Progressive Rehab & Strength

Physical therapists, strength coaches, and powerlifters Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson share their knowledge to help barbell athletes, coaches, and clinicians demystify strength training and create sustainability under the barbell and in business.

S2 Q&A #3 - Why Barbell Training Is Essential for Adults 50–80: A Rehab Case Study That Inspires 04/19/2025

S2 Q&A #3 - Why Barbell Training Is Essential for Adults 50–80: A Rehab Case Study That Inspires In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo break down how strength training allowed a 75-year-old barbell trainee to avoid inpatient rehab after fracturing both her hip and wrist. Her story is a testament to how barbell training preserves function, independence, and quality of life—even after serious injury. “The stronger you go into these sorts of situations, the better off you're going to be—because you're going to have more lean body mass, more muscle mass, more bone mineral density… So that if you lose some of it, you’re not going to be as negatively impacted as someone who has low levels going in.” – Dr. John Petrizzo, PT, CSCS, PRSCC, SSC Key Topics Discussed The role of strength training in rehab for older adults How physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons can safely use barbell exercises Adapting barbell training during recovery from fractures and surgery The benefits of building “physiological reserve” through strength Strategies to maintain training with one-sided injuries Using machines, bands, and unilateral work as part of barbell-based rehab Key Takeaways Strength training can prevent the need for inpatient rehab You can apply progressive overload without a barbell Barbell lifts can be safely modified in rehab Muscle and bone strength serve as protection, not risk, as we age 0:00 – 1:39 – Episode intro + Pat’s story setup 1:40 – 5:00 – Pat skips inpatient rehab after hip + wrist fractures 5:00 – 9:30 – Strength training keeps older adults independent 9:30 – 10:50 – Rehab often unnecessary if strong enough 10:50 – 13:18 – Medical disclaimer + conceptual discussion 13:19 – 17:00 – How to train lower body post-fracture 17:01 – 22:00 – How to train upper body with one arm 22:01 – 25:00 – Applying progressive overload in rehab 25:01 – 30:00 – Healing timelines + early rehab mobility 30:01 – 35:00 – Managing PT visits + training around insurance limits 35:01 – 41:00 – Transitioning from rehab to barbell training 41:01 – 45:00 – Strength as physiological reserve in aging 45:01 – 52:00 – Doctors dismissing lifting + final takeaways Listen now and share this episode with a clinician, athlete, or loved one who needs to hear it. Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: John IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/36228430

S2 Q&A #2: Feeling Burned Out After a Meet? + Training Through Life’s Seasons 04/12/2025

S2 Q&A #2: Feeling Burned Out After a Meet? + Training Through Life’s Seasons In this candid and insightful listener Q&A episode, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson of Progressive Rehab & Strength dive deep into two thought-provoking questions submitted by a competitive powerlifter navigating the post-meet blues and nutrition challenges. They unpack the psychological and physical impacts of taking extended time off from training after powerlifting competitions, explore ways to manage training stress, and discuss how to realign your training goals during life transitions. Plus, they address the complex question of when to transition to maintenance calories after bulking or cutting. From athlete burnout and life balance to nutrition periodization and sport crossover (hello BJJ!), this episode is full of real talk, actionable advice, and behind-the-scenes coaching strategy. Key Topics Discussed: When and how to take intentional time off after a powerlifting competition Psychological burnout vs. strategic off-season programming Communicating openly with your coach to optimize your program Training through lifestyle transitions like busy work seasons, family obligations, and other hobbies Adjusting expectations and recovery strategies in your 30s and 40s How to maintain strength without a meet on the horizon Pros and cons of adding high-stress sports (like BJJ) to your training in-season When to transition from a caloric deficit to maintenance Body composition discomfort vs. performance trade-offs Sustainable strength strategies and nutrition for competitive lifters Listener Takeaways: You don’t have to earn your time off — you need to plan it intentionally. Your training should adapt to your life, not the other way around. Weight gain doesn’t always mean strength gain — and that’s okay. Lifters in their 30s and 40s need smarter recovery strategies and realistic expectations. If you’re feeling something — mentally or physically — say something to your coach. Resources Mentioned: Previous episode on weight classes & cutting Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/36107950

S2 Inspirational Interview #2: Strength Training Through Chaos | How One Barbell Athlete Stays Consistent With Barbell Training While Raising & Homeschooling 5 Kids 03/29/2025

S2 Inspirational Interview #2: Strength Training Through Chaos | How One Barbell Athlete Stays Consistent With Barbell Training While Raising & Homeschooling 5 Kids In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast Inspirational Interview Series, Dr. Rori Alter sat down with Anna Marie Oakes-Joudy, an athlete who faces life’s toughest challenges and emerges stronger every day. Anna Marie shares her personal journey through the hardships of raising and homeschooling 5 children, demonstrating resilience, and the transformative power of strength training. As a mother of five—including a set of twins—she balances her role as a dedicated parent while excelling as a barbell coach, homeschooling her children, and running a successful business. From overcoming significant obstacles to finding empowerment in lifting, her story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Listeners will be moved by her candid reflections on how she navigates setbacks and finds purpose in both training and life. Anna Marie discusses the mental and physical battles she endured and how she leveraged strength training as a means of grounding herself. She opens up about the crucial role of a supportive community and the guidance she received along the way. Her experiences highlight the power of mindset and how shifting perspectives can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth. Juggling motherhood, coaching, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship, Anna Marie provides an honest look at the challenges she faces daily and how she stays focused on her goals. Whether you're an athlete facing challenges or someone looking for motivation to push through tough times, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Throughout the interview, Anna Marie and Dr. Rori Alter explores key themes such as goal setting, adapting mindsets, and the importance of consistency in training and life. Some of the thought-provoking questions she answers include: How do you find balance between raising five children, running a business, and staying committed to your own strength journey? What advice do you have for other parents who struggle to prioritize their own health and fitness? What were the biggest mental barriers you had to overcome, and how did you work through them? She also shares how she integrates her passion for strength training into her family life, setting an example for her children and encouraging them to build confidence through movement. This episode serves as a reminder that even when circumstances seem insurmountable, persistence and a strong support system can pave the way for success. Join us for this powerful and uplifting conversation with Anna Marie. Whether you’re a working mom of one or a stay-at-home-dad of 5, her journey will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your own challenges head-on. Listen now and be reminded of the strength that lies within you! Resources & Links: Anna Marie’s IG: Anna Marie’s email: If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/35916170

