Articles, Videos, and Interviews from some of the best Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, and Strength Coaches in the business.

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Super Stiffness Stuart McGill, Professor of Spine Biomechanics At a gymnastics or martial arts meet, or at a weightlifting competition, listen to the coaches advice to the athlete -- Stay tight! This means to maintain stiffness. Being stiff ensures that there will be minimal energy losses as forces are transmitted through the linkages. Optimal performance requires stability, and stability results from stiffness. Stiffness in the body results from muscular co-contraction. Used properly, it will assist in getting through "sticking points", enhance whole body strength and speed. Be stiff, and be compliant. Knowing the difference and when to be one or the other is a major way to improving performance. . . . keep reading A Joint-By-Joint Approach to Training Mike Boyle MA, ATC In a recent conversation about the effect of training on the body, Cook produced one of the most lucid thought processes I have ever heard. Gray and I were discussing the findings of the Functional Movement Screen (www.functionalmovement.com), the needs of the different joints of the body, and how the function of the joints relates to training. One of the beauties of the Functional Movement Screen is that the screen allows us to distinguish between issues of stability and those of mobility. Cook's thoughts were simple and led me to realize that the future of training may be a joint-by-joint approach rather than a movement-based approach. . . . keep reading The Janda Approach Phil Page, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS and Clare Frank, PT, MS, OCS A great article reviewing the work of Vladamir Janda, specifically describing the upper and lower crossed syndromes and his approach to treatment. A man definitely ahead of his time. . . . keep reading Functional Movement Screen Introduction Gray Cook PT and Lee Burton ATC My introduction to the FMS came about 3 years ago at a Perform Better Summit and my career has been changed for the better since. I was lucky enough to run into Gray at the airport after the event and pick his brain a bit more on the subject. I always thought of myself as a "big picture" guy but after talking to him I realized I had only really scratched the surface. Check out the article and you'll see what I mean. There will definitely be more to come on the FMS! Joe Heiler . . . keep reading More

Audio Interview with Nick Winkelman Nick is the Director of Performance Education and a Strength Coach at Athletes' Performance in Arizona. Nick discusses the AP philosophy and their stages of performance enhancement training. He also goes in-depth on pre-hab techniques and correcting faulty movement patterns to enhance athleticism and prevent breakdown or over-training. . . . keep reading Transversus Training - A Waste of Time in the Gym Kevin's post on Dr. McGill's article in the NY Times reminded me I had this one. This article should shed some light on the true role of the TVA. . . . keep reading Perform Better Summit 2009 - Part II Joe Heiler PT,CSCS I recently returned from another great Perform Better Summit, this time in Chicago. Its been a couple years and now I know why I couldn't wait to get back. Lots of great speakers with great information on topics that bridge both rehab and performance. Here is Part II . . . keep reading Perform Better Summit 2009 - Part I Joe Heiler PT, CSCS I recently returned from another great Perform Better Summit, this time in Chicago. Its been a couple years and now I know why I couldn't wait to get back. Lots of great speakers with great information on topics that bridge both rehab and performance. Here is a quick review on each of speakers I saw . . . keep reading Audio Interview with Dewey Nielsen Dewey is a strength coach out of Oregon who specializes in training MMA fighters. Dewey discusses this unique sport and what clinicians and coaches need to know about training and injury prevention. As a bonus, learn how Dewey would take down the one and only Charlie Weingroff. . . . keep reading Exercise of the Week - Pallof Press Joe Heiler PT, CSCS The Pallof Press (named after the PT John Pallof) has been made quite popular by guys like Eric Cressey and Mike Robertson. It's a great anti-rotation exercise that can easily be used with athletes or any patient for that manner. It's a tremendous challenge to hip and core stability which is exactly what most of our athletes need, especially those that rotate for a living. . . . keep reading Audio Interview with Bill Hartman Bill Hartman is a physical therapist and strength coach out of Indianapolis. Bill has teamed up with Mike Robertson to open up Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training, and he is a contributing writer to Men's Health Magazine. In this interview, Bill discusses his evaluation process and introducing fatigue into the process, assessing core strength, how he uses ART to go after the "money muscles", determining if muscles are stiff or short when using flexibility strategies, and some great business tips on attracting and retaining clients. . . . keep reading Strength Training for the Shoulder: Should Throwing Athletes Lift Weights Overhead? Robert Panariello MS, PT, ATC, CSCS Should throwing athletes lift weights overhead? During the Rehabilitation and Performance Training of throwing athletes, especially baseball players, this is a common concern often expressed by both players and coaches. The specific baseball athlete where this topic appears to generate the greatest concern is the pitcher. The apprehension displayed by both coaches and players, is due to their fear of the possible adverse effect of this type of overhead training on the shoulder, and more specifically the rotator cuff, and throwing performance. Prior to determining if this type of strength training is not only safe, but of benefit to the throwing athlete, it is necessary for the rehabilitation/sports performance specialist to understand shoulder anatomy and biomechanics, as well as the performance of overhead strength training. . . . keep reading Functional Taping and Assessment Joe Heiler PT, CSCS, Like many of you on Sports Rehab Expert.com, I believe in and use the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Y Balance Test. I truly appreciate what Gray Cook, Lee Burton, Kyle Kiesel, and Phil Plisky have done to advance our professions, and what they have done for me personally as a clinician, coach, and membership site owner. That being said, I want you all to know that I'm doing my best not to be biased as I review their DVD and manual -- "Functional Taping and Assessment". I value your membership and trust in me to present information on this site in an unbiased manner. I would never promote anything that I don't personally use and believe in. . . . keep reading Gray Cook Interview Part II - Functional Movement Taping Gray discusses Functional Movement Taping as part of the Selective Functional Movement Assessment. He explains how FMT differs from traditional taping techniques, how and when to use it, and some of the different techniques for ankles, knees, and shoulders. . . . keep reading More