Treatments for BJJ Back Injuries
From herniated discs to chronic lower back pain—get the assessment and treatment protocols that have helped 500+ grappling athletes recover fully and return to training stronger.
From herniated discs to chronic lower back pain—get the assessment and treatment protocols that have helped 500+ grappling athletes recover fully and return to training stronger.
The Problem
Your back hurts. Maybe it's from getting stacked in a triangle. Maybe from being slammed during a takedown. Maybe it just started aching one day and hasn't stopped.
Now every time you bend forward, you feel it. Guard retention is uncomfortable. Getting up from bottom position sends a sharp pain through your spine. You're afraid to invert, afraid to pull guard, afraid it's only getting worse.
Here's what you've probably tried: Rest for weeks hoping it goes away Stretching your hamstrings obsessively Core exercises from YouTube Ice, heat, anti-inflammatories Maybe even an MRI that showed a "bulging disc" A doctor who told you to stop training
Here's what usually happens: The pain decreases slightly. You return to training thinking you're healed. First hard roll, first time you get stacked or bridged on—it's back. Sometimes worse than before. Now you're stuck in a cycle of partial recovery and re-injury, and you're starting to think you might have to quit BJJ.
There's a better way.
At Grapplers PerformX, we've treated hundreds of BJJ back injuries. We understand that your back pain is rarely just a "back" problem—it's often caused by hip mobility restrictions, compensation patterns, or movement deficits that force your spine into vulnerable positions.
The Problem
Your back hurts. Maybe it's from getting stacked in a triangle. Maybe from being slammed during a takedown. Maybe it just started aching one day and hasn't stopped.
Now every time you bend forward, you feel it. Guard retention is uncomfortable. Getting up from bottom position sends a sharp pain through your spine. You're afraid to invert, afraid to pull guard, afraid it's only getting worse.
Here's what you've probably tried: Rest for weeks hoping it goes away Stretching your hamstrings obsessively Core exercises from YouTube Ice, heat, anti-inflammatories Maybe even an MRI that showed a "bulging disc" A doctor who told you to stop training
Here's what usually happens: The pain decreases slightly. You return to training thinking you're healed. First hard roll, first time you get stacked or bridged on—it's back. Sometimes worse than before. Now you're stuck in a cycle of partial recovery and re-injury, and you're starting to think you might have to quit BJJ.
There's a better way.
At Grapplers PerformX, we've treated hundreds of BJJ back injuries. We understand that your back pain is rarely just a "back" problem—it's often caused by hip mobility restrictions, compensation patterns, or movement deficits that force your spine into vulnerable positions.
The Problem
Your back hurts. Maybe it's from getting stacked in a triangle. Maybe from being slammed during a takedown. Maybe it just started aching one day and hasn't stopped.
Now every time you bend forward, you feel it. Guard retention is uncomfortable. Getting up from bottom position sends a sharp pain through your spine. You're afraid to invert, afraid to pull guard, afraid it's only getting worse.
Here's what you've probably tried: Rest for weeks hoping it goes away Stretching your hamstrings obsessively Core exercises from YouTube Ice, heat, anti-inflammatories Maybe even an MRI that showed a "bulging disc" A doctor who told you to stop training
Here's what usually happens: The pain decreases slightly. You return to training thinking you're healed. First hard roll, first time you get stacked or bridged on—it's back. Sometimes worse than before. Now you're stuck in a cycle of partial recovery and re-injury, and you're starting to think you might have to quit BJJ.
There's a better way.
At Grapplers PerformX, we've treated hundreds of BJJ back injuries. We understand that your back pain is rarely just a "back" problem—it's often caused by hip mobility restrictions, compensation patterns, or movement deficits that force your spine into vulnerable positions.
Back Injury Treatment Guides
Throwing, bridging, and guard work shouldn't mean chronic back pain
SI Joint Dysfunction & Spinal Stenosis in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
BJJ Lower Back Pain: Strains, Sprains & Facet Syndrome Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Disc Bulge Success Story (Joss Ayres)
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Back Pain Rehab Guide
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Nerve Flossing for BJJ Lower Back Pain: Sciatic Relief
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Back Injury Treatment Guides
Throwing, bridging, and guard work shouldn't mean chronic back pain
SI Joint Dysfunction & Spinal Stenosis in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
BJJ Lower Back Pain: Strains, Sprains & Facet Syndrome Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Disc Bulge Success Story (Joss Ayres)
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Back Pain Rehab Guide
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Nerve Flossing for BJJ Lower Back Pain: Sciatic Relief
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Back Injury Treatment Guides
Throwing, bridging, and guard work shouldn't mean chronic back pain
SI Joint Dysfunction & Spinal Stenosis in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica in BJJ: Complete Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
BJJ Lower Back Pain: Strains, Sprains & Facet Syndrome Guide (2025)
Oct 3, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Disc Bulge Success Story (Joss Ayres)
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Back Pain Rehab Guide
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Nerve Flossing for BJJ Lower Back Pain: Sciatic Relief
Oct 1, 2025
Shoulder Injuries
Why BJJ
Is Hard On Your Back
Your spine faces challenges in BJJ that most other sports don't create:
Extreme Flexion Under Load: Getting stacked in triangles, omoplatas, or during guard passing forces your spine into deep flexion while bearing the weight of another person. This creates massive compressive and shear forces on your discs and vertebrae.
