What do you do when your sciatica patient is pain-free with ADLs… but still terrified of lifting? In this episode, Mez breaks down the critical (and often ignored) “bridge phase” between rehab and serious training. You'll learn a way to reframe lifting in a way that builds confidence, instead of playing into the fear.This one’s part mindset, part strength & conditioning, part myth-busting.You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what it really takes to coach patients with back pain through a "bridge program" and back to performing at a high level Click HERE to learn more about The LBP Intensive™ Program & join the waitlist⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Why sciatica recovery often falls apart after discharge03:48 – The origin of bridge programs and the systemic gap they fill07:44 – Why “pain-free” does not mean “ready to train”10:11 – The nervous system’s role in perceived fragility after rehab12:38 – What not to do in the bridge phase14:50 – Reframing lifting (without triggering old beliefs or past trauma)16:48 – Using measurable wins to build trust in the process18:25 – Teaching patients the traffic light system to self-regulate intensity21:40 – Why your identity as a PT must shift in the "bridge phase"25:01 – What’s missing in traditional PT education on bridging rehab to training29:00 – Recap: what actually works, and why structure fosters freedom and outperforms guesswork every time.31:30 – If you want a framework, here’s where to start...

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