S2E7 - Strength Training for New Parents (or Very Busy People) | Time-Efficient Strategies for Progress 03/08/2025

S2E7 - Strength Training for New Parents (or Very Busy People) | Time-Efficient Strategies for Progress Barbell strength training or powerlifting training after having kids is HARD. Finding the time and energy to powerlift after having babies has its challenges for all parents, but, most of all, time to train and the ability to recover is most affected. In this episode of the PRS Podcast, hosts Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo continue their New Parent Training series, discussing how to adapt strength training when time and recovery resources are limited—a challenge that applies not only to new parents but to anyone with a demanding schedule. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Reality of Training as a New Parent – Is it really any different from other life demands that impact training time and recovery? Three Key Situations Where We Lower the Ceiling on Training Intensity – Understanding when and why you should adjust your expectations to stay injury-free and maintain progress. How to Prepare for Training as a Parent Before You Even Have Kids – The mindset shift that makes the transition to time-restricted training smoother. Optimizing Training When Recovery Resources Are Limited – Practical strategies for making progress even when sleep and recovery time are compromised. Adjusting Training Volume for Maximum Efficiency – How to modify your workouts to get stronger without spending hours in the gym. How Long Should a Barbell Lift Take? – Setting realistic timeframes for training sessions to fit your schedule. Load Adjustments to Stay Within a Specific Timeframe – Strategies to manage training intensity and keep workouts productive. Two Time-Efficient Training Week Setups – How to structure your program for consistency and flexibility as a new parent. Maximizing Training Session Efficiency – Tips to ensure you get the most out of each session while maintaining consistency. Reducing Mental Barriers to Training – Simple ways to overcome the mindset challenges that may be keeping you from getting a session in. Whether you're a new parent, a busy professional, or someone struggling to balance life and training, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you stay strong, make progress, and train smarter—not harder. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/35585290

S2E6 - Postpartum Strength Training for New Parents: Managing Training Expectations and Adapting to Life After Having A Baby 03/01/2025

S2E6 - Postpartum Strength Training for New Parents: Managing Training Expectations and Adapting to Life After Having A Baby In this episode of The Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, new parents and Clinical Coaches, Drs Rori Alter and John Petrizzo, dive into the challenges of maintaining a strength training program, specifically powerlifting and barbell training, after having a baby for the first and second time. From sleep deprivation to time constraints, they explore how your approach to training must shift in the postpartum period. If you're a parent, or soon-to-be parent, they talk about the differences in training expectations before and after having kids, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to injury and burnout after. This episode discusses the importance of flexibility and consistency over perfection, how to modify your lifting program to suit your current life stage, and the critical need to listen to your body and adjust your approach. It also covers how to stay realistic and avoid frustration by embracing the idea that this is a temporary phase, and there will be opportunities to get back to a more robust powerlifting routine that works for you. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Managing Expectations in Postpartum Powerlifting for Both Parents: Training as a new parent may look very different from training before kids. Explore the shift in mindset and realistic goals when it comes to strength training during the postpartum period. Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Strength Training & Recovery: Sleep disturbances are commonplace after having a child, whether it’s the first, second or third time. Whether it’s early postpartum or you’re in the midst of a sleep regression, your ability to recover is impacted and training must adapt while you’re in this ever changing life phase. Finding Time to Train: How parents can carve out time for strength training despite the busy, unpredictable schedule of parenting. This episode tackles the myth of "I don't have time to train" and shares practical tips for fitting in workouts, even when life gets chaotic. Consistency Over Perfection: Why aiming for consistency instead of perfection can be a game changer in the postpartum period. It's all about progress, not perfection. The Importance of Modifying Your Program: Not adjusting your training can lead to injuries and hinder your progress. This episode gives real-life examples of clients who struggled with injuries because their standard programs weren’t suited to their current life stage and recovery capacity. Recovery and Injuries: Why you may need to slow down and focus more on recovery, especially after childbirth, when typical strength training programs may not provide enough rest. Temporary Phase: Recognizing that this challenging stage is temporary, from the fourth trimester to toddlerhood, and that balance and recovery will improve as time goes on. Episode Highlights: The #1 reason people stop exercising is lack of time – and this becomes even more of a challenge after having kids. Case studies of clients balancing demanding careers and new families, who had to modify their training to avoid injuries and achieve better recovery. Real talk about the physical and mental adjustment needed after introducing a new family member, and how training programs need to reflect these changes. Links and Resources: John’s article: designed to help you completely customize and adjust your barbell training program and nutrition by tracking the most important data for optimal recovery, performance, and sustainability If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/35256135

S2 Q&A #1: How Tight Should Your Belt Be? How to Handle a Drifting Deadlift, and How to Do More Pull-ups 02/15/2025

S2 Inspirational Interview #1: Powerlifting Through Pain | Stephanie Tracy’s Journey to the Pan American Bench Press Championships 02/08/2025

