Align Pain & Performance

“I was in pain all the time.”
Not occasionally.
Not just after activity.
All the time.

Linda has structural scoliosis, and as the years went on, everyday life became harder and harder.
Driving long distances hurt.
Bending over hurt.
Even simple chores became exhausting.
At one point, she told her husband:
“If I don’t find something that helps… I’ll probably end up disabled.”
That’s where her story started.

To read Linda's full story: www.experiencealign.com/stories/linda-scoliosis-low-back-pain-story

As we age, muscle mass and strength naturally decline.
That’s not a flaw.
It’s biology.
But how you respond to it determines your trajectory.

Most people jump straight into strength training.
Push harder. Lift heavier. Do more.
Sometimes it works.
Sometimes it leads to flare-ups.
Because strength is not the first step.

If the system is sensitive…
If joints don’t move well…
If stability isn’t in place…
Adding load too early can exceed capacity.

At Align, we follow an order.
First, restore calm—so the nervous system isn’t on high alert.
Then restore mobility—so joints can move where they’re supposed to.
Then build stability—so your body can control that movement.
Only then do we build strength.

That’s how strength becomes protective instead of provocative.
After 40, strength is one of the most important drivers of joint longevity.
But it works best when it’s built on the right foundation.
Because strength isn’t just about lifting more.
It’s about building a body that can handle life—for years to come.

To learn more about what your specific body needs, schedule a Free Pain Diagnostic. Even if you don't have pain, getting strong will keep things that way!
👉www.experiencealign.com/contact

I have been with Align for almost 10 years. When I started, I had chronic debilitating back, neck, and shoulder pain. 44 years of tailoring will do that to a person!

During the pandemic, I started using the online services. With Andrea helping me, I built up my home gym little by little until once the pandemic ended, I decided to continue working out at home.

Now, I start my day with a workout tailored for me, in the comfort and privacy of my home. I love it! I loved the social aspect of going to the Align gym, but I feel like I can concentrate better on my personal goals on my own.

I still have ""bad days"" depending on my activity level but I am able to work through those with the tools I have gained from Align. I can always text Andrea and she can remind me of what to do.

It's really great having a support system I can rely on! Thanks Align!"

And just for fun.. Barbara's Review from 2020:
"When I first started at Align, I felt ""broken"", like many of their clients. Years of bad posture. Degenerating disks and joints. Obesity. After a hip replacement in 2008, everyone told me to ""just walk"". Well, just walking and standing was always painful.

I had known for some time that a ""cookie cutter"" workout and diet was not going to work for me.

I met with Matthew Lister, and just talking with him made me feel hopeful. He listened to my history, my concerns and tailored a workout just for me. He has his own back issues which helps him empathize with his clients.

Now, I CAN do a rigorous workout, including walking. I have lost weight. And if I have a day when my back or shoulders are jacked up, I know I can contact any of the fantastic trainers at Align and get the help I need. Love you guys!"

“Getting older” doesn’t have to mean giving up the life you love.

Scott says one of the biggest lessons he learned is that healing starts with deciding you want something different—and staying consistent enough to work toward it.

Pain had become normal for him.
Now movement, travel, activity, and quality of life are normal again.

Sometimes the first step is simply walking through the door. 🚪

To read Scott's story: www.experiencealign.com/stories/scott-back-pain-recovery-avoid-surgery

Arthritis is often seen as the end of the road.
A permanent condition that guarantees pain.
But pain doesn’t come from arthritis alone.

It comes from how your system handles load.
Because arthritis is just one piece of a bigger picture.
Movement quality…
Joint stability…
Muscle strength…
Nervous system sensitivity…
Inflammation…
All influence whether you feel pain—or not.

This is why two people can have similar arthritis on imaging…
And completely different experiences.
One has pain.
The other doesn’t.
The difference is capacity.

If the system around the joint isn’t prepared,
stress becomes concentrated.
Pain increases.
If the system is supported and strong,
load is distributed.
Pain often decreases.

This is why the goal isn’t to “remove arthritis.”
It’s to improve the system around it.
Calm the system.
Restore movement.
Build stability.
Increase strength.

As capacity improves:
Symptoms often become more manageable.
Function returns.
Confidence builds.
Arthritis doesn’t decide your outcome.
Your system does.

I’ve been training with Jaylee for 6 years and the results have been amazing. When I came back to Align, after a severe car accident and a 2 year hiatus going through the required medical protocol for the accident claim, I could barely walk through the front door of the gym. Jaylee and Matthew created a personalized plan that literally got me back on my feet again. I’ve since been training with Jaylee and she creates challenging personalized workouts designed to meet my personal goals and needs. Whether it’s pain management, strength training, recovery from injuries or unexpected health issues, she’s got me covered. Jaylee’s knowledge and encouragement has helped me achieve many goals beyond my expectations. I would highly recommend Jaylee and the Align team to anyone looking to improve their physical wellbeing and fitness. - Dee

Today looks completely different.

Scott is back to fishing all day, 🎣 traveling for weeks at a time, golfing, and staying active without paying for it afterward in pain.

The biggest difference isn’t just physical strength—
it’s having his life back again.

More freedom. More movement. More confidence in what his body can handle.

To read Scott's story: www.experiencealign.com/stories/scott-back-pain-recovery-avoid-surgery

Arthritis is often explained as “wear and tear.”
Like your joints are breaking down over time.
But that’s only part of the picture.

Many people with arthritis on imaging have little to no pain.
And others with pain show minimal structural change.
So what’s the difference?

Capacity.
If joints aren’t supported by:
Adequate movement…
Consistent stability…
Sufficient strength…
They experience more concentrated stress.

Over time, that stress can contribute to degeneration.
But pain is more closely tied to how well the system handles load.
This is why focusing only on the joint itself often falls short.

The goal isn’t just to “protect” the joint.
It’s to build the system around it.
➡ Restore movement.
➡ Rebuild control.
➡ Increase strength.

As capacity improves:
Load is distributed better.
Stress decreases.
Symptoms often become more manageable.

Arthritis doesn’t mean you’re fragile.
It means your system needs support.

Jamie is an excellent coach and between Align and an osteopath appointment my sciatica is resolved. I have been attending Align classes twice a week since November and my legs and back are stronger and have increased mobility. I know what to do if l have knee or back pain. I have recommended Align to several others and signed my 23 year old son up to resolve lower back, foot and neck pain from several injuries. I am hopeful he will be healthy again. - Pat

Scott didn’t want another surgery.

Instead, he committed to rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and learning how to support his body for the long haul.

At first, progress felt slow. But little by little, things started changing:
• Less dependence on his back brace
• More confidence moving
• Less soreness after everyday activities

Not an overnight fix—
but real, sustainable progress.

To read Scott's story, click on the Client Stories link in our bio.