Amy Elder PT, DPT

During my second year of chiropractic school, we learned how to take lumbar X-rays. I volunteered to be the guinea pig because I had been dealing with some lower back pain. When the X-rays came back, I saw something unexpected: degeneration in my lower back (at just 25 years old) and a grade 1-2 anterolisthesis of my L5 vertebra on the sacrum. In simple terms, one of my vertebrae had “slipped” forward. One of my instructors reviewed the X-ray and told me to stop lifting weights completely—no more squats, no more deadlifts. As someone who had been lifting weights since I was 13, not just for fitness but also for mental health, I felt terrified. What was I going to do? Thankfully, I sought a second opinion from another professor. After showing him the X-ray, he asked me some key questions: • “How long have you been in pain?” • “How long do you think it took for that vertebra to move forward?” • “What can you do lifting-wise that doesn’t cause pain?” My pain had only started recently—just a few weeks—and since there had been no traumatic event, it was likely that the anterolisthesis had been there for years. He explained something that changed my perspective: Stopping squats wasn’t going to “fix” my back, but avoiding them entirely would likely lead to weakness and deconditioning, making future pain and injury more likely. Instead, he recommended a different approach: • Adjust my squat stance. • Incorporate alternative leg and spinal loading patterns. • Monitor pain and adjust training volume as needed. This allowed me to keep moving, build strength, and manage pain effectively. Two professors, decades of experience, but vastly different approaches. I’m grateful I chose the latter. Because of it, I still: • Squat heavy. • Lunge heavy. • Run 2-3 times per week. Finding out you have degeneration, spondylolisthesis, compression fractures, or other “scary” imaging findings can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your favorite activity. With the right guidance and adjustments, you can stay active, build strength, and thrive.

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Increasing Total Compensation for Physical Therapists (Salary + Benefits) This is a topic that is on my mind almost constantly now. A few notes: • Simplifying Non-Clinical Process • Optimizing Revenue per Square Foot • Maximizing ROI on Marketing • Utilizing Technology ( such as Automation & AI) What else comes to mind when you think of the topics above?

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***The Rise of GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs: Implications for the Fitness Industry*** Check out this thought from Oliver Patrick! worth checking out if you are in health clubs. The health club industry must see these intelligent — and effective — weight loss medications as the best client acquisition tool in a generation,” he says. “The GLP-1 rise has given opportunity to a mass debate on the topic of generic weight loss versus body fat loss, with unequivocal data showing lean tissue will be lost as a part of any GLP-1 induced weight reduction.” That point in particular is crucial to emphasize: “This discussion over body composition, above and beyond simple mass loss, places consumers firmly at the door of resistance training facilities.” In other words, your door. “Health clubs must be quick to grasp the opportunities this loss of lean tissue presents; some have already made intelligent moves,” Patrick adds. “Whilst GLP-1 faces scarcity issues, its price and market remain more of a premium offering. Considering this premium placement, some top-tier operators are right to embed GLP-1 prescribing medical practices into their spaces and control the weight management journey A-Z.” But it won’t be a premium-tier offering forever, he points out: “As GLP-1 prices drop, and the product democratizes, we should expect all tiers of facilities to aggressively communicate about the holistic benefits of retained muscle mass to new audiences,” Patrick says. “A rising discussion on lean tissue and longevity, disease mitigation, avoidance of frailty, and more must be driven by the fitness community.” This is where the GLP-1 acts more as a catalyst versus the end-all, be-all. “We must make our own market,” advises Patrick. “Beyond marketing, gyms must embed consistent body composition measurements, to prove effectiveness beyond inactive weight loss. Two clients losing 20 pounds can only be distinguished if we know which tissues have been lost and which remains. Health clubs can seize an invigorated global weight loss audience if they market with new messaging, create technical capability to receive new audiences, create assessments to evaluate success, and are brave enough to align with a product many will initially deem to be a competitor. GLP-1 and its cheaper derivatives will win weight loss, we must get on the train or run the risk of being left behind in the weight management space.” As you can see, there are significant risks that come with taking GLP-1's, but with its growing popularity, there are also opportunities for you to work with this trend to help both your clients and your business if you choose to.

