S2 Q&A #3 - Why Barbell Training Is Essential for Adults 50–80: A Rehab Case Study That Inspires
Sat Apr 19 2025
In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo break down how strength training allowed a 75-year-old barbell trainee to avoid inpatient rehab after fracturing both her hip and wrist. Her story is a testament to how barbell training preserves function, independence, and quality of life—even after serious injury.
“The stronger you go into these sorts of situations, the better off you're going to be—because you're going to have more lean body mass, more muscle mass, more bone mineral density… So that if you lose some of it, you’re not going to be as negatively impacted as someone who has low levels going in.”
– Dr. John Petrizzo, PT, CSCS, PRSCC, SSC
Key Topics Discussed The role of strength training in rehab for older adults
How physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons can safely use barbell exercises
Adapting barbell training during recovery from fractures and surgery
The benefits of building “physiological reserve” through strength
Strategies to maintain training with one-sided injuries
Using machines, bands, and unilateral work as part of barbell-based rehab
Key Takeaways Strength training can prevent the need for inpatient rehab
You can apply progressive overload without a barbell
Barbell lifts can be safely modified in rehab
Muscle and bone strength serve as protection, not risk, as we age
0:00 – 1:39 – Episode intro + Pat’s story setup
1:40 – 5:00 – Pat skips inpatient rehab after hip + wrist fractures
5:00 – 9:30 – Strength training keeps older adults independent
9:30 – 10:50 – Rehab often unnecessary if strong enough
10:50 – 13:18 – Medical disclaimer + conceptual discussion
13:19 – 17:00 – How to train lower body post-fracture
17:01 – 22:00 – How to train upper body with one arm
22:01 – 25:00 – Applying progressive overload in rehab
25:01 – 30:00 – Healing timelines + early rehab mobility
30:01 – 35:00 – Managing PT visits + training around insurance limits
35:01 – 41:00 – Transitioning from rehab to barbell training
41:01 – 45:00 – Strength as physiological reserve in aging
45:01 – 52:00 – Doctors dismissing lifting + final takeaways
Listen now and share this episode with a clinician, athlete, or loved one who needs to hear it.
Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59
If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.
Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!
Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!
Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery
Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com
Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com
Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs
John IG: @johnpetrizzo
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In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo break down how strength training allowed a 75-year-old barbell trainee to avoid inpatient rehab after fracturing both her hip and wrist. Her story is a testament to how barbell training preserves function, independence, and quality of life—even after serious injury. “The stronger you go into these sorts of situations, the better off you're going to be—because you're going to have more lean body mass, more muscle mass, more bone mineral density… So that if you lose some of it, you’re not going to be as negatively impacted as someone who has low levels going in.” – Dr. John Petrizzo, PT, CSCS, PRSCC, SSC Key Topics Discussed The role of strength training in rehab for older adults How physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons can safely use barbell exercises Adapting barbell training during recovery from fractures and surgery The benefits of building “physiological reserve” through strength Strategies to maintain training with one-sided injuries Using machines, bands, and unilateral work as part of barbell-based rehab Key Takeaways Strength training can prevent the need for inpatient rehab You can apply progressive overload without a barbell Barbell lifts can be safely modified in rehab Muscle and bone strength serve as protection, not risk, as we age 0:00 – 1:39 – Episode intro + Pat’s story setup 1:40 – 5:00 – Pat skips inpatient rehab after hip + wrist fractures 5:00 – 9:30 – Strength training keeps older adults independent 9:30 – 10:50 – Rehab often unnecessary if strong enough 10:50 – 13:18 – Medical disclaimer + conceptual discussion 13:19 – 17:00 – How to train lower body post-fracture 17:01 – 22:00 – How to train upper body with one arm 22:01 – 25:00 – Applying progressive overload in rehab 25:01 – 30:00 – Healing timelines + early rehab mobility 30:01 – 35:00 – Managing PT visits + training around insurance limits 35:01 – 41:00 – Transitioning from rehab to barbell training 41:01 – 45:00 – Strength as physiological reserve in aging 45:01 – 52:00 – Doctors dismissing lifting + final takeaways Listen now and share this episode with a clinician, athlete, or loved one who needs to hear it. Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59 If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify. Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs John IG: @johnpetrizzo