When Should You Call the Pros? A Guide to Professional Fitness and Injury Support
Whether you are sidelined by a nagging ache or just starting a new health or fitness journey, a common question arises: When is it time to stop "winging it" and seek professional help? Dr. Sean Hiller, a Physical Therapist and expert collaborator with GobyMeds, breaks down the timeline for recovery and the strategic advantage of professional coaching.
The Two-Week Rule for Injuries
If you are dealing with pain - whether it’s in your back, shoulder, or knee - you are starting "behind the starting line" of health. Dr. Hiller suggests a simple rule of thumb: the two-week mark.
- Acute vs. Chronic: If a nagging issue lingers or worsens for more than two weeks, it is transitioning from an "acute" injury to "subacute."
- The Pain Loop: Once an injury becomes chronic, the body can develop "pain reflex loops." In these cases, the brain continues to send pain signals even if the original mechanical injury has started to heal.
- Faster Recovery: Seeking professional help (like a doctor or physical therapist) before the three-week mark can prevent this cycle, making your recovery much faster and less complex.
Leveling Up Your Fitness
If you are healthy but want to improve your physique or metabolic health, when should you hire a coach?
- Immediate Guidance: If you have the funds, starting with a professional is the "gold standard." It saves time by ensuring you don't skip essential steps and helps you set realistic, data-driven goals based on metrics like body weight and BMI.
- One-on-One Coaching: In the coming months, we will be launching GobyFit, fitness tools and support spearheaded by Dr. Hiller. This will include free fitness plans as well as the opportunity to work with Dr. Hiller and other fitness professionals one-on-one (a paid option)/
- Strategic Programming: For those not ready for one-on-one coaching, structured programming is an excellent alternative. It removes the "guesswork" and prevents the common mistake of starting a program that is too high-level or confusing.
Why Quality Programming Matters
Many people download random online templates only to find them filled with confusing terminology. A professional program - like those developed by the GobyFIt team - is designed to be:
- Simple & Scalable: Defines terms clearly so you aren't lost on Day 1.
- Time-Efficient: Many effective workouts take only 20 to 30 minutes.
- Goal-Oriented: Appropriately scales your fitness level based on your specific health intake and wellness objectives.
out to a professional. They can see the 'back end' of your progress and help you push further than you could on your own." — Dr. Sean Hiller
About Dr. Sean Hiller
Dr. Sean Hiller is a Physical Therapist dedicated to helping patients move better and stay injury-free. You can learn more about his work and his approach to movement at Vulcan Movement.
Ready to start your journey?
If you're looking for a partner in your health journey - whether through medical weight loss or professional fitness guidance - GobyMeds is here to support you with transparent pricing and expert support. Ready to see if you qualify for GLP-1s, sermorelin or NAD+? Click here to get started today.
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