The Higher Powered Podcast

Kurt Kessler

5.0 (8)
Medicine
Complete

The Higher Powered Podcast is a biweekly show hosted by Kurt Kessler, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC. The show discusses various topics in the world of physical therapy, sports medicine, and health and fitness. The goal is to give the listener practical education that can be applied for the purposes of betterment of knowledge, fitness, and pursuit of the best care in the world of sports medicine.

2d ago

Episode 37: Ice Baths

This episode explores the effects of ice baths on athletic recovery, muscle soreness, inflammation, and long-term muscle growth. Kurt Kessler reviews current research, practical recommendations, and best practices for athletes and coaches. Keywords ice baths, athletic recovery, muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle growth, sports science, recovery techniques Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ice Baths 02:58 Short-Term Recovery Benefits 05:56 Inflammation and Muscle Damage 09:04 Long-Term Effects on Muscle Hypertrophy 11:44 Psychological Effects and Perceived Recovery 12:50 Practical Recommendations for Ice Baths CONNECT: Kurt@hpsportspt.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Aug 10

Faith in Practice: Episode 36: You Can't Earn This

In this episode, Kurt explores the profound difference between earning and grace in our relationship with God. He discusses how our earthly understanding of effort and reward can distort our view of divine grace, emphasizing that salvation is a gift, not something to be earned. Keywords Grace, Earning, Faith, Christianity, Spiritual Growth, God's Love, Gospel, Salvation, Christian Life, Grace vs Works Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The importance of understanding grace vs. earning 02:08 The ingrained system of earning in life and sports 04:06 How we project earning onto our relationship with God 05:56 God as a father, not a boss 08:01 Paul's teaching on grace in Ephesians 2:8-9 09:42 The challenge of accepting unearned grace 11:36 Grace vs. performance: the gospel's radical difference 13:28 Are you trying to earn what has already been given? 15:25 The gift of grace and the difficulty of accepting it CONNECT: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Aug 3

Episode 36: The Hidden Crisis in Youth Sports: Why Parents Lack Essential Injury Guidance

Kurt shares insights from recent sports events, highlighting injury management, rehab, and the importance of guidance for young athletes and parents. Keywords sports injury, rehab, athletic training, youth sports, injury management, athlete recovery Chapters 03:14 Insights from the Girls Lacrosse Tournament 06:06 Challenges in Managing Young Athletes' Injuries 09:05 The Importance of Proper Rehabilitation 12:01 Adapting Rehabilitation to Individual Needs 14:54 Observations from the Rising Stars Football Camp 17:52 The Impact of Summer Camps on Athlete Health 21:04 The Role of Parents in Athlete Care 24:12 The Need for Consistent Medical Support 27:09 Understanding the Limitations of Quick Fixes 29:53 The Role of Taping in Injury Management 33:12 Key Takeaways on Injury Management and Rehabilitation 35:54 Exploring New Rehabilitation Options 39:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts CONNECT: Kurt@hpsportspt.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/
Jul 27

Faith in Practice: Episode 35: Identity in Christ part 2 w/ Jordan Shewbridge

In this episode, Kurt Kessler and Jordan Shewbridge explore the true meaning of identity in Christ, how athletic success relates to spiritual growth, and practical ways to live out faith daily. They discuss overcoming false identities, embracing God's grace, and cultivating spiritual disciplines to deepen faith. Keywords Faith in Christ, Identity in Christ, Christian Living, Spiritual Disciplines, Overcoming False Identities, Christian Athletes, Grace, Prayer, Bible Study, Spiritual Growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Identity in Christ and Episode Focus 01:54 Jordan Shewbridge Shares His Athletic Background and Faith Journey 05:13 Lessons Learned from Athletic Success and Failure 10:00 The Role of False Identities and Worldly Pursuits 14:41 The Power of God's Grace and Our True Identity 19:53 Dealing with Failure, Pain, and Insecurity in Christ 24:31 Practical Disciplines to Live Out Faith Daily 29:32 The Importance of Community and Spiritual Support 34:38 Renewing the Mind and Combatting Lies with Scripture 39:06 Shifting Focus from Self to God in Daily Life 44:06 The Battle Against Satan and Spiritual Warfare 48:50 The Transformative Power of the Word and Prayer 53:53 Living as God's Workmanship and His Possession 58:21 Closing Remarks and Encouragement to Seek Christ Ephesians 2:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10 Romans 8:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A1 Galatians 1:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+1%3A10 Colossians 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A23 CONNECT: Kurt: hpsportspt@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ Jordan jordans@manheimbic.org https://www.instagram.com/jordanshewbridge/
Jul 20

