The Fitness Pain Free Show

Daniel Pope
  • 5.0 (38)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show! This is where we help coaches and physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training Want to support me? Head over to Fitnesspainfree.com, click on Programs and sign up for the FPF "Insiders" Online Library where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter. I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! 

  1. 4D AGO

    Meniscus Tear Rehab MASTERCLASS | Diagnosis, Surgery, PT & Return to Sport

    📌 FREE Guide - Meniscus Pathology Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/clone-of-meniscus-pathology-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  🏋️‍♀️ Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ Timestamps: 01:02 Meniscus Anatomy Explained 04:09 Hoop Stress & Meniscus Mechanics 06:27 Meniscus Blood Supply & Healing Zones 08:00 Meniscus Function & Shock Absorption 09:54 Meniscus Tear Prevalence & Risk Factors 14:20 Mechanism of Meniscus Injury 19:42 Types of Meniscus Tears Overview 20:31 Peripheral Meniscus Tears 21:14 Vertical & Bucket Handle Tears 22:07 Radial & Parrot Beak Tears 24:32 Horizontal Cleavage Tears 25:47 Complex Meniscus Tears 28:14 Degenerative Meniscus Tears 31:25 Subjective Examination for Meniscus Tears 37:58 Acute vs Degenerative Meniscus Presentation 41:04 Objective Examination & Clinical Testing 43:28 Swelling, ROM & Strength Testing 46:30 Special Tests for Meniscus Tears 48:36 McMurray Test Explained 51:48 Joint Line Tenderness Test 56:00 Thessaly Test Explained 58:47 Meniscus Clinical Prediction Cluster 1:01:49 MRI Findings & Imaging Accuracy 1:03:21 Surgery vs Physical Therapy Overview 1:03:42 Meniscectomy vs Meniscus Repair vs Transplant 1:04:47 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Degenerative Tears 1:08:00 Mechanical Symptoms — Do They Matter? 1:12:00 When NOT to Operate on Meniscus Tears 1:18:00 Physical Therapy vs Surgery Research 1:24:00 Long-Term Outcomes After Meniscus Surgery 1:31:00 Meniscus Repair vs Meniscectomy Outcomes 1:38:00 Which Meniscus Tears Need Surgery? 1:45:00 Indications for Meniscus Repair 1:52:00 Meniscus Repair Healing Considerations 1:58:00 Root Tears Explained 2:05:00 Bucket Handle Tears & Locked Knees 2:12:00 Degenerative Meniscus Tear Management 2:20:00 Conservative Rehab Principles 2:28:00 Activity Modification Strategies 2:35:00 Managing Pain & Irrability 2:42:00 Restoring Knee Extension & Flexion 2:49:00 Quad Strengthening Principles 2:56:00 Hamstring Strengthening Considerations 3:03:00 Exercise Selection Based on Tear Type 3:10:00 Open vs Closed Chain Exercise Considerations 3:18:00 Squatting & Compression Forces Explained 3:26:00 Programming Rehab Progressions 3:34:00 Balance & Neuromuscular Training 3:41:00 Return to Running Progressions 3:48:00 Plyometric Progressions 3:55:00 Return to Sport Considerations 4:02:00 Criteria-Based Rehabilitation Principles 4:10:00 Post-Operative Rehab Overview 4:17:00 Meniscectomy Rehab Guidelines 4:24:00 Meniscus Repair Rehab Guidelines 4:32:00 Weightbearing Restrictions Explained 4:40:00 ROM Restrictions After Repair 4:48:00 Protecting the Healing Meniscus 4:55:00 Strength Training After Surgery 5:02:00 Return to Running After Surgery 5:09:00 Return to Sport After Meniscus Surgery 5:16:00 Common Rehab Mistakes Clinicians Make 5:24:00 Biggest Errors in Meniscus Rehab 5:31:00 Final Clinical Pearls & Takeaways ⚡ If you want to go deeper: Inside of Fitness Pain Free Insiders Academy, we teach you exactly how to: - Build step-by-step rehab progressions for real patients - Use criteria-based decision making (not guessing) - Stay current with the latest research in under 10 minutes - Get your clinical questions answered ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://ww ACL REHAB MASTERCLASS - A Complete Guide to Criteria-Based Rehabilitation, Testing, and Return to Sport: On Sale Now Until Sunday at Midnight [Sale $100]: https://mikereinold.com/acl-rehab-masterclass/#join

