🎧 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 into how discipline, not motivation, is the more reliable path forward for those dealing with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, or slow progress in recovery. I talk about the dangers of waiting — for the right diagnosis, perfect treatment, or ideal circumstances — and how that delay often leads to greater pain, disability, and missed opportunities.

We also look at common reasons patients hesitate to act: fear of disappointment, lack of instant results, or waiting for specialists. I share why investing consistent effort — even in imperfect conditions — often yields the best outcomes.

Whether you're a patient, clinician, or someone navigating your own recovery journey, this episode is a reminder that progress is possible — but it starts with you picking up the oars.

⏱ Timestamps

• 00:33 – Parenting, motivation, and the "sailboat vs. rowboat" analogy
• 01:50 – Motivation is fleeting; discipline is reliable
• 04:04 – How discipline applies in rehab settings
• 06:00 – The risk of waiting for ideal treatment conditions
• 07:07 – Why pain, disability, and disappointment increase with delay
• 08:44 – The long referral cycle for musculoskeletal patients
• 10:00 – Understanding the fear of trying and failing
• 11:21 – Short-term vs. long-term treatments: a warning about quick fixes
• 13:00 – The emotional cost of waiting too long
• 15:01 – Muscle loss, missed life events, and poor conditioning from delay
• 16:01 – Final thoughts: build discipline, don’t wait for perfect timing

🎯 Call to Action
If this episode resonated with you or a patient you know, share it. And remember to subscribe, rate, and review so we can keep helping people take back control of their recovery.

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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 shares real-world examples from his own practice, discusses how he's experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT, and questions the growing trend of replacing human interaction with automation in medical settings. If you're a healthcare provider, patient, or simply curious about how tech is shaping your care experience, this episode will challenge your thinking.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Intro: What is rehabilitation and why this podcast exists
• [01:00] The inspiration for this episode: AI in patient communication
• [02:00] Pros of AI in clinic operations and task automation
• [04:00] Using AI to simplify patient intake and FAQs
• [05:00] Improving accessibility through transcription and translation
• [06:00] The trade-off: Efficiency vs. Human Connection
• [07:00] Concerns with AI replacing frontline communication
• [08:00] Automation fatigue: Is AI really answering the patient’s question?
• [10:00] Communication as a therapeutic tool in rehabilitation
• [12:00] Multidisciplinary care and the problem with fragmented communication
• [13:00] Why human interaction is still irreplaceable
• [14:00] Final thoughts: AI as a support tool, not a replacement

Call to Action:
Like what you heard? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's curious about the future of healthcare. For more movement-centered insights, follow me @drfredbagares or visit linktr.ee/drfredbagares. See you next week on The Talking Rehab Podcast.

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🎧 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 medical encounter. As someone who's worked hard to build a personal, relationship-driven practice, it was eye-opening (pun intended) to sit on the other side and witness a very efficient—but impersonal—system at work.

If you’re a physician, patient, or just someone curious about what truly matters in healthcare today, this episode will give you a lot to think about.

🕰️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Why I saw an ophthalmologist (and what triggered the visit)
• [01:00] – First impressions: busy waiting room, multiple waiting areas
• [02:00] – A step-by-step walkthrough of the visit logistics
• [03:00] – The actual medical encounter: 7 minutes with the doctor
• [05:00] – Breaking down what I paid for vs. what I experienced
• [06:00] – The disconnect between medical quality and emotional experience
• [08:00] – What patients value in healthcare vs. other service industries
• [09:30] – Why the human side of care still matters—barbers, vets, and doctors alike
• [10:30] – "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
• [12:00] – How direct care models offer a more meaningful patient interaction
• [13:00] – Rehab isn’t transactional—it's relational and nuanced
• [14:00] – Why insurance-based systems often fail both patients and clinicians
• [15:00] – A challenge to both patients and physicians: What are you going to do about it?

This was a personal one. It reminded me why I started MSK Direct in the first place—to offer something better than a system that often prioritizes process over people. If you’re fed up with 7-minute visits and checked boxes, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode sparked something for you. Let’s keep the conversation going about what healthcare could and should be.