Repetitive Rotation With Compression: Berimbolo entries, inverting, and scrambling require your spine to rotate while loaded. The combination of rotation + compression is particularly stressful for discs.
Sustained Positions: Holding turtle, being in someone's closed guard, or maintaining deep half for minutes at a time creates chronic loading patterns your spine wasn't designed for.
Unpredictable Impact Forces: Takedowns, slams (legal or not), and awkward falls create sudden axial loading that can exceed your spine's capacity to absorb force safely.
Compromised Postures: You're constantly in rounded spine positions (flexion), which increases pressure on the front of your discs by up to 300% compared to neutral spine.
The Hip-Spine Connection
Here's what most athletes don't realize:
Your back pain usually isn't a back problem. It's a symptom of restrictions elsewhere forcing your spine to compensate.
Why BJJ
Is Hard On Your Back
Your spine faces challenges in BJJ that most other sports don't create:
Extreme Flexion Under Load: Getting stacked in triangles, omoplatas, or during guard passing forces your spine into deep flexion while bearing the weight of another person. This creates massive compressive and shear forces on your discs and vertebrae.
Repetitive Rotation With Compression: Berimbolo entries, inverting, and scrambling require your spine to rotate while loaded. The combination of rotation + compression is particularly stressful for discs.
Sustained Positions: Holding turtle, being in someone's closed guard, or maintaining deep half for minutes at a time creates chronic loading patterns your spine wasn't designed for.
Unpredictable Impact Forces: Takedowns, slams (legal or not), and awkward falls create sudden axial loading that can exceed your spine's capacity to absorb force safely.
Compromised Postures: You're constantly in rounded spine positions (flexion), which increases pressure on the front of your discs by up to 300% compared to neutral spine.
The Hip-Spine Connection
Here's what most athletes don't realize:
Your back pain usually isn't a back problem. It's a symptom of restrictions elsewhere forcing your spine to compensate.
Why BJJ
Is Hard On Your Back
Your spine faces challenges in BJJ that most other sports don't create:
Extreme Flexion Under Load: Getting stacked in triangles, omoplatas, or during guard passing forces your spine into deep flexion while bearing the weight of another person. This creates massive compressive and shear forces on your discs and vertebrae.
Repetitive Rotation With Compression: Berimbolo entries, inverting, and scrambling require your spine to rotate while loaded. The combination of rotation + compression is particularly stressful for discs.
Sustained Positions: Holding turtle, being in someone's closed guard, or maintaining deep half for minutes at a time creates chronic loading patterns your spine wasn't designed for.
Unpredictable Impact Forces: Takedowns, slams (legal or not), and awkward falls create sudden axial loading that can exceed your spine's capacity to absorb force safely.
Compromised Postures: You're constantly in rounded spine positions (flexion), which increases pressure on the front of your discs by up to 300% compared to neutral spine.
The Hip-Spine Connection
Here's what most athletes don't realize:
Your back pain usually isn't a back problem. It's a symptom of restrictions elsewhere forcing your spine to compensate.
Common BJJ Back Injuries:
Disc Bulges and Herniations
What it is: The gel-like center of your spinal disc pushes through the outer ring, creating a bulge. If it breaks through completely, it's called a herniation.
Muscle Strains and Spasms
What it is: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons in your lower back (erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum)
Facet Joint Syndrome
What it is: Irritation or inflammation of the small joints between vertebrae that guide spinal movement
SI (Sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction
What it is: Irritation or misalignment of the joint where your sacrum meets your pelvis
Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis: Stress fracture in the pars interarticularis (part of vertebra)
Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slips forward on the one below it
Piriformis Syndrome
What it is: The piriformis muscle (deep in buttock) compressing the sciatic nerve
Non-Specific Chronic Lower Back Pain
What it is: Persistent lower back pain without clear structural cause on imaging
The reality: This is actually the MOST COMMON type of back pain in BJJ athletes.
Common BJJ Back Injuries:
Disc Bulges and Herniations
What it is: The gel-like center of your spinal disc pushes through the outer ring, creating a bulge. If it breaks through completely, it's called a herniation.