    5h 8m

  2. APR 24

    PT vs Hip Replacement for OA: What the Outcomes Actually Show

    📌 FREE Guide - Hip Osteoarthritis Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/hip-osteoarthritis-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  When should you actually refer a patient for a total hip replacement vs continue rehab? If you’re a PT, this is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in managing hip osteoarthritis. In this video, I break down the pros and cons of physical therapy vs total hip replacement for hip OA—so you can make better clinical decisions, set realistic expectations, and avoid common mistakes that lead to poor outcomes. You’ll learn: - When conservative care is enough (and when it’s not) - Key factors that should drive a referral for surgery - What the research actually says about PT vs hip replacement outcomes - How to manage patients who are on the fence about surgery - Common mistakes clinicians make with hip OA rehab 🧠 Who this is for: - Physical therapists & PTAs - Athletic Trainers - PT students / new grads - Strength coaches working with hip pain - Clinicians who want to improve decision-making with hip OA ⚡ If you want to go deeper: Inside of Fitness Pain Free Insiders Academy, we teach you exactly how to: - Build step-by-step rehab progressions for real patients - Use criteria-based decision making (not guessing) - Stay current with the latest research in under 10 minutes - Get your clinical questions answered 🎓 Get started for $1 - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/04/pt-vs-hip-replacement-for-oa-what-the-outcomes-actually-show/ ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 PT vs Hip Replacement: What Actually Works? 00:16 Why This Decision Matters (Real Patient Scenarios) 01:02 Is Physical Therapy Effective for Hip OA? 02:11 Can PT Delay Hip Replacement? (Long-Term Data) 02:55 How Effective is Hip Replacement Really? 03:58 Is Hip Replacement Safe? (What Patients Fear) 05:25 Who is Actually at Risk for Complications? 06:41 Age, Comorbidities & Surgical Risk 08:10 Why Hip Replacements Often Do Well Clinically 09:12 True Surgical Risk in Healthy vs Complex Patients 10:15 PT vs Surgery: Direct Comparison (NEJM Trial) 11:39 Resistance Training Protocol (What They Actually Did) 15:51 How Much Does PT Actually Improve Pain? 16:42 Surgery vs PT Outcomes (Pain + Function) 18:13 Quality of Life & Return to Activity Differences 19:44 Objective Performance: Surprisingly Similar? 20:29 What Changes Actually Matter to Patients? 21:28 Who Can Avoid Surgery? 22:05 Safety Comparison: PT vs Surgery 23:12 Clinical Takeaways (What You Should Actually Do) 23:57 When You SHOULD Recommend Surgery 26:14 The Biggest Mistake PTs Make With These Patients ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspainfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessPainFree/ Blog Articles: https://fitnesspainfree.com/articles/

    28 min

  3. APR 10

    Best Evidence Based Treatments for Hip Osteoarthritis (What Actually Works)

