Justin Price, Author at MedFitNetwork

What’s the Difference Between Corrective Exercise and Physical Therapy?

Justin Price/7 June 2023/ All MFN blog/

Both physical therapists and corrective exercise specialists help clients alleviate muscle/joint pain and improve their movement capabilities. However, the manner in which these professionals enter a client’s health and fitness journey is very different, and the procedures employed when working with clients are often dissimilar. Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals whose services are typically used by clients to treat a medical diagnosis, physical trauma, or specific injury (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff tear, post-surgery rehabilitation, etc.). Physical therapy is also prescribed as an alternative means to orthopedic surgery, with therapists teaching patients how to prevent or manage their medical condition(s), often lessening the need for prescription drugs and painkillers.(1)

The job of a corrective exercise specialist is quite different. These types of professionals do not (and should never) diagnose and/or treat a medical condition. Instead, their specialty skills consist of assessing and evaluating a client’s musculoskeletal system for soft tissue and movement restrictions, imbalances, habitual patterns, and muscle dysfunction that may affect that person’s ability to move well, exercise effectively and/or perform daily activities (e.g., restriction of the lumbar erector muscles accompanying an anterior pelvic tilt, prolonged seated postures promoting excessive thoracic kyphosis, etc.). This specialized knowledge regarding the musculoskeletal system helps corrective exercise specialists design and implement corrective exercise programs to assist clients in beginning, resuming and/or continuing a fitness program without experiencing muscle and joint pain or movement limitations. (6) When a client’s musculoskeletal issues are not able to be addressed solely with appropriate exercises, or fall beyond a corrective exercise specialist trainer’s scope of practice, the client is referred out to medical experts for treatment.

Corrective Exercise Specialists are Not Physical Therapists

As a corrective exercise fitness professional, it is important that you clarify your role with clients from the outset with regard to assisting them with their musculoskeletal health and not step beyond your professional bounds. In addition to laws dictating that any professional must remain within their bounds of experience, education, training, and demonstrated competencies, confusing your role with that of a physical therapist, and working outside your scope of practice, can harm your standing with clients and reputation within the fitness industry. (5) Aside from it being a requirement, the primary benefit of working within your boundaries as a corrective exercise fitness professional is that it enables you to practice, perfect and promote the unique talents you have with regard to evaluating the musculoskeletal system for imbalances, and assessing and correcting a client’s movements during physical exercise and activities.

Increased Referrals as a Corrective Exercise Specialist

Doctors, physical therapists and other licensed health practitioners are always looking for qualified fitness professionals to whom they can refer patients that need guidance with exercise.(3) According to recent research, two out of the top three reasons patients visit their doctor is for assistance with conditions that could be greatly improved by participation in a program of regular exercise.(4) Unfortunately, these medical professionals are often reluctant to refer patients with musculoskeletal conditions out of a concern that their clients’ problems might be made worse by an unskillful personal trainer. However, when you have specialty qualifications and knowledge in musculoskeletal assessment and corrective exercise, and work within your scope of practice, medical professionals will feel confident in your abilities, which provides an opportunity for you to build strong networking and referral relationships with them.(2)

As you begin incorporating corrective exercise procedures more regularly into client programs, it is highly recommended that you obtain a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) credential from a recognized and approved provider. This will advance your skills and can also result in more referrals from medical professionals. As your business network grows, you will also find that holding a reputable CES qualification makes it easier to refer clients to other specialists when their condition lies beyond your scope of practice.

The Future of Fitness

Fitness professionals qualified as corrective exercise specialists know how musculoskeletal malalignments and imbalances of any kind can create pain, injury, and dysfunction throughout the body. They also know how to use the results of individual consultations and assessments to pinpoint clients’ exercise needs so they can start or return to a regular fitness program successfully. In short, knowledgeable and qualified corrective exercise specialists have the skills to competently meet clients’ musculoskeletal restoration needs, and represent perfectly the fitness professional of the future.

MedFit Network (MFN) members receive 20% off The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. Members can get their discount coupon here.