S2 Inspirational Interview #1: Powerlifting Through Pain | Stephanie Tracy’s Journey to the Pan American Bench Press Championships In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we sit down with PRS client and competitive powerlifter, Stephanie Tracy. We dive into her incredible journey from competing at Powerlifting America’s Bench Press National Championships to representing the USA at the Pan American Championships. Along the way, we discuss the mental and physical challenges that come with injuries, how Steph found the strength to push through, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level, even when your body may be working against you. Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> Stephanie opens up about her history in competitive powerlifting, the setbacks she’s faced due to injury, and the mindset that keeps her in the game. She shares the story of her shoulder injury, how it affected her training and mentality, and the decision-making process that led her to compete at the Pan American Championships despite not being at 100%. We also discuss how strategy helped her succeed in this international competition, even though she didn’t hit a PR or go 3/3, and what kept her smiling after a tough performance. Steph Tracy highlights many of the elements we discussed in our Powerlifting Competition Series on the Podcast and we’re excited for her to share her story with you. In this candid conversation, Stephanie gives valuable advice for anyone dealing with an injury while preparing for a competition and how to determine when to push through and when to take a step back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The ups and downs of Stephanie’s competitive powerlifting journey, including her experience with injuries and how they’ve shaped her approach to the sport. Why powerlifting is a great sport for people of all backgrounds and abilities. How to stay mentally focused during competition, even when dealing with setbacks. The real reason Steph accepted the invitation to the Pan American Championships, despite being injured. The importance of strategy in overcoming physical limitations and how it contributed to her performance. How to evaluate whether you should push through an injury or take time off from competing. Why injuries don’t necessarily have to end your competition season. The role of imaging in understanding the extent of an injury and its impact on performance. Episode Highlights: Injuries and Resilience — Stephanie talks about the challenges injuries have presented throughout her powerlifting career and how they’ve affected both her training and mindset. Pushing Through the Pain — A deep dive into the mental toughness required to compete at a high level when injured, and how strategic thinking allowed Stephanie to succeed even when she wasn’t at full strength. Facing the Decision — Stephanie’s advice for anyone dealing with an injury and whether to continue pushing toward a competition or take time off to heal. Why It’s Not Always About PRs — Despite not hitting a PR at the Pan American Championships, Stephanie explains why she felt proud of her performance and how the experience shaped her approach to future competitions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, strategy, and the power of mindset in competitive powerlifting, even in the face of injury. Resources & Links: Follow Stephanie on Instagram If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/35201335

S2E5 - Injuries and Powerlifting Competitions: Managing Setbacks and Navigating Meets 02/01/2025

S2E5 - Injuries and Powerlifting Competitions: Managing Setbacks and Navigating Meets In the powerlifting world, injuries are an unfortunate reality. Whether it's a tweak in training leading into a competition or something more significant happening during the powerlifting meet itself, injuries will happen. However, it's how we reduce our risk for them and manage them so they don't get worse leading into or during the competition. Prepping for a Powerlifting Meet? Download our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE! In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we dive into the complex dynamics of injuries in powerlifting competitions, from preventing them to managing them when they inevitably occur. We'll break down why injuries seem to crop up as lifters approach competition time, addressing key factors like: Overtraining Mental stress Physical demands of peaking for performance How to decide whether to push through an injury or pull back When is it wise to adjust your attempt selection to avoid making things worse We'll also discuss the financial and future opportunity costs of competing through injury—how much should you weigh your investment in the competition against your long-term lifting goals? When is it best to step back and preserve your health for the future? Injuries during a competition present a whole new set of challenges. What's the best course of action if you get hurt mid-meet? Can you adjust your attempt selection in real time to avoid further damage? Should you skip an attempt, put in a number versus a 0, or pull out completely? These are the tough decisions that many lifters face. Plus, we'll talk about the sometimes frustrating process of adjusting your first attempt—how to make changes when you're warming up and things don't feel right, and why your opener matters more than you might think. Do you change the number at weigh-ins? And what happens when you tweak something warming up right before your first lift? If you've ever dealt with the stress of managing an injury before or during a powerlifting competition, or you're wondering how to avoid major setbacks in your competition journey, this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast is for you. We'll share strategies, practical tips, and personal insights to help you navigate those challenging moments and come out stronger on the other side. Tune in for this essential conversation on staying healthy, making smart decisions under pressure, and keeping your long-term goals intact leading into a powerlifting competition! Resources mentioned in this episode: If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/35105475

S2E4 - Powerlifting Game Day Strategy (Pt 2): Advanced Powerlifting Game Day Strategies for Coaches & Competitors at Regional, Pro, National & International Meets 01/25/2025

S2E4 - Powerlifting Game Day Strategy (Pt 2): Advanced Powerlifting Game Day Strategies for Coaches & Competitors at Regional, Pro, National & International Meets In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast we continue our discussion on Powerlifting Game Day Strategy. We focus on the nuances of managing and competing at the highest levels of powerlifting, with a particular emphasis on coaching advanced athletes through regional, pro, national, and international powerlifting competitions. This episode is designed for advanced lifters and new lifters entering the higher competition circuit, and their coaches who are preparing for national and international competitions, offering actionable strategies to optimize performance when every detail matters. Coach Alyssa breaks down the critical differences between advanced lifters and those at the beginner or intermediate levels, exploring how a lifter’s game day strategy evolves as they progress in the sport. From refining the technical aspects of attempt selection to the mental fortitude required for high-stakes competition, we cover everything you need to know about navigating the challenges that come with elite-level powerlifting meets. Key topics include: Building a Competitive Powerlifting Total: How to strategically plan attempts to build a winning total, including handling the psychology of openers, progressions, and third attempts. Handling Red Lights in a Meet: What to do when an attempt doesn’t go as planned—how to stay calm, reset, and come back stronger, and when it’s time for the coach to step in. The Role of the Meet-Day Handler: Why a handler becomes essential at this level or powerlifting , how to optimize their role in assisting with warm-ups, attempt selection, and managing last-minute decisions. Advanced Deadlift Strategy: Why the deadlift can make or break your competition, and how to approach it strategically—especially when the bar is heavy and every kilo counts. Competition Day Logistics: Navigating the complexities of lot numbers, squat to bench to deadlift transitions, and managing potential delays or distractions in the warm-up area. DOTS Scoring and Pro-Level Strategy: Understanding the impact of DOTS scores on rankings and how this affects attempt planning at national and world-level events. We’ll also discuss how to fine-tune your lifter’s mindset, optimize performance under pressure, and deal with the unique challenges that arise at high-level meets. Whether you’re a coach guiding a lifter to their first national competition or managing a seasoned pro at the world level, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate both your athlete’s performance and your coaching game. Tune in for expert advice on mastering the finer points of game day and ensuring that your athlete executes with precision, confidence, and focus on the biggest stages in powerlifting. Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/34890535

