Pilots spend hours locked in cramped cockpits — and their bodies pay the price. In this episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with Dr. Jackie White, PT, aviation physical therapist and founder of Skyline Wellness, to talk about what's actually going wrong in pilots' bodies and what to do about it. Dr. Jackie breaks down the most common complaints she sees — low back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder tension — and why the cockpit itself is part of the problem. She shares simple movement habits you can do between flights, how to stay fueled when food access is unpredictable, and why catching an issue early is the difference between a quick fix and months of chronic pain. Whether you're a student pilot, CFI, commercial pilot, or just someone who spends too much time sitting — this one's for you. In this episode: → Why pilots get low back pain (and how to prevent it) → The muscle imbalance caused by right-rudder dominance → Mobility moves you can do between flights → Nutrition on the go: what to keep in your flight bag → How Dr. Jackie works with pilots remotely Chapters 00:43 Introduction to Aviation Physical Therapy 03:02 Dr. Jackie White's Journey to Aviation Physical Therapy 06:03 The Path to Becoming a Physical Therapist 09:00 Experiences at Sun & Fun Airshow 12:02 Merging Aviation with Physical Therapy 15:00 The Birth of Skyline Physical Therapy 18:01 Tailoring Rehab Programs for Pilots 21:06 Common Physical Complaints Among Pilots 31:32 Family Connections and Mobility Insights 32:41 Understanding G-Forces and Their Impact on Pilots 35:27 Challenges for Flight Students and Instructors 39:34 Hydration and Nutrition for Pilots 41:58 Nutrition Strategies for Pilots 45:39 Non-Negotiable Health Practices for Pilots 50:37 Success Stories in Pilot Health and Fitness 55:34 Addressing Muscle Imbalances in Pilots 01:00:23 Gender Differences in Pilot Health 01:02:07 Simple Tips for Immediate Relief 01:03:57 Future Plans for Skyline Wellness Subscribe for more pilot stories, flight training tips, aerospace insights, and aviation career advice. Like if this episode hit home, comment your biggest physical complaint from flying below, and share with a fellow pilot! Find Dr. Jackie & Skyline Wellness: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHHOlv4WkU/nMLW8qqb0dQLFAdXrbtzrg/view?utm_content=DAHHOlv4WkU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h403d708cb5&fbclid=PAT01DUARSdl9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAade5gtAtesn546nUynes53vMIoPHxvQ2URgZHX24bqG83NNJal4QDivr_tNyw_aem_auVFP91tO4J3hU924ZPnWA Learn more: If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes: Follow on Instagram/TikTok: @skywardmercedes Email: mercedes@skywardpodcast.com If you're looking for a new place to host your podcast, I use Buzzsprout. You get a $20.00 bonus if you use my link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... Patreon Community is up and running! If you're looking for a group of other amazing aviation and aerospace enthusiasts like you, here's your spot! / skywardpodcast 🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and aerospace industries. Learn the strategies that actually work from someone who's been in the cockpit. Subscribe for bi-weekly aviation and aerospace stories and advice that help you soar to new heights!

Join us as for an in-home dry needling appointment with Dr. Jackie White! Tight muscles? Chronic pain? Skip the clinic — dry needling can come to you. In this quick look, Dr. Jackie White, Doctor of Physical Therapy with Grand Prix Body WoRX, performs a real in-home dry needling session using House Call The App. 💆‍♀️ Dry needling helps with: Muscle tension & trigger points Recovery after surgery or injury Pain relief and improved mobility 📍Available in Wellington, FL 🏡 Delivered to your door 📲 Book through House Call The App