Ask a Physical Therapist: Top 5 Questions We Get from Asheville’s Active Adults & Athletes

We hear it all the time: "Is this normal?" "Should I be worried about that pop?" "How do I know if it’s my form or my flexibility?"

At Outshine Physical Therapy & Fitness, we love when people ask questions—because curiosity leads to better movement, fewer injuries, and a more empowered approach to your health.

Here are 5 of the most common questions we get from active adults and athletes in Western North Carolina (plus our no-nonsense answers).

1. “Is this pain something I should push through or rest?”

If the pain:

• Is sharp or localized

• Changes how you move

• Gets worse with activity

• Persists more than 3–4 days

Don’t push through it. Pain is a signal, not a challenge. We can help assess the root cause and give you a game plan that keeps you active without making it worse.

Pro tip: Dull, symmetrical soreness = usually OK. Sharp, asymmetric pain = needs attention.

2. “How do I know if my core is actually working?”

Many people think they’re using their core—especially during planks, squats, or rotational sports—when they’re really overusing their back or hips.

Try this:

• Lie on your back, knees bent

• Exhale fully while drawing your lower ribs down

• Feel for a deep contraction just inside your hip bones

If you’re holding your breath or using your neck/shoulders to “help,” your core might not be firing properly.

We use real-time feedback and hands-on coaching to teach core activation that supports performance and spine health.

3. “Why does my shoulder (or hip, or knee) click?”

Joint “clicks” or “pops” can be:

• Totally normal and painless = OK

• Painful or new = time to assess

• Accompanied by weakness, catching, or instability = not OK

We’ll screen for things like labral tears, joint hypermobility, tendon irritation, and imbalances in muscle coordination.

You don’t need to live with clicking that’s limiting your training or peace of mind.

4. “Should I stretch more?”

Maybe—but more often, the problem isn’t tightness, it’s poor control.

We’ll often recommend:

• Mobility work + stability drills

• Active stretching over passive holds

• Breathwork to downregulate and improve tissue quality

Stretching feels good—but strength in your full range of motion is what prevents injury.

5. “How often should I see a PT?”

If you’re injured or in pain: we’ll guide you through a focused plan, usually 1x/week for 8-12 depending on what’s going on.

If you’re active and want to stay that way:

• Every 1–3 months for performance check-ins

• Seasonally if you play a sport or cycle training loads

• During transitions like returning to sport, pregnancy/postpartum, or perimenopause

Think of it like dental care—you brush daily but still go in for cleanings. PT is proactive body care.

Got a Question? We’re Listening.

At Outshine, we believe you should feel confident in your body—not confused by it. Whether you’re dealing with a nagging issue or just want to move better, we’re here to help you stay strong, smart, and supported.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maggie

Book your FREE consult call here!