I’m fortunate enough to be a physical therapist in this position. It’s tough. You must validate the situation and the advice the doc has given (even when it is misinformed), then gently guide people towards being active in some way. Docs often times have the “do no harm” mentality, as they should, but that causes them to be overly cautious in places they are not experts such as exercise prescription.

Depends on the diagnosis. I’m going to train a tendinopathy different than a fracture and still different than a nerve entrapment. As a PT witg the training, clinical reasoning and knowledge to make an educated decision I would make my own decision on rehab. I still would want to have a conversation with the doc - patients aren’t great at relaying information from other providers.

I always urge them to get a second opinion from someone who works with athletes

First: “Do you want to train, or do you train to do the things in life that make you happy? [“Both” is an acceptable answer.] Working out isn’t just lifting as much weight as you can. It’s preparing your body for the physical stressors of whatever your goals are. There’s always a path forward.” Then: “Based on what you’ve just told me, this is the path that I believe will best get you there…”

Most doctors are just drug dealers working for big pharmaceutical companies

Secure a medical clearance from doc which will state restrictions. Following docs orders are a must but if a client is apprehensive about the decision a second opinion could be valid. If you don’t have experience with special populations, injuries, etc. then refer out.

Interesting question. Situations can dictate different responses. In America though if an individual is instructed by a doctor to stop training legally we’re required to follow those guidelines. However it’s actually up to the client to follow instructions given by any professional. So I tend to avoid whatever the doctor recommends to avoid.

It depends.

I agree and then take a different approach. A lot of time personal trainers get a bad look and people misunderstand what we do but I reassess goals based off of injuries and limitations ( working on more active rest days, nutrition work, possible rehab or prehab, take time to open range of motion or mobility/flexability) and continue from there based on how the client feels.

Not a Personal Trainer, but as a remedial massage therapist I think it depends on the injury. Some yes stop training, others can be modified or worked around and other areas of the body can still be trained. For example, a calf muscle tear wouldn’t stop you from training upper body (might have to make some adjustments). That said always a good idea to have a written medical clearance from a doctor on file before any training.