Working with Sara in 2024 was an amazing experience…
Sara had to take time away from exercise due to severe nerve pain caused by prolapsed discs and bone spurs. Rest helped things settle but as soon as Sara returned to exercise her pain would reappear.
Not good.
This understandably had a knock-on effect, causing Sara to become nervous of exercise and forming the belief that she would never be able to return to the exercise and training that she loved.
At this point Sara reached out and I’m so glad she did! We worked together for 6 months, helping her rediscover movement in a way that was comfortable and pain-free in training and exercise.
Strategy was super-important – what movements, how often and how much. Finding the right balance isn’t always easy and perseverance is always need.
The psychology of rehab was key here too…after being in pain for so long, there were moments where a ‘flare-up’ would happen (which happens often with chronic pain) and staying positive can be tough.
This is where the value of coaching comes in, and being able to guide Sara through this journey was key to her success.
6 months later Sara is now pain-free and back to cycling, swimming and running and has a new outlook on exercise, which is amazing to see!
Onwards and upwards!
“I came across Pete after months of unsuccessfully trying to get back to exercise after recovering from nerve damage which had caused months of debilitating pain.
I had seen physios, chiropractors and doctors and whilst rest and rehab had worked, whenever I started to exercise again, the shoulder and arm pain reoccured.
I was in a doom loop cycle of pain – recovery – exercise – pain. I was really anxious and unable to see a future which was pain free.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the last 6 months have been transformative. Pete has patiently worked with me to identify and counter psychological and physical triggers.
He’s answered a million questions with an extensive evidence and knowledge, and provided positivity and reassurance when the doubts have crept back in.
I am now back swimming, cycling and doing strength based exercises with much heavier weights that I have thought possible, without pain or anxiety.
His problem solving mindset is infectious, and I feel really optimistic about achieving my movement and fitness goals with the suggestions he has made based on my long-term motivations.”
– Sara Whittam