Justin Price is one of the world’s foremost experts in musculoskeletal assessment and corrective exercise and creator of The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist certification (TBMM-CES). The BioMechanics Method is the fitness industry’s highest-rated CES credential with trained professionals in over 70 countries. Justin is also the author of several books including The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise academic textbook, a former IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, and a subject matter expert for The American Council on Exercise, Human Kinetics, PTA Global, PTontheNET, TRX, BOSU, Arthritis Today, BBC, Discovery Health, Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, MSNBC, New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Wall Street Journal, WebMD and Tennis Magazine.

References

American Physical Therapy Association. (2018). Who are physical therapists. Retrieved from: http://www.apta.org/AboutPTs/
Bryant, C.X., & Green, D.J. (2010). ACE personal trainer manual: The ultimate resource for fitness professionals (4th ed.). San Diego, CA: American Council on Exercise.
DiNubile, N.A., & Patrick, W. Patrick. (2005). FrameWork: Your 7-step program for healthy muscles, bones, and joints. New York: Rodale.
Huffington Post. (2013). Most common reasons for seeing a doctor revealed in new study. Retrieved from: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/17/common-reasons-see-a-doctor-skin-disease_n_2497424.html
Howley, E.T., & Thompson, D.L. (2016). Fitness professional’s handbook (7th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Price, J. (2018). The BioMechanics method for corrective exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Is Scar Tissue Affecting Your Movement?

Justin Price/31 October 2022/ All MFN blog/

Many people have scars as a result of accidents, injuries and surgeries. While scar tissue is extremely helpful at repairing cells quickly to prevent further damage and/or injury, the characteristics of scars and their presence in the body can restrict and inhibit movement. This can lead to myofascial pain, musculoskeletal imbalances and ultimately impede athletic performance. In this blog you will learn about how scar tissue is formed, how it affects pain and performance and some simple and effective techniques to help yourself and your clients mitigate its negative physical effects on the body.

What Is Scar Tissue?

Scar tissue is made from the same matter as every other soft tissue in the body (i.e., collagen). Scars form in the body to replace injured tissue any time a soft tissue structure such as the skin, muscles, fascia, ligaments and/or tendons has been damaged. When healthy tissue is injured, the body responds to the problem by first stopping the bleeding (with a blood clot). It then starts producing collagen excessively to heal the wound as fast as possible.¹ During this rapid repair process, the body prioritizes mending the injury ahead of making sure the newly formed collagen fibers are neatly lined up and organized in the same fashion as the original tissue before it was damaged. As a result of the process scar tissue is not as flexible as healthy tissue, not structured in the same way and does not have a normal blood supply, sweat glands, or hair.¹ Therefore, while scar tissue is extremely effective at helping protect and repair, the functionality and elasticity of it is different from the surrounding tissue.

Scar Tissue and Its Effect on Movement

Fitness professionals are experts in muscles and movement. They understand that muscle fibers are striated in the direction of force that they generate.² However, since the configuration of scar tissue is not the same as the surrounding muscle fibers it can alter the way these structures work. For example, the muscle fibers of the rectus abdominis are striated in a longitudinal fashion running up and down the torso (see Figure 1).

**Figure 1: Direction of Fibers of Rectus Abdominis**

They are organized in this direction because this muscle helps flex the trunk during movements such as abdominal crunches and lifting the spine up to get out of bed. Similarly, these muscle fibers also need to lengthen to help slow down extension of the spine during movements such reaching over your head to wash your hair, arching your back to hit a volleyball spike or performing a tennis serve.

Alternatively, the external obliques wrap around the torso and the fibers are almost perpendicular in relation to the spine (see Figure 2).

**Figure 2: Direction of Fibers of External Obliques**

They are striated as such because these muscles are primarily involved with rotation of the trunk. They help with movements such as swinging the arms when walking, the backswing and follow-through in golf and reaching behind you to grab something out of the backseat in the car.²

Many people undergo surgeries in the abdominal region that require cutting through the rectus abdominis, external obliques, and other muscle tissue and fascia of the abdominal wall (i.e., hysterectomies, gallbladder and appendix removal, hernia repairs, etc.). While these procedures may be life-saving and/or absolutely necessary, unfortunately they produce a lot of scar tissue that affects the function of both the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles.³