S2E3 - Powerlifting Game Day Strategy (Part 1): Planning for a 9-for-9 Performance 01/18/2025

S2E3 - Powerlifting Game Day Strategy (Part 1): Planning for a 9-for-9 Performance Having a game day strategy for a powerlifting meet is essential to making sure you have fun and the outcome of the competition meets your expectations. Whether you are a first time powerlifting competitor or a seasoned lifter, you should do all you can to ensure you go 9-for-9 as completing all possible attempts in a powerlifting competition ensures you have the best outcome possible. In this episode of the PRS Podcast Drs Rori Alter and Alyssa Haveson continue their discussion on powerlifting competition by dedicating Part 3 and 4 of this Powerlifting Competition Series to planning your powerlifting meet and meet day strategy and execution. In this episode they discuss: Planning your attempts for a powerlifting meet Meet day strategy attempt planning and execution What game day strategy takes into account The first thing to consider when planning your powerlifting competition strategy When you should take risks in a powerlifting competition and when you should not Why you should aim to go 9 for 9 and what missing a lift sets you up for The goal of your first attempt in a powerlifting meet How to select openers for a novice versus more advanced powerlifter? In what situations you go up in weight or stay at the same weight for your next attempt What not to do on competition How do you determine how much to increase between each attempt Should you ever miss your third attempt in a powerlifting competition Will you hit a PR in every meet? What the challenges for transitioning from novice to intermediate competitor are How do you look at PRs in a powerlifting competition; Are they just PRs on the lifts themselves? What RPE your attempts should be Do we recommend max effort on all third attempts? This podcast episode is highly focused on the strategic aspect of powerlifting competitions, specifically the planning and execution of attempts in a meet. It is geared toward powerlifters at all levels, from novice to more experienced lifters, as well as powerlifting coaches and meet day handlers, making it broadly appealing to a wide audience. Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/34890520

S2E2 - Choosing Your Powerlifting Weight Class: When to Cut, Bulk, and Compete 01/11/2025

S2E2 - Choosing Your Powerlifting Weight Class: When to Cut, Bulk, and Compete In this follow-up episode, Drs. Rori Alter, PT, and Alyssa Haveson, PT, delve into the critical decisions powerlifters face when selecting a weight class for competition. Building on their previous conversation about the timing of entering a meet, they explore the key factors that influence whether you should cut weight, bulk up, or stay at your current body weight to optimize your performance. In this episode, they answer essential questions like: How do powerlifting weight classes work, and who are you actually competing against? What factors should influence your decision to lose weight or gain weight for a competition? When is it a smart strategy to cut weight (and how to do it safely), versus bulking for powerlifting? Should you train at a heavier body weight relative to your weight class? What’s the difference between a weight cut and a water cut—and when should you do either? When is it time to change weight classes, and how does this impact your personal records (PRs)? How does gaining or losing weight affect your strength, technique, and overall performance? Should you outgrow a weight class, and what are the signs? If you're wondering how to make the right weight class choice for your next competition—or if you're unsure whether to bulk or cut—this episode is packed with expert advice on how to navigate these tough decisions! Resources mentioned in this episode: Weigh-in & Meet Day Eating Guide If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/34769450

S2E1 - Competition Prep for Novice Powerlifters: What to Expect in Your First Meet 01/04/2025

S2E1 - Competition Prep for Novice Powerlifters: What to Expect in Your First Meet When people get into barbell training as their form of exercise, they’ll at some point ask the question, “should I do a powerlifting meet?” After just over a year hiatus from the PRS Podcast, Drs Rori Alter and Alyssa Haveson are back with the first in a series of five podcast episodes on all elements of powerlifting competitions. In these five episodes they will cover exactly what you need to know to do well in your first powerlifting competition all the way to the international powerlifting platform. In this episode of the PRS Podcast we cover: Where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to over the last year Introduce Dr. Alyssa Haveson’s background as a competitor and elite competitive powerlifting coach and the three elements she brings to the table for game day powerlifting coaching How a person gets into recreational or competitive powerlifting for the first time What it means to do a competition and how do we choose it at the right time? The two ways the topic of doing a powerlifting competition comes up with a novice lifter The Questions: “How strong should I be to do my first competition?” - and does it matter? One of the most intimidating parts of competition for new powerlifters Why the question, “What goals do you have for me?” isn’t the best question for a powerlifter to ask their coach Who you are actually competing against in powerlifting competitions The 7 goals for the novice powerlifting competitor Three types of Novice Powerlifting Competitors Important things for the higher level powerlifting athlete to consider when choosing competitions If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/34717670

We're Taking a Quick Break 10/26/2023

#63 - Common Shoulder Injuries Affecting Powerlifting & What to Do About Them: Surgical Intervention vs. Physical Therapy 09/18/2023

