In the end, we should only be competing with ourselves. Without a joy of process, there is no purpose in pursuing any of these superficial goals. There is no value in rank per se. It is just a validation of an extended effort. One can't go on with status quo if the body is falling apart.
Compensation is essential.
A good doctor, trainer, and sensei are absolutely essential if this person is confused about how to proceed. I am also a Civil Engineering student at the Technical University of Nova Scotia. I started studying Uechi-ryu and engineering at the same time. As I began to learn Sanchin and the body mechanics involved, I began to apply my knowledge of mechanics, dynamics and structural analysis to Uechi-ryu, combining the two enhanced the study of the other. Of course there are many more areas that deserve study such as the importance if body alignment and momentum in the application of techniques.