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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 the treatment works, even when it might not be.

If you're a clinician, therapist, or even just someone who’s been on a confusing healthcare journey, this one's for you.

Timestamps to Navigate the Episode:

• [00:00] – Introduction: Who I am and what this podcast is about
• [00:35] – The case begins: Chronic lateral foot pain without clear trauma
• [01:40] – The original (incorrect) diagnosis and why it made sense
• [02:54] – Why the MRI and ultrasound told a different story
• [03:28] – The real cause: A small overlooked nerve
• [04:34] – Discussions with surgeons and therapists: Skepticism and resistance
• [07:00] – Introducing the concept of the "Pathology Pivot"
• [08:01] – Why getting better doesn’t always confirm your diagnosis
• [09:30] – Real-world examples of treatment success not meaning diagnostic success
• [11:02] – How outcome bias affects clinicians and patients alike
• [13:00] – Final thoughts on mental errors we all make in healthcare

Thank you so much for listening! I hope this episode helps you think a little differently about diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
If you enjoyed it, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend or colleague!

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• Instagram: @drfredbagares
• Facebook: @drfredbagares
• LinkedIn: Fred Bagares, DO
• YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drfredbagares

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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 skipping the gym while traveling, this conversation is for you.

🧭 Show Notes + Timestamps

• [00:00] What is rehab? Quick intro and host background
• [00:34] A family trip to Jamaica: First time vacation stories
• [01:27] The importance of reconnecting with family and unplugging
• [02:13] Observing how others unwind—and the urge to move
• [03:03] The travel struggle: long flights, airports, and lack of movement
• [04:07] Vacation routine: lounging vs. gym time
• [05:06] Who exercises on vacation? Noticing gym habits at resorts
• [05:54] Rediscovering fun in fitness through new equipment and variety
• [06:20] The deeper why: Moving because it feels good—not just to look good
• [07:18] The balance between challenge and enjoyment in vacation workouts
• [07:36] Alternatives to the gym: walking, swimming, exploring
• [08:19] Revisiting the "movement buckets" concept from earlier episodes
• [09:00] How movement supports recovery from injuries—even on vacation
• [09:37] Movement as proactive care, not just reaction to pain
• [10:09] Reflecting on your relationship with exercise during travel
• [11:04] Rethinking fitness: If it doesn’t feel good, is it the right kind?
• [12:15] The risks of going "too hard" and missing the joy of movement
• [13:28] The preventative power of staying active—especially while lounging
• [14:34] Final thoughts: Plan how you'll move, not just where you'll go

💬 Quote from Dr. Fred:

🧠 Key Takeaway:

Movement on vacation shouldn't feel like a chore—it should feel good, natural, and energizing. Whether you're walking the resort grounds, treading water, or exploring a new city, movement is an essential part of wellness—even when you're resting.

🌐 Follow Dr. Fred Bagares:

• Instagram: @drfredbagares
• Facebook: @drfredbagares
• LinkedIn: Fred Bagares, DO
• YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares
• Linktree: linktr.ee/drfredbagares

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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 the status quo has brought both pushback and empowerment.

If you're a clinician frustrated with red tape, or a patient tired of navigating insurance barriers, this episode is for you. I share why I believe the future of healthcare lies in returning to a direct relationship between the patient and provider — and what it felt like to be in a room full of people who actually get it.

🔑 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• [00:32] – Why I stopped attending traditional specialty conferences
• [01:55] – Burnout, red tape, and the moment I needed change
• [02:47] – Enter the direct care model: a shift in purpose
• [04:07] – Attending the PM&R conference but feeling uninspired
• [05:02] – First impressions of the Free Market Medical Association Conference
• [05:52] – Who was in the room and what made it different
• [06:33] – Everyone agrees: the system is broken
• [07:00] – Learning about the players behind insurance-driven care
• [08:03] – Feeling seen, understood, and validated
• [09:07] – The skepticism (and quiet curiosity) from my peers
• [10:00] – My telemedicine startup before COVID — and how no one believed in it
• [10:40] – The more people doubt me, the more I know I’m onto something
• [11:04] – Where are the national conversations about healthcare delivery?
• [11:56] – A room full of innovators and disruptors
• [12:12] – Meeting future physicians: students who want to think differently
• [13:00] – Expanding Talking Rehab to cover more on direct care
• [13:04] – What direct care really means to me