#63 - Common Shoulder Injuries Affecting Powerlifting & What to Do About Them: Surgical Intervention vs. Physical Therapy Shoulder surgery is one of the most painful and debilitating surgeries that we see people go through. Because of this and the comparable outcomes of physical therapy relative to shoulder surgery, we encourage powerlifters to exhaust all conservative options before having shoulder surgery. Shoulder surgeries seem to be the most challenging for people to deal with because it affects so many things: Personal hygiene Driving Feeding yourself Putting on and taking off shirts Sleeping Cooking Grocery shopping And much more Contrary to popular belief, barbell training and powerlifting alone do not usually cause most of the “injuries” associated with the shoulder. Things like rotator cuff tears and tendinopathies, labral tears, “impingement,” etc. are all things that affect the general population. So it’s more likely that training volume, intensity, and barbell techniques are irritating a shoulder that already has some of this going on. And it’s more than possible to reduce symptoms and make a full recovery without surgery. Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo discuss common shoulder injuries that affect barbell training and strategies for managing and rehabbing them, including physical therapy, training modifications, medical interventions such as cortisone injections, and finally, surgery. If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/28067460

#62 - Powerlifting Shoulder Rehab | Modifying the lifts through injury or post-op 09/09/2023

#61 - Your Shoulders & Barbell Training | How not to hurt your shoulders in powerlifting 09/02/2023

#61 - Your Shoulders & Barbell Training | How not to hurt your shoulders in powerlifting The shoulder is one of the most common sites of injury in powerlifting and barbell training because it is involved in every single powerlift. So in order to protect yourself from shoulder pain or injury, it’s important to have good bar placement, grip width, and shoulder position to optimize force production while minimizing extraneous forces on the shoulder. In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss not just the functional anatomy of the shoulder and the four joints it’s composed of, but how it functions in each lift and how you should move to reduce your risk for injury while getting as strong as possible. This episode is broken down by lift and common myths or misconceptions about technique and the shoulder in barbell training. The Shoulder In The Squat: What are some misconceptions people have about bar placement, stability, and grip width in the squat? How does the shoulder impact grip width and bar position in the squat? The Shoulder In The Bench Press: How does arching your back improve bench press execution and support muscle development? Why does excessive arching in the bench press create a problem at the shoulder? Why do we want to maintain tightness and not sink the bar into the chest when bench pressing? Why is the idea of tucking and flaring during the bench press problematic for the shoulder? The Shoulder In The Deadlift: What role do the lats pla in the deadlift? How does the role of the lats in the deadlift influence our back/shoulder angle? The Shoulder In The Overhead Press: Why is overhead feared by doctors and physical therapists? How do you protect from impingement in the shoulder while overhead pressing? If you’re a chiropractor, physical therapist, medical doctor, strength coach, or student clinician, this episode is a great review and application tutorial regarding the foot and ankle in barbell training. If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27888555

#60 - Are Cervical Spine Chiropractic Adjustments Safe? Neck Pain, Cervical Instability, & Headaches With Chiropractor & Hypermobility Coach Dr. Taylor Goldberg, DC 08/26/2023

#60 - Are Cervical Spine Chiropractic Adjustments Safe? Neck Pain, Cervical Instability, & Headaches With Chiropractor & Hypermobility Coach Dr. Taylor Goldberg, DC Chiropractic adjustments are often used for the treatment of neck pain and headaches. However, there is an increasing awareness that cervical spine manipulation may not be safe, therefore it’s important to know the risks, benefits, and alternatives when determining if cervical spine adjustments are best for you. There is a strong relationship between the structures of the neck and head with balance and performance in barbell training and powerlifting. This is why we coach people to maintain a neutral neck posture in line with the rest of their spine and to focus their eyes on a specific point close to their bodies while executing the powerlifts. Not considering and adhering to sound technique in the cervical spine may lead to neck pain, headaches, dizziness, or injuries in barbell training. This may lead you to seek out the care of a chiropractor for manipulation or adjustment of the cervical spine for neck pain or other disorders of the head and neck. But is chiropractic adjustment of the cervical spine safe and what you need? In this episode of the PRS Podcast, our hosts sit down to discuss Dr. Taylor Goldberg, DC who discusses the efficacy and safety of cervical spine manipulation. There are many other treatments that can provide the same benefit in a safer capacity One of the iIssue with traditional chiropractors is they market themselves as the only way to fix symptoms and make someone healthier. The narrative and language used by traditional chiropractors scares people into believing they need adjustments forever and it is the only way to feel well Chiropractic manipulation isn’t doing what it says it’s doing because… Bad palpation skills Not adjusting the level we think we are adjusting Bones don’t move Medical Subluxation & Chiropractic Subluxation are different confusing people about the mechanism of their pain Contraindications to manipulating the cervical spine and when WOULD she recommend and use cervical spine manipulation? How are the neck, ears, jaw, and eyes connected to dizziness and balance How might movement of the neck while lifting cause dizziness or fainting Is there truly bad posture and how does that influence neck pain? Types of headaches stemming from our traps and how they are different from migraines Cervicogenic headaches Tension headaches Where does botox fit into the treatment of cervicogenic and tension headaches? Some of Taylor’s Educational Articles: Connect with Taylor on Instagram If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27826959

What We Saw Wednesday #31: The Biggest Deadlift Set-up Error: Not pulling out the slack, yanking the bar, or fudging up the pre-pull 08/23/2023

#59 - Eye Gaze & Neck Position in Barbell Training & Powerlifting | Why you shouldn’t “look up to go up!” 08/19/2023