There are many other common-place surgeries that can also affect the way the body moves and functions. Hip replacement surgeries typically result in extensive scarring to the gluteal complex of muscles. The fibers of the gluteal muscles all run obliquely across the back of the hip and help slow down both gravity and ground reaction forces to the lower back, sacroiliac joint, hip complex, pelvis, leg and knee. As such, when scarring compromises the integrity and function of these muscles, movements involving these joint structures can become dysfunctional and pain can result. Similarly, knee replacement surgery (another very common orthopedic procedure) causes scarring to the structures of the knee and affects the function of the quadriceps muscles (which run longitudinally from the front of the hip and pelvis down to the knee). The interconnected nature of the body via its fascial systems means that not only local joints are affected by scarring from these types of procedures, but so too is movement and performance of the body as a whole.^4,5,6

Surgeries involving internal organs also produce scar tissue and visceral adhesions that can affect the ability of other structures in the body to function correctly. Since all organs have connections with other soft tissue structures and many have ligamentous attachments to the spine, scar tissue in or around organs can create pain, disease and widespread musculoskeletal dysfunction.³ For example, the gallbladder and bile duct are connected to the liver and pancreas. These, in turn, are fascially connected to the diaphragm which is attached to the rib cage. A surgery to any of these three organs, therefore, produces scar tissue that can disrupt breathing and function of the rib cage. Needless to say, this can impede performance and cause many musculoskeletal imbalances.²

Ask Clients About Past Injuries, Surgeries and Accidents

The majority of personal training clients have chronic or temporary injuries. However, these same clients want to improve their athletic performance and increase their functional abilities so they can engage in daily activities without pain.⁷ Therefore, it is highly recommended as part of your initial consultation and/or corrective exercise programming strategies that you ask clients about past injuries, surgeries and accidents. Doing so will enable you to ascertain information regarding the types and extent of scar tissue present in their body. If a client has extensive scar tissue or scarring in any major muscles of the body that seems to affect their ability to move correctly, you can talk with them about referrals to appropriate medical professionals/specialists and/or recommend strategies for treating scar tissue. Addressing issues related to scar tissue will ultimately help improve your clients’ functional capabilities and decrease their sensations of pain.^5,6

Healing and Treating Scar Tissue

If you have had an accident, injury and/or surgery then the development of scar tissue is unavoidable. However, genetics and age also play a role in the development of scar tissue. As people age, it becomes more difficult for the body to generate new cells and scarring can happen more easily. Yet no matter how extensive the scarring or the age of the patient/client, there are many techniques and strategies that can be used to decrease the buildup of scar tissue.

Protection of the Wounded Area

When tissues are injured they must initially be protected from further harm. Depending on the severity and type of wound, bandages/dressings are recommended (as well as antibiotics in some cases) for maintaining cleanliness of the area and to prevent infection. Most wounds are best kept clean with a saline solution as chemicals and other harsh soaps can dry out the skin, prevent healing and worsen scarring.

Nutrition

Vitamin C is used throughout the body for cell repair and is generally recommended to help the body recover from injury. Furthermore, a vitamin B complex may also help speed up the recovery process and promote healing^.8 However, as with any nutritional advice you provide your clients, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed dietitian/nutritionist before making any nutritional suggestions to help diminish/treat scar tissue.

Massage

After a scar has healed initially, a person can increase flexibility in the scar tissue and surrounding tissue by massaging the area with a doctor/surgeon recommended gel or ointment. As the scar heals further, self-myofascial release and/or trigger point therapy may be used to improve the elasticity of the surrounding myofascial structures as well as bring new blood supply to the affected area. Always obtain medical clearance before employing any type of self-myofascial release or trigger point technique to ensure you do not reinjure the area.

Laser/Light Therapy

Many people are familiar with the use of laser treatment and dermabrasion to improve the surface of the skin and remove superficial scars. However, it has also been demonstrated that low-level laser therapy can improve cellular function and help with the treatment of deep scars. Moreover, the exposure to sunshine (and ultraviolet light) has also been shown to improve cellular function to damaged tissue and scars. However, it is important to consult with your (or your client’s) physician first to make sure the initial wound has completely healed before recommending exposure to sunlight as that can make scarring worse in some cases.⁹

Vibration

The formation of scar tissue can sometimes affect the activation of a muscle or surrounding muscle groups by interfering with the neural pathways that activate those tissues. Recent research has demonstrated that when high-frequency vibration is applied to adhesions, scar tissue, and the surrounding muscle, that nerves can be stimulated to help improve the function of muscle tissue that has been affected by the formation of scar tissue.¹⁰

Surgery

When scar tissue is severely limiting function of the body and/or causing pain, surgery is sometimes recommended to remove the buildup of the old scar tissue. However, this option is a last resort as the simple act of cutting the old scar out produces a new scar, which is not guaranteed to be less mobile/supple than the old one.