This one is straight from the heart. If you're thinking about doing things differently — whether you're a doc, a student, or just someone who wants better care — I hope this gives you a little motivation. Thanks for listening and letting me share this journey with you.

📲 Follow me for more:

• Instagram: @drfredbagares
• YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares
• Linktree: linktr.ee/drfredbagares

#DirectCare #HealthcareReform #TalkingRehab #FreeMarketMedicine #PMR #Physiatry #MedicalInnovation #PatientFirst

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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 athletes and weekend warriors—the Movement Bucket Framework. It’s my way of helping people understand how to keep moving forward, even when they’re not 100% yet.

🎯 Key Topics & Time Stamps:

• [00:37] The case of the soccer player – Doing everything “right” and still not better
• [02:03] Exhausting all the options – PT, surgery, injections... then what?
• [04:51] When “everything looks fine” doesn’t feel fine – Navigating invisible barriers
• [06:18] The cost of waiting – The real price of standing still
• [08:00] Introducing the Movement Buckets – Everyday, Most Days, and Challenge Day
• [11:04] How the buckets work together – And how to know if you’re doing too much
• [12:00] Momentum is medicine – Why some movement is better than none
• [13:00] Getting buy-in (or not) – What happens when people don’t like the plan
• [14:00] Why movement is non-negotiable – The bottom line in rehab

This one’s for the folks stuck in limbo—the “I’m not in crisis, but I’m not myself” crew. Whether you’re a clinician or a patient, I hope this episode helps you see rehab as a journey, not a single moment of “healed.”

🧠 Movement isn’t just medicine—it’s a mindset. Let’s talk about how to build that mindset, even when it’s tough.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in to the Talking Rehab Podcast. If this episode spoke to you, I’d love it if you subscribed, shared it with a friend, or left a review.

👉 Follow me:
Instagram: @drfredbagares
Facebook: @drfredbagares
YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares
Linktree: linktr.ee/drfredbagares

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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, and success. Is surgery always the fix? Or should we be thinking bigger—pain relief, improved motion, long-term function?

This episode isn’t just about knees. It’s about how we define problems, what counts as success, and how to shift from a “parts replacement” mindset to one that values movement and sustainability.

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Navigation

• [00:31] – Case study: Young patient with acute meniscus tear
• [01:57] – “Does this actually fix the meniscus?” and the problem vs. solution dilemma
• [03:00] – One-and-done conditions vs. musculoskeletal reality
• [04:49] – What are the real goals: pain, range of motion, stability
• [05:44] – Degenerative meniscus tears: common, normal, and not always symptomatic
• [06:00] – Why joint replacements aren’t a clean slate if lifestyle doesn’t change
• [07:52] – Pain relief ≠ long-term improvement: Don’t stop at symptom resolution
• [09:12] – I’m not anti-surgery—I’m pro-movement
• [10:03] – Respecting patient autonomy and informed decision-making
• [11:01] – Breaking free from the insurance model and reclaiming patient-centered care
• [12:04] – Regenerative medicine: exciting but misunderstood
• [12:29] – Why surgical and conservative failures often stem from the same issue
• [13:04] – Ask yourself: What is the real goal of treatment? What opportunity is it creating?

Thank you for spending your time with me on the Talking Rehab Podcast. My goal is to challenge how we all think about rehab—not just fixing problems, but truly empowering movement and health.

🎧 If you enjoyed this conversation, hit that follow button and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

📲 Stay connected:
Instagram: @drfredbagares
Facebook: @drfredbagares
YouTube: Dr. Fred Bagares
Linktree: linktr.ee/drfredbagares

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