    📌 FREE Guide - Hip Osteoarthritis Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/hip-osteoarthritis-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/04/best-evidence-based-treatments-for-hip-osteoarthritis-what-actually-works/ In today's episode we go over Best Evidence Based Treatments for Hip Osteoarthritis (What Actually Works)  - FPF Show Episode 192 If you treat hip osteoarthritis, this video breaks down the latest 2025 clinical practice guidelines so you know exactly what works—and what doesn’t. We cover: Exercise, manual therapy, and education Injections (PRP, corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid) Weight loss, modalities, and more What actually improves pain, function, and outcomes ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – What Actually Works (Overview) 0:48 – Where This Evidence Comes From (2025 Guidelines) 2:02 – Exercise Has the STRONGEST Evidence (Grade A) 2:24 – Why Supervised Exercise Works Better Than Home Programs 2:49 – Exact Exercise Dosage (Frequency, Duration, Timeline) 3:33 – Education vs Exercise (What Matters More?) 4:49 – Aquatic Exercise (Best Option for Painful Patients) 6:59 – Best Strength Exercises for Hip OA (What to Prescribe) 7:44 – Functional Training, Gait, and Balance 12:02 – Manual Therapy Has Strong Evidence (Yes, Really) 14:10 – Dry Needling: New Evidence + When It Works 19:20 – The Truth About Outcomes (Why Results Aren’t Dramatic) 20:03 – The Most Effective Treatment Strategy (Big Picture) 23:00 – Patient Education (What Actually Helps) 26:06 – Pain ≠ Damage (Stop Scaring Your Patients) 36:18 – Weight Loss: How Much Actually Matters 37:06 – Ultrasound & Modalities (Worth It or Not?) 45:34 – Corticosteroid Injections (Benefits + Risks) 47:06 – Hyaluronic Acid (Why It Doesn’t Work) 48:08 – PRP Injections (Hype vs Reality) 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS Exercise is the most effective treatment (especially supervised) Manual therapy and dry needling can help (despite social media trends) Education matters—but not on its own Most passive treatments and injections have limited or short-term effects Focus on what actually improves function and long-term outcomes ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders Academy" where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: ACL REHAB MASTERCLASS - A Complete Guide to Criteria-Based Rehabilitation, Testing, and Return to Sport: On Sale Now Until Sunday at Midnight [Sale $100]: https://mikereinold.com/acl-rehab-masterclass/#join

    1h 11m

  4. MAR 20

    Hip Osteoarthritis: What Physical Therapists Are Getting WRONG (Evidence-Based Guide)

    📌 FREE Guide - Hip Osteoarthritis Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/hip-osteoarthritis-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/03/hip-osteoarthritis-what-physical-therapists-are-getting-wrong-evidence-based-guide/ In today's episode we go over Hip Osteoarthritis: What Physical Therapists Are Getting WRONG (Evidence-Based Guide)  - FPF Show Episode 191 Timestamps: ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders Academy" where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspainfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessPainFree/ Blog Articles: https://fitnesspainfree.com/articles/

    49 min

  5. FEB 27

    Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: What the Latest Research Says You Should Be Doing

    📌 FREE Guide - Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/proximal-hamstring-tendinopathy-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/02/proximal-hamstring-tendinopathy-what-the-latest-research-says-you-should-be-doing/ In today's episode we go over Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: What the Latest Research Says You Should Be Doing  - FPF Show Episode 190 Timestamps: 00:00 What PTs MUST Know About Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy  00:40 Key Impairments You’re Probably Missing (Gait, Glutes, Hypermobility)  02:07 FREE Evidence-Based Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Cheat Sheet  03:10 Best Outcome Measures (VISA-H & Patient-Specific Functional Scale)  05:19 The Pain Monitoring Model (Green, Yellow, Red Light System)  07:53 The 2025 JSPT Study That Changes How We Rehab PHT  11:00 The 5-Stage Rehab Model Explained  13:50 Stage 1: Do Isometrics Actually Work?  16:12 Stage 2: Progressive Strength Loading (Sets, Reps, Tempo)  17:26 Stage 3: Why You MUST Train the Entire Kinetic Chain  30:00 Reintroducing Compression (When & How)  31:37 Increase Load First or Range First?  36:14 Stage 5: Energy Storage & Return to Sport Progressions ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders Academy" where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspainfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessPainFree/ Blog Articles: https://fitnesspainfree.com/articles/ ACL REHAB MASTERCLASS - A Complete Guide to Criteria-Based Rehabilitation, Testing, and Return to Sport: On Sale Now Until Sunday at Midnight [Sale $100]: https://mikereinold.com/acl-rehab-masterclass/#join