Conclusion

While scars naturally heal and fade over time, their impact on your physical movement capabilities may remain. Recognizing the far-reaching effects of scar tissue, identifying those areas of the body that are affected by it and applying appropriate strategies to treat scars can help you limit their potential to cause pain, dysfunction and inhibit performance. Promoting effective healing of new wound sites and treating old scar tissue buildup are two ways to lessen the negative impact scar tissue has on the body. Remember to always check with your (or your client’s) doctor/surgeon before recommending any strategies or techniques that are beyond your scope of practice as a fitness professional/personal trainer.

Justin Price is one of the world’s foremost experts in musculoskeletal assessment and corrective exercise and creator of The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist certification (TBMM-CES). The BioMechanics Method is the fitness industry’s highest-rated CES credential with trained professionals in over 75 countries. Justin is also the author of several books including The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise academic textbook, a former IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, and a subject matter expert for The American Council on Exercise, Human Kinetics, PTA Global, PTontheNET, TRX, BOSU, Arthritis Today, BBC, Discovery Health, Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, MSNBC, New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Wall Street Journal, WebMD and Tennis Magazine.

References:

Kraft, J. 2014. How to Heal Scar Tissue: How to Heal Your Own Scar Tissue and Get Rid of It! Jonathan Kraft, CMT.
Gray, H. 1995. Gray’s Anatomy. New York: Barnes & Noble Books.
Rolf, I. P. 1989. Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being (revised edition). Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Myers, T. 2001. Anatomy Trains. Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Price, J. 2010. The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Educational Program (2^nd Edition). The BioMechanics Press.
Price, J. 2018. The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise. Champaign,IL: Human Kinetics
IDEA. 2013. IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Trends Report. IDEA Health & Fitness Association.
Harker, Malcolm. 2005. Health and Healing. New Zealand: Wings of Waitaha Books.
Doidge, N. 2015. The Brains Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity. Penguin, USA.
Cochrane DJ. 2011. The Potential Neural Mechanisms of Acute Indirect Vibration. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 10, 19-30.

Leg Length Discrepancy: Is it Causing Your Pain and Dysfunction?

Justin Price/15 June 2022/ All MFN blog/

In order to design effective corrective exercise programs that both alleviate pain and improve function, fitness professionals must understand their clients’ strengths, limitations, and weaknesses.[1] This includes having an awareness of common structural imbalances such as leg length discrepancies (i.e., when one leg is shorter than the other). While it is not within a fitness professional’s scope of practice to diagnose a leg length discrepancy (LLD), it is extremely important that personal trainers and fitness instructors understand the ramifications of this imbalance and how it can affect a client’s musculoskeletal system.

Types and Prevalence of LLD

There are two types of leg length discrepancies: functional and anatomical. A functional leg length discrepancy refers to a musculoskeletal imbalance where any number of structures (or muscles) in the body are not working as they should. This results in parts of the skeleton being pulled out of alignment making it appear as though one leg is shorter than the other. Alternatively, an anatomical leg length discrepancy occurs when the bone(s) in one leg are actually shorter/longer than those in the other.[2] As the possible cause(s) of a functional leg length discrepancy are wide and varied, this article will focus on anatomical leg length discrepancies and how they affect your client’s body.

Anatomical, also known as true, leg length discrepancies have been found in as much as 95% of the population.[3] However, significant leg length discrepancies of more than one centimeter are found in about 1 out of 4 people.2 True leg length discrepancies affect the entire musculoskeletal system and play a substantial role in the health, function and experiences of pain for your clients.[4]

How LLDs Affect the Body

The body is designed to be dynamic and can adjust incredibly well to varying movements and positions. However, a true leg length discrepancy (that is left untreated) causes bones and joints to shift out of alignment, soft tissue structures like muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia to compensate/overwork and can lead to pain and injury over time.[5] Some major areas of the body that are affected by a LLD discrepancy are the lower back, hips, feet and ankles.

