Talking Rehab with Dr. Fred Bagares

🎙 Talking Rehab Podcast – Episode 60: "The $2,000 Hip Pain: Why Systemic Solutions Matter" In this episode, I walk you through a real case involving a 10-year-old boy with hip pain. What started as a simple clinical concern quickly turned into a reflection on the inefficiencies of our healthcare system. I share what it’s like navigating specialty referrals, high deductibles, and trying t...

🎧 Sailboat or Rowboat: Motivation vs. Discipline in Rehab In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , I explore a powerful analogy I shared with my kids: are you a sailboat or a rowboat? Sailboats move when the wind (motivation) shows up — but rowboats move when the person rowing decides to act, regardless of external forces. This concept becomes incredibly relevant in rehabilitation. I dive i...

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , Dr. Fred Bagares dives into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the healthcare space, particularly within the world of rehabilitation. From streamlining administrative tasks to improving accessibility for patients with language or hearing challenges, AI clearly has its benefits. But is it making healthcare more human—or less? Dr. Bagares s...

🎧 Episode 57 – "Value in a Visit: A Doctor Becomes the Patient" Hey, it’s Dr. Fred Bagares. In this episode, I share my recent experience as a patient in a traditional insurance-based clinic—something I rarely do since switching to direct care practice. I went to see an ophthalmologist for some concerning floaters, and the visit made me reflect deeply on what value truly means in a medi...

In today’s episode, I dive into a fascinating case that changed the way I think about diagnosis and treatment. I share the story of a patient with chronic lateral foot pain who everyone thought had a tendon problem—but it turned out to be something completely different. This experience taught me about what I now call the "pathology pivot"—how we tend to assume our diagnosis is correct if...

In this refreshing episode, Dr. Fred shares his personal reflections after a family trip to Jamaica. He explores the deeper value of movement while on vacation—not just as a workout, but as a form of physical restoration. From pacing in airport terminals to spontaneous gym sessions, he invites listeners to reframe how they think about exercise, especially during downtime. If you’ve ever debated sk...

Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Fred Bagares. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my recent trip to the 2025 Free Market Medical Association Conference in Oklahoma City. This wasn’t just any conference — it helped reignite a spark I’d been missing for a while. I reflect on how my path shifted from traditional medical associations to embracing the direct care model, and how stepping away from t...

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of a young, athletic patient who did everything “right” after a meniscus injury—PT, injections, surgery—but still couldn’t get back to playing the sport they loved: soccer. Sound familiar? We dig into the mental and physical challenges of recovery when pain lingers, even after everything looks fine on imaging. I introduce a tool I use often with frustrated at...

Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Fred Bagares. In today’s episode, I’m diving into a common clinical situation that led to a bigger question: What are we really trying to accomplish with treatment? A patient with a classic meniscus tear asked me something simple but powerful—“Does any of this actually fix the meniscus?” That one question opened up a whole conversation about how we frame injuries, treatments...

Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Fred Bagares. In this episode, I dive into something I see all the time—patients who recover from an injury, like a lumbar disc herniation, but then get stuck… mentally. Physically, they’re doing great. But emotionally, they’re fearful of moving the wrong way and causing another flare-up. I walk you through a real case of a surfer who did incredibly well with physical therap...

Hey everyone, Dr. Fred Bagares here! In this episode, I take you through my love-hate relationship with running.  I share how I reframed my mindset around running to make it work for me. We’ll talk about why I never got that “runner’s high,” how jiu-jitsu became my primary form of cardio, and why I’m now incorporating running back into my training in a way that actually makes sense for me. More im...

Episode Summary: While joint pain is often the primary motivator, Dr. Bagares explores the lesser-known reasons for surgery, the compensatory movement patterns people develop over time, and the importance of timing the procedure correctly. He also discusses the long-term impact of these patterns on muscle loss, gait efficiency, and overall health. If you're considering joint replacement surge...

