Optimize Your Capacity Podcast

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The Optimize Your Capacity Podcast with Nick Hagen brings you interviews and insights from top physical therapy, performance training, personal training, and human wellness providers. There be no fluff but just actionable, helpful information you can use today. The podcast is designed to help traine…

Nicholas Hagen


    • Jul 10, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 70 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Optimize Your Capacity Podcast

    Dr Andrew Torchio: The Role of Manipulations in Long Term Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 44:04


    We sit down with Dr Andrew Torchio. He is a chiropractor and co-owner of Pangea Chiropractic in Bend, OR. Our conversation is fun and dynamic. We review how to build a long term wellness plan. We also discuss the biomechanics of manipulations and how it affects the nervous system. You will leave this podcast with a better grasp of manual therapy and how to improve your long term health.

    DISCUSSION: More Isn't Better

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2022 15:20


    Today we sit down and discuss principles of an efficient training program. A huge problem in our community is the idea of more is better. The more we run, the more we train, the more we go to workout classes the better. Here we review that principle and more. Enjoy!

    Josh Cordell: Youth Athlete Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 42:14


    We sit down with mindset and mental coach Josh Cordell. Josh specializes in the management of the youth athlete. We discuss limitations of the current sports culture, where athletes fall short, and how he helps athletes' reach their potential. Its a must listen if you are a provider, a parent, or an athlete. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: Teasing Out Motor Control Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2022 11:12


    On this discussion based podcast we tease out some principles of motor control issues. Often issues are not related to mobility or stability rather motor output. The body can struggle with interpreting the movement demand and fail at producing an efficient response. We talk through some clinical examples and quick movement fixes. Enjoy!

    Joe LoCascio: Neuroathletic Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2022 49:28


    We sit down with performance coach and soccer coach Joe Locascio. He is a coach for the Bend Timbers soccer club, the head coach for Summit High School Varsity Soccer, and owner of Elite Performance Coaching. We discuss how to train balance, eye tracking, and more. Joe describes how our brain influences movement and how we can improve our movement quality. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: How Manual Therapy Fills the Gaps in Your Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2022 15:29


    Exercise and strength is the king. What can be used to speed up strength gains? Manual therapy. Listen to this podcast to learn how to use manual therapy to accent your care.

    Dr Jacob Plasker Functional Neurologist: Concussion Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2022 46:16


    We sit down with Dr Plasker to review concussions. During our discussion we review acute management of a concussion, concussion based evaluations, and overall management of neurological pathologies. We also review some principles of vestibular dysfunction. He is a great resource to have in our community.

    DISCUSSION: SWEAT doesn't equal SUCCESS with workouts

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2022 9:17


    Today we sit down to talk about program design for workouts. High intensity interval training is a popular training method. We need to be smart about our application of HIIT training and workouts that kick our ass. Give a listen to learn more about program design.

    Nick Tumminello: Program Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2022 54:07


    We had the pleasure to sit down with renown strength coach Nick Tumminello today. Our topic was program design for long term fitness. People get lost in today's fitness world. Results are short lived and burn out is common. We review the principles to a long term fitness plan with great outcomes and customer compliance. Give it a listen!

    DISCUSSION: 3 Things a CrossFit Athlete Should do to Supplement Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 9:09


    On our discussion based podcast we review things a CrossFit athlete should do to supplement training. Overall CrossFit program design is great, but there are gaps. These gaps can lead to pain or limited movement. Listen to this podcast to learn about movements to add to your training.

    Discussion: 5 Things I Learned from 2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 15:17


    We all had a challenging year in 2021. Our world has been flipped upside down by COVID. Here are some things I learned in 2021 that will help shape my career, business, and life going forward. Enjoy!

    Dr. Aaron Horschig Squat University

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2022 46:02


    Today we sit down with a leader in our field Dr Aaron Horschig from Squat University. We review the methodology to assess and train squats. We review assessments, squat fixes, mobility drills, and more. You will leave this talk having a better foundation on how to improve your squats going forward. Thanks Aaaron!

