If we could travel back in time to our 20-year-old selves, armed with the knowledge we’ve gained through years of practicing physical therapy in Fargo, North Dakota, what wisdom would we share? At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, our team of skilled physical therapists has helped countless patients overcome pain and restore function. Here’s what we wish we (and every young adult) had known about movement, injury prevention, and long-term physical health.
Build a Strong Foundation in Your 20s
At 20, your body feels invincible. You can pull all-nighters, recover from workouts quickly, and bounce back from minor injuries without much thought. However, the movement patterns and habits you establish in your twenties become the foundation for your physical health for decades to come.
Our team specializes in providing one-on-one treatment with individualized functional rehabilitation programs, and we’ve seen how early movement habits directly impact patients later in life. The slouched posture from hours of studying, the repetitive motions from part-time jobs, and the weekend warrior mentality can all create imbalances that manifest as chronic pain in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Prevent Back and Neck Pain Before It Starts
Lower back pain and neck pain are among the most common conditions we treat at Bodyworks Physical Therapy. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that their pain often stems from habits developed in their twenties.
For Our 20-Year-Old Selves, We’d Recommend:
- Setting up an ergonomic study and work environment
- Taking movement breaks every 30 minutes when sitting
- Strengthening your core muscles
- Learning proper lifting mechanics for everything from textbooks to moving furniture
Explore how we help patients with neck pain and lower back pain find relief and stay active.
Don’t Ignore the “Small” Injuries
One of the biggest mistakes we see young adults make is ignoring minor aches and pains. That sore shoulder from volleyball practice, the tweaked knee from weekend hiking, or the persistent headaches from studying; these aren’t just inconveniences to push through.
At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we are passionate about personalized patient care. We take the time to find the source of your problem and return you to living your life as quickly as possible. Early intervention is key. What seems like a minor issue at 20 can become a major limitation at 40 if left untreated.
What Our Fargo Physical Therapists Want You to Know
Throughout our 15 years of practice at Bodyworks Physical Therapy, our team has gained invaluable insights about movement and injury prevention. Here’s what some of our experienced physical therapists would tell their 20-year-old selves:
Amanda Helgoe, PT, DPT: “If I could tell my 20-year-old self one thing, it would be to pay attention to posture early. How you move, sit, and stand now lays the foundation for your future body. Good habits today prevent neck, back, and shoulder pain tomorrow.”
Sara Metzger, PT, DPT: “I would tell my 20-year-old self to prioritize “self-care” (i.e. regular movement, exercise, meditation) as you only get one body, best to take care of it. Your older self will thank you!”
Drew Zimmerman PT, DPT, Cert. MDT: “Knowing what I now know with 12 years of outpatient experience under my belt, I would go back in time and address the minor aches/pains that would come and go instead of just ignoring them and waiting for them to go away. These issues always get better faster when they’re new or when you’re younger if you address them right away, but unfortunately can become more difficult to treat later down the road.”
Invest in Your Future Health
Don’t wait until pain stops you in your tracks. Start taking care of your movement health today. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, our Fargo team provides one-on-one manual therapy and individualized exercise programs designed to keep you moving well for life.
Here’s how we can help you stay ahead of injury:
- Assess and correct movement imbalances before they turn into pain
- Teach proven injury prevention strategies you can use every day
- Build a sustainable fitness routine that supports your lifestyle
- Address small issues now before they become long-term limitations
Your twenties (and beyond) are the perfect time to build a foundation for lifelong strength, mobility, and independence.
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or movement limitations, request an appointment with us today. With same-day and next-day appointments available, relief and better movement are closer than you think.