LLD and the Lower Back

The pelvis forms the base of support for the spine. Therefore, a level and well-balanced pelvis is critical for spine health and optimal lower back function. In order to comprehend how an LLD can affect the spine and lower back, it is imperative to understand the structural anatomy of this area. Either side of the pelvis is made up of three bones (i.e., the ilium, ischium and pubis) that are fused together.[6] However, independent movement of each side of the pelvis is possible due to two important joints located in the pelvis. One of these joints is called the sacroiliac joint (SI joint). The SI joints are located on either side of the back of the pelvis where the top of the pelvis (i.e., the ilium) meets the base of the spine (i.e., the sacrum). The other joint is located on the front of the pelvis where the pubic bones (i.e., pubis) meet (i.e., the pubic symphysis) (see picture below).[6] Since the base of the spine articulates with each side of the pelvis via the sacroiliac joint, movement of the pelvis affects movement and function of the spine.

In addition to interacting with the spine, each side of the pelvis also articulates with the corresponding leg via the hip socket. From a skeletal point of view, the height of each side of the pelvis is governed, in part, by the length of the leg on that side of the body. If one leg is longer than the other then the pelvis will likely also be higher than that same side (see picture below).[2]

If the left side of the pelvis is higher due to a leg length discrepancy, then the base of the spine (i.e., the sacrum and coccyx) will shift toward that side also causing a compensatory shift in the rest of the spine all of the way up to the neck and head.[2] Therefore, a leg length discrepancy can cause pain and irritation to the joints of the pelvis, the intervertebral discs of the spine and the muscles and other soft tissues that help stabilize and mobilize these areas.

LLD and the Hips

The relative length of each leg also affects the position and function of the hip socket. As one side of the pelvis elevates in compensation for a longer leg, the hip socket shifts laterally toward the longer side.[2] Consequently, the hip of the longer leg will shift to a position outside of the foot/leg (see picture below).

These compensation patterns in the hip/leg can cause various aliments for clients such as greater trochanteric bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome, tracking problems of the knee, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

LLD and the Feet/Ankles

Leg length discrepancies can also affect the function of the feet and ankles. Pronation, or a flattening out of the arch of the foot, is a common compensation for clients with an LLD to effectively shorten a longer leg by reducing the height of the arch. Conversely, supination effectively lengthens a shorter leg by increasing the height of the arch. As such, a common compensation pattern for someone who presents with a LLD is to overpronate on the side with the longer leg and over supinate on the shorter side. These imbalances in the feet typically display with compensatory shifts in the ankles as well. Overpronation is usually accompanied by an ankle that rotates in too much, while a supinated foot is accompanied by an ankle that rotates out too much.[5] These misalignment issues in the feet and ankles can lead to ankle sprains, Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle impingement and a whole host of other painful problems.

How to Help a Client with a Suspected LLD

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of a suspected LLD will help you know when to make appropriate referrals to a licensed medical professional who can diagnose a client’s condition with the help of advanced imaging techniques (i.e., x-rays and CT scans). Developing a professional referral network that you can turn to for help with issues that fall out of your scope of practice allows you to provide a more comprehensive service for your clients. It also enables you to create long-lasting relationships with like-minded professionals who will act as a referral stream for your business.[7]

Once the appropriate referral and LLD diagnosis has been made, your allied medical professional will develop a treatment plan that may include a shoe lift. Your role, as an expert in muscles and movement, is to design corrective exercise strategies that help your client adapt to the shoe lift and the resultant new position of their head, neck, pelvis, spine, hips, feet and ankles. The golden rule of any exercise program – gradual progression – should govern every aspect of your client’s LLD treatment. Encourage clients to introduce their lift gradually when acclimatizing to their new leg length and follow the underlying doctrines of corrective exercise program design: utilize self-myofascial release strategies in the initial stages of adapting to the lift; progress to stretching and only conservatively add strengthening exercises after the client has had at least six months to a year to get used to their new leg length.