    56 min

  6. FEB 13

    Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide for Physical Therapists

    📌 FREE Guide - Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/proximal-hamstring-tendinopathy-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/02/proximal-hamstring-tendinopathy-an-evidence-based-guide-for-physical-therapists/ In today's episode we go over Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide for Physical Therapists  - FPF Show Episode 189 Timestamps: 00:00 What PTs Need to Know About Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy 00:00:31 What Actually Defines Tendinopathy (Pain vs Imaging) 00:01:17 Tendon Loading 101: Tensile vs Shear vs Compression 00:02:56 Why Hip Flexion = More Compressive Load at the Ischial Tuberosity 00:03:28 Free PHT Cheat Sheet (Ad Break) 00:04:30 Exercise Selection: Neutral Hip vs Flexed Hip Loading 00:05:13 Prevalence & Imaging Reality Check (MRI ≠ Symptoms) 00:08:27 Relevant Anatomy: Semimembranosus vs Conjoint Tendon 00:11:00 Perimenopausal Considerations & Hormonal Influence 00:11:47 Running Biomechanics: Late Swing & Early Stance Demands 00:13:01 Coaching Runners: Pelvic Tilt, Trunk Lean & Overstriding 00:14:47 End-Stage Rehab for Athletes: Eccentrics, B-Skips & Sprint Prep 00:16:23 Mechanism of Injury: Training Errors & Load Spikes 00:17:31 Excessive Stretching as a Risk Factor (Yoga/Pilates Trap) 00:18:47 Intrinsic Risk Factors: Age, BMI, Hormones, Medications 00:19:54 Insiders Academy Promo (Ad Break) 00:22:19 Fluoroquinolones & Tendon Rupture Risk 00:23:00 Hormone Replacement Therapy & Tendon Pain 00:24:01 Compression Debate: When to Unload vs Reload 00:26:22 Pathogenesis: What’s Happening Inside the Tendon 00:28:29 Clinical Presentation: “Sit Bone” Pain Patterns 00:29:54 Warm-Up Effect & 24-Hour Pain Monitoring Model 00:31:13 Squatting & Compressive Load Considerations 00:31:35 Objective Testing: Max Hip Flexion + Active Knee Extension 00:32:20 Strength Testing: Dynamometry & Length-Specific Testing 00:32:55 Functional Testing: Jumps, Sprinting & Return-to-Run 00:37:34 Clinical Test Cluster for Diagnosis (Arabesque, Bridge, Sitting) 00:38:53 Imaging: MRI vs Ultrasound — What Matters? 00:41:00 Imaging Doesn’t Always Match Pain 00:43:19 Differential Diagnosis: Sciatic, Stress Fracture, Avulsion & Lumbar Referral 00:45:00 When It’s Hard to Tell: Radicular vs Tendon Presentation 00:45:48 Final Thoughts + Insiders Academy + Hamstring Strain Video ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders Academy" where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ ACL REHAB MASTERCLASS - A Complete Guide to Criteria-Based Rehabilitation, Testing, and Return to Sport: On Sale Now Until Sunday at Midnight [Sale $100]: https://mikereinold.com/acl-rehab-masterclass/#join

    48 min

  7. JAN 23

    IT Band Syndrome MASTER Class [Evidence Based]

    📌 FREE Guide - IT Band Pain Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/it-band-pain-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  Show Notes: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/01/it-band-syndrome-evidence-based-diagnosis-treatment/ In today's episode we go over IT Band Pain - Evidence Based Guide [For Physical Therapists]: FPF Show Episode 187 Timeline:  ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link to sign up for the FREE FPF Mini Course and also receive the infographic "7 Reasons Why People Get Hurt in the Gym and What to do About It."  - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders" Online Library where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspainfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessPainFree/ Blog Articles: https://fitnesspainfree.com/articles/

