Rehab Science

Learn how to alleviate pain, recover from injury and move better. In the Rehab Science Podcast, Dr. Tom Walters, an orthopedic physical therapist and bestselling author teaches strategies to help you resolve common problems such as, sciatica, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, meniscus tears and much more. The podcast features a combination of short solo episodes on common pain issues and injuries and guest interviews with various health experts, including osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, exercise and rehabilitation scientists, and many more.

Pain Free Performance with Dr. John Rusin 06/03/2025

Cervical Radiculopathy: Diagnosis & Treatment strategies 05/28/2025

Chronic Pain Rehabilitation with Dr. Mark Kargela 05/06/2025

Chronic Pain Rehabilitation with Dr. Mark Kargela In today's episode, I speak with Dr. Mark Kargela, a seasoned clinician and educator, about chronic pain—its complexity, its impact, and how practitioners can better support patients struggling with it. The discussion focuses on shifting clinical approaches from tissue-centric models to ones that integrate contemporary neuroscience and lived experience. Key topics include: Understanding Chronic Pain: The conversation defines chronic pain not simply by duration (e.g., beyond three months), but as a biopsychosocial phenomenon that fundamentally changes the nervous system. Dr. Kargela emphasizes that chronic pain is often not a direct marker of tissue damage, but a protective output of the nervous system influenced by biology, psychology, and social factors. Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE): Both clinicians stress the importance of PNE in helping patients reframe their pain experience. Teaching people how pain works can reduce fear and catastrophizing, improve self-efficacy, and set the foundation for graded movement and recovery. Central Sensitization and Nervous System Dysregulation: The discussion highlights how sensitized neural pathways can perpetuate pain even in the absence of tissue pathology. Techniques that modulate the nervous system—such as breathing, sleep optimization, gentle movement, and mindfulness—are presented as key therapeutic tools. Limitations of Traditional Biomedical Models: Dr. Kargela critiques overly mechanical approaches that chase tissue “damage” or perfect biomechanics, advocating instead for approaches that validate patient experiences and support behavior change. Clinician Takeaways: The episode encourages health and fitness professionals to: Ask better questions that uncover contributors to a person’s pain narrative. Shift from “fixing” people to coaching them toward resilience. Recognize that empathy, listening, and patient-led goals are central to helping people move forward. To learn more about Mark's work, visit his social media accounts and website below. Instagram: YouTube: /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/36445190

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies 04/15/2025

Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies The supraspinatus is one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff, originating from the supraspinous fossa of the scapula and inserting onto the greater tubercle of the humerus. Its primary function is to initiate shoulder abduction and contribute to dynamic stability of the glenohumeral joint, particularly by resisting excessive superior translation of the humeral head. Due to its position and role, the supraspinatus is highly susceptible to mechanical compression beneath the acromion, especially in individuals with poor scapular control or altered rotator cuff coordination. Research suggests that supraspinatus tendinopathy and tears are among the most common sources of rotator cuff-related pain, particularly in overhead athletes and older adults. However, not all supraspinatus pathology is symptomatic, emphasizing the importance of assessing strength, movement patterns, and pain reproduction rather than relying solely on imaging findings when determining clinical relevance. Several studies have shown that rotator cuff tears can be observed on MRI when testing people who are asymptomatic (pain-free), which means they may simply be a normal age-related change. However, if you have pain and limited shoulder function and have evidence of a rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy on imaging, then your symptoms and the image may be correlated. Here is one you might like to read if you want to learn more about this research. When treating supraspinatus tendon tears and tendinopathy, physical therapists focus on pain management, restoring shoulder function, and strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers. Early rehab emphasizes activity modification, isometric exercises, and gentle mobility work to reduce pain and maintain range of motion. Scapular control exercises help optimize shoulder mechanics, while posterior capsule stretching may be included if tightness contributes to impingement. As symptoms improve, progressive strengthening of the rotator cuff, particularly in external rotation and abduction, helps restore tendon resilience and function. In later rehab stages, eccentric loading, plyometric drills, and functional training are introduced to improve tendon capacity and dynamic stability, especially for individuals returning to overhead activities. Education on load management, proper movement mechanics, and long-term maintenance exercises is essential to prevent recurrence. While partial tears and tendinopathy often respond well to conservative care, full-thickness tears may require surgical consideration, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Here is a from my YouTube channel that covers a few exercises that often help people suffering from supraspinatus pain and dysfunction. I hope the tips in this podcast were helpful and you feel better equipped to treat supraspinatus issues! Besides the YouTube video I linked in this episode, my book contains comprehensive programs for the 50 most common orthopedic conditions, including rotator cuff injuries. The programs are broken into three phases and include exercises that can be used to help prevent injuries as well as help you recover from an injury. If you want to learn more about my book, visit my or click the . Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day! Dr. Tom /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/36117030

Gluteal Tendinopathy - Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies 11/06/2024