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Client Results (ŌURA Data) 13% improvement in Sleep Efficiency Sleep efficiency is the ratio of your total sleep time to the total amount of time you spend in bed. For example, if one night you spent eight hours in bed but were only asleep for six of those hours, your sleep efficiency for that night would be 75% (6 / 8 = 0.75 x 100 = 75%). Sleep efficiency above 85% is considered good; below this is typically considered insomnia. Keeping it above 90% is ideal. A 2022 study reported that a poorer sleep efficiency was associate with: - Deline in cognitive performance - Increase risk of type II diabetes - Increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Here are a few ways to improve your sleep efficiency: 1) Getting sunlight first thing in the morning 2) Avoiding bright light exposure at night 3) Exercise during the day 4) Avoid caffeine after 2pm 5) Have a wind down routine 6) Sleep in a cool, dark & quiet room Ready to boost your health and performance? Let's chat about how I can help you nail your sleep routine and level up your game! #sleep #executivecoaching #highperformance #health

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Ninja Move #10: Switch toggle strategy to dial strategy Chronic pain is not about the initial trigger and location and type of pain. It becomes about the system’s reaction and strategy when responding to tasks. A system in chronic pain uses what I like to call a ‘toggle switch’ strategy to move. Like a toggle light switch, when flicked on, the lights light up at 100%. A chronic pain body system will turn on every muscle to accomplish even the most simple tasks. Essentially a movement strategy that is overkill. Too many muscles and too much energy being used, reducing the ability to move accurately and efficiently. Instead your clients need to learn to re-educate their own system into a ‘dial switch’ strategy. They need to recognize that instead of holding their breath and tensing everywhere every time they go to move (toggle light switch) that by keeping their breath regular and increasing the activation only to what is necessary to move in control and with coordination (dial switch), that they can master their motion and move without pain. Giving them back control over the response is what gets them past their chronic pain And much faster than when just continuing to treat the location of pain and symptoms and do exercises that are in a toggle strategy. Stop trying to just treat the symptoms of chronic pain and actually give them a strategy to get past it once and for all. Want more Ninja Moves? Come to our 4 hour Ninja Moves Workshop to learn more super powerful strategies to make an immediate impact with your chronic pain clients. Upcoming dates to be released for February and March 2025. Comment or PM me with ‘Dial me in.’ and we will make sure you are the first to know and get the chance to register. #NeuroReconditioning #ReconditioninghqRevolution #MotionMastery

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The Secret to Reversing Chronic Pain in Less Than a Week: Dr James Stoxen DC. appears on the Mr. Biz Radio - Biz Talk for Biz Owners Topic:Dr. James Stoxen is a renowned specialist in the field of chronic pain reversal and sports medicine. With over 38 years of experience, Dr. Stoxen has been a pivotal figure in the treatment of high-profile athletes, celebrities, and entertainers. He gained early prominence through his work with Ed Coan, often referred to as the "Michael Jordan of powerlifting," and has since treated numerous notable individuals and led significant medical conferences worldwide. Dr. Stoxen's innovative techniques emphasize rapid and effective pain relief, which has made him a sought-after consultant across various industries. The episode explores the secrets behind Dr. Stoxen's innovative methods for reversing chronic pain quickly and effectively, even when other treatments have failed. Dr. Stoxen shares his unique approach to treating chronic pain and injuries by analyzing gait patterns and addressing internal inflammation. He reveals how understanding the body's spring system versus the traditional lever system can lead to quicker and sustained pain relief. Listeners gain insight into how these revolutionary techniques have helped entertainers and athletes maintain peak performance and avoid long-term injuries. The discussion also touches on the rise of new chronic pain syndromes related to modern lifestyle factors like prolonged cell phone use and poor posture. #powerlifting #powerliftingmotivation #powerliftingmotivation #powerliftingtraining #powerliftingcompetition #powerliftinglife #plyometrics #plyometricstraining #plyometricsworkout #plyometricexercises #plyometricsworkout #HumanSpring #drstoxen #golfswing #chronicpain #degenerativediscdisease #degenerativediscdisease #degenerativedisc #gaitstudy #trackandfield #TrackFieldTrials #inflammation #chronicpain #chronicpainrelief #chronicillnesswarrior #thoracicoutletsyndrome #edcoan