    1h 28m

  8. JAN 3

    The Best Evidence-Based Treatment Strategy for Achilles Tendinopathy

    📌 FREE Guide - Achilles Tendinopathy Evidence Based "Cheat Sheet" https://fitnesspainfree.com/achilles-tendinopathy-cheat-sheet-lead-magnet/ Thanks for watching! 👉 Transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/  🎓 Insiders Academy - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/  Show Notes, Credit & References: - https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/01/the-best-evidence-based-treatment-strategy-for-achilles-tendinopathy/ In today's episode we go over The Best Evidence-Based Treatment Strategy for Achilles Tendinopathy  - FPF Show Episode 187 In this discussion, we cover: ✅The current evidence on Achilles tendinopathy treatment ✅Why progressive tendon loading outperforms passive care ✅How to apply isometric, isotonic, and heavy slow resistance loading ✅Pain monitoring and flare-up rules for Achilles rehab ✅Common mistakes physical therapists make with Achilles loading ✅How to progress load safely without delaying return to sport ✅When symptoms are acceptable — and when they’re not Timestamps 00:00 What Is the Best Loading Protocol for Achilles Tendinopathy? 01:19 Isometrics vs Eccentrics vs Heavy Slow Resistance 01:51 The Study: 4-Stage Progressive Loading for Achilles Tendinopathy 02:32 Why Isometrics Were Included (Lessons from Patellar Tendinopathy) 04:59 Do Different Loading Methods Actually Perform Differently? 05:48 Pain Monitoring Model vs Dialing Things Back 06:59 Study Methods: Who Was Included (and Excluded)? 09:44 Treating Chronic vs Acute Achilles Tendinopathy 11:04 Outcome Measures Used in the Study 12:00 Overview of the 4-Stage Progressive Loading Program 12:22 Pain Rules & Progression Criteria (≤3/10 Model) 14:09 Should Runners Stop Running With Achilles Tendinopathy? 15:04 Stage 1: Isometric Loading (Exact Prescription) 16:59 Is This Too Much Volume? Patient Compliance Discussion 18:24 Stage 2: Functional Strength + Reduced Isometrics 19:24 Weekly Schedule Breakdown (Stage 2) 23:51 Stage 3: Heavy Slow Resistance Progression 27:19 Stage 4: Plyometrics + Return to Running 28:01 Critique: Are Plyometrics Dosed Well Enough? 29:46 Return-to-Run Progression (Distances & Speeds) 31:23 Final Weekly Program Structure 31:25 Results: Did Progressive Loading Work? 31:34 VISA-A Improvements at 6 and 12 Months 32:12 Tendon Structure Changes on Ultrasound 33:36 How Long Does Each Rehab Phase Actually Take? 46:04 Achilles Tendon Exercise Progressions (EASY to HARD) ***** Want to master physical therapy for patients in the strength and fitness world?   Click on the link and start to transform your career with the FREE FPF Mini Course & gets some FREE CEUs for PTs, PTAs & ATCs. - https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-certification-presale-page/ ***** Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show!  This is where we help physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training ***** Want to support me?  Sign up for the FPF "Insiders Academy" where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! https://fitnesspainfree.com/programs/fpf-insiders/ 👊🏻Was this helpful? Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more! 🤔Have a question/comment? Drop one below in the comment section - I love questions and they help the channel grow! ***** 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter.  I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! ***** 👋 FOLLOW ME ONLINE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspainfree/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessPainFree/ Blog Articles: https://fitnesspainfree.com/articles/

    46 min
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Fitness Pain Free Show! This is where we help coaches and physical therapists like YOU get your patients out of pain back to training Want to support me? Head over to Fitnesspainfree.com, click on Programs and sign up for the FPF "Insiders" Online Library where you can ask questions I'll answer for future episodes! 🧠 WANT TO LEARN MORE? Head over to fitnesspainfree.com and sign up for the newsletter. I'll keep you learning and growing on a weekly basis! 

Information

  • Creator
    Daniel Pope
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    195
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Fitness Pain Free Show
  • Show Website
    The Fitness Pain Free Show

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