    Jen Davis: The Optimal Mindset to Enhance Recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 46:24


    We sit down with mindset coach Jen Davis today. We talk about how to handle recovery from the mental state. Movement, pain, strength, etc are important but what is your mindset during the process. If you can not reflect and learn from your experiences you have a limited outcome. Jen does a great job provide concrete examples on how to improve your mindset when injured, in pain, or simply stressed. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: Top 5 Things Overlooked with ACLs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 13:20


    Several of us train or rehab ACL reconstruction athletes. We all make mistakes and overlook things in returning our athletes to play. Here are 5 things I overlooked in my career managing ACL reconstruction athletes.

    Andrew Millett: Management of the Overhead Athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 37:57


    We sit down to talk with Andrew Millett, physical therapist and owner of Move Strong Physical Therapy in Massachusetts. Andrew runs a successful PT practice inside a premier sports performance facility. We review how to assess, treat, and educate the overhead athlete. We go over common problems with athletes as well as common oversights by providers. You will learn a ton. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: Warning Signs of Pain to Come

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 12:18


    On this discussion based podcast, we review subjective, objective, and activity related warning signs of a serious pathology. Pain is part of life. But how do we know if pain is inflammatory and setting ourselves up for failure. This discussion helps us figure out which warnings signs are significant. Enjoy!

    Dr Askew: Management of the Foot and Ankle

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2021 57:04


    We sit down with orthopedic surgeon Dr Askew to review all things foot and ankle. We discuss patient education, anatomy and biomechanics, when surgery is appropriate for foot/ankle cases, and rehab goals. It is great to learn Dr Askew's insight into rehab expectations, surgical goals, and epidemiology of the foot/ankle. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: Achilles/Calf Pain....Think About Your Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2021 9:35


    This discussion based podcast reviews a very common case. Achilles and calf issues. Addressing the inflamed tissue is important, but we need to get to the cause of pain. We review what are drivers of pain and so go to training options to improve pain and lower extremity function. Enjoy!

    Perry Nickelston: The Vagus Nerve and Lymphatics

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2021 54:46


    We are lucky to have chiropractor, manual therapist, and movement expert Perry Nickelston on the show. We review patient management principles, the vagus nerve, and briefly dive into the lymphatics. If your clients struggle with chronic pain or you seem stuck with care, this podcast is a must listen. Thanks Perry!

    DISCUSSION: Ways to Isolate the Quad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2021 13:34


    On today's podcast, Nick discussions ways to promote quad strength. He goes over common errors with quad specific strength and the why behind training the quads. He reviews several specific exercises you can do to help your clients build quad strength. Enjoy!

    NSCA Roundtable: A Q&A with Leaders of the NSCA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 57:47


    We sit down with Cisco Reyes of Linfield College, Erik Jernstrom of E-Force Performance, and Michael Watts of UnderArmour. We answer questions from our Oregon NSCA members. We talk about when to allow movement errors, key pillars of speed work, tendon issues, and more. Great talk with a group of smart strength professionals. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: Goal Setting for Health and Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2021 17:27


    During this discussion based podcast we break down how to set goals for rehab and training. We talk through how to cater goals to tissue healing, pain, neurological, and strength deficits. We also provide some practical examples on how to handle goal setting. Give it a listen and hopefully it can help you improve your performance.

    Dr Justin Roth: When is Surgery Appropriate for Pediatric Patients

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 50:55


    We sit down with orthopedic surgeon and pediatric specialist Dr Roth of The Center in Bend, Oregon. We review management of the adolescent athlete, ACL tears, scoliosis, hip impingement and more. We review when we feel like its appropriate to have surgery and best practices to manage pain in pediatric patients. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: The Biggest Reason I DON'T Ice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2021 9:21


    Check out this discussion on the role of icing in health and performance and why we think ice is often over utilized.

    Tony Gracia: All Things Kettlebells

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2021 52:27


    Today we sit down with strength coach Tony Gracia out of Industrial Strength in Portland, OR. He is a top level coach and an expert in regards to kettlebell training. It was fun to learn from him and talk through the why behind kettlebells. We discuss types of kettlebells, how to program kettlebell training to build strength, and coaching cues for training with a kettlebell. You will learn a ton. Thanks Tony!

    DISCUSSION: Top External Cues

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 15:37


    We will review the concept of internal vs external cues and how to implement into training and practice.

