In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, we sit down with Leonard Van Gelder to discuss manual therapy. We chat about the evolution of manual therapy, the benefits of touch, and processes of change. We also discuss how manual therapy can be an option to get folks “unstuck” with pain and movement problems, and consider it from an emergent and contextual perspective.

We also talk about fascia, social grooming, Dermoneuromodulating from Diane Jacobs, and the role of the skin with interoception. Leonard also introduces the Human Rehabilitation Framework his team has developed. We finish by considering how to handle competing clinician narratives around manual therapy.

You can learn more about Leonard and his team’s work at https://contextualhealth.org/.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Susie Spirlock to discuss rehab and training. We chat about training women and unique considerations around hormones, menstrual cycles, and bone mineral density. We also discuss hypermobility, common misconceptions, and programming considerations. We wrap up by considering trends in the field around evidence-based practice. Susie can be found on Instagram at @dr.susie.squats.

 We hope you enjoy this episode!

Here are some follow-up resources for you to check out, including research articles and additional readings related to the topics discussed in this episode:

Move Your Bones

Free 4-Week Beginner Strength Training Program

Free Using Intensity Based Training For The Phases of The Menstrual Cycle

20% Off Your First 2 Months In Supple Strength with Code BRM20

Beighton Score

Hospital Del Mar Criteria

Diagnostic Criteria for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

Defining the Clinical Complexity of hEDS and HSD: A Global Survey of Diagnostic Challenge, Comorbidities, and Unmet Needs: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.05.25329074v1.full.pdf

Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10076834/

Menstrual Cycle Phase Has No Influence on Performance-Determining Variables in Endurance-Trained Athletes: The FENDURA Project: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38600646/

Sex differences in absolute and relative changes in muscle size following resistance training in healthy adults: a systematic review with Bayesian meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40028215/

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Katie Dabrowski to discuss pain, rehab, and training as healthcare. We dive into Katie’s experience building her business with a fitness-forward approach, selling the simple to patients and clients, and behavior change strategies. We also discuss the benefits of muscle mass with aging and Katie’s own training. Other topics include hybrid training, minimum effective dose, low back pain in rowers, and flare-up management.

Katie can be found on Instagram at @katiedabrowski.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, we sit down with Alec Blenis to discuss antifragility and his unconventional exercise approach. We dive into the safety and reasoning behind using different unconventional exercises, as well as practical applications. We also discuss balancing strength and endurance goals and the role of the “interference effect” with training. We discuss “science-based lifting” considerations and finish with recommendations for coaches and trainers trying to adopt a more antifragile approach with their clients.

Alec can be found on YouTube and Instagram @alecblenis.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, Dr. Ben Geierman sits down with Dr. Chris Johnson. We explore staying up to date on research, balancing conflicting findings, and applying findings to our unique patients. We also discuss tendinopathy and newer research considerations. We dive into bone stress injuries and the multiple contributing factors impacting management. We also explore clinical humility and evolving as a clinician. We finish by exploring the role of strength training for runners.

You can find Chris on Instagram at @chrisjohnsonthept.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, Dr. Ben Geierman sits down with Lauren Pak to discuss reducing barriers to engaging in fitness. They dive into the need for such an approach, as well as how Lauren and her husband Jason have built their business around it. They also discuss Lauren’s ACLr rehab journey and the trials and tribulations that have accompanied it. Additionally, they talk about how to address misinformation in the fitness space and mobility considerations in a fitness routine. The episode concludes with a discussion on the evolution of their business and practical tips for aspiring coaches and trainers. You can find Lauren and her husband Jason on Instagram at @jasonandlaurenpak. We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

On this episode of the Barbell Rehab podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Haines of KH Movement to discuss unconventional strength training and rehab philosophy. We discuss the role and potential benefits of unconventional movements, how to scale movements, and what seems to matter for pain and injury prevention. We also explore Kevin’s views on spine health, chiropractic care, and long-term health. We finish by discussing Kevin’s own movement practice and practical takeaways to be more confident with movement variability. You can find Kevin on YouTube as well as his Instagram @k.h.movement. We hope you enjoy this episode!

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, Dr. Ben Geierman sits down for a solo episode on knee osteoarthritis. We highlight the conflicting messages to patients/clients regarding avoiding activity and how to manage these. We also unpack much of the recent evidence around knee OA and highlight our interpretation while appreciating the uncertainty that emerges. We finish with practical takeaways to make sense of this research and how to help move our patients and clients forward.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Additional Resources

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

The Barbell Rehab Weightlifting Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30922983/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33453514/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37259542/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38376694/

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/49/24/1554/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36428014/

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/11/e060169.long

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36428014/

https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(20)30118-7/fulltext

https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/acr.25313 

https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/acr.25451 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7887656/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36689746/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36594402/ 

https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1905877 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33407791/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36657659/

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(23)00122-4/fulltext 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049017224001781?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=9129de82d8de1068 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37640513/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39476339/

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(24)00006-7/abstract 

https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/acr.24718

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Vanessa Komarek, aka The Heavy Lifting Psychologist, to discuss mental health and strength and conditioning. We talk about how coaches and rehab professionals can support the mental health of their clients, the relationship between pain and performance, scope of practice considerations, and practical tips. We also dive into the benefits of resistance training for mental health, considerations for individuals with a history of trauma, psychological principles that align with strength training, and leveraging mindfulness during strength training. You can find Vanessa on Instagram @heavy_lifting_psychologist.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Additional Resources

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved

In this episode of the Barbell Rehab Podcast, Dr. Jacob Templar joins us to discuss the latest advancements in pain neuroscience and strength training. We explore practical applications of the biopsychosocial model, nociception, and behavior change while highlighting evidence-based interventions and treatment strategies for managing pain. Our conversation dives into the complexity of pain, addressing both acute and chronic cases, and examines the physical activity versus exercise paradox. We also touch on updates to strength and hypertrophy training in 2025, providing actionable insights for clinicians and coaches. You can connect with Jacob on Instagram @strengthinevidencephysio. Enjoy the episode!

Additional Resources

FREE Research Roundup Email Series | Get research reviews sent to your inbox, once a month, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in rehab and fitness

The Barbell Rehab Method Certification Course Schedule | 2-days, 15 hours, and CEU approved