Episode 35: Anti Aging for Upper Body

Kurt Kessler discusses the importance of thoracic spine mobility, shoulder control, and neck stability for anti-aging and overall upper body health. He emphasizes the need for targeted movement training to prevent compensations, injuries, and maintain function with age. Keywords anti-aging, thoracic spine, shoulder mobility, scapula control, neck stability, movement training, injury prevention Key topics Thoracic spine mobility and its impact on posture and function The importance of shoulder blade control and external rotation Common compensations in overhead movements and their long-term effects The relationship between neck pain and thoracic/shoulder health Training strategies for improving movement quality and preventing injury Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Upper Body Anti-Aging 00:31 The Impact of Poor Posture and Movement Habits 01:07 Limitations of Thoracic Spine Mobility 01:35 Compensation Patterns in Overhead Movements 02:24 Long-Term Effects of Movement Compensation 03:21 The Role of the Shoulder Blade in Movement 03:56 Muscles Critical for Shoulder Function 04:55 External Rotation and Shoulder Stability 05:53 Training External Rotators for Better Movement 06:48 Limitations of Basic Lifting Programs 07:53 Muscles of the Rotator Cuff 08:43 Control and Strength in Movement Patterns 09:20 The Importance of Movement Options for Aging 10:01 Real-Life Example: Rotator Cuff Tear 10:40 MRI Findings and Aging 11:35 Load Management and Movement Exposure 12:19 The Role of Movement in Aging Gracefully 13:29 Neck Pain and Its Systemic Causes 14:54 Posture and Systemic Compensation 15:22 Muscles in the Neck and Their Function 16:35 The Chain Reaction of Movement Limitations 17:36 Restoring Balance to the System 18:17 Subtle Work for Posture Improvement 18:58 Holistic Approach to Anti-Aging Movement 19:25 Final Tips and Contact Information CONNECT Kurt Kessler on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersports/ kurt@hpsportspt.com
Jul 13

Faith in Practice: Episode 34: Identity in Christ part 1 w/ Daniel Day

In this episode, Kurt Kessler and Daniel Day explore the profound impact of having our identity rooted in Christ. They discuss practical ways to understand, develop, and live out this identity, especially in the context of athletic performance and everyday life, emphasizing the importance of discipline, scripture, and spiritual growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Identity in Christ 02:57 Understanding Our Identity 05:57 The Importance of Choice in Identity 08:49 Personal Transformation Through Scripture 11:51 The Role of Adversity in Identity 15:10 Working with Athletes and Identity 18:01 The Impact of Performance on Identity 20:56 Building a Foundation of Faith 23:59 Practical Steps for Identity Development 27:10 Leading by Example 29:53 Transformational Stories from Athletes 37:32 The Journey of Identity and Growth 40:52 The Power of Consistency in Faith 47:44 Finding God Through Relationships 49:00 The Transformation of Identity in Christ 56:38 Living Out Our Identity in Christ Keywords Identity in Christ, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Athletes, Discipline, Scripture, Transformation, Christian Living Key Topics The meaning of having our identity in Christ Practical steps to develop spiritual discipline The role of scripture and prayer in transformation How faith impacts athletic performance and daily life Recognizing and resisting spiritual opposition WORD UP “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Corinthians 5:17 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” Ephesians 2:10 CONNECT Daniel on IG: @crftd.athlete Kurt on IG: @higherpowersportspt Email: hpsportspt@gmail.com
Jul 6

Episode 34: Anti-Aging for Lower Body

Kurt Kessler discusses the importance of maintaining lower body and core function for anti-aging, focusing on control, mobility, and strength in the hips, core, and foot to prevent decline and injury. Keywords anti-aging, core stability, lower body strength, mobility, injury prevention, functional movement, aging well Key topics Core and low back control as foundational to movement Importance of hip extension and single-leg control Role of foot and ankle stability in long-term health Takeaways Maintaining control of your center and ground interaction is crucial for longevity. Training should focus on positions and movements that decline with age. Strong, controlled hip extension and single-leg stability are key to functional aging. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Anti-Aging Through Movement 00:57 Understanding Core and Lower Body Function 02:43 The Role of the Core in Movement 06:32 Maintaining Core Stability and Control 09:47 The Importance of Lower Body Training 11:04 Hip Extension and Its Impact on Movement 13:43 Single Leg Control for Functional Movement 16:16 The Underrated Calf Complex 18:59 The Importance of Foot Function 20:46 Conclusion: Training for Longevity and Functionality CONNECT Instagram - https://instagram.com/higherpowersportspt kurt@hpsportspt.com
Jun 29

Faith in Practice: Episode 33: God Has A Long Nose w/ Bekah Strangairty

In this episode of Faith in Practice, Kurt Kessler sits down with Bekah Strangarity, Next Steps Director at Manheim BIC, to wrestle with a question many Christians have asked: Is the God of the Old Testament angry and wrathful, while the God of the New Testament is loving and merciful? Together, Kurt and Bekah unpack Exodus 34, where God reveals His own name and character: merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and faithful. Bekah explains how the Hebrew language gives deeper meaning to these descriptions, including the image of God’s mercy being like a mother’s compassion for her child and His patience being described as “long of nose.” The conversation also explores God’s justice, the consequences of sin, generational effects, Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament, and how our identity as beloved children of God changes the way we deal with shame, failure, and recurring sin. If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile God’s wrath with His mercy, or wondered whether God is disappointed in you, this episode offers a hopeful and deeply biblical reminder: God’s heart has always been merciful, compassionate, patient, and pursuing relationship with His people. CONNECT: Kurt: hpsportspt@gmail.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/higherpowersportspt/ Bekah: RebekahS@manheimbic.org

5

out of 5

8 Ratings

The Higher Powered Podcast is a biweekly show hosted by Kurt Kessler, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC. The show discusses various topics in the world of physical therapy, sports medicine, and health and fitness. The goal is to give the listener practical education that can be applied for the purposes of betterment of knowledge, fitness, and pursuit of the best care in the world of sports medicine.

Creator

Kurt Kessler
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

74
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 Kurt Kessler