Does pain always come from what we see on imaging? In this episode, Dr. Fred Bagares breaks down why common MRI and X-ray findings—like arthritis or meniscus tears—are often wrongly blamed for pain. He discusses how younger patients with knee pain are diagnosed differently than older patients, why the same injury can lead to different conclusions , and how we can improve our approach to diagnosing...

Hey everyone, Dr. Fred Bagares here! In this episode, I dive deep into why the spine is more than just a series of building blocks —it’s a dynamic structure that allows movement, absorbs forces, and provides stability. I’ll break down the importance of spinal curvatures (lordosis & kyphosis) , how poor posture affects long-term spine health, and what you can do to maintain a strong, mobile, an...

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , I reflect on a recent patient encounter that made me pause—am I seen as anti-surgery just because I don’t perform it? Join me as I explore the importance of balanced care, why I advocate for all treatment options (including surgery), and why long-term patient follow-up matters more than the label of being “non-surgical.” Key Topics Covered: [00:00 – 0...

In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast , Dr. Fred Bagares dives into an often-overlooked but crucial skill—falling safely. Whether it’s young athletes on the basketball court or older adults navigating daily life, understanding how to fall and get up properly can mean the difference between a minor bruise and a life-altering injury. Dr. Bagares shares his observations from watching kids fall...

The Chicken or the Egg – Pain vs. Movement in Rehab In today’s episode, I dive into what I call the chicken or the egg problem in rehab. Do people stop moving because they’re in pain, or is their lack of movement actually driving their pain? This fundamental question shapes how we approach patient care and rehab strategies. I’ll explore the patient’s perspective, the physician’s perspective, and h...

Podcast Episode Description In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , I dive into the intriguing world of biomechanics and movement. As a board-certified sports and spine medicine physician, I’ve spent years navigating the complexities of musculoskeletal medicine. Today, I’m sharing the questions, challenges, and evolving perspectives I’ve developed about biomechanics, injury, and performance...

"Do We See the Same Problem? Addressing Pain and Movement in Rehab" In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks the challenges of addressing pain and movement patterns in musculoskeletal medicine. He explores the common disconnect between patients and physicians, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the structural and functional components of pain....

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , Dr. Fred Bagares dives into the inefficiencies of the traditional healthcare system and explores the benefits of direct care for musculoskeletal health. From navigating endless phone systems to managing weeks of delays for specialist appointments, he discusses how these hurdles impact your health and time. Learn how direct care streamlines care delive...

In this episode, we tackle an important and often overlooked question: What happens when we choose not to make changes in our rehabilitation journey? Whether it’s putting off a knee replacement or avoiding movement due to chronic pain, the consequences of staying still can be just as costly as making a change. Here’s what we dive into during this thought-provoking conversation: [00:00] Introductio...

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , I explore one of my favorite topics in musculoskeletal medicine: Hip and Spine Syndrome. This underappreciated condition can present in a variety of ways—back pain, groin pain, or even leg weakness—and often leads to confusion in diagnosis and treatment. I share real patient stories, the challenges of untangling complex symptoms, and why taking a holi...

In this episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast , Dr. Fred Bagares dives into the intricate world of shoulder pain and recovery. Using a real-life patient case, he explores why symptoms can linger, the role of degenerative changes, and the importance of setting realistic expectations. Discover actionable insights on: Understanding shoulder pain with age-related findings. The balance between non-surgi...

From the recent tragedy involving UnitedHealthcare’s CEO to the everyday struggles of navigating the games insurance companies play, this episode aims to shed light on the hidden dynamics shaping our medical system. As someone who transitioned to a direct-care model, I also discuss alternative approaches to taking control of your health and moving beyond insurance-based care. Episode Highlights wi...

Welcome to another episode of the Talking Rehab Podcast! I’m Dr. Fred Bagares, a board-certified sports and spine medicine physician based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Over the last decade of practice, I’ve been fascinated by how people move and how we can help them overcome pain and injury. This episode is inspired by an observation I make often as a people watcher on my neighborhood bike path: t...