Restoring Human Movement

Feel Good, Look Good, Age Well: My Anti-Aging Playbook

Hey everybody, it's your co-host Sebastian with the Restoring Human Movement podcast! Today's episode is a special one, as I'm sharing insights from a book I'm creating—a 'playbook' about things I wish I'd known much earlier in life to radically improve overall health and physical well-being. For years, our office has been dedicated to helping people overcome conditions like lower body pain, sciatica, and foot problems, often dispelling the bad information that suggests things will only get wors...

Lateral (side) Hip Pain? A Case Study in Referred Pain

Are you experiencing baffling side hip pain that just doesn't seem to make sense? In this episode, we're diving into a fascinating case presentation with a seasoned marathon runner who developed lateral hip pain after a race. Despite a long history of managing hip complaints, this time was different – no pop, no direct injury, just persistent discomfort from the upper crest of the hip down the side and backside. This 'mystery' pain was a dead giveaway of spine-referred hip pain, a phenomenon tha...

Solving Thigh Pain: A Runner's Guide to Leg Injuries

In this episode, we tackle the persistent ache and mystery behind thigh pain. We dive deep into common musculoskeletal diagnoses that affect runners and active individuals, breaking down how to identify whether your pain is a simple muscle strain or something more complex. We start by demystifying pain in the front of the thigh, discussing everything from common quad muscle strains and contusions to the surprising signs of nerve irritation like radiculopathy. We'll share how to tell the differen...

Beyond the Sprain: Demystifying Common Foot & Ankle Injuries

In this episode, we tackle the aches, sprains, and mysteries of the foot and ankle, which are often the foundation of many runners' problems. We dive deep into common musculoskeletal injuries, from a simple misstep off a curb to the chronic pain that keeps you off the road. We'll break down the different types of ankle sprains—from the common inversion sprain to the less common but equally frustrating high ankle sprain—and explain how to tell if you might have an accompanying fracture. Then, we'...

Pain vs. Injury: What to Do When It Hurts During an Ultra

In this episode, we tackle the most critical question in any long-distance race: is this pain a harmless sensation or a sign of an impending injury? Your handy-dandy running injury expert breaks down the "rules of thumb" to help you, your coaches, and your crew make the right call in the heat of the moment. This episode is a must-listen for ultra-athletes and their support staff. We provide a simple, three-part framework for assessing pain on the course, from the nagging ache that's likely just ...

Peroneal Tenosynovitis Runners

Peroneal tenosynovitis may sound complicated, but for runners, the signs are often easy to spot. This condition affects the tendons along the outside of the ankle — the ones that help stabilize your foot with every stride. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, runners often notice pain, swelling, or stiffness that gradually worsens with training. Early signs include a dull ache or soreness at the outer ankle, sometimes turning into sharper pain during or after runs. Swelling, warmth, ...

Anterior Lateral Shin Splints Runners

Shin pain is one of the most common complaints among runners, and anterior lateral shin splints are a prime example. This type of shin splint affects the front and outer part of the lower leg, often showing up as an ache or soreness that builds during runs and lingers afterward. At first, the discomfort may feel like a dull ache that eases once you warm up, but over time it can progress into sharper or throbbing pain that interferes with both running and daily activities. Runners with anterior o...

Case Study- Two Runners with Hip & Achilles Pain

Hip and Achilles pain are two of the most common problems that runners face, yet they can feel very different from person to person. In this case study episode, we look at two runners dealing with pain in these areas and the unique ways their symptoms showed up. Hip pain in runners often presents as aching or stiffness deep in the groin, on the outer hip, or at the front of the joint. It can limit stride length, cause tightness after sitting, and sometimes even mimic other issues like back probl...

What is Hoffas Fat Pad Impingement?

Knee pain can be confusing for runners because it comes in many forms. One lesser-known source is Hoffa's fat pad impingement, which affects the soft tissue just below the kneecap. This fat pad normally cushions the front of the knee, but when it becomes irritated or pinched, it can create sharp, localized pain that feels very different from general soreness after a run. Runners often describe the discomfort as pain directly beneath or on either side of the kneecap, especially when the leg is fu...

Spotting the Right Pro: Your Guide to Choosing a Healthcare Provider

Welcome to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! Thanks for joining the movement movement. I'm Dawne, and whether this is your first time or you're returning, we're glad you're here. Don't forget, we have tons of videos on YouTube and other recordings on this podcast platform covering many areas of the body, so feel free to use those as resources for any questions you may have. Today, we're tackling a crucial topic: How do you know if you're seeing the right provider? I've got intern Garrett her...