#59 - Eye Gaze & Neck Position in Barbell Training & Powerlifting | Why you shouldn’t “look up to go up!” Neck tweaks and dizziness can sometimes occur with barbell training and powerlifting. So if you’ve ever wondered why you get dizzy when you lift heavy, why you tweaked your neck from the overhead press, where you should look when you squat, etc., you should understand that your eye gaze and neck position is very important when you lift heavy. The neck is a region of the body that does not actively contribute to the bar moving up in the squat, bench press, overhead press or deadlift. Therefore, we consider the neck joints accessory joints rather than mover joints. While it’s impossible for the neck to stay completely still when you lift it should be your goal to keep it as still as possible and reduce the amount of position change that occurs as the rest of your body moves in space. Our eyes also play a significant role in our overall lifting experience and execution so we should be very specific with what we are doing with our eyes as well. The role of eye gaze in barbell training is to: Provide visual feedback about the environment/where our body is in space Maintain as much neutrality in our neck as possible to support the function or structures in our neck and inner ear that promote balance and equilibrium At Progressive Rehab & Strength, we have a few general rules for eye gaze and neck position that applies to all exercises, including non-barbell/non-powerlifts: The cervical spine or neck and head are extensions of the spine and should remain in line with the rest of the spine throughout the lift If the cervical spine cannot remain in neutral throughout the lift, it should be positioned at the start and end of the lift such that it is positioned in neutral during the most stressful parts of the lift The eyes should be positioned perpendicular to the line of the spine when it is at its most neutral position during the lift In this episode of the PRS Podcast we dive deeply into our eye gaze and neck position recommendations for each barbell lift. For some lifts this is obvious,for others it is not. Check out the full episode to learn how to improve the execution of your lifts while reducing injury to your neck. If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches ! Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? ! Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27767175

What We Saw Wednesday #30: How You Unrack Matters! Are you reverse curling your Overhead Press? 08/16/2023

#58 - Acute Muscle Weakness in the Bench Press | A Clinical Case of Cervical Radiculopathy with Powerlifter Chris Rzany 08/12/2023

#58 - Acute Muscle Weakness in the Bench Press | A Clinical Case of Cervical Radiculopathy with Powerlifter Chris Rzany Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition of the neck that can result in a multitude of symptoms radiating in the arm, including muscle weakness. Acute weakness with the bench press can be a sign that something is impinging a nerve in your neck but when addressed appropriately, you can regain your strength effectively. Chris Rzany experienced the acute onset of pec and triceps weakness in his bench press from one day to the next. He knew something was wrong and needed medical attention when he could barely bench press the empty bar where previously he was bench pressing 260lbs. In an effort to preserve his physical health he sought immediate medical attention from an orthopedist, underwent imaging, and other testing, with no conclusive diagnosis to the root cause of his cervical radiculopathy. Through his recovery journey there were ups and downs, relapses of his symptoms, but eventually, with the brief help from PRS Clinical Coach, Dr. Rori Alter, Chris was able to understand the root of his injury, his training program. In this episode of the PRS Podcast, Chris and Dr. sit down and discuss his journey from severe cervical radiculopathy back to the powerlifting platform and hitting a raw powerlifting bench press PR. In this episode you’ll learn how volume, intensity, frequency, recovery, and novel stimuli played into his injury. And he’ll also discuss how he stopped the relapse/remission cycle through monitoring training intensity. Connect with Chris: IG - Email - If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27699216

What We Saw Wednesday #29: Two Signs You Lack Squatfidence 08/09/2023

#57 - Neck Tweaks, Tension Headaches, & Dizziness in Barbell Training - What you need to know! 08/05/2023

#57 - Neck Tweaks, Tension Headaches, & Dizziness in Barbell Training - What you need to know! How you position your gaze and maintain your neck position when you lift is important. Your body’s balance responds to your neck and eye position so when you are barbell training, it’s important to keep your neck still and your eyes fixed to one point. The position of the cervical spine when you lift is extremely important because many of the muscles that support the bar and shoulders attach to the cervical spine. Additionally, the neurovascular structures responsible for innervating the limbs, brain, and organs all pass through the neck. When we do not pay close attention to the position of our neck and eye gaze while weight training, you may experience some problems like: Tension headaches Dizziness Radicular pain in the arms Upper extremity weakness Stiff neck Why do you get dizzy, headaches, a stiff neck, etc. when you barbell train? Stiffness in shoulders, hips, or thoracic spine causes you to get range from another area in the body. The position of the bar relative to your neck causes tension on the neurovascular structures in the neck. Too much movement in the cervical spine when you lift. This area should remain stable to protect the joints and neurovascular structures which aren’t meant to be loaded as much as the other areas of the body In this episode of the PRS Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson discuss position of the cervical spine and neck injuries in barbell training and powerlifting. If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27578232

#56 - Strength Training Will Save Your Life with Bruce Trout | He lost his leg & gained a daughter in the same week but never gave up barbell training 07/29/2023

#56 - Strength Training Will Save Your Life with Bruce Trout | He lost his leg & gained a daughter in the same week but never gave up barbell training Despite undergoing a below knee amputation, Bruce Trout never gave up barbell training. In fact, he made a career out of it. After a major accident that cost him his leg, Bruce Trout realized strength training saved his life and continues to inspire people to barbell strength train despite the odds, as if their life depends on it. It’s easy to give up and fall into a depression when a major injury threatens to take away your abilities. It’s even easier to do so when it’s not just an injury but a major trauma that takes away your leg and threatens your life. In this episode strength coach, Bruce Trout, shares how his experience getting hit by a car and losing his leg was influenced by strength training and how his accident influenced him as a trainee and coach. The purpose of this podcast interview is to help athletes feel less alone when experiencing serious injuries affecting one or more limbs. As well, we hope to provide coaches and clinicians with tools to help barbell athletes process their injuries and continue to train even when training is not ideal. Hopefully this interview will provide you with some tools for managing training and rehab around lower limb/non-weight bearing injuries. Bruce was in a car accident in 2019 which resulted in the loss of his lower left leg. He attributes the fact that he only lost a leg and not his life to his commitment to the Starting Strength Method. Since his recovery, Bruce has found his calling to help other individuals find their own strength and live a longer and fuller life through coaching at Starting Strength Columbus. Bruce Trout shares his story about losing his leg and barbell training and coaching with a prosthetic limb. In this episode we cover: How he lost his leg What was the driving force to push him through the initial injury How strength training saved his life and influenced his recovery process His experience with phantom pain How he progressed training initially after getting out of the hospital and once he received his prosthetic leg Why he can’t squat and how his right leg picks up the slack plus other challenges he faces training his amputated leg The role of physical therapy after an amputation The biggest lessons he learned from his accident Connect with Bruce on Instagram @brucebruce28 Resources mentioned: If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27535953

