Jiu Jitsu Injuries and Longevity: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Staying on the Mats

Jiu-jitsu injuries, BJJ rehab, finger injuries, neck pain, leg locks, physical therapy, and longevity are all part of the reality of staying on the mats long term.

In this episode of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Eugene Tsozik, physical therapist, jiu-jitsu black belt, founder of The Jiu Jitsu Therapist, and co-host of the Chewjitsu Podcast.

This conversation is all about what grapplers need to understand if they want to train hard without constantly breaking down.

We talk about the injuries that show up most often in jiu-jitsu, including finger injuries, mallet finger, neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, knee injuries, leg locks, bursitis, and the long road back after being cleared from traditional physical therapy.

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that “cleared” does not always mean ready for jiu-jitsu.

Grappling is different. You are not just returning to running, lifting, or controlled movement. You are returning to a live opponent who can stack you, twist you, pull you, and put your body under pressure from unpredictable angles.

That is why rehab has to respect the sport.

We also get into longevity, strength training, mobility, grip management, load management, and why what you do off the mats matters just as much as what you do during training.

If you train jiu-jitsu, coach grapplers, treat combat athletes, or want to stay healthy enough to keep training for years, this episode will give you a smarter way to think about recovery, injury prevention, and performance.

New episodes of the Doctor Jiu Jitsu Podcast drop the first Friday of every month.