This blog post features a few key takeaways from Dr. Megan’s Wellness Your Way podcast interview with Dr. Matt Fontaine about rethinking movement, inflammation, and longevity. Find the full episode here and be sure to subscribe to Wellness Your Way so you don’t miss future episodes!

Guest Bio: Dr. Matt Fontaine

Dr. Fontaine is a sports chiropractic physician serving patients in Northern Virginia. His practice focus is on sports medicine and functional rehabilitation. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Fontaine is licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, and his approach to patient care integrates joint & fascial manipulation, sports injury recovery techniques, Active Release Techniques® (A.R.T) and corrective exercise.

Top Insights from Dr. Matt Fontaine’s Interview

1. Your old injuries might still be affecting you. Dr. Fontaine explains how the body “keeps score” and why past damage quietly shapes current movement.
2. Pain is a lagging indicator. By the time something hurts, your body has already been compensating for a while.
3. Movement patterns—not isolated joints—drive most pain. He breaks down why chasing symptoms rarely solves the root issue.
4. “Tissues heal, but muscles learn”. Lingering guarding and scar tissue can cause new pain long after an injury ends.
5. Functional limitation vs. impairment vs. disability. Dr. Fontaine shares how these stages differ and why catching issues early matters.
6. Systemic inflammation blocks healing. Diet, stress, and sleep can amplify pain no matter how much treatment you get.
7. Strength training and mobility are non-negotiable. Dr. Fontaine outlines a simple framework anyone can follow, even beginners.
8. Recovery is part of the prescription. Deload weeks and planned rest keep you progressing instead of burning out.
9. What you eat directly impacts your pain. Dr. Fontaine connects omega ratios, inflammation, cortisol, and daily discomfort.
10. You need a team approach to stay healthy long-term. Dr. Fontaine explains how the right providers help protect your “one body” for decades.

Want to hear the full episode, including how to tell the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain”, the surprising drivers of inflammation that could be sabotaging your recovery, why strength is protective, and so much more?

Check out the podcast episode here!