#37 - Chelsea Savit | From Spinal Fusion to the Platform - An Elite Powerlifter's Athlete Recovery Process

#37 - Chelsea Savit | From Spinal Fusion to the Platform - An Elite Powerlifter's Athlete Recovery Process

Author: Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC March 18, 2023 Duration: 1:23:56

For most barbell athletes and powerlifters, the thought of needing any kind of surgery is terrifying and the unknown of what could happen after is even scarier. In many cases, surgery isn't necessary to resolve symptoms but in some situations it is. This can be a major interruption to your life, your training, and your overall identity as a powerlifter but it doesn't have to mean that your barbell training or powerlifting career is over or that you can't be stronger in the future. 

 

In this episode of the PRS Podcast we'll sit down and talk with Chelsea Savit, an elite international-level powerlifter who put her training on hold to have an L5-S1 spinal fusion with the goal of addressing a longstanding back injury and symptoms that had progressively worsened over many years. 

 

Chelsea's story of her journey from gymnastics to powerlifting to surgery and back to the world powerlifting platform is truly inspiring. She serves as a great example of how even with a significant training interruption and extended time off from powerlifting you can return to barbell training and powerlifting, return to the platform, and surpass your previous strength levels. 

 

Checkout this episode of the PRS Podcast to learn about Chelsea's journey as an athlete, competitive powerlifter, and someone who underwent a significant surgery but came out stronger on the other side. Learn about how she set herself up for success by surrounding herself with medical professionals that supported her goals and shifted her weight training focus until she was mentally and physically ready to get back under the bar.

 

Connect with Chelsea Savit on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/savvysavit/ 

 

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Get in touch with the show!

Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com

Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com

Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs

Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs


Hosted by Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson, Progressive Rehab & Strength is a conversation for those who take lifting seriously, whether for sport or for life. Both hosts are practicing physical therapists and certified strength coaches with deep roots in powerlifting, giving them a unique, dual-perspective on the body under load. This podcast digs into the nuanced intersection of rehabilitation and performance, moving beyond generic advice. You’ll hear practical discussions on programming for longevity, managing training around injuries, and navigating the technical demands of the barbell lifts. The aim is to strip away confusion and provide actionable insights that help athletes and coaches build resilient, sustainable careers-both in the gym and in their professional practices. It’s a resource for critical thinkers who want their approach to strength to be informed by both clinical expertise and hard-earned experience on the platform. Tune in for a blend of science, real-world application, and straight talk from two professionals who live in this space every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Progressive Rehab & Strength
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