It takes someone with firsthand experience to provide the guidance needed for training the next generation of athletes. In this episode, I sit down with Robby Andrews, 2016 US Olympian and NCAA champion, to explore his journey from a competitive runner to a sought-after coach. We talk about Robby's upbringing surrounded by runners, his transition to coaching, and how his personal experiences with injuries shaped his training philosophy. Tune in to hear Robby’s story and learn how he helps young ...
Oct 15, 2024•37 min•Ep. 60
Find out how The Primal Method helped Tim Guers get his body back to tip top shape and performance during his off season. Any high level athlete knows that to build and maintain excellence in a sport, you must practice thousands and thousands of reps. And with high repitition, breakdown is inevitable unless you know how to prevent it. In this episode, I sit down with Tim Guers, a professional basketball player who’s played in Australia, Iceland, and Japan. Tim talks about the pros and cons of pl...
Oct 08, 2024•31 min•Ep. 59
What does it take to keep wrestlers at their best and injury-free? In this episode, I’m continuing our discussion from Part One, where we helped the Lehigh wrestlers reach peak performance through targeted exercises and assessments. I’ll share 11 exercises that form a comprehensive warm-up routine specifically designed for injury prevention. We’ll focus on building resilience in critical areas—the shoulder, knee, and spine—where nearly 50% of non-contact wrestling injuries occur. These warm-up m...
Oct 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 58
What’s the secret to keeping wrestlers performing at their peak while staying injury-free? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my work with Lehigh University’s wrestling team. I show how I use my Primal Foundations Method to help athletes move better, prevent injuries, and boost performance. You’ll see live footage of a warmup session with 12 exercises designed to treat the body as a system, tailored specifically for wrestlers. Plus, I discuss how movement assessments and targeted t...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I dive into the Kettlebell Swing—one of the best exercises for glute activation and core stability. I’ll break down why this move is a game-changer for sports performance, explain common mistakes to avoid, and provide essential form cues to help you get the most out of each rep. We’ll also explore key variations and regressions to ensure that any skill level, from beginner to advanced, can benefit from this exercise. Whether you struggle with form or...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 56
Are you struggling with the idea of starting your own cash-based practice? In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I’m breaking down the three main reasons why therapists often hold back from starting their own cash-based practice. We’ll dive into the impact of impostor syndrome, the importance of sustainability, and the legal questions that therapists commonly ask. This episode is all about helping you overcome these challenges and giving you the confidence to take the next step in your p...
Sep 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with our very own Joe Dawson, a specialist in TMJ (Temporomandibular Joints) treatment. Joe talks about his inspiring journey into the world of TMJ Therapy, sharing how he found his niche and what sets TMJ treatment apart from other joint care, the unique aspects it presents, and the significance of understanding anatomy in shaping specialized skills. Whether you’re a clinician or someone interested in TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders), th...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I am joined by Mike Stella, a certified athletic trainer and performance enhancement coach. We dive into Mike’s journey from personal struggles to becoming a leader in sports medicine and the brain behind The Movement Underground. He shares his unique and mission-driven approach in the industry, as well as his insights on social media, evidence-based practice, and more. Tune in to hear Mike’s inspiring story and his exciting plans for The Movement Un...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 53
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I am joined again by Dr. Eric Abramowitz, our certified running gait analyst, for a special Clinical Corner. This session was prompted by our previous episode on gait analysis, where Dr. Eric introduced the “DNS Star Plank” to our Bucknell athlete, Chris Sims, aiming to improve his hip activation and overall running efficiency. Watch as I demonstrate this exercise while Dr. Eric talks us through it. We look into the benefits of this exercise, showing...
Aug 20, 2024•7 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Eric Abramowitz, a certified running gait analyst, and Chris Sims, a two-sport athlete at Bucknell University, for part two of Chris' RunDNA gait analysis. We dive into the key insights and findings from the gait analysis Dr. Eric conducted on Chris in the last episode. Chris discusses how his running form has improved since Dr. Eric's running gait analysis. You'll hear about the differences Chris felt, the significance of the dat...
Aug 13, 2024•15 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we have two special guests: Dr. Eric Abramowitz, a key member of Primal Physical Therapy as well as a certified running gait analyst, and Chris Sims, a two-sport athlete at Bucknell University. We go behind the scenes of how Dr. Eric does a running gait analysis using the advanced RunDNA system, with 18 sensors analyzing Chris’s movements to optimize his conditioning work. Through the data from the RunDNA system, Dr. Eric discusses the key components...
Aug 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 50
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Chelsea Turgeon, our dedicated concussion specialist in Primal Foundations, to break down the different types of concussions, how to identify them, and the unique challenges of treating each type. Dr. Chelsea shares her insights on the evolution of concussion evaluation and management over the past decade and the critical importance of timely intervention and personalized treatment plans for patients who have concussion symptoms. ...
Jul 30, 2024•29 min•Ep. 49
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I share useful exercises for clinicians with patients who experience chronic neural tension. I'll guide you through a variety of exercises made to mobilize the sciatic nerve and lower extremity nerves, perfect for those patients who aren't highly irritable but suffer from persistent symptoms. From basic static exercises for everyday patients to more advanced exercises for athletes needing higher-level intervention, this episode covers it all! You'll ...
Jul 23, 2024•20 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I answer one of the questions I frequently get from new needlers: “What are the reasons behind excessive post-needle soreness?” I made a short but comprehensive list to provide practical tips for managing post-needle soreness. From targeting the root cause rather than just the symptoms of muscle discomfort, to mastering needling techniques and avoiding pitfalls like poor redirection. I also discuss the balance between overtreating and undertreating, ...