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I have heard the term "Elite Recovery" thrown around a bit in high performance sport lately. It seems to be summarized by the idea that if you emphasize cryochambers, massage chairs, sleep tracking, recovery garments, and any other combination of recovery tools (often the flashy, expensive, highly marketed ones) you can gain an advantage by training more than everyone else because you are recovering better than everyone else. Don't get me wrong, I believe there is tremendous value in recovery, but it is the tip of the iceberg, not the core of your approach. Appropriate loading and foundational high performance habits (sleep, nutrition, hydration) will determine the effectiveness of your "Elite Recovery".

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This is a growing problem in the PT profession. Dry needling & manipulation are excellent skills to implement in cash pay clinics. Host a course: https://lnkd.in/gKTfgyru

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GLP-1s: Are you going to be a player in the game or watching from the sidelines? There is no doubt GLP-1s are not only here to stay, but the number of participants is predicted to explode. The question club operators need to ask themselves. Are they in the game or just going to watch. As big as the diet drug market is, clubs that just go about their business without a strategy to drive these people to their doors are going to be watching from the sidelines. As an manager of large clubs I would always keep an eye on the industry leaders to see what they were doing. This article talks about three industry giants and their GLP-1 efforts. Two of these players have created their own in house prescription system. The other, and I can speak personally to this, have designed a very sophisticated program specific to the GLP-1 patient. If you are a club operator you should take this very seriously. It’s obvious to me the clubs that have a quality strategy to be in this game will stand a better chance of getting a piece of the pie. Those that just hope or assume patients will come through their door will be watching the train go by. But be smart. This is not the typical club target consumer. There is a right and wrong way to do this and get a return. So don’t guess or assume. Get help from someone that is already in the space. For example Nexgen 360. This is one of those times don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone that’s been there done this. https://lnkd.in/euJFZ7k3 I’m

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The current financial outlook for Doctors of Physical Therapy is abysmal, at best. Unless u enjoy crippling debt & working for free. If u like indentured servitude, just become a DPT. After 7 years of advanced education learning to help others, one would think financial stability would be a sure thing. Nope! the ONLY sure thing following school is u will start ur career earning far less than a manager at a fast food place and u will max out at 95K. Our government owns all "private" and public loans. Sallie Mae, "navient", is owned by the government, it’s not private. The gov tells us they want educated people in our country. The APTA constantly tells PTs we r autonomous medical practitioners, that we have “direct access”, and that the profession is advancing. By “advancing”, they mean mass shortages of PTs all over the country because it is impossible to care for a family in a city w such a pathetic salary and a 1K+ a month min loan payment, which doesn’t even account for 10% interest on about 200K. Sallie Mae loans are currently about 12%. The rate on official fed loans is around 8%. If the corrupt ruling agencies cared as much about health and education as they say, as they do about lining their own pockets & power, The interest rate for high level education would be 0%. In 2023, the avg total cost for an out of state 4-year bachelor’s plus a 3-year DPT degree, was over 300K. Most students receive a 30 year repayment period. Paying the minimum payment over 30 years with the current 10% average interest rate means u pay over 600K in interest alone during that period, and almost a million dollars out of pocket. Per the US government, you should make at least your total debt amount per year for your loans Not be a burden. The average PT salary in 2023 was 95K. That is 65K less per year than our own government tells us we need to make to be able to pay off 3 years of grad school, not even accounting for the cost of undergrad. In 1990, with a bachelors, PTs made 55K a year average. If PTs still practiced with a bachelor’s, if school was still 20K, and if all we did was increase salaries yearly based on annual inflation, the base minimum PT salary today should be 130K. If we still practiced w just a bachelors. So, the APTA’s transition from bachelor’s of PT to Doctors of PT started in 1996. In 2016 all accredited schools offered only doctorate degrees. Almost doubling the years of education from 4 to 7, increasing the cost of education by 700%, and to be super duper extra awesome, the APTA has managed to help, and by help I mean financially ruin, their PTs by paying them 25% less than we made 30 years ago, adjusted only for 2.5% yearly inflation. We will provide you with the tools to escape the financial indentured servitude the APTA has created and start your own cash-based practice. We will also help you on the business-side of things! Host a course, in-person & online courses, Blog, YouTube, etc. https://lnkd.in/ejfpneKu  

