Charlie Dickson is a licensed physical therapist, strength coach, and competitive powerlifter who specializes in evidence-based strength training, pain and injury rehabilitation, and performance focused coaching. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Radford University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech.

With over 18 years of strength training experience and 11 years of coaching experience, Charlie has worked with hundreds of clients ranging from beginners to competitive strength athletes. His coaching approach blends clinical reasoning, practical programming, and real-world lifting experience to help clients train effectively while navigating pain, injury, and performance goals.

Charlie is especially passionate about helping lifters move beyond fear-based narratives around pain and injury. Rather than relying on quick fixes or overly rigid “corrective exercise” models, he emphasizes progressive loading, individualized exercise selection, and sustainable training strategies that allow people to keep building strength over time.

As a competitive powerlifter, Charlie won the 2018 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Junior World Championship in the 83kg class and has competed successfully at the national and international level. His experience as both a clinician and high-level strength athlete gives him a unique perspective on the demands of serious training, long-term athletic development, and returning to performance after setbacks.

Charlie has written several articles on the Barbell Medicine website about strength training, rehabilitation, and injury management, translating research and clinical concepts into practical guidance for lifters, athletes, and coaches.

Credentials:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Radford University (2020)
• B.S. Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech (Summa Cum Laude, 2017)
• Licensed Physical Therapist in Arizona and Virginia
• 18+ years of strength training experience
• 2018 IPF Junior World Champion, 83kg class
• 2019 USAPL Raw Nationals 93kg Silver Medalist
• 2017 USAPL Raw Nationals 83kg Silver Medalist
• 2016 Arnold Pro Raw Challenge 83kg Gold Medalist and Best Overall Junior Lifter

Areas of Expertise:

• Strength Training
• Powerlifting Coaching
• Pain and Injury Rehabilitation
• Return to Training After Injury
• Exercise Technique
• Hypertrophy (Muscle Building)
• Barbell Training
• Evidence-Based Programming
• Performance Coaching
• Long-Term Athletic Development