Gluteal Tendinopathy - Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies In today's podcast episode, we are going to look at a condition called gluteal tendinopathy, which is a common cause of lateral hip pain due to an irritation of two of the gluteal tendons (gluteus medius & gluteus minimus). Previously, this type of pain was thought to be caused by trochanteric bursitis, but more recent research has shown that bursitis only accounts for approximately 20% of these cases (see references below). The majority of lateral hip pain cases are now thought to be due to gluteal tendinopathy or irritation of the gluteal tendons where they attach on the side of the hip (greater trochanter). Risk factors for developing gluteal tendinopathy include: female gender (4:1 female to male ratio), increased body mass index (BMI), excessive hip adduction during walking/running, prolonged hip flexion (sitting) and weak hip abductors muscles (especially gluteus medius and minimus). Treatment of this disorder is similar to other tendinopathies in that the focus is on gradually loading and strengthening the gluteal tendons via resistance training exercises that target the hip abductor muscles. These types of exercises not only improve the working capacity of the muscles and their tendons, but also help reduce tendon pain. My YouTube video below includes a a few exercises that typically help people suffering from gluteal tendinopathy. Here are a couple of articles that you can read to learn more about this disorder. 1. Long SS, Surrey DE, Nazarian LN. . AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2013;201(5):1083-1086. 2. Pianka MA, Serino J, DeFroda SF, Bodendorfer BM. . SAGE Open Med. 2021. 3. Ladurner A, Fitzpatrick J, O'Donnell JM. . Orthop J Sports Med. 2021;9(7):23259671211016850. I hope the information in this episode was helpful and you feel better equipped to treat gluteal tendinopathy related pain. Besides the YouTube video I linked, my book contains comprehensive programs for the 50 most common orthopedic conditions, including one for gluteal tendinopathy. The programs are broken into three phases and include exercises that can be used to help prevent injuries as well as help you recover from an injury. If you want to learn more about my book, visit my or click to view the book on Amazon. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day! Dr. Tom /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/33809092

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Versus Calf Strain (Case Study) 10/30/2024

Become a Successful Online Practitioner with Dr. Caleb Burgess 10/22/2024

Evidence-Based ACL Rehabilitation with Dr. Wesley Wang 10/15/2024

Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction: Diagnosis & Treatment Strategies 10/08/2024

Journey From Full-Time Clinician to Successful Inventor & Entrepreneur with Pete Holman 10/02/2024

Journey From Full-Time Clinician to Successful Inventor & Entrepreneur with Pete Holman In Today's episode, I interview clinician, entrepreneur and inventor, Pete Holman. Pete is a physical therapist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), international presenter, author, fitness product inventor and former US National TaeKwonDo champion living in Colorado. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy in 1997 and went on to work at the renowned Aspen Sports Medicine clinic prior to opening up his own private practice in 2001. His client list has included Fortune 500 hundred business owners from Jones Apparel, Progressive Insurance & Fiji water, as well as, Hollywood stars including Ed Bradley and Kevin Costner. Pete’s dedication to advancing the fitness industry and his entrepreneurial spirit has inspired him to create multiple products that impact fitness enthusiasts and athletes worldwide. His first product, The Functional Training Rack, was licensed to Perform Better in 2008 and inspired “hoop” platforms for current stability ball rack designs. His second product, the RIPCORE-FX, was acquired by TRX and is now referred to as the TRX Rip Trainer. The Rip Trainer has grossed over $30 million in worldwide sales and can be seen in commercial gyms and sports performance centers around the world. Next, seeing a need for Golf specific training modalities, Pete partnered with GolfForever and iterated the Rip Trainer into the GolfForever Swing Trainer (the world’s first 2 in 1 Golf training aid.) With custom handles and coaching zones, a lightweight aluminum shaft and weighted ball heads for overspeed training, the Swing Trainer has quickly become the number one Golf training aid sold in Golf Galaxy, PGA Superstores and Dicks Sporting Goods. Endorsed by pro Golfers Scottie Scheffler, Ryan Palmer and Justin Leonard, the Swing Trainer is poised to revolutionize fitness training for Golfers! In 2018, Pete designed the first ever plate loaded Hip Thrust machine called the Glute Drive. He approached industry leading giants and the Nautilus Glute Drive was spawned. The Glute Drive is Nautilus’s number one selling commercial strength product, selling over 3000 units a year. Pete’s latest product is the world’s first Loaded Carry/Sled Push combo machine. Growing up on a small farm in Littleton Colorado, Pete hauled road base, concrete, railroad ties and manure around the farm. He attributed his grip, hip and core strength, which later lead to him becoming a US National TaeKwon-Do champion, to his Farm Strong work. He brought the concept to Escape Fitness and the Escape Barrow was created. Pete works tirelessly on developing education, programming and products that will have a positive impact on health and fitness worldwide. To learn more about Pete's work, visit his website at the following /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/33280637