Navigating Lateral Hip Pain: From Bursitis to Tendinitis & Beyond

Welcome to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! Today, we're tackling a common source of discomfort: outer hip pain, specifically focusing on trochanteric bursitis. While textbooks define bursitis as side-of-the-hip pain with swelling or puffiness, what if you have pain but no swelling? We'll dive into what that means and why your symptoms might be confused with other conditions like gluteal tendinopathy or IT band issues. Bursitis is an irritation and inflammation of the bursa – a fluid-filled...

Hip Impingement Explained

Welcome to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! Today, your co-host Sebastian is diving deep into hip impingement, a condition often misunderstood but crucial for athletes and active individuals to grasp. If you've been dealing with persistent hip or groin pain, this episode is for you. We'll break down exactly what hip impingement is: a pinching sensation in the hip, typically caused by two main bony types—pincer type (an overgrowth on the pelvis/acetabulum) or cam type (an abnormal shape of t...

The Hip Pain Map: Pinpointing Your Problem Areas

Welcome back to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! If you're an active individual – a runner, a hiker, a sports enthusiast – you know how frustrating hip pain can be. It's often more than just a general ache; the specific location of your hip pain can offer vital clues about its underlying cause. In this episode, your co-host Sebastian dives deep into hip pain locations and how they relate to common conditions that sideline athletes. We'll explore: Groin pain: Could it be a sports hernia or h...

Knee Pain Clues: How Location Points to the Problem

Welcome to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! If you're an active individual – a runner, a hiker, or anyone who loves playing sports – you're in the right place. Today, your co-host Sebastian is diving into a topic we'll soon be featuring on our YouTube channel: understanding knee pain based on where it hurts. We'll explore how the specific location of your knee pain can offer vital clues about the probable diagnosis. For instance, pain around your kneecap might point to runner's knee (patell...

Sports Hernia: 2025 Recap & Your Top 5 Questions Answered

Welcome back! In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of sports hernia, giving you a vital 2025 recap of what we're seeing and learning. This isn't just an update; we're also tackling the top 5 burning questions that many of our listeners have about this notoriously frustrating injury. If you're an athlete, or just someone experiencing persistent groin pain or lower abdominal discomfort, this episode is for you. We'll cut through the confusion, share the latest insights, and provide cl...

Outside Knee Pain That's Not What You Think: Hoffa's Impingement Explained

Join your handy-dandy running injury expert, Dr. Mandy, as she gets personal about an injury she's been navigating for over a year: Hoffa's fat pad impingement. With a background in NCAA cross country and track, coaching, and now specializing in trail and ultra running, Dr. Mandy knows a thing or two about runner's aches and pains. This isn't your typical ACL tear or patellar issue – there was no specific 'aha!' moment of injury, no popping or bruising. Instead, this outside lower knee pain came...

Runner's Hip & Groin Pain: The Low Back Connection (Achilles Too!)

Welcome back to the movement movement! Your host, Dr. Mandy – a runner herself and a specialist in treating ultra, trail, and all distance runners – shares insights from years of experience. Today, she delves into two compelling case studies with a common thread: both runners presented with hip and groin pain, but also had secondary Achilles tendinitis. The first runner, 'Mia,' a fast track specialist (1500m/5k) in her 20s, experienced Achilles pain that switched sides, especially during speed w...

Hip Impingement Explained: For Runners & Active Individuals

Hey active folks, especially runners dealing with stubborn hip or groin pain! Today, your co-host Sebastian is diving into the topic of hip impingement. This is something often overlooked, and unfortunately, misinformation can prevent you from finding relief. Sebastian will cover the basics of hip impingement. While there is a bony aspect to hip impingement that won't change, Sebastian emphasizes that this doesn't mean you're stuck. Tune in to learn about the mechanical factors at play and why r...

Why Sitting Makes Your Low Back Pain Worse (And What To Do About It)

Are you an active individual plagued by lower back pain that's aggravated by sitting? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why sitting, even with good posture, can significantly worsen various types of lower back pain. Whether you're dealing with discogenic pain from a disc injury, a pinched nerve, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease, that seated position often just feels terrible. We'll explore the mechanics behind why sitting can be so problematic for your lower back and touch o...

Running with Friends Again- Overcoming Knee Pain at 50

Continuing the story of our 50-year-old patient with knee pain who dreams of running with friends, we delve into a common concern: fear of movement. He was advised by his surgeon to never squat below parallel, a piece of advice Sebastian believes might be hindering his recovery. In this episode, we discuss the assessment findings that actually indicated it was okay for him to squat to a greater depth. Learn how a thorough evaluation can sometimes contradict general advice and open up new possibi...