#55 - Using the Low Bar Back Squat to Address Ankle Mobility Deficits 07/22/2023

#55 - Using the Low Bar Back Squat to Address Ankle Mobility Deficits If you’re a weightlifter or powerlifter you may be wondering if your ankle mobility is affecting your squat depth and that it’s something to address before getting under the barbell. For good reason, the internet has been raging about ankle mobility being a major cause of squat depth issues for the last few years. But we’ll argue that your ankle mobility isn’t affecting your squat. Most people have depth issues related to: Poor coaching Poor body awareness The load simply being too heavy The leg being in a poor position to allow proper depth If you can do the following, you have the ankle range of motion to squat to depth: Walk normally, comfortably, without an atypical gait pattern Go up and down normal height stairs Put your feet flat when sitting on a normal-to-low toilet In the absence of a massive injury, prolonged immobilization of the ankle, or neurological condition affecting tone, the majority of people have enough range of motion to squat to depth without ankle mobility (or hamstring length, since I know you’re thinking that too) causing the issue. In this episode of the PRS Podcast, Clinical Coach Dr. Rori Alter, PT, PRSCC, SSC shares her own story of an ankle mobility deficit that didn’t affect her squat. In fact, most people have asymmetries in size and range of motion from side to side and it’s considered normal and generally does not affect barbell training and therefore doesn’t need to be addressed. However, Dr. Rori shares her ankle mobility deficit story to help you see when and why you might address it and what the best exercises are to address ankle mobility. The ironic thing is that she decided to address her ankle mobility issue because of pain from running and used the squat to address it. Funny how that is the opposite of what most people think. If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27505812

Tuesday Tip #31: 5 Essentials to Consider When Selecting a Weightlifting Shoe 07/18/2023

Tuesday Tip #31: 5 Essentials to Consider When Selecting a Weightlifting Shoe Weightlifting shoes are one of the most essential pieces of equipment that powerlifters and barbell strength athletes benefit from. There is no “one-size-fits-all” rule when it comes to what weightlifting shoe is right for you but there are specific things you should consider. Here are 5 things you need to consider when choosing what lifting shoe is right for you! Stiffness & compressibility of the weightlifting shoe material stability Stability that the shoe provides mediolaterally and front to back What lifts you will be using the shoe for How the weightlifting shoe and your anthropometry work together to improve your biomechanics Any injuries you have or may have recovered from The goal of this podcast is to provide insight into the purpose of lifting shoes as a whole and per lift. By the end of this episode we hope you’ll have new insight and confidence in selecting the right lifting shoe for you, your budget, and goals. For coaches and clinicians we hope to help you better provide recommendations based on the needs, abilities, and injuries of your clients. In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss: The purpose of lifting shoe The features we are looking for in a lifting shoe Similarities and differences in our philosophies about lifting shoes Some elements of a shoe that may help/hinder ankle mobility when lifting We also discuss considerations around helping you purchase the right shoe. We answer: "Should I buy a belt or lifting shoes first?” “How do you help justify the cost of a higher quality shoe? “If you had to choose ONE shoe to recommend to a new lifter, what shoe would it be and why?” If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: @breannejulia_prs /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27445533

#54 - Full Achilles Tendon Rupture with The Physio Fix’s Dr. Stacie Barber, PT | A Surgical approach to rehabilitation & return to gymnastics & competitive weightlifting 07/15/2023

#54 - Full Achilles Tendon Rupture with The Physio Fix’s Dr. Stacie Barber, PT | A Surgical approach to rehabilitation & return to gymnastics & competitive weightlifting Tearing your Achilles tendon is a major injury that may require surgery. While some people can recover from an Achilles rupture without surgery, some will require surgery in order to return to highly ballistic and plyometric sports like gymnastics and olympic weightlifting. Stacie Barber, PT is a physical therapist, nationally competitive weightlifter, recreational gymnastics, and PT practice owner of The Physio Fix sustained a full rupture of her Achilles tendon at her first annual holiday party. While this injury was devastating emotionally and physically, it did not happen during her chosen sport, but rather during a Ninja Warrior holiday party! After the shock of the injury wore off, Stacie connected with an orthopedic surgeon regarding her options for recovery. Just three days after the injury Stacie underwent surgery and returned to work two days later. The main factor in deciding to go the surgical route for the Achilles rupture was that there was a 9 cm gap between both ends of the torn tendon and no overlap when she was put in full plantar flexion. This meant that there was little opportunity for the tendon to heal itself. In this episode of the PRS Podcast, Dr. Stacie Barbell shares the story of her recovery after the surgery, how she continued to train and maintain her strength the whole time, and the process by which she returned to olympic weightlifting and gymnastics after the Achilles rupture with surgery. In this episode we discuss: What clinical factors lead to the decision to have Achilles rupture repair surgery How her post-op protocol for Achilles surgery varied from the typical protocol and why Footwear and assistive devices for Achillies repairs and how they helped/hindered Complications she experienced after the surgery and the process to address them How she continued to train without interruption post injury Kneeling & seated lifts to continue to train olympic lifts How long it took and how she progressed to get back to full ROM, heavy power and olympic lifts The timeline and progression for reintroducing gymnastics The importance of asking for help Insurance processes for covering the pre-surgical imaging, surgery, and assistive devices post-op The benefits of going out-of-pocket for post surgical return to sport physical therapy How this surgery changed Stacie as a clinician Dr. Stacie Barber is the founder and owner of The Physio Fix, which was established in 2017. Stacie received her B.S. in Exercise Science from Illinois State University in 2011 where she was also an NCAA student-athlete, earning several honors in the sport of gymnastics. After undergrad, Stacie went on to become a strength and performance coach, furthering her knowledge of exercise prescription and implementation before pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree which she obtained from Duke University in 2015. As a former collegiate gymnast and current Olympic Weightlifter, Dr. Stacie has had her fair share of orthopedic injuries and surgeries (11 surgeries to be exact!), so she understands how detrimental an injury can be for an athlete at any level. Therefore, she spends a lot of time with patients analyzing their movement patterns, identifying deficits, and improving body mechanics to not only fix the current problem but to also prevent further compensations and degeneration. Get in Touch with Stacie! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: (for purchase from The PhysioFix) (1 full year on Youtube) If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27446577

