We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Rush Hemphill and have shared our conversation below.
Rush, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are quiet but intentional. I wake up around 5 a.m., pour a cup of coffee, and spend time reading my Bible. That quiet time sets the tone for everything that follows. It gives me perspective, keeps me grounded, and reminds me why I do what I do — to serve people and help them live stronger, healthier lives.
After that, I train from about 5:30 to 6:30. Some days it is a mix of strength work and mobility, others cardio based with a run or bike ride. That hour of movement clears my head and helps me show up better for my clients and my family. By the time most people are starting their day, I already feel centered, focused, and ready to work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rush Hemphill, and I’m the founder of Spear Athletics Physical Therapy — a hybrid physical therapy and performance training practice that bridges the gap between injury, recovery, and long-term fitness.
We specialize in helping people move better, recover faster, and build strength with personalized, evidence-based care. What makes Spear Athletics unique is the way we combine medical expertise with functional training. Every client, whether they’re rehabbing from surgery or working toward peak performance, is treated like an athlete — with individualized programming and hands-on guidance.
Our approach is built on faith, compassion, and accountability. We believe movement is a gift, and our mission is to help people steward that gift well. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach through community education and performance-based programs that make physical therapy more proactive, not reactive.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is usually pride and misunderstanding. When we stop listening, assume the worst, or start leading with ego instead of empathy, connection breaks down fast. It can happen in families, teams, or entire communities.
What restores those bonds is humility — the willingness to listen, to forgive, and to serve instead of defend. I’ve seen that both in my work and my faith. Healing, whether physical or relational, always starts with understanding and grace. When people feel seen and valued again, trust returns, and real growth begins.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I can recall severall instances when I have changed my mind, because the science in health and performance keeps evolving. A few things that stand out recently:
First, the old “no pain, no gain” mindset. The research on pain science and recovery has made it clear that pain isn’t a measure of effort — it’s feedback. Now I focus on smart, sustainable training that challenges the body without stressing the nervous system. While some pain may be acceptable throughout rehabing an injury, it is important to note the frequency, intensity, and duration the pain lasts.
Second, static stretching before workouts. For years it was standard advice, but newer data shows dynamic warmups are far more effective at improving mobility and reducing injury risk. I’ve shifted all my programming to reflect that. Static stretching can be more helpful after training, or during the day.
Third, the idea that strength training and cardio have to be separate goals. We’re seeing how strength work actually improves endurance, metabolism, and even cardiovascular health. That’s why at Spear Athletics, I program resistance training for almost every client, regardless of age or fitness level.
These changes remind me to stay humble, keep learning, and let data — not trends — shape how I serve people.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that more treatment automatically means better outcomes. Too often, care becomes volume-driven instead of value-driven. True recovery doesn’t come from doing more sessions; it comes from doing the right things consistently, built around the individual.
Another lie is that aging equals decline. I work with people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who are getting stronger and moving better than they did twenty years ago. The body is remarkably adaptable at any age when it’s trained with purpose and intention.
And finally, the idea that technology or fancy equipment is what makes a program effective. Tools help, but relationships heal. Progress comes from connection, accountability, and trust — not just gadgets.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace early in the morning, before the world wakes up. That quiet time with Scripture, prayer, and coffee anchors me. It reminds me that purpose comes before performance.
I also find peace when I’m training — not chasing numbers, just moving, breathing, and being present. There’s something about physical discipline that clears the mind and reconnects the body and spirit.
And honestly, I feel it when a client has that breakthrough moment — when they move without pain for the first time in months, or realize they’re stronger than they thought. Seeing someone regain confidence and freedom reminds me why I do this work.
That combination of faith, movement, and helping others — that’s peace for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spearathleticspt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spear_physical_therapy/
- Linkedin: Rush Hemphill PT, DPT, CSCS
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Spear-Athletics-Physical-Therapy-61573220290220/