References

Bryant, C. X., & Green, D. J. (2010). ACE Personal trainer manual: The ultimate resource for fitness professionals (4th ed.). San Diego, CA: American Council on Exercise.
Knutson, G. A. (2005, July 20). Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: A review and recommendation for clinical decision-making. Part I, anatomic leg-length inequality: Prevalence, magnitude, effects and clinical significance. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 13(11). doi:10.1186/1746-1340-13-11
Pappas, A. M., & Nehme, A. E. (1979). Leg Length Discrepancy Associated with Hypertrophy. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, &NA;(144). doi:10.1097/00003086-197910000-00034
McCarthy, J. J., MD, & MacEwen, G. D., MD. (2001). Management of Leg Length Inequality. Journal of the Southern Orthopaedic Association, 10(2). Retrieved July 01, 2016, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/423194
Price, J. (2020). The BioMechanics Method Advanced Corrective Exercise Mentorship. The Biomechanics.
Gray, H., Williams, P. L., & Bannister, L. H. (1995). Gray’s anatomy: The anatomical basis of medicine and surgery. New York: Churchill Livingstone.
Price, J. (2018). The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Studies Show COVID-19 Has Led To More Injuries

Justin Price/26 January 2022/ All MFN blog/

The coronavirus pandemic has had a major effect on all areas of people’s lives, and physical activity levels are no exception. Recent studies show that the pandemic and associated lockdowns prompted many people to go one of two ways with regard to their exercise program. They either decided to work out more in an attempt to get in the best shape of their lives, or chose to spend lockdowns sitting at the computer, watching TV and/or enjoying long phases of inactivity. Both of these choices, while seemingly unrelated, have led to an increased number of people experiencing musculoskeletal injuries.^1,2,3

What is Causing the Increase in Injuries?

The COVID-19 situation prevented most people from utilizing in-person fitness and exercise services. Consequently, those individuals who decided to increase their physical activity levels often did so without the supervision of a qualified fitness or exercise professional. In addition to engaging in exercise endeavors unsupervised, research found that they tended to work out longer and harder than would have been appropriate, and tried more extreme forms of exercise. This has resulted in many of these people experiencing musculoskeletal overuse injuries.¹

Alternatively, individuals who stopped exercising during the pandemic and instead spent more time watching TV, playing computer games, and generally sitting for longer periods of time became deconditioned. Once lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions began to ease up, these people experienced musculoskeletal injuries as they tried to return to their pre-pandemic exercise levels in a deconditioned state.^1,2

Guiding Clients Back from Pain and Injury

Corrective exercise specialists and fitness professionals well-versed in corrective exercise methodologies are uniquely positioned to help people overcome pain, injuries and musculoskeletal issues that have arisen as a result of over- or under-exercising during the pandemic.

Helping Over-Exercisers

Clients who sustained overuse injuries in their pandemic pursuit of ultimate fitness will benefit most from incorporating activities into their exercise regime that actively promote rest, recovery and rejuvenation. Coach these people to take days off from strenuous activity to instead perform self-myofascial release and gentle stretching exercises appropriate for their musculoskeletal issue or condition. Areas of the body that were overly-strained, stressed and/or injured during high levels and intensities of exercise should now be prioritized with these corrective exercise techniques.⁴

Helping Under-Exercisers

A deconditioned client trying to resume their pre-pandemic physical activity levels without adequate reintroduction will benefit from the application of gradual progression. Coach them about the need to address musculoskeletal changes that have occurred as a result of prolonged static postures like sitting, and the importance of slowly reintroducing exercise stress to help safeguard their body from the pain and injury that can result if they overdo it upon returning to the gym.⁴

As the availability of in-person exercise and fitness services begins to resume, corrective exercise specialists are in a unique position to assist people that have sustained musculoskeletal injuries as a result of too much or too little exercise. Whether helping clients get over pain and injuries incurred during the pandemic, or reintroducing exercise safely to those who are unfit and out of shape as a result of long periods of inactivity, expertise in the area of corrective exercise is now more important than ever.

Justin Price is one of the world’s foremost experts in musculoskeletal assessment and corrective exercise and creator of The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist certification (TBMM-CES). The BioMechanics Method is the fitness industry’s highest-rated CES credential with trained professionals in over 70 countries. Justin is also the author of several books including The BioMechanics Method for Corrective Exercise academic textbook, a former IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, and a subject matter expert for The American Council on Exercise, Human Kinetics, TRX, BOSU, MFN, Arthritis Today, BBC, Discovery Health, Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, MSNBC, New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Wall Street Journal, WebMD and Tennis Magazine.