10 Minute Tip #30: How To Keep Training With Foot & Ankle Injuries in Barbell Training & Powerlifting 07/11/2023

#53 - Full Achilles Tendon Rupture with Dr. Martin Hsieh, PT | A non-surgical approach to rehabilitation & return to competitive powerlifting 07/08/2023

#53 - Full Achilles Tendon Rupture with Dr. Martin Hsieh, PT | A non-surgical approach to rehabilitation & return to competitive powerlifting Tearing your Achilles tendon is a major injury that may require surgery. But do you need to have surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon? Surgery is not the only answer and it is possible to return to powerlifting and continue to hit PRs if you work hard and continue to barbell train during the rehabilitation process. Martin Hsieh is a physical therapist, parent of five children, recreational basketball player, and competitive powerlifter. In July of 2022 he sustained a full rupture of his Achilles tendon. Like most foot and ankle injuries that affect one’s ability to barbell train, this injury was not sustained while powerlifting, but during a recreational league basketball game. After the shock of the injury wore off, Martin consulted with a few of his physical therapy associates, and two orthopedists regarding his options for recovery. After a few weeks he decided that it was in his best interest to approach his Achilles rehabilitation without surgery and shares the story of his return to competitive powerlifting in less than a year. In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss: How he tore his Achilles tendon playing basketball and what factors played into the injury presenting itself in that moment The role that fatigue accumulation plays in injury development The two injuries he wouldn’t want to sustain given his experience as a physical therapist Why he elected not to have surgery to repair a full rupture of his Achilles tendon and how he approach rehab insead When he resumed barbell training and what modifications he to help him continue without interruption What he would differently if he tore his Achilles again If and how he plans to go back to playing basketball after an Achilles rupture His best piece of advice for injured athletes when determine what course of action to take next The purpose of this podcast interview is to help athletes feel less alone when experiencing serious injuries affecting one or both limbs. As well, we provide coaches and clinicians with tools to help barbell athletes process their injuries and continue to train even when training is not ideal. Martin graduated from University of Maryland College Park in 2008 with a BS in cell biology and molecular genetics. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012 from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Martin is a board certified myofascial trigger point therapist who performs trigger point dry needling as well as a level II certified instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization clinician. He believes that making his patients stronger and moving better with less pain is the key to improving their quality of life. He is an advocate for strength training for patients of all ages and incorporates barbell, kettlebell, and body weight exercises into his treatment regularly. Physical therapy does not have to be therabands and boring table exercises! In his free time Martin enjoys spending time with his family, basketball, and golf. Since 2014 he has become a semi-competitive powerlifter and is currently a top 100 lifter in the nation in his weight class. He continues to pursue his powerlifting goal in his free time and plans to compete nationally if the timing is right. Connect with Martin on Instagram @needles_and_deadlifts If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: @breannejulia_prs /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27366087

10 Minute Tip #29 - 4 Tips to Keep Barbell Training After Leg Surgeries or Injuries 07/04/2023

10 Minute Tip #29 - 4 Tips to Keep Barbell Training After Leg Surgeries or Injuries Injuries are unavoidable, and sometimes you may end up with an injury or surgery that leaves you non-weight bearing. You may think you must stop all powerlifting while recovering from injuries or surgeries affecting your legs. However, we encourage you to modify your movements and mindset to continue your barbell training without interruption. Common injuries and surgeries that may affect your ability to barbell train are quad and Achilles tendon repairs, labral repairs or FAI surgery, ACL reconstructions, knee scopes, or even ankle sprains or fractures. All injuries vary in the length of time it takes to fully heal from them, how much weight you can bear through the limb, and your movement ability at each leg joint. However, this does not mean you have to stop training, it simply means you have to find a way to continue to train as best as possible. When designing a powerlifting program to accommodate a leg injury or surgery, we need to consider a few things: Can you bear weight through the affected leg? Are you able to bend your knee? Is it safe for you to maneuver weight plates yourself? What equipment do you have access to besides a power rack, barbell, and weight plates? Considering all this, we can formulate a training program that allows us to continue training the upper and lower body with little interruption after a significant injury or surgery to one of your legs. In this 10-Minute Tip Podcast episode, we discuss specific modifications to powerlifting and barbell training for all of these scenarios. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: (Article) If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on or . Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: Check out the Clinical Barbell Coaching Institute to learn more about the PRS education opportunities! Get in touch with the show! Web: Email: [email protected] Rori IG: Alyssa IG: Bre IG: @breannejulia_prs /episode/index/show/c148a25b-0492-4bca-be40-4c6185b6d2f7/id/27339369

Progressive Rehab & Strength

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