30s Female, Back to Running: Solving Her Knee Swelling (feat. Garrett)

Welcome back to the Restoring Human Movement podcast! Join your co-host Dawne and intern Garrett as they dive into a fascinating case study. They'll be discussing a determined female in her 30s who was thrilled to get back into running, ramping up to 2-3 miles, 5-6 days a week after a long break. However, a swollen left knee is now hindering her progress. Garrett, with his strength and conditioning background, joins Dawne to discuss the hands-on treatment and, more importantly, the weight room p...

5 Burning Questions About Acute Low Back Pain (with Guest Intern Garrett!)

Got a sudden case of low back pain? You're not alone! Join your host Dan and his intern, Garrett, as they tackle the five biggest questions people have about acute low back pain – the kind that just pops up. From understanding what 'discogenic' pain really means to getting clarity on what's likely going on, Dan and Garrett break down the essentials. You'll also get a peek behind the podcast with a hilarious (and perhaps relatable) introduction to Garrett, who claims to be 'not a fun person' but ...

5 Biggest Mistakes People Make with a Low Back Disc Injury (And What to Do Instead)

In this episode, Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC dives into the top 5 mistakes people make when dealing with a disc herniation, bulging disc, or general low back disc injury. Many patients unknowingly prolong their pain by avoiding movement, relying too heavily on passive treatments, or mistaking the real source of their symptoms. You'll learn why rest isn't always best, how core stabilization really works, and what movements may actually support recovery—not hinder it. Whether you've been told you ha...

Why Her Hip Pain Lasted 2 Years (and How It Finally Got Better)

Welcome back to the Restoring Human Movement Podcast ! I'm your cohost, Sebastian Gonzales DC, and today we're diving into a real-life case of chronic hip pain that many active people will relate to. Our focus is a female athlete who has been dealing with front-of-hip pain—right in the hip crease—for over two years. Despite trying various treatments, the discomfort lingered, coming and going since her twenties. If you're someone who stays active but constantly feels limited by stubborn lower bod...

5 Biggest Mistakes People Make with Sciatica (And How to Avoid Them!)

In this episode, Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC breaks down the five most common mistakes people make when dealing with sciatica and persistent sciatic nerve pain. Whether you've been struggling with leg pain, lower back tightness, or that infamous shooting pain down the leg, this episode is packed with essential insights. Discover why stretching might not always help, how misdiagnosis can delay recovery, and why rest alone won't fix the root problem. Learn how to avoid these sciatica mistakes and ge...

Sports Hernia in Young Athletes: Rehab Insights from a Track Athlete's Journey

In this episode, Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC dives into a real-world sports hernia case involving a 16-year-old female track athlete. This episode explores the challenges and nuances of treating a sports hernia in younger athletes who participate in high-demand sports like sprinting, hurdling, and jumping. Sebastian breaks down the thought process behind the rehabilitation plan, from initial diagnosis to return-to-sport phases. You'll hear practical insights into core stability training, adductor ...

Running After Baby: Addressing Lower Back & Groin Pain

Returning to running after childbirth can be a challenging journey, and this week we address a common struggle: lower back and groin pain. We'll be discussing an email from a new mom eager to get back to running, but experiencing persistent deep aches in her lower back and sharp groin pain, especially during stride increases and hill work. We'll dive into safe and effective return-to-running strategies tailored for postpartum runners, focusing on exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and core...

Low Back Pain Treatment in 2025: Are We Evolving or Stuck?

In this episode of Restoring Human Movement , co-host Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC tackles a growing concern in the healthcare world: are outcomes for lower back pain actually improving, or are we slipping backward? Despite the abundance of updated research and proven rehab methods, many providers still rely on outdated, fear-based treatments that may be holding patients back. Sebastian explores the gap between evidence-based care and what's still happening in clinical practice—especially for disc-...

Groin Pain Diagnosis Demystified What You're Missing

Plantar fasciitis easy wins that you may be missing out on

In this episode of the Restoring Human Movement podcast, we highlight some of the simplest yet most effective wins for plantar fasciitis relief that many people overlook. While it's common to jump straight into aggressive treatments, the real progress often lies in foundational steps like adjusting load, improving calf strength, and managing foot mechanics. We shares the key habits, exercises, and recovery tactics that lead to long-term success. Whether you're a runner, weekend warrior, or someo...