Rehab Science

A traumatic shoulder injury can leave you wondering: Did I tear something, and do I need an MRI or surgery?

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, I discuss the case of a friend who developed persistent posterior shoulder pain after a fall while mountain biking. Although his shoulder had improved significantly over several months, he continued to experience pain with throwing and reaching into the backseat of his car.

We discuss the potential causes of posterior shoulder pain after trauma, including rotator cuff and labral injuries, and why symptoms alone don't always tell us which structure is responsible.

More importantly, we explore how clinical findings such as strength, range of motion, instability, apprehension, pain at rest, and changes in function over time can help guide treatment decisions.

• The potential causes of posterior shoulder pain after a traumatic injury

• The anatomy and function of the rotator cuff, particularly the infraspinatus and teres minor

• How traumatic injuries can affect the labrum

• Why a suspected structural injury doesn't automatically mean surgery is necessary

• When imaging may be helpful after a shoulder injury

• Why improving strength and function are important clinical indicators

• How progressive shoulder mobility, strengthening, and stability exercises can support recovery

• The importance of eventually returning to the specific activities that provoke symptoms

• Why we should treat the person and their functional limitations rather than simply treating an MRI finding

A significant injury can occur without requiring surgery. When someone is demonstrating progressive improvement in mobility, strength, and function, conservative rehabilitation is often an appropriate place to start.

The goal isn't always to identify every structure that may have been injured. The goal is to determine what the person needs to restore function and build the capacity to return to the activities they enjoy.

Shoulder Mobility Exercises: https://youtu.be/_GoXq9H0hqg?si=IbKo-2ijyNuzS2xE

Shoulder Stability Exercises: https://youtu.be/TK_tZzqgr4c?si=xC4SPDuUlUGSxyPv

Book Link: https://amzn.to/3SCJn1M

App Link: https://rehabscience.com/membership/

As we age, one of the greatest threats to long-term health isn't just disease. It's the gradual loss of strength, muscle mass, and physical function that can ultimately lead to frailty.

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy Bettle, PhD to discuss why strength training is one of the most powerful tools we have for maintaining independence, preventing injury, and improving quality of life throughout the lifespan. We explore the relationship between strength and healthy aging, the role of exercise in reducing fall risk and osteoporosis, and why rehabilitation often falls short of preparing people to return to the activities they value most.

• What frailty is and why it develops • Why strength is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health and function • The relationship between muscle mass, aging, and independence • How resistance training influences bone health and osteoporosis • Strategies for reducing fall risk • The connection between strength, brain health, and cognitive function • Common shortcomings in traditional rehabilitation • What "return to performance" should really look like after an injury • Practical advice for building and maintaining strength at any age

Whether you're recovering from an injury, trying to stay active as you age, or simply looking to improve your long-term health, this episode provides practical insights into why strength should be a lifelong priority.

Link for my first podcast with Dr. Bettle: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77Olhy3pnxICBFENDpRnTb?si=d173e3834ad843bc

Dr. Bettle's website: https://vitality-collective.com/

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, Dr. Tom Walters discusses one of the most common causes of neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm: cervical radiculopathy.

Using a real patient case, Dr. Walters explains how recurring neck tension and intermittent arm tingling ultimately led to the diagnosis of a C5-C6 disc herniation with narrowing of the intervertebral foramen. More importantly, he discusses why MRI findings are only one piece of the diagnostic puzzle and why many people have disc bulges and herniations without experiencing any symptoms.

You'll learn how cervical disc herniations can irritate nearby nerve roots, the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine, and why a thorough history and physical examination are just as important as imaging when determining the source of a person's symptoms.

The episode also covers evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, including cervical mobility, thoracic mobility, shoulder mobility, deep neck strengthening, and nerve mobilization exercises. Finally, Dr. Walters reviews common medical management options, including medications, epidural steroid injections, and when surgery may be appropriate.

In This Episode

• What cervical radiculopathy is and why it develops
• A real patient case involving a C5-C6 disc herniation
• The anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine
• Why MRI findings don't always correlate with symptoms
• The difference between treating an MRI and treating the patient
• Evidence-based rehabilitation principles
• Medical management options, including medications, injections, and surgery
• When to seek further medical evaluation

Key Takeaway

A cervical disc bulge or herniation does not automatically explain your symptoms. Imaging should always be interpreted alongside your history, physical examination, and neurological findings. For many people, a comprehensive rehabilitation program focused on restoring mobility, strength, and nerve function can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Resources

YouTube Video Link

Rehab Science Book Link

Rehab Science App Link

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, Dr. Tom Walters discusses patellar tendinopathy, also known as jumper's knee, one of the most common causes of pain just below the kneecap in active adults.

