Why You Keep Relapsing (Even When Rehab Was Working)

Episode 24 of the Past Your Prime podcast, hosted by Craig Smith - Pain Expert; Alex Keicher - Athlete; Smith Performance Center, titled "Why You Keep Relapsing (Even When Rehab Was Working)" was published on May 29, 2025 and runs 39 minutes.

May 29, 2025 ·39m · Past Your Prime

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Summary

How to Understand and Manage Flare-Ups Without Panic, Quitting, or Starting OverYou’ve been putting in the work. Things were feeling better. Then suddenly—pain’s back. You’re spiraling, questioning your diagnosis, and wondering if you’re just broken.In this episode, Craig and Alex unpack the real reason people relapse—even when their rehab was working. Spoiler: it’s not always about the diagnosis. They break down the four most common flare-up triggers, how to rebuild your therapeutic gap, and why managing your system matters more than chasing new treatments.Whether you’re dealing with back pain, a cranky knee, or a wrist that won’t cooperate, this episode will help you stop panicking and start progressing again.In this episode:The 4-step flare-up checklistHow activity creep ruins recoveryWhy your system is “perfect” for your current outcomeHidden triggers and the trap of familiarityUsing flare-ups to build mastery and autonomyWhy identity mismatches can sabotage rehabIf you’ve ever felt like you were doing everything right and still backslid—this is for you.—Need help managing pain, rebuilding capacity, or figuring out your rehab system?Explore more at pastyourprime.comFollow us on IG:Alex – @spikerkeicherCraig – @craigsmithPTPast Your Prime is the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life. Hosts Craig Smith (PT & coach) and Alex Keicher (pro athlete & busy dad) unpack real-world strategies to overcome injuries, stay strong, and keep moving—even when life gets chaotic.

Episode Description

How to Understand and Manage Flare-Ups Without Panic, Quitting, or Starting Over

You’ve been putting in the work. Things were feeling better. Then suddenly—pain’s back. You’re spiraling, questioning your diagnosis, and wondering if you’re just broken.

In this episode, Craig and Alex unpack the real reason people relapse—even when their rehab was working. Spoiler: it’s not always about the diagnosis. They break down the four most common flare-up triggers, how to rebuild your therapeutic gap, and why managing your system matters more than chasing new treatments.

Whether you’re dealing with back pain, a cranky knee, or a wrist that won’t cooperate, this episode will help you stop panicking and start progressing again.

In this episode:

The 4-step flare-up checklist
How activity creep ruins recovery
Why your system is “perfect” for your current outcome
Hidden triggers and the trap of familiarity
Using flare-ups to build mastery and autonomy
Why identity mismatches can sabotage rehab

If you’ve ever felt like you were doing everything right and still backslid—this is for you.

—

Need help managing pain, rebuilding capacity, or figuring out your rehab system?
Explore more at pastyourprime.com

Craig – @craigsmithPT

Past Your Prime is the podcast for active adults balancing training, rehab, family, and real life. Hosts Craig Smith (PT & coach) and Alex Keicher (pro athlete & busy dad) unpack real-world strategies to overcome injuries, stay strong, and keep moving—even when life gets chaotic.