Recurring injuries are often not just about bad luck, poor form, or one wrong movement. In this episode, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Stefi Cohen, Doctor of Physical Therapy, strength coach, entrepreneur, and world-record powerlifter, to explain why injuries keep coming back and how training load, tissue capacity, recovery, and pain science all shape long-term healing.
They discuss why active people often experience recurring back pain, shoulder injuries, and training setbacks even when they are doing “the right exercises.” This conversation also covers the role of deadlifts, lifting technique, efficient movement, early injury management, shoulder pain red flags, regenerative medicine, PRP, prolotherapy, peptides, and practical ways to build a stronger, more resilient body.
If you are an athlete, coach, clinician, or active adult trying to recover from injury, train smarter, and prevent setbacks, this episode offers a clear framework for improving performance while respecting recovery.
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📌 About Dr. Stefi Cohen
Dr. Stefi Cohen is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, strength coach, entrepreneur, and 25-time world-record-holding powerlifter. She made history as the first woman to deadlift 4.4 times her body weight in competition and has dedicated her career to helping athletes and active adults train smarter through evidence-based principles.
Her work focuses on pain science, injury recovery, strength training, performance, and bridging the gap between rehabilitation and high-level training. Through the Institute of Strength Training, Dr. Cohen educates coaches, clinicians, and athletes on practical strategies for improving movement, managing pain, and building long-term resilience.
📌 Learn More About Dr. Stefi Cohen
Website: https://instituteofstrengthtraining.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrStefiCohen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steficohen/
Training Programs: https://www.hybridperformancemethod.com/
📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones
Book Dr. Jones to speak at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/
Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GregJonesNMD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK
🔗 Authoritative Resources & Further Reading
• MRI findings, disc degeneration, and low back pain
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26359154/
• Recent clinical practice guidelines for low back pain management
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38693474/
• Training load capacity and injury risk
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34124660/
🔬 Timestamps
Introduction to Dr. Stefi Cohen (00:00 – 03:04)
Combining strength training and physical therapy (03:04 – 04:24)
Why injuries happen in active people (04:24 – 05:17)
The biggest mistake athletes make when training (05:17 – 08:37)
Why pain should not be ignored (08:37 – 10:03)
Understanding low back pain and recurring injuries (10:03 – 13:03)
When an MRI does not explain your pain (13:03 – 16:16)
Should you rely on imaging or function? (16:16 – 18:21)
Coaching athletes through pain and injury (18:21 – 19:25)
Why deadlifts do not cause injuries (19:25 – 21:15)
Is there really a “perfect” lifting technique? (21:15 – 25:44)
Efficient movement vs. perfect form (25:44 – 30:55)
What to do during the first 72 hours after a back injury (30:55 – 34:35)
Why shoulder injuries are so common (34:35 – 37:39)
When shoulder pain needs more than exercise (37:39 – 41:36)
Recognizing the warning signs of a serious shoulder injury (41:36 – 44:31)
Regenerative medicine, PRP, prolotherapy, and peptides (44:31 – 50:20)
Building resilience through smarter training (50:20 – 55:42)
Key takeaways for preventing recurring injuries (55:42 – 01:00:28)
Where to connect with Dr. Stefi Cohen (01:00:28 – 01:01:40)
Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations.