Muscle Strains and Spasms
What it is: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons in your lower back (erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum)
Facet Joint Syndrome
What it is: Irritation or inflammation of the small joints between vertebrae that guide spinal movement
SI (Sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction
What it is: Irritation or misalignment of the joint where your sacrum meets your pelvis
Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis: Stress fracture in the pars interarticularis (part of vertebra)
Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slips forward on the one below it
Piriformis Syndrome
What it is: The piriformis muscle (deep in buttock) compressing the sciatic nerve
Non-Specific Chronic Lower Back Pain
What it is: Persistent lower back pain without clear structural cause on imaging
The reality: This is actually the MOST COMMON type of back pain in BJJ athletes.
Common BJJ Back Injuries:
Disc Bulges and Herniations
What it is: The gel-like center of your spinal disc pushes through the outer ring, creating a bulge. If it breaks through completely, it's called a herniation.
Muscle Strains and Spasms
What it is: Overstretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons in your lower back (erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum)
Facet Joint Syndrome
What it is: Irritation or inflammation of the small joints between vertebrae that guide spinal movement
SI (Sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction
What it is: Irritation or misalignment of the joint where your sacrum meets your pelvis
Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis: Stress fracture in the pars interarticularis (part of vertebra)
Spondylolisthesis: Vertebra slips forward on the one below it
Piriformis Syndrome
What it is: The piriformis muscle (deep in buttock) compressing the sciatic nerve
Non-Specific Chronic Lower Back Pain
What it is: Persistent lower back pain without clear structural cause on imaging
The reality: This is actually the MOST COMMON type of back pain in BJJ athletes.
Results
Results
Results
Join 500+ Grapplers
Who Chose Expertise Over Generic Healthcare
90% of our patients avoid surgery
95% patient satisfaction rate
5.0★
average rating
5.0★ average rating
5.0★
average rating
8-12 sessions average plan of care
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
"I thought my career was over—four weeks later I was sparring like normal.”
Joss Ayres
Purple Belt
"I wish I contacted Dalton much much earlier!! Thank you so much for keeping on the mats and training whilst helping me recover."
Virtual Patient | Nils Hirani
BJJ Purple Belt
"Great to have a physio that had specific grappling knowledge so immediately understood the positions which caused the injury."
Virtual Patient | Owen Lewis
BJJ Athlete & Weightlifter
"Being able to speak to an experienced grappler who understood the more specific movements that it entails helped me communicate my pains more effectively."
Virtual Patient | Chiu Dat
BJJ Purple Belt
Your Path
Back To The Mats
Step 1: Free 15-Min Discovery Call
See if we're the right fit for your specific situation—no pressure, just honest advice.
Step 2: Virtual Assessment (90 Minutes)
Step 3: Custom Plan (10-15 Sessions)
Most athletes see noticeable improvement within their first 1-3 sessions!
Your Path
Back To The Mats
Step 1: Free 15-Min Discovery Call
See if we're the right fit for your specific situation—no pressure, just honest advice.
Step 2: Virtual Assessment (90 Minutes)
Step 3: Custom Plan (10-15 Sessions)
Most athletes see noticeable improvement within their first 1-3 sessions!
Your Path
Back To The Mats
Step 1: Free 15-Min Discovery Call
See if we're the right fit for your specific situation—no pressure, just honest advice.
Step 2: Virtual Assessment (90 Minutes)
Step 3: Custom Plan (10-15 Sessions)
Most athletes see noticeable improvement within their first 1-3 sessions!
About Us
Built by a Grappler, For Grapplers.
We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
The Problem: 6 Months of Going Nowhere
Founder Dalton Urrutia couldn't find a single PT who understood grappling injuries. Traditional physical therapy failed him for 6 months straight.
The Solution: If It Doesn't Exist, Build It
When nobody could help him get back on the mats, Dalton went to PT school to solve it himself—and for every grappler facing the same frustration.
The Result: 15 Years, 500+ Athletes
Today, Grapplers Performance is the specialized virtual clinic Dalton wished existed when he was injured. We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
Dalton Urrutia
Founder, CEO & Performance Physical Therapist
Dalton founded Performx to help athletes better understand their movement, injuries, and body, in order to keep them doing what they love. Dalton has expertise in movement, strength & conditioning and exercise science and believes that education and understanding injury/the body combined with exercise-based rehab is the key to effective rehab.
Having opened a clinic in London and launched a successful virtual physical therapy business, he's excited to be back supporting his local community in the Willamette Valley.
Outside of the clinic Dalton loves rolling on the mats, flying leisure airplanes and exploring the local area with his wife, Sydney, their 2 boys, and dog, Ipa.
Dr. Tom Hanson, DPT
Virtual Performance Physical Therapist
Tom believes that long-term performance and resilience start with understanding how the whole body works together.