Pain Treatment Fundamentals with Greg Lehman 09/24/2024

Pain Treatment Fundamentals with Greg Lehman In today's podcast episode, I speak with physical therapist, chiropractor, researcher and educator, Greg Lehman. Greg has been in the rehabilitation field for more than 20 years. Following his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, he was awarded the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Gold Medal for highest academic performance in Kinesiology. This degree allowed him to obtain certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Fitness Appraiser and to work as a Strength and Conditioning coach for Sir Wilfrid University's Men's Basketball team and for Queen's University Women's Varsity Hockey Team. Greg's success in university resulted in being awarded a graduate scholarship (NSERC) to the University of Waterloo to be one of only two Masters students per year studying at the Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory, a world leader in Spine Biomechanics, exercise prescription and athletic performance. As a faculty member at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Greg developed a research program that produced more than 20 publications on exercise biomechanics, golf fitness and the science of manual therapy. He has taught more than 25 graduate students in Spine Biomechanics and Research Instrumentation and supervised more than 50 students and 20 undegraduate research theses. He was subsequently awarded a Researcher of the Year award by the Ontario Chiropractic Association. These days, most of Greg's time with patients is spent one-on-one using exercise, load/stress management, manual therapy techniques and education. Both pain, injury and performance are influenced by a number of factors in an individual's life. Greg's approach addresses the multitude of these contributors and he primarily works with my patients to come up with strategies where they are actively involved in their recovery. To learn more about Greg and his work, visit his website at the following /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/33129097

How to Solve Foot Problems with Exercise with Dr. Emily Splichal 09/17/2024

An Osteopathic Approach to the Treatment of Pain 09/11/2024

Pain Science: Part III 09/05/2024

Pain Science: Part II 08/28/2024

Pain Science: Part I 08/20/2024

Sciatica: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies 08/13/2024

Sciatica: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies Sciatica is a umbrella term that refers to pain and/or altered sensation (numbness, tingling, heaviness) that travels into the sciatic nerve distribution or that of one of the lumbosacral nerve roots that makes up the sciatic nerve (L4-S3). Sciatica is caused by an irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve or one of the nerve roots that forms the sciatic nerve. It is often seen with disc bulges and herniations and spinal stenosis. Sciatica can also be caused by spondylolisthesis and, in rare cases, spinal tumors. Sciatica has a lifetime incidence of 10-40%, so many of us will experience this issue at some point in our lifetime. Sciatica is diagnosed via clinical testing such as the straight leg raise and slump tests and a description of symptoms that fits with the sciatic nerve’s motor and sensory distributions. Sciatica is typically aggravated with lumbar flexion (bending forward), rotation or twisting of the spine and coughing. Treatment typically involves initially reducing acute symptoms with ice and heat, NSAIDs, avoiding provocative positions and activities (usually lumbar flexion) and muscle relaxants, in some cases. Rehab revolves around behavior modification, short courses of spinal mobilization and/or manipulation, nerve mobilizations and therapeutic exercises that target the hip and trunk with a primary emphasis on reducing neural irritation (centralization). Usually, mobility exercises help most initially and then strengthening exercises are added later. Most cases resolve in 4-6 weeks. If symptoms don’t improve after 6-8 weeks or there is a progressive loss of motor function (muscular weakness), then imaging may be helpful to rule out more severe disc bulges or herniations and other potential tissue causes. Clinicians should lookout for red flags such as progressive LE weakness, loss of bowel or bladder function, saddle paresthesia as these can point to acute neurological deficits. Here are links to YouTube videos that can help if you are experiencing sciatica right now. /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/32531892

Pain Free Performance Specialist Dr. John Rusin 08/06/2024

Pain Free Performance Specialist Dr. John Rusin In today's episode, I talk with my friend and colleague, Dr. John Rusin. Dr. Rusin is one of the fitness and sports performance industry’s leading experts in the pain-free performance training model that blends the world of strength and conditioning with clinical movement based diagnostic medicine to provide the ultimate results based methods, programming and practice for an impressively diverse demographic of elite athletes and general fitness clients. His innovative vision for the future of elite level sports performance physical therapy and injury prevention based training protocols are highlighted by the synergy of high-performance strength and hypertrophy programming with a cutting-edge, pain-free training methodologies, are revolutionizing the way his athletes and clients look, feel, function and perform. With more than a decade of elite-level training experience and advanced degrees in both exercise science and physical therapy, Dr. Rusin has developed performance, regeneration, and aesthetics programs for some of the world’s best strength, power, and endurance athletes. Dr. Rusin’s present and past client list include MLB All-Stars, NFL All-Pros, Olympic Gold, Bronze and Silver Medalists, World-Record-Holding Powerlifters, Elite Bodybuilders and Figure Competitors, All-World IronMan Triathletes, and top professional athletes from eight of the major American professional sports leagues. Dr. Rusin is an internationally recognized strength coach, speaker, and writer, whose work has been popularized throughout the sports performance and fitness industries in some of the most prestigious media outlets in our industry such as Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health, Testosterone Nation, Bodybuilding.com, Stack Magazine, and Muscle & Strength, to name a few. His innovative pain-free performance training systems have been taught to thousands of personal trainers, strength coaches and rehabilitation professionals from across the world. I hope you enjoy the episode and find it be be helpful! You can learn more about John's work at the following . /episode/index/show/549fb578-797c-4a2f-9645-aced59d529aa/id/32425157