Using a real patient case, Dr. Walters explains why patellar tendinopathy often develops after returning to sports like basketball or volleyball following a long break from explosive exercise. You'll learn how tendons adapt to load, why a sudden increase in jumping or running can exceed a tendon's current capacity, and why complete rest is rarely the best long-term solution.

The episode also covers the anatomy and biomechanics of the patellar tendon, common symptoms, evidence-based rehabilitation principles, and how progressive strengthening can help you safely return to the activities you enjoy.

• Why patellar tendinopathy develops
• A real patient story about returning to beach volleyball
• The anatomy and function of the patellar tendon
• The role of load management and tendon capacity
• Why complete rest often delays recovery
• Progressive loading principles for tendon rehabilitation
• Tips for safely returning to running, jumping, and sports

📖 Book: Rehab Science: How to Overcome Pain and Heal From Injury.

📱 Rehab Science App: Guided rehabilitation programs, strength progressions, and mobility routines for common orthopedic injuries.

🎥 YouTube: Watch my patellar tendinopathy exercise progression featuring goblet squats, forward lunges, step-downs, and hopping progressions.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the Rehab Science Podcast and leaving a review. Your support helps us reach more people looking for evidence-based guidance on overcoming pain and improving movement.

Receiving a diagnosis of a hip labral tear can be intimidating, but it doesn't automatically mean surgery is your only option.

In this episode of the Rehab Science Podcast, I discuss what the hip labrum does, why labral tears develop, and why MRI findings don't always explain a person's pain. Through the story of a patient who successfully returned to an active lifestyle after years of martial arts training, I explain how activity modification, progressive strengthening, and thoughtful load management can often help people manage their symptoms without surgery.

You'll also learn why movements like deep squats, lunges, and prolonged running may aggravate a symptomatic labral tear, and how simple adjustments can allow you to continue exercising while your hip becomes stronger and more resilient.

• What the hip labrum does and why labral tears occur

• Common symptoms of a symptomatic hip labral tear

• Why an MRI doesn't always tell the whole story

• When rehabilitation should be considered before surgery

• How modifying movement can reduce irritation without giving up exercise

• Four exercises that help strengthen the muscles supporting the hip

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with a hip labral tear or you're simply trying to better understand persistent groin or anterior hip pain, this episode will help you make sense of the diagnosis and provide practical strategies to keep you moving.

Resources:

Labral Tear Exercises: https://youtu.be/345qvLAYoi4?si=wisOnV5V7igx1HrY

Book Link: https://amzn.to/3RD0Syo

App Link: https://rehabscience.com/membership/

Pain along the front of the ankle or shin is a common complaint, but one potential cause is often overlooked: tibialis anterior tendinopathy.

The tibialis anterior is a muscle located along the front of the shin that plays a critical role in walking, running, and other lower-body activities. Its tendon travels across the front of the ankle and attaches to the inside of the foot. This muscle helps lift the foot during the swing phase of walking and controls the lowering of the foot after the heel contacts the ground.

When the tibialis anterior tendon is exposed to more stress than it can currently tolerate, it can become painful and irritated. This may occur after a sudden increase in walking, running, hiking, hill training, or other activities that increase demand on the front of the ankle.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The anatomy and function of the tibialis anterior muscle and tendon
• The biomechanics of the ankle during walking and running
• Why this tendon can become painful with increased activity
• Common symptoms associated with tibialis anterior tendinopathy
• How to differentiate it from other causes of shin and ankle pain
• The role of progressive loading in tendon recovery
• Exercises and rehabilitation strategies to improve tendon capacity and return to activity

A key concept in treating tendinopathy is understanding that tendons adapt to the loads placed upon them. While rest may temporarily reduce symptoms, long-term recovery typically requires a gradual and progressive strengthening program that improves the tendon's ability to tolerate everyday demands.

If you experience pain along the front of your ankle or shin, especially with walking, running, hills, or stairs, tibialis anterior tendinopathy may be one possible explanation. With the right approach, most people can successfully return to the activities they enjoy.

