Client: Colin S., Menands
Timeframe: July – September 2024

SITUATION:

Colin is a volunteer firefighter with the Menands Fire Company. In 2021, he was injured while fighting a house fire. He suffered injuries to his right ankle, including torn ligaments and cartilage. After surgical repair and physical therapy, Colin still wasn’t able to move well. He relied on friends and family to help him get around. To make matters worse, he couldn’t ride his beloved Harley Davidson.

CHALLENGE:

Colin had suffered a severe and traumatic ankle injury, and despite two years of physical therapy and surgery that repaired the damaged structures, he still struggled to regain full function.

When we met, he was unable to walk without a severe limp or stand for longer than a minute.

APPROACH: 1^st Session

• Conducted an assessment of his ankle range of motion and stability.
• Identified severe limitations in ROM in Dorsiflexion, Inversion, and Eversion.
• Applied Myofascial Release Techniques to his Superficial Backline, restoring ankle mobility.
• Designed and implemented an ankle stability exercise routine and a strength routine to build on the stability gains.
• Taught Colin how to perform the most essential human movement in existence which is the Deadlift.

APPROACH: Next 20 Sessions

• Monitored ankle function and increased exercise difficulty as he progressed.
• Conducted a comprehensive movement assessment, identifying widespread instability as the primary issue, which wasn’t surprising given his long period of inactivity and natural joint hypermobility.
• Designed and implemented corrective exercise routines to restore optimal contractile quality, mobility, stability, and strength of his entire body.
• Introduced light cardiovascular exercise on a treadmill to rebuild endurance and confidence.
• Built confidence in his Fundamental Human Movements and dramatically increased his strength in all of them.

RESULTS: 1st Session

• After just one movement restoration session, we achieved a 75% restoration of ankle function, marking significant progress in mobility and stability.
• Despite arriving with a severe limp and significant discomfort, Colin ended his first session by deadlifting a 203-pound kettlebell – by far the quickest and quite possibly most dramatic transformation I’ve been a part of.

RESULTS: Next 9 sessions

• We restored stability across all articular joints through targeted interventions, improving overall function and mobility.
• By the 10th session, he was able to confidently climb a steep hill to his office that his ankle weakness had previously made impossible.

RESULTS: Next 10 Sessions

• Having successfully mastered all kettlebell movements in the program, Colin was able to progress to barbell exercises, including the Back Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift – an achievement that would have been unthinkable before his first session.
• On his first Maximum Strength test with me, Colin deadlifted 365 pounds, squatted 335 pounds, and benched 225 pounds.
• By session 20, he had lost 50 pounds !!
• Colin became a dedicated member of the Men’s Strength and Conditioning Class, building significant strength.

Client: Chad S., Saratoga, NY
Timeframe: May 2024

SITUATION: 

Chad had been dealing with persistent lower back tightness for years, which had gradually started to disrupt his active lifestyle. This discomfort kept him from fully enjoying his favorite activities, such as golf, tennis, pickleball, and spending quality time with his family.

CHALLENGE:

Although Chad had exhausted all options within the standard healthcare model, he continued to experience significant discomfort, even at rest, with physical activity further aggravating the issue.

APPROACH: 1st Session

• Conducted a comprehensive assessment of posture, core stability, and movement, taking his lifestyle and history into account.
• Identified key issues such as anterior pelvic tilt, restricted lower back muscles, and unstable, lengthened core musculature.
• Applied myofascial release techniques to loosen restricted fascia, improving flexibility and reducing tension in problem areas.
• Designed and implemented stability exercises to retrain unstable core for proper functionality, enhancing overall balance and control.
• Taught Chad how to perform the Hinge Deadlift which is the most essential movement there is.

APPROACH: Sessions 2-10

• We worked though my stability program ensuring that Chad has adequate mobility, stability and strength at every joint in his body.
• Implemented corrective exercises to restore rhythm between Chad’s core and pelvis, enabling him to produce powerful core contractions required for golf and tennis swings without risking further injury or discomfort.
• Introduced strength exercises designed to improve performance of Fundamental Human Movements, including deadlifts, goblet squats, kettlebell presses, and kettlebell rows, to build strength while maintaining proper alignment.

RESULTS: 1st Session

• After just one movement restoration session, Chad played an incredible 90 holes of golf in a single weekend without any pain.
• Impressed with the results, Chad continued for an additional 10 sessions.

RESULTS: Next 9 Sessions

• Chad learned all Fundamental Human Movements and was able to perform them with an external load without losing his posture. This is vital to pain-free performance because Motor Errors can lead to pain and injury.
• By the end of our program, his posture and golf swing had improved significantly, allowing him to swing with greater energy and confidence. I attribute this gain to improvements in his performance of Fundamental Human Movements.
• Five months after our sessions, Chad still feels great, enjoying golf, tennis, and family activities free from the discomfort that once held him back.

Client: Beverly S., Clifton Park, NY
Timeframe: Dec 2023 – Aug 2024

SITUATION:  

Beverly is an active woman who just turned 60, enjoying tennis, pickleball, and golf. All of these activities require strong conditioning and fluid movement to be successful. She began working with me to overcome physical limitations and enhance her overall function, aiming to stay active and excel in her favorite sports.

