When it comes to pushing their bodies to the limit, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift surprisingly have a lot in common. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end and the pop superstar recently revealed that their profession both demand intense recovery routines.
During her debut interview on the New Heights podcast, Taylor compared her post-show recovery on the record-breaking Eras Tour to Kelce’s NFL grind: “It was a lot of physical therapy, and it was a lot of being in a state of perpetual physical discomfort.”
Kelce admitted he was floored by Swift’s recovery setup, which includes toe spacers and acupuncture mats, joking, “She does more than I do.”
Behind the laughs is a universal truth: whether you’re catching passes in the Super Bowl, performing for 70,000 screaming fans, or chasing your kids around the backyard, your body needs care, strength, and recovery to keep doing what you love.
The Common Denominator: Physical Therapy for Every Body
We asked Dr. Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, Clinic Director at Physical Therapy Central’s West Edmond location, to share why physical therapy isn’t just for pros or pop stars, and what anyone can do to feel and perform better.
1. Prioritize Active Recovery
“Rest doesn’t have to mean hitting pause completely,” Devin says. “I tell my patients all the time that the day after something strenuous, your body will thank you for gentle movement. It keeps blood flowing, prevents that stiff-as-a-board’feeling, and speeds up recovery so you can get back to doing what you love.”
Try it: Take a 10–15 minute walk the day after strenuous activity or do light stretching with resistance bands.
2. Strengthen the Hidden Muscles That Protect You
Kelce trains to avoid injury from big hits, and Swift dances for hours in heels. Both require strong stabilizers, like core, glutes, and shoulder rotators.
“You don’t have to be in the NFL or on stage in heels to benefit from strong stabilizing muscles,” Devin says. “Your core, glutes, and shoulder rotators are the unsung heroes that keep you upright, balanced, and pain-free—whether you’re lifting kids, sitting at a desk, or chasing a personal record in the gym.”
Try it: Planks, side-lying leg lifts, and light resistance rotator cuff exercises.
3. Address Pain Early — Don’t Wait Until You’re Sidelined
“Don’t wait until you’re sidelined to do something about pain,” Devin emphasizes. “So many injuries could be avoided if we addressed those little nagging aches early. Whether it’s from a long workday or a weekend run, physical therapy can help you get ahead of it before it turns into something that truly interrupts your life.”
If you feel persistent discomfort—whether it’s from a weekend run, long workday, or marathon performance schedule—see a PT before it sidelines you.
4. Keep Mobility a Daily Habit
Toe spacers and mobility drills aren’t just for NFL players and superstars.
“Mobility work isn’t just for athletes or performers—it’s for anyone who wants to feel good moving through their day,” Devin says. “A few minutes of intentional stretching and joint mobility can completely change how your body feels when you wake up, sit at work, or exercise. Think of it as maintenance for the one body you get.”
Try it: Incorporate 5–10 minutes of dynamic stretches each morning, such as cat-cow, hip circles, and ankle rolls.
Ready to Move Like a Pro?
Whether you’re Travis, Taylor, or just trying to keep up with everyday life, your body thrives when you care for it like a pro. Physical therapy helps you stay strong, recover faster, and move without pain so you can keep performing at your personal best.
Find a Confluent Health partner clinic near you and start building your own recovery routine today.