Topics covered:

• Tibialis anterior anatomy
• Ankle dorsiflexion biomechanics
• Tendon adaptation and load tolerance
• Causes of anterior ankle pain
• Rehabilitation principles for tendinopathy
• Exercises for restoring strength and function

Resources:

• Rehab Science book: Rehab Science: How to Overcome Pain and Heal From Injury
• Rehab Science app: Comprehensive exercise programs and rehabilitation guidance for common musculoskeletal conditions
• Tibialis Anterior YouTube Video

Pain isn't just physical—it's a complex interplay of biology, emotions, and social factors. Are you aware of how this affects your pain?

In our latest podcast, Dr. Rachel Zoffness, PhD, breaks down the biopsychosocial model of pain. She explains that pain is not just about anatomy or injuries; it's a mix of biological, psychological, and sociological factors.

Understanding this can empower you to take control of your pain management. It's not just about pills or procedures; it's about recognizing the emotional and social components that play a role in your experience of pain.

Pain is a ubiquitous human problem. Everyone deserves to understand what's happening in their body and how to address it holistically.

Check out the full episode for more insights!

SLAP tears refer to injuries of the superior labrum of the shoulder, where the long head of the biceps tendon attaches to the glenoid. These tears are commonly identified on imaging, particularly in overhead athletes and aging populations, but their presence does not always explain pain or dysfunction. The shoulder relies heavily on soft tissue structures for stability, and the biceps–labral complex is exposed to significant load during overhead and deceleration activities. Importantly, labral changes are frequently seen in asymptomatic individuals, highlighting that structural findings alone do not equate to symptoms.

Clinically, SLAP tears may present with deep shoulder pain, discomfort during overhead activity, clicking sensations, or fatigue with repeated use, though symptoms often overlap with other shoulder conditions. Diagnosis is challenging, as no single clinical test is highly accurate and imaging frequently reveals incidental findings. Meaningful diagnosis requires correlating symptoms, functional limitations, and activity demands rather than relying on imaging alone.

From a treatment standpoint, conservative management is the first-line approach for most individuals. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring shoulder strength, scapular control, and load tolerance rather than "fixing" the labrum itself. While surgery may be appropriate in select cases, many people experience meaningful improvement with well-structured physical therapy. This episode explores how education, progressive loading, and evidence-based rehab strategies can help individuals return to function, even in the presence of a diagnosed SLAP tear.

Link for my book: https://amzn.to/3Ld7ssd

Link for my app: https://rehabscience.com/membership/

YouTube SLAP rehab video: https://youtu.be/FwiDJ6hoaYo?si=924NiLBuqPxBri0g

Pain between the shoulder blades is often blamed on tight muscles, poor posture, or a stubborn "knot" that just won't go away. But in many cases, that pain isn't coming from the shoulder blade region at all.

In this episode of Rehab Science, Dr. Tom Walters explains how irritation of the cervical spine and lower cervical nerve roots can refer pain into the interscapular region. You'll learn why local treatments often provide only temporary relief, how neural anatomy explains these referral patterns, and how rehabilitation interventions can address the true driver of symptoms.

This episode is especially relevant for anyone who spends long hours at a computer, experiences upper back or shoulder blade pain that changes with neck movement, or wants a clearer understanding of how referred pain works.

Here is a YouTube video with a few exercises that can help with this type of pain.

• YouTube: YouTube.com/rehabscience

• Instagram: Instagram.com/rehabscience

• Website: Rehabscience.com

• Newsletter: Rehabscience.com/subscribe

If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who deals with ongoing neck or shoulder blade pain.

In this episode of the Rehab Science podcast, Dr. Tom Walters, DPT, breaks down everything you need to know about rotator cuff tears—from anatomy and injury mechanisms to decision-making around rehab versus surgical repair. Dr. Walters explains the role of the four rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis) and why the supraspinatus tendon is most often affected. He also discusses the difference between partial and full-thickness tears, and how imaging findings don't always predict pain or function.

Listeners will learn when rehabilitation is the preferred approach and when surgical repair may be necessary. Drawing on current research and clinical experience, Dr. Walters emphasizes the value of progressive strengthening, scapular stabilization, and load management—highlighting that most people can recover full, pain-free function without surgery. The episode concludes with practical advice for restoring shoulder strength and confidence through movement.

• 📘 Rehab Science: How to Overcome Pain and Heal From Injury

• 🎥 Rotator Cuff Rehab Exercises on YouTube

• 🌐 Rehab Science App