CHALLENGE: 

Beverly had some traumatic injuries in her past, including a car accident, which had hampered her athletic endeavors.

APPROACH: 1^st Session

• Conducted a thorough movement assessment to identify limitations and potential contraindications to exercise.
• Identified poor posture and dysfunctional movements, eliciting neuromuscular trigger points and pain. Addressed them immediately to alleviate discomfort and improve movement.
• Observed specific dysfunctional patterns, such as Valgus Collapse during the Squat and poor pelvic control in the Split Squat, even without pain or trigger points.
• Applied myofascial release techniques to targeted areas, including the Plantar Fascia and calves, to improve mobility and reduce tension.
• Introduced a combination of stretches to improve posture and address immobility.
• Presented stability exercises to restore proper function in the Squat and Split Squat, ensuring mobility gains were retained.
• Provided detailed instructions on performing the Hinge Deadlift.
• Focused on addressing a dysfunctional Squat pattern where the collapse of her right knee caused pelvic misalignment. This included correcting movement errors and rebuilding confidence in her “bad” knee.
• Designed a personalized corrective exercise routine that Beverly could perform independently, ensuring she had the necessary equipment and guidance for long-term success.

APPROACH: Next 9 Sessions

• Worked through isolated movements, joint by joint, and restored functionality wherever limitations were identified.
• Continued to build Beverly’s mastery in Fundamental Human Movements, ensuring a strong foundation for progression.
• Monitored changes in movement and remedied dysfunctions promptly as they arose.
• Instructed advanced skills, including Acceleration, Top End Speed, Agility, and Plyometrics, enhancing her performance.

RESULTS: Session 1

• Achieved 100% restoration of knee extension in Beverly’s right knee, which had been limited for years prior to our first session.
• Restored

RESULTS: Sessions 2-10

• Restored full functionality to key movements such as the Deadlift, Squat, and Split Squat while also dramatically improving her Single-Leg Stance.
• Beverly is now a powerhouse on the tennis and pickleball courts, regularly outperforming younger opponents – a fact she proudly shares with me.

Client: Rosa D., Albany, NY
Timeframe: October – November 2024

SITUATION: 

Rosa, an amateur rugby player in her 20s, sought my help to restore full function to her left shoulder after a dislocation as she struggled with joint stability and strength, which compromised her performance on the field. Her goal was to be fully prepared for the spring 2025 season. She also wanted to address recurring hamstring discomfort, especially during running and sprinting.

CHALLENGE: 

When I first met Rosa, her shoulder exhibited significant limitations in range of motion (ROM) due to surgical anchors placed on some of the tendons during her shoulder surgery as well as typical post-surgery trauma to her fascia. These restrictions affected flexion, abduction, functional internal rotation, and cross-body flexion.

APPROACH: 1st Session

• Conducted a comprehensive assessment of all major shoulder functions as well as a three-dimensional core and hip stability assessment to evaluate pelvic control, which is often implicated in hamstring cases, to determine her condition.
• Identified critical deficiencies in range of motion, stability, and strength, including a loss of 45 degrees in flexion, 45 degrees in abduction, 20 degrees in functional internal rotation, and approximately 15 degrees in external rotation.
• Pinpointed certain hip movements that exhibited poor strength and stability, including adduction and internal rotation.
• Ascertained that abduction and external rotation were functional and did not require attention.
• Applied myofascial release techniques to realign fascia and muscles, mobilizing the left arm lines to restore range of motion (ROM) and the right plantar fascia along the Deep Front Line to improve hip adduction and internal rotation.
• Implemented a core, hip, and shoulder stability exercise routine to reinforce mobility gains and maintain long-term progress.
• Provided guidance to ensure she could perform the exercises independently and had access to the necessary equipment.
• Reinforced mobility and stability improvements with the kettlebell deadlift and isometric high plank.

 APPROACH: Next 9 Sessions

• Monitored shoulder function and progressively increased exercise difficulty as she advanced.
• Addressed additional movements requiring attention, such as acceleration and top-end speed technique.
• Developed and implemented corrective exercise routines to restore her body’s contractile quality, mobility, stability, and strength.
• Instilled confidence in her body’s ability to perform Fundamental Human Movements.

RESULTS: 1st Session

• Rosa’s shoulder flexion improved by 80%, abduction by 90%, external rotation by 90%, and functional internal rotation by 85%. Additionally, her hamstring dysfunction was significantly reduced, and she reported no longer feeling tightness.

RESULTS: Next 9 sessions

• Joined my HIIT class.
• This enabled her to master proper running form,
• Her hamstring which hurt during and after running hasn’t bugged her since. I will continue to monitor it.
• Rosa will continue HIIT 3x per week until her season starts to build strength and maintain the necessary conditioning. I look forward to hearing about how her rugby season goes.

Client: Mike Z., Menands, NY
Timeframe: January 2024 – present

SITUATION:  

At 80 years old, Mike came to see me in early 2024 to develop a routine to improve his strength and vitality. Despite some minor age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and glaucoma, he maintained an active lifestyle, enjoying walking, cycling, and long drives.

