Dr. Britni Barber | Pain Management for Active Women | Virtual & Denver, CO

In our Women in Wellness series, we spotlight inspiring women who are making waves in the wellness community. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Dr. Britni Barber, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pain Free Performance Specialist based in Denver, Colorado, whose approach to pain management empowers active adults to reclaim their freedom of movement.

Meeting Dr. Britni Barber

With her credentials as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC), Britni brings specialized expertise to her practice at Rise Performance and Physical Therapy. She primarily works with active adults, weekend warriors, and gym enthusiasts who value movement as an essential part of their lives.

"Pain doesn't have to define you or your life," Britni emphasizes. "You are not broken, your body is built to heal, capable of change, and will come back stronger."

Beyond Treatment: The True Power of Pain Management

While physical therapy is often associated with post-injury rehabilitation, Britni's approach focuses on its transformative potential for long-term wellness. Contrary to common misconceptions about pain management, Britni sees it as an opportunity for profound self-empowerment.

"When clients come to me, they're often confused, frustrated, and feeling stuck in their own bodies," she shares. "They start to wonder if they'll have to give up the activities they love as they get older, and they fear falling into the same situation they saw their parents or grandparents experience."

Debunking Pain Management Myths

Britni is passionate about dispelling the common misconceptions that keep active adults from living pain-free lives:

1. Myth: Pain is just part of everyday life, especially if we're active or aging
   Britni challenges this notion, believing that pain shouldn't be accepted as inevitable. With proper guidance, movement can be pain-free regardless of age or activity level.

2. Myth: Finishing physical therapy means you're ready to jump back into sports
   Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Britni emphasizes the importance of proper progression and listening to your body even after completing formal therapy.

3. Myth: Rest isn’t always the best solution for pain
   While rest has its place, strategic movement is often key to recovery. Complete inactivity can sometimes hinder rather than help the healing process.

Practical Tips for a Pain-Free Active Life

Britni emphasizes that proactive self-care is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle. Many people don't realize their body is trying to communicate with them until pain becomes significant. Here are her practical tips for incorporating pain-free practices:

1. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Focus on getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself, and inadequate rest can compromise healing and recovery processes.

2. Manage Stress Levels: Chronic stress can make pain receptors become more sensitive to pain signals, not just altering your perception but actually increasing your physical sensitivity to discomfort. Find stress reduction techniques that work for you, whether that's meditation, time in nature, or other calming activities.

3. Fuel Your Body Properly: Pay attention to hydration, electrolytes, protein, and micronutrients. Proper nutrition supports tissue repair and can significantly impact your body's ability to maintain and heal itself.

Finding Your Path to Pain-Free Movement

Britni's personal journey with movement began at a young age. "I've always loved moving my body from a very young age," she reflects. "I went to a tech high school and studied exercise science, then went on to college to study the same thing before getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy."

Her athletic background is diverse—playing five sports from ages 7-18, with volleyball and basketball being her favorites. She even learned to snowboard at age 25, demonstrating that it's never too late to expand your movement repertoire.

What might surprise you about Britni? "I don't sit down for very long," she admits with a laugh, embodying her philosophy that our bodies are meant to be in motion.

The Transformation Journey

The transformations Britni witnesses in her clients go beyond pain relief. "When leaving, they feel strong and capable in their own bodies again. They understand how their body works and have tools that help them find lasting relief. They feel empowered, in control, and experience a sense of freedom when it comes to movement and exercise."

She adds, "I take someone who feels stuck, frustrated, and disconnected from their own body and guide them to a place where they feel strong, confident, and in control of their health and wellness. It's not just about pain relief—it's about giving someone their life back."

The Power of Community

Beyond her one-on-one work with clients, Britni is passionate about extending her impact through community initiatives. She's launching a free 14-day challenge called the "Resilient Body Reset" to help more people experience the benefits of her approach.

"I believe that wellness should be accessible," she says. "The challenge is designed to give people practical tools they can implement right away to start experiencing more freedom in their movement."

Connect with Britni

Ready to experience Britni's approach to pain-free movement?

• Website: riseperformanceandpt.com

• Phone: 720-506-1549 (text or call)

• Email: britni@riseperformanceandpt.com

• Locations:

• Wheat Ridge: 5455 W 38th Ave, Suite N

• South Broadway: 1462 S Broadway

• Virtual appointments available

For a streamlined connection, you can also fill out the appointment request form at riseperformanceandpt.com/request-appointment.

This post is part of PeachyYogi's Women in Wellness directory, where we spotlight inspiring women in the wellness community. Stay tuned for more features highlighting women who are making a difference through their unique approaches to health and wellbeing.