I understand first hand what it is like to be told that one’s case is hopeless and what it is like to feel like one is just setting themselves up for disappointment. A principle that will be introduced early on in our journey — we must first believe before we can achieve. Whether we are an athlete or enthusiast of a physical activity, being told that it is no longer safe or possible to do what we love can give rise to a profound sense of grief. Fear often accompanies this grief, especially when we feel as though a passionate part of our lives has suddenly been taken away. Rather than feeling fearful or ashamed of wanting to return to an activity we love, I believe that it is important to remember that Western medicine tends to follow a reductionist approach focused on reducing further injury, rather than steadily developing its capacity for work and resilience to stress.