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As a health club owner or operator, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing empty courts due to last-minute cancellations. It’s a headache—you’re losing out on revenue, and members are left dissatisfied when those prime-time slots go unfilled. We understand the struggle, and that’s why we’ve developed 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, a solution designed specifically to tackle these issues and keep your courts booked and busy. ✨ Here’s how Smart Scheduling can help: 🚀Waitlists to the rescue: When a court gets canceled last minute, members on the waitlist are automatically notified, giving them the chance to take the slot. ⏰Instant notifications: Your members get notified the second a spot opens up. This keeps them engaged and ensures courts don’t sit unused. 📱Real-time calendar updates: No more double bookings or manual updates. Every court, trainer, and class is updated in real time, so everyone stays on the same page. 🎯 The result? Maximized court usage, happy members, increased revenue Are you struggling with scheduling issues and last minute cancellations at your health club? Let’s discuss how Smart Scheduling can help. Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments! 👇 #smartscheduling #shc #healthclub #membe

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A CRITIC WHO DISAGREES WITH MY OPINION OF SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT APPROACH: let me know Your thoughts on this please comment below Dr. (Hon) Robert Vervloet (He/Him) • 2nd Independent Researcher and Educator in Elite Athletic Performance "The fundamental question is no one truly understands the cause of most injuries in the first place. TREATING SYMPTOMS IS ALL ONE CAN DO . I've asked the question to what's perfect. What measurements tells a therapist their client is walking with 100% biomechanic perfection? If one doesn't know what perfect is, then what can a therapist teach anyone to train towards in goal to achieve? " MY RESPONSE: Dr. (Hon) Robert Vervloet You’ve raised an excellent point about the complexities behind injury causes and treatment. I completely agree that many practitioners, by default, focus on treating symptoms because that the framework we've been taught. But here’s where it gets interesting: while we may not fully understand the root cause of every injury. There's a powerful neuroscience that is now emerging to show us connections in the body that have an effect on other areas far away from pain So to shift from simply managing symptoms to addressing deeper, integrated issues. In my work, I’ve found that the focus on biomechanical perfection—while essential—often overlooks the body’s innate compensatory systems and the interconnectedness of different structures, like the neural and fascial networks. So instead of chasing perfection, which can be elusive, I prioritize functionality and sustainable movement patterns that allow the body to heal and adapt more effectively. So, rather than defining "perfect" in strict biomechanical terms, perhaps we should be aiming for a dynamic balance—one where the body isn’t restricted to rigid ideals but can adapt, compensate, and still perform optimally. Through my Symptomatic to Integrated method, I've found that improving global function and integration leads most people to more lasting results than focusing solely on biomechanical precision. This not only helps clients recover but also keeps them coming back because they feel more connected to their body’s capacity for real change. Curious to hear your thoughts particularly in your role as researcher and educator in elite athletic performance. Dr. Vervloet, But I’d like to share a case that speaks directly to your point. I recently worked with a 53-year-old male client who was making a comeback into powerlifting. He had been dealing with chronic left low back and hamstring pain and restrictions, and he had seen several other therapists who focused almost exclusively on his hamstrings, with little to no result. Sound familiar? see below his testimonial: https://lnkd.in/gZ5ENGpM

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Here’s an example of some of our favorite exercise progressions for ankle rehab and training purposes. These exercises will increase the strength, range of motion, and overall resilience of your ankle. https://lnkd.in/dyyv3mkg

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Here’s an example of some of our favorite exercise progressions for ankle rehab and training purposes. These exercises will increase the strength, range of motion, and overall resilience of your ankle. https://lnkd.in/dyyv3mkg

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