Jul 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Johannes Roedl, an esteemed musculoskeletal specialist and interventional radiologist who breaks down the differences between MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ultrasound imaging, as well as his insights on deciding between PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and stem cell treatments to best meet his patients’ needs. We also get into his groundbreaking research on biologics and how these treatments are revolutionizing sports medicine. ...
Jul 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, I dive into shoulder impingement, sharing valuable tips and secrets I’ve learned over the years about how to better evaluate patients and reach a diagnostic approach faster. With the help of Shanon, a staff member here at Primal Physical Therapy, I demonstrate shoulder motion patterns in standing, sitting, and lying down positions to identify her shoulder impingement issues. By analyzing her movements, I show how to diagnose deficits and teach targeted exercises to help her impr...
Jul 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 45
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with Mike Moor, aka Mindset Mike, a renowned mindset coach for athletes. He shares his journey as a D1 wrestler to working with the FBI & CIA to becoming an athlete mindset coach. Mike talks about principles for achieving one's best self, the "Me vs Me" concept in sports, and the three levels of athlete mindsets. He also discusses the A.I.M approach—Attention, Intentions, and Managing Emotions. Tune in to see how Mike customizes his mi...
Jun 25, 2024•47 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we take everything we learned in Part 1 about the Pistoning Technique and apply it in a live lab demonstration. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out to learn about the Pros and ons of Estim vs. Pistoning and when to use each method for best results. In Part 2, I explain why we at Primal Physical Therapy prioritize the Pistoning Technique for effective patient care. Follow along as I conduct a movement assessment on a fellow practitioner and ...
Jun 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 43
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, this is Part 1 of discussing the two common approaches in dry needling: Estim and Pistoning. Join me as I break down the pros and cons of each method and knowing when and why to use them for the best results. Whether you're a practitioner or a patient looking for innovative treatment methods, this episode offers practical insights on how these techniques can enhance patient outcomes. Let’s look into specific situations where Estim excels, and why Pis...
Jun 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with Sean O’Malley, owner of Ardor & Grit Performance Coaching to dive into the inspiring topic of overcoming setbacks. Sean shares his journey from facing numerous injuries as a college wrestler to discovering his passion for performance training. He started by helping his wrestling team and now trains with UFC fighters, boxers, and high school wrestlers, teaching them to overcome mental barriers and achieve their best. Join us as we ...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 41
Effectively discovering the true source of pain means exploring beyond the obvious. In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I dive into the fascinating clinical scenario of Jon Runyan Jr., a former offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers and current player for the New York Giants. This case highlights the importance of asking the right questions that lead to effective treatment. Listen in to find out the important questions you should be asking your patients’ when making a diagnosis. =...
May 28, 2024•9 min•Ep. 40
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with Jameer Nelson, a 14-year NBA veteran and the GM of the Delaware Blue Coats. Jameer takes us through his early years leading up to the NBA, his role as the General Manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, and the unique perspective he brings as a former athlete to mentor his players. Join us as Jameer shares lessons on leadership, mentorship, and life as a father. ======================== Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to...
May 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I give you exclusive insights from our latest Dry Needling Master Class. You’ll discover essential tips and tricks to enhance your needling techniques and become a more effective, efficient, and safer practitioner. We'll spotlight needle redirection, a valuable yet often overlooked skill for new needlers. Throughout the class, we go into the importance of dry needling, its value, and techniques to assess tissue integrity. Tune in to deepen your under...
May 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I dive into the important topic of BALANCE. Throughout this video, I’ll guide you through tests to pinpoint balance issues beyond the ankles and share effective exercises to improve stability from the hips to the ankles. Whether you’re working with an athlete recovering from a sprained ankle or helping an elderly person stay steady on their feet, I’ve got you covered with some essential tips that can work to improve your patients stability. Join me a...
May 07, 2024•12 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I share three proven methods that physical therapists use to diagnose sciatica pain effectively. From understanding the specific symptoms to utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, I break down each method to help you recognize the best approach for managing your condition. I'm here to guide you through the complexities of sciatica, ensuring you're well-informed and ready to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. Join me a...
Apr 30, 2024•29 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I sit down with the remarkable Doug Adams, a distinguished Physical Therapist who specializes in running analysis. We dive deep into gait analysis and explore RunDNA to enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in improving their running performance and overall health. Join us to discover how you can enhance your running performance and prevent injuries straight from a leading expert in t...
Apr 23, 2024•53 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we dive into the vital topic of dry needling for clinicians, exploring the best educational paths to enhance their skills. I provide an in-depth look at the best programs, emphasizing accreditation, quality of instruction, and clinical application. We'll explore what makes a dry needling course stand out, ensuring you make an informed decision for your professional development. Join us as we navigate the journey to becoming proficient in dry needling...
Apr 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of tennis elbow, a condition that often becomes a chronic struggle for many. I share my insights on the mechanical and neurological factors that contribute to this persistent pain, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment. My goal is to help you and your patients find more effective paths to recovery, ensuring a quicker return to daily activities and overall well-being. Join me as we unrav...
Apr 09, 2024•19 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, I'm honored to sit down with Joey and Drew from Few Will Hunt, a brand that transcends the boundaries of a mere apparel company to embody a lifestyle of purpose, hard work, and community. We dive deep into the heart of entrepreneurship, exploring how the challenges and triumphs of building a business from the ground up can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to ignite their passion, pursue...
Apr 02, 2024•47 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of the Dr. JJ Thomas Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset with the incredible Amanda Leve. We discuss the importance of mental preparation, the role of support systems, and the power of perseverance through injuries and setbacks. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the importance of a supportive community, and the transformative power of a positive mindset. Join us as we uncover the ...
Mar 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 31
