Back to the Bike: TJ Knight’s Return After 20 Years of Pain

For most of his life, motorcycles weren’t just a hobby for TJ Knight — they were part of who he was. But after a traumatic injury during his time in the Coast Guard, TJ spent the next 20 years living with chronic back pain. What started as a split-second impact on the Columbia River slowly became a condition that affected every part of his life — from commuting to work and mowing the lawn, to his relationships, his personality, and the activities he loved most. In this short documentary, TJ shares the long road from injury to recovery, and what it meant to find a treatment option that aligned with the life he still wanted to live. With the help of Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki at Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (SOSI), TJ underwent spine surgery designed to preserve motion and help him get back to doing what he loves. Eight months later, he was back on his dirt bike — something he once thought might never happen again. This is a story about pain, perseverance, partnership, and what it feels like to reclaim a piece of yourself you thought was gone for good. Featuring: Travis (TJ) Knight Peter Cawley Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki Made for Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (SOSI) Shot, Edited, Written & Narrated by GreenSki Communications