, hips and knees), spinal fusions and chronic pain. My continuing course education comes from a variety of instructors, which include: deep spinal stabilization (Dr. Stuart McGill), applied functional science (Dr. Gary Gray), mechanical diagnosis and therapy (McKenzie Method), spinal mobilization (Ken Olson), total joint replacements, blood flow restriction therapy, Rock Tape/Kinesio taping methods, pelvic floor health (Carrie Koziol), and hand rehabilitation. I have observed surgeons performing total knee & hip replacements, shoulder arthroscopies and an Achilles tendon reconstruction.
Since the Direct Access Bill has been passed you are now allowed to seek out a physical therapist without a doctor’s prescription. My job is to get to the root of the problem, and prescribe an appropriate plan of care immediately. I am not a radiologist, but I can assist in interpreting transcribed MRI & X-Ray findings.
In 2006 my brother pushed me into my first unsanctioned powerlifting meet at WIU. I weighed in with my clothes donned, and thought the prerogative was to lift the most weight. After the bodyweight ratio was calculated I handily took first place. I had found my niche. During my tenure I have set world record numbers at the multiply 82.5 kg class. I hold the drug-free ATWR total (1973 lbs) and the #3 all-time (2259 lbs). You will see my name on IL State, National, World and WPO records. I discovered in my journey the “5 P’s to Success: passion, perseverance, personnel, pain and patience.”
These records did not happen overnight. High intensity training methods from Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman in my late teens set the stage for powerlifting. When I made the transition to powerlifting I purposely surrounded myself around seasoned powerlifters who have mentored me through Ernie Frantz’s progressive overload training methods. I never forgotten my roots built from bodybuilding, which I still implement in most of my training and in my clients’. I have felt the anguish of going through “career ending injuries,” but the redemption when I proved doctors wrong. I have been wearing Overkill Strength Equipment most of my career because I believe it is simply the most durable equipment. My powerlifting idol is Mike Cartinian from Big Iron Gym.
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” (Arnold) I have been on the operating table more than once. Being told, “you’ll never be able to lift heavy again,” like in my situation, can be one of the biggest motivators.
In 2011 I tore both ACL’s, a meniscus and posterior corner from squatting 903 lbs. After finding the right doctor at Midwest Orthopedics, I had two separate surgeries. I rehabbed purposely and passionately, keeping in the back of my mind “You’ll never be able to lift heavy again.” Nervously, I returned to the platform one year later. Just a few months after that, I set a new personal best total which was an emotional moment for me. I documented my multimedia, Road to Recovery (below). It caught the attention of the local newspaper. In the summer of 2020, I unknowingly competed while internally bleeding and being anemic.
As a powerlifter, we are conditioned to block out pain. I mustered out my best total to date, 2259 lbs. Four days later I was in the hospital having surgery and a blood transfusion. Two weeks later I landed back in the hospital for double hemorrhoidectomies and urinary retention. Being told not to lift for eight weeks messed up my judgement, so I called it quits. I had not yet heard the proverb, “Never make a decision when you are sad.”
Each time I have had an injury I play detective to uncover why it happened and to be proactive going forward. Being on the reciprocating end of the treatment table gives me a whole new insight into proper patient care and programming. Finding the right therapist or trainer is crucial who believes in you even when your doctor, family and “friends” do not, is crucial.