References

Clarence Valley Independent. Nov 7, 2021. Increased exercise leads to unexpected injuries during lockdown. Retrieved from clarencevalleynews.com.au on Nov. 8, 2021.
Moses, S, and Robins, M. August 2, 2021. The COVID connection: Youth sports injuries on the rise. WKYC studios. Retrieved from WKYC.com on Nov. 8, 2021.
Seshadri, D., Thom, M., Harlow, E., Drummond, C. and Voss, J. Case Report: Return to sport following the COVID-19 lockdown and its impact on injury rates in the German Soccer League. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Feb 18, 2021.
Price, J. and Bratcher, M. 2019. The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist Education Program (2nd ed). San Diego, CA: The BioMechanics Press.

Benefits of Being a Corrective Exercise Specialist

Justin Price/27 September 2021/ All MFN blog/

Research shows that 90% of people report painful and limiting musculoskeletal conditions affecting the success of their workouts. (4) In response to this need corrective exercise is booming with fitness professionals becoming educated about musculoskeletal assessments, movement analysis and corrective exercise to help both themselves and their clients feel and function better. Becoming a specialist in corrective exercise and integrating these strategies into your fitness business has many advantages.

Attract More Clients: Latest research indicates the number one reason people seek the help of a fitness professional is to assist them with muscle/joint pain. (4) If you are qualified to address these problems, you will attract more clients.
Increased Revenue: Having a sought-after specialty qualification in corrective exercise has been shown to increase your income by as much as 50%. (1)
Utilize Fool-Proof Assessments: When a client comes to you with pain or complains of pain during their workout, you can take a strategic and active approach to assessing and correcting the underlying cause of their problem.
Use Proven Methods: The corrective exercise strategies contained in well-recognized corrective exercise certifications like The BioMechanics Method have been tried and tested on real clients and produce unbelievable results.
Design Better Workouts: A better understanding of functional anatomy and movement can not only help you get clients out of pain, but it can also assist you in designing more effective exercises. This enables you to create high-performance programs for both weekend warriors and professional athletes.
Accelerate Client Results: Injuries and movement dysfunction limit the types and intensity of workouts clients can perform. Helping clients feel better so they can perform better, both in and out of the gym, lets them realize goals sooner.
Keep Clients Coming: When clients get injured, they drop out. Addressing your client’s muscle imbalances and movement dysfunction at the outset of their program decreases the likelihood they will experience pain or injuries and ensures they can continue working with you.
Increase Word of Mouth Referrals: The ability to help clients get out of pain and achieve their goals is marketing gold. They will confidently refer friends, family and colleagues to you for help. You will also be able to successfully network with health professionals who need a trusted, qualified corrective exercise specialist to whom they can refer patients.
Get Ahead at Work: Latest research indicates that advanced qualifications weigh heavily in an employer’s decision when looking to promote a staff member. (2)
Edge out the Competition: Statistics show that 89% of clients are looking for a fitness professional to help them alleviate their aches and pains. Yet only 56% of personal trainers offer corrective exercise services.4 The knowledge and skills you obtain by earning a corrective exercise qualification could provide you with a major competitive edge in the fitness arena.

Helping clients overcome aches and pains can be a profitable and rewarding experience. A sound understanding of biomechanics will allow you to develop and use your practical corrective exercise skills. It also provides an outlet for you to market your unique services and become one of the industry’s most sought-after professionals.

MedFit Network (MFN) members receive 20% off The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. Members can get their discount coupon here.

References

NASM. 2015. Annual NASM-CPT Survey. Chandler, AZ: National Academy of Sports Medicine.
National Federation of Personal Trainers, 2012. www.nfpt.com
Price, J. 2018. The Biomechanics Method for Corrective Exercise. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
Schroeder, Jan., and Donlin, Ayla. 2013. IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Trends Report. IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

Mental Habits and Chronic Pain

Justin Price/1 March 2021/ All MFN blog/

People faced with the day in day out experience of ongoing muscle and joint pain often develop mental habits to help them cope that can actually make their condition worse.1 Emotions such as anger, depression and/or making comparisons to how things used to be before the physical problem began, distracts the brain temporarily to help override current sensations of pain. While these mental habits can provide fleeting relief, they also serve to prolong chronic pain conditions by changing brain chemistry and altering the mind and body’s response to pain.