Episode 1520 - Carrying: a lost, essential skill

Dr. Lindsey Hughey // #ClinicalTuesday // www.ptonice.com 

In today's episode of the PT on ICE Daily Show, Extremity Division Leader Lindsey Hughey discusses carrying as a valuable skill unique to humans as hunter-gatherers. She points out that humans, with their opposable thumbs, are well-suited to carry objects for long distances and extended periods. However, Lindsey also notes that this skill is being lost in modern society due to sedentary lifestyles and technological advancements.

Lindsey references Michael Easter's book, "Comfort Crisis," which challenges readers to step outside their comfort zones and recognize the importance of carrying as a skill. She suggests that carrying should be trained and incorporated into various healthcare professions, regardless of the specific patient population being treated.

The episode highlights the benefits of training carries. It mentions that carrying trains aerobic tolerance and grip strength, and it is a primary functional skill for picking up and transporting objects over long distances. Lindsey encourages listeners to consider how incorporating carries into their practice can lead to long-lasting functional changes for their patients, enabling them to carry objects without assistance and without needing frequent breaks.

Additionally, the episode emphasizes that training carries not only benefits specific body parts like the trunk, shoulders, and spine but also the entire system. The act of walking while carrying is described as the "magic" of training carries, as it trains the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and central nervous system. The episode concludes by stating that not training carries means missing out on a unique opportunity, regardless of the specific issue being treated (upper quarter, spine, or lower quarter).

Take a listen or check out the episode transcription below.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPTION

00:00 LINDSEY HUGHEY Good morning, PT on Ice Daily Show. How is it going? I am Dr. Lindsay Hughey. I will be your host this morning. We are going to chat all things Cary today. But before I do, I would love to just tell you a little bit about some courses that the Extremity Management Division has coming up. There are a host of opportunities. So just this upcoming weekend, I'll be in Madison right before the CrossFit Games. We're so excited to cheer Kelly on and her team, representing her team this morning. My shirt just came in. We're so pumped for that. But if there are a couple spots, like one or two left, so if you're on the fence, sign up now because those spots will probably go. But moving throughout the summer, we have lots of opportunity. So the next opportunity will be August 12 and 13, Rochester Hills, Michigan. There's lots of spots left in there. That's one of our more empty courses. So sign up for that. Because we're not in Nebraska, the following weekend, the 19th and 20th, is actually almost stacked. I don't think there are any spots left, maybe just a couple. So then your next opportunity would be in September with Mark.