Recovery. Such a buzzy word, but trust us, it’s serious business and it’s something we all need to embrace along with our fitness routines. We sat down with Dr. Ron Tribendis, co-founder of Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy in Plano, Texas and host of the podcast our founder Natalie Wolfe was just featured on, Recover with Purpose. Ron is a 22 time Ironman finisher (WHAT.) and he has always had an interest in sports medicine and sports performance. He knows what he’s talking about, so listen up.

Tell us what Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy is all about.

RT: Our mission at PMST is to provide comprehensive, non-invasive, quality healthcare, working in conjunction with our patients to improve their quality of life. (pro tip: Performance is also a perk for StudioHop members. Click here to learn about the deal you can get as a member for Cryotherapy and Rapid Reboot sessions). We have a special focus in helping athletes achieve optimal performance. It is our belief that the majority of over-use or general musculoskeletal injuries are a result of improper biomechanics. It is through this belief that we are able to assess and prevent injury, and improve training and performance.

We are always looking for the WHY to every problem!  FIND THE WHY!

Why is recovery important to fit into my busy life?

RT: I am always educating people on the importance of fitting recovery into their exercise programs.  Not only does it prevent injury but it allows you to absorb the workouts you do.  And if you absorb workouts more effectively, you will perform better.

Can you break down your top 3-4 forms of recovery and the main benefits?

RT: Two that are very simple yet so hard to do sometimes:

1. Drink more water.  IV therapy.  I feel we are in a constant state of dehydration, especially in the summer months in Texas.  I could make a laundry list of benefits here but one that applies to injuries…. If your soft tissues are chronically dehydrated, they don’t function correctly..  think beef jerky…. If this becomes a theme in your life you WILL have overuse injuries.

2. Get an extra hour of sleep per night.  Training is a stress…we lead stressful lives.  Your body doesn’t know the difference.  We heal when we sleep.  I feel limited sleep over long periods of time is the ultimate WHY to every DIS—EASE of the body.


Cryotherapy is very hot (?) right now. Does it live up to the hype?

RT: Cryotherapy reduces systemic inflammation.  I believe it lives up to the hype when used in a proper recovery program.  Now, I am still not sure how effective it is for weight loss and cellulite reduction like some of the Cryo salons advertise.  But then again, that is not where my expertise is.  What I do see is how….

1. Short term use implemented into a post surgical recovery plan.  Reduces total body inflammation allowing for the patient to get to physical therapy decreasing healing time.

2. Long term use in recovery plans.. The athletes that subject themselves to punishment on a daily basis. Think football players… every Monday after they play Sunday.

Is it ok to mix different forms of recovery in one sitting like say, Cryotherapy with a hot sauna immediately after?

Yes, but they need to be done with purpose.  Our motto is Recover With Purpose…. Every patient that walks through our door is treated with a purpose.  Nothing annoys me more than those places where you come in and everyone gets the same thing…. Everyone, every injury should be treated to that individual.  This is one of the reasons we require blood work for IV therapy.  We need to know what you NEED.  These places that just pump people with vitamins and fluids without looking at their needs…. It drives me nuts, but it could also harm the patient if they get something they don’t need.

What’s the most innovative form of recovery you all offer?

It isn’t one thing…. It is our Recover with Purpose System that makes us different and allows us to use the existing recovery modalities out there at the right time.  This has the best outcome for the patient/client.

If we can’t make it in for a session, what can we do at home to start our recovery routine?

Drink more water. Sleep.