CHALLENGE: 

Challenge: 80 year and multiple healthcare conditions. His active lifestyle in his youth resulted in several injuries, including an ACL tear, an improperly repaired femur fracture, and an untreated rotator cuff tear.

APPROACH:

• Conducted a comprehensive assessment of posture, core stability, and movement, taking his lifestyle and history into account.
• Identified postural issues, including excessive kyphosis of the thoracic spine, immobility in critical movements, neuromuscular trigger points (Charlie horses) with gross motor tasks, improper positioning on fundamental human movements i.e. rounded low back in the hinged position, and excessive pelvic rotation in the Split Stance
• Applied myofascial release techniques to loosen restricted fascia, improve flexibility, and reduce tension in problem areas.  These techniques restored critical human postures and movements, including the cross-legged sitting position, Bird Dog, Side Bend, and critical shoulder range of motion.
• Developed and implemented stability exercises to reinforce mobility gains and maintain long-term progress.
• Introduced strength exercises that leveraged mobility and postural improvements, helping him integrate those gains into his daily activities.
• Guided Mike through a simple yet challenging cardio routine after each session to enhance his endurance and address some physiological issues associated with suboptimal physical conditioning.
• Concluded each session by providing detailed notes outlining our activities and including homework exercises to support his continued learning and independent improvement.

RESULTS:

• Due to his age, progress was gradual at first, but after three weeks of working together, Mike reported feeling significantly more stable, making his daily walks noticeably easier. Once key postures and movements were restored, his overall posture improved, and he was able to perform gross motor tasks with better form and without any trigger points.
• We discovered that when we got Mike’s heart rate above 90% of max, his vision cleared up significantly. After a few months of consistent cardiovascular exercise, his vision remained significantly improved.  
• After 5 months of Movement Restoration, Mike was ready to join my Strength and Stamina (link) program. He has made phenomenal improvements in his strength and capacity. He can perform a Rack-Pull with 185 pounds from just below knee height all the way to a full hips extended finish!
• Textbooks state that muscle loss accelerates significantly after age 55, but Mike has defied that theory and proven otherwise. Over the past 12 months, he has built significant muscle and takes pride in his newfound strength, tackling tasks like loading snow tires, mowing the lawn, and moving heavy items around the house with ease.
• I’m going to get dexa results for him to evaluate bone density before and after
• I’d also like blood pressure measures in his eyes from before and after our work together.

Client: Chana M., 46
Timeframe: May 2024 – Present

SITUATION:  

Chana, 46,  is an active mother to two young boys. She came to see me because she had difficulty keeping up with everyone and wanted me to help restore her movement. Her sons are athletic, and she wants to play basketball with them in the driveway and assert dominance.

CHALLENGE: 

Additionally, Chana has undergone multiple C-sections, which disrupted the alignment of her abdominal fascia, making it difficult to restore optimal core stability.

Chana had an active past, which included injuries and medical procedures, but her current office-based lifestyle with prolonged sitting has negatively impacted her posture and movement quality.

APPROACH: 1^ST Session

• Conducted a three-dimensional core stability assessment, evaluating her ability to control force in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.
• Identified poor control in all planes as well as dysfunctional postures, including collapsed arches and hyperextended knees, and introduced targeted exercises to address the issues.
• Designed and implemented a stability exercise routine to solidify mobility gains and promote lasting improvements. Provided guidance to help her perform exercises independently, supporting sustained progress.
• Instructed on performing the Hinge Deadlift and Goblet Squat, focusing on improving form and technique.
• Established a plan and daily routine to help her improve

APPROACH: Next 12 Sessions

• Applied myofascial release techniques of all myofascial meridians to enhance mobility and reduce tension.
• Restriction was present everywhere which limited her ability to move. Following each mobility session, her movement improved dramatically as did her confidence. Movements that were shaky and weak became strong and confident.
• Integrated mobility gains into stability exercises to restore control and proper movement patterns.
• Built confidence in her Fundamental Human Movements.
• Identified other body structures and movements requiring attention, including her s which were weak and implemented a corrective exercise routine to restore their function.
  • Posture was a big issue which needed resolution. She collapsed her shoulders leading to impinged nerves. Our focus on her wrists was to lengthen the muscles of her chest which pulled her forward and strengthen the muscles which retract her scapulae.
• After our 12th session, I determined Chana’s function was sufficient for more rigorous training and introduced her to a structured HIIT class to build endurance and overall strength.

RESULTS:

• After 8 weeks of training, Chana mastered the ability to perform ALL Fundamental Human Movements.
• Chana overcame her initial nervousness about Deadlifting. After just 3 sessions, she was lifting 88 pounds for 3 reps. By session 6, she progressed to a 150-pound kettlebell, and four months later, she could easily deadlift the same weight for 5 reps.
• We restored her wrist function, resolving a long-standing issue. Her grip is no longer a problem.
• She now confidently assists her husband with heavy lifting and moving furniture around the house and she’s looking forward to impressing her boys at the basketball court when the weather warms up.
• Since joining my HIIT class, Chana has lost 15 pounds and looks fantastic!!