Most Popular Articles on this site

Stephen Braybrook
I have decided to write these short 1000 bite size essays to explore topics of interest and enquire into the theory behind our currently accepted 'norms' of how we think about, talk about and define human movement. Before we start,please note that for simplicity and sense of continuity that I will use the term 'biomechanics' and by this I am referring specifically to human, movement, biomechanics rather than any other branches of the wider term....keep reading

Andy Barker PT
I have recently finished reading the book 'The Power of Habit' by Charles Duhigg. Within the book Duhigg discuss habits, in particular habit loops and how such systems influence what we do. He uses examples from different settings, from the business world to the sporting world and everything in between. He goes in depth in relation to the habit patterns or loops we have and how we can influence these to induce change in our own or other people's habits....keep reading

Andy Barker PT
Bone injuries are common in sports, particularly those involving contact and high velocity collisions. Dependent upon the injury sometimes such injuries can be quite difficult to manage. Dependent upon severity and location a period of immobilisation is usually observed to allow the bone injury to resolve. This may be in a cast, splint, walking boot and the length of time will depend on the type of injury obtained....keep reading

I've recently treated a number of reverse total shoulder replacements. I've always found the surgery interesting because of the reversal to the ball and socket joint. In school we learned that this procedure is elected in place of a traditional shoulder replacement when the rotator cuff is compromised. A total shoulder replacement would be more for joint degeneration. Whereas a reverse total shoulder would be for a combination of joint and rotator cuff degeneration....keep reading

Andy Barker PT
Having read a few articles on the subject I have gained a particular interest in circardian rhythmicity. I first heard of the subject in the wake of the Beijing Olympic Games whereby it was suggested that certain time periods of the day are more likely to produce higher feats of physical performance than others. It was suggested that circardian rhythm was one of the major factors behind the higher numbers of record breaking performances in the early evening as opposed to other times in the day....keep reading

Michael Boyle
I have a confession to make. I'm on Facebook. I know, Mike Boyle on Facebook, aren't I a little old? I started using Facebook because someone said it would be good for business as a way to connect with old clients. In fact, we had a Boyle's Alum page that our athletes set up on their own. Truth is, they were right. Even better, I've connected with a bunch of former athletes from BU. Two weeks ago I read something a friend had written that has become a viral topic on Facebook called Twenty Five Random Things About Me. I wrote my own posted them to my Facebook page and to my blog and decided to share them with you guys also. Here goes....keep reading

I think there is a misplaced emphasis on tension in order to function. So many of us have grown up this way, associating effort and tension with success. And that's how we judge if someone is trying hard - how effortful do they look. But in the next breath we talk about how effortless a top performer looks when performing their skill. What's the disconnect here?...keep reading

Gray Cook
I want to continue on the thread of Physical Education. My most recent articles have focused on the many shortcomings that have emerged in the educational environment. Please understand that my critique is based on the inability to create change and not the intent. I want to force us all to rediscover that intent and work together to accept this development in a systematic way--because life depends on it. What I hope to offer are the beginnings of a humble solution, while striving for clear communication and objective accountability....keep reading

I wanted to post on this conference coming up the end of March In Las Vegas since the majority of the presenters are also frequent contributors to the site. Craig Liebenson, Sue Falsone, Lee Burton, and Phil Page will be presenting just to name a few. Looks like a fun couple of days so check it out....keep reading

Gray Cook
I believe any opportunity to educate another human being should be a sacred moment. In my sports medicine degree work, I was exposed to quite a few physical education classes because Athletic Training Pre-Physical Therapy or Sports Medicine are often taught within the Physical Education Department. When I witnessed the opportunity that physical educators have to develop people, I realized the sorry state of physical education....keep reading

The pushup is one of those exercises that everyone loves to do, but few people do them or coach them well.......keep reading

Does Zion need to change his gait pattern?...keep reading

The best acceleration drills...keep reading

Andy Barker PT
Whatever domain you work, be it within a hospital, private or sports setting, getting patients or athletes to do what we want them to can sometimes be challenging. In relation to rehabilitation we advise and prescribe exercises on the basis these will aid that person to improve their symptoms and/or dysfunctions. Some take our advice on board, crack on with their prescribed rehab and often improve. Others for some reason don't engage with rehab......keep reading

I get asked all the time what I think about using protocols by other clinicians. Its often a very polarizing subject if you should use them or just toss them in the trash. As with many things, I believe there is always 2 sides to the coin....keep reading

Andy Barker PT
I don't think much can prepare you for parenthood. The nights of broken, poor quality sleep, monotonous routine of changing, feeding, sterilising…………. over and over and over. On the flip side it's also the best thing ever. Spending time with my wife and 11 month old son is the thing I look forward to the most. Making time to do this brings its challenges....keep reading