Tom started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2012 and earned his black belt in 2024. He continues to train and teach regularly and has a deep passion for working with grapplers and combat athletes.
Tom holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and has been practicing since 2018. He’s worked extensively with both everyday athletes and high-level competitors, always with the same goal: helping people move with confidence and purpose.
At home, Tom is a proud dad to three young boys and two rescue dogs. When he’s not in the clinic or on the mats, you’ll find him fixing up guitars, exploring outdoors with his family, or homeschooling alongside his wife.
About Us
Built by a Grappler, For Grapplers.
We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
The Problem: 6 Months of Going Nowhere
Founder Dalton Urrutia couldn't find a single PT who understood grappling injuries. Traditional physical therapy failed him for 6 months straight.
The Solution: If It Doesn't Exist, Build It
When nobody could help him get back on the mats, Dalton went to PT school to solve it himself—and for every grappler facing the same frustration.
The Result: 15 Years, 500+ Athletes
Today, Grapplers Performance is the specialized virtual clinic Dalton wished existed when he was injured. We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
Dalton Urrutia
Founder, CEO & Performance Physical Therapist
Dalton founded Performx to help athletes better understand their movement, injuries, and body, in order to keep them doing what they love. Dalton has expertise in movement, strength & conditioning and exercise science and believes that education and understanding injury/the body combined with exercise-based rehab is the key to effective rehab.
Having opened a clinic in London and launched a successful virtual physical therapy business, he's excited to be back supporting his local community in the Willamette Valley.
Outside of the clinic Dalton loves rolling on the mats, flying leisure airplanes and exploring the local area with his wife, Sydney, their 2 boys, and dog, Ipa.
Dr. Tom Hanson, DPT
Virtual Performance Physical Therapist
Tom believes that long-term performance and resilience start with understanding how the whole body works together.
Tom started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2012 and earned his black belt in 2024. He continues to train and teach regularly and has a deep passion for working with grapplers and combat athletes.
Tom holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and has been practicing since 2018. He’s worked extensively with both everyday athletes and high-level competitors, always with the same goal: helping people move with confidence and purpose.
At home, Tom is a proud dad to three young boys and two rescue dogs. When he’s not in the clinic or on the mats, you’ll find him fixing up guitars, exploring outdoors with his family, or homeschooling alongside his wife.
About Us
Built by a Grappler, For Grapplers.
We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
The Problem: 6 Months of Going Nowhere
Founder Dalton Urrutia couldn't find a single PT who understood grappling injuries. Traditional physical therapy failed him for 6 months straight.
The Solution: If It Doesn't Exist, Build It
When nobody could help him get back on the mats, Dalton went to PT school to solve it himself—and for every grappler facing the same frustration.
The Result: 15 Years, 500+ Athletes
Today, Grapplers Performance is the specialized virtual clinic Dalton wished existed when he was injured. We're grapplers who became PTs specifically to fill the gap in grappling healthcare.
Dalton Urrutia
Founder, CEO & Performance Physical Therapist
Dalton founded Performx to help athletes better understand their movement, injuries, and body, in order to keep them doing what they love. Dalton has expertise in movement, strength & conditioning and exercise science and believes that education and understanding injury/the body combined with exercise-based rehab is the key to effective rehab.
Having opened a clinic in London and launched a successful virtual physical therapy business, he's excited to be back supporting his local community in the Willamette Valley.
Outside of the clinic Dalton loves rolling on the mats, flying leisure airplanes and exploring the local area with his wife, Sydney, their 2 boys, and dog, Ipa.
Dr. Tom Hanson, DPT
Virtual Performance Physical Therapist
Tom believes that long-term performance and resilience start with understanding how the whole body works together.
Tom started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2012 and earned his black belt in 2024. He continues to train and teach regularly and has a deep passion for working with grapplers and combat athletes.
Tom holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and has been practicing since 2018. He’s worked extensively with both everyday athletes and high-level competitors, always with the same goal: helping people move with confidence and purpose.
At home, Tom is a proud dad to three young boys and two rescue dogs. When he’s not in the clinic or on the mats, you’ll find him fixing up guitars, exploring outdoors with his family, or homeschooling alongside his wife.
Serving grapplers worldwide. Virtual sessions. Real results.
Ready to Train Without Pain?
Book your free call today. If your initial evaluation doesn't deliver value, you don't pay. That's our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Serving grapplers worldwide. Virtual sessions. Real results.
Ready to Train Without Pain?
Book your free call today. If your initial evaluation doesn't deliver value, you don't pay. That's our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Serving grapplers worldwide. Virtual sessions. Real results.
Ready to Train Without Pain?
Book your free call today. If your initial evaluation doesn't deliver value, you don't pay. That's our 100% satisfaction guarantee.