    Dr Mark Goodman: Regenerative Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 48:49


    Today we talk with sports medicine doc Mark Goodman on regenerative medicine. We review what interventions are currently available and which demographic benefits from each intervention. We review the current status of stem cells in the US and the future of regenerative medicine in healthcare. We also review wellness principles and what we see has pillars to long term health and wellness. Mark is a smart guys and will catch us up on the current status of regenerative interventions. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: The Compound Effect of Dysfunction

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 12:59


    On this discussion-based podcast we talk about how individual injuries add up to significant dysfunction. We will review a case example of how injuries can progress and give you some tips about being proactive on maintaining efficiency after injury. Enjoy!

    Nick Tores "The Manual Man" The Role of Breathing in Posture and Function

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 49:13


    Today we sit down and talk with Nick Tores. He is a physical therapist out of the greater New York City area. He has a background heavy in manual therapy and breathing. We talk about how to asses breathing, go to breathing drills, and break down common cases we see in the clinic (shoulder impingement, etc). Nick is a smart guy and follow him on social media for more great content.

    DISCUSSION: 3 Ways to Improve Hip Mobility without Stretching

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 15:47


    On today's discussion based podcast we discuss ways to improve hip mobility. Ā We discuss the difference between mechanical motion and neuromuscular control or strength. Ā We review ways to cause both immediate change and long term change through stability based mobility drills. Ā You will learn three strategies to improve hip range and why they work. Ā We hope you get something out of the discussion you can apply right away. Ā Enjoy!

    Pete Rumford: CoreFirst Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2021 57:21


    We sit down with physio and strength coach Pete Rumford to discuss CoreFirst Strategies. We have reviewed this on prior podcasts, but we go into more detail on how to assess and train movement promoting proximal stability. You will leave with an understanding of the principle and how to apply it to any form of training. Enjoy the content and reach out anytime with questions to nickh@capacitypt.com

    Zach Long: Rehab and Training the Barbell Athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 41:25


    We sit down with the barbell physio Zach Long talking all things barbell training. Zach is a PT out of North Carolina who teaches through ICE courses on barbell training for medical professionals. He also runs a very successful online platform called the barbell physio (www.barbellphysio.com). Check out his website for the references we refer in the talk. We review assessments, progressions/regressions, training de-loading, manual therapy, and more. Check it out!

    Dr Meyrowitz: COVID influence on youth and youth development delays

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 47:36


    Today we sit down with Dr Meyrowitz. He is a pediatrician at COPA clinic in central Oregon. We discuss COVID and its influence on youth. We review recent evidence, vaccines, and the youth mindset during the pandemic. Later in the talk we review common presentations of youth related movement and what he sees as drivers of poor movement. Give it a listen. Please remember to leave reviews on your podcast platform.

    DISCUSSION: Assessments

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 15:25


    On this discussion based podcast I review the role of assessments. It is easy to fall into a trap of over assessing or assessing without purpose. During the discussion I review 5 assessments that can be done that would check for movement efficiency in the entire body. You can pick up an amazing understanding of movement quality with only 5 assessments. I hope you enjoy and gain some perspective.

    Charlie Weingroff: ACL in Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020 59:55


    Had an awesome sit down with PT, strength coach, ATC Charlie Weingroff. If you don't know Charlie, you should. He has been a leader in both PT and performance for years. He is smart, practical, and has tons of high level experience. We talk everything ACLs as he has a new ACL educational product called The ACL in Action. He review mechanisms of injury, surgical procedures, progressions, return to play, and so much more. Great talk that you will not want to miss.

    Discussion: Hip Impingement Case Study

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2020 17:26


    On todays podcast I review the pathophysiology of hip impingement. We then use a case of a runner with hip impingement to review management principles of hip flexion related pain. Tons of great nuggets. Our goal with these podcasts are to teach principles not techniques. If you can learn the over arching principles you then can provide these tools throughout the body with the goal of improving movement efficiency.

    Jake Thompson: Ways to Manage and Optimize Low Points in Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 46:45


    Today I sit down with motivational speaker Jake Thompson from Compete Everyday. I wanted to take the time to hear his advice on how to navigate the tough parts of life. Life is never easy or simple. Those who make the best of it look at negatives as challenges and are proactive on being successful. This principle and more are discussed in our podcast. Give it a listen. Follow Jake and Compete Everyday for more reading content, lectures, and more. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: What Makes a Shoulder Inefficient

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2020 18:46


    Today we talk shoulders. The shoulder, like the knee, is stuck