Elliott
Training for a world championship is no easy feat. Every rep, every lift, and every moment of preparation matters. Just a few months before IPF Junior Worlds, Elliott Sykes strained his pec, and suddenly, all that hard work was at risk. What looked like a major setback became a defining moment in his journey.
During his time at 3DPT Old City, Elliott worked closely with Dr. Benjamin Harris, who took a comprehensive and individualized approach to his recovery. Together, they focused on rebuilding strength, restoring confidence, and fine-tuning performance. Through dedicated rehab, personalized exercises, and a progressive bench program, Elliott not only healed, but he came back stronger than ever.
When it mattered most, Elliott delivered. He returned to the platform with focus, determination, and power, hitting a bench PR and achieving a record-breaking performance at IPF Junior Worlds. His commitment, consistency, and belief in the process carried him to the top. Today, Elliott Sykes stands as the 2024 – 2025 Junior World Champion and a six-time World Record holder.
Elliott is a dedicated athlete who approaches every aspect of training and rehab with intent and discipline. He took his recovery seriously, showing up every day with the same drive he brings to competition. Here’s what Elliott had to say about his rehab journey at 3DPT Old City:
1. Tell us about what brought you to physical therapy and how this has affected your life.
I’ve had multiple issues that brought me to physical therapy over the past year, from hip problems to recurrent pec strains. As an internationally competitive powerlifter, my performance depends on staying healthy and functioning at a high level, so addressing these issues has been essential to my success.
2. Tell us a little about your recovery process. What has been the hardest part of your therapy? What was your favorite part of physical therapy?
The hardest part was dealing with the recurrence of my injury. I came to Benjamin in the middle of competition season, so I wasn’t able to fully step away and rehab without pushing my limits in training. That made it tough to find balance, and I’d often aggravate my pec again. My favorite part was seeing the progress week by week and feeling myself regain confidence and strength.
3. What advice would you give to other people who suffered similar injuries or going through the same situation?
Stay patient and be consistent with your exercises. It can be frustrating to not focus on your main lifts or goals, but if you trust the process and put in the work your therapist gives you, you’ll make your way back stronger and more resilient than before.
4. Share a fun fact, bucket list item, or goal you want to reach!
My ultimate goal is to become the best powerlifter of all time and to win the Open World Championships.
Take a look at Elliott in action at the Powerlifting Classic Age Championship in Nevada!
Elliott’s journey is proof that with dedication, patience, and the right support, setbacks can fuel even greater success. His commitment to recovery turned a challenging season into a championship moment, leading to stronger lifts, new records, and an incredible performance on the world stage. 💪🏼
Physical therapy can help you reach your goals too! Click HERE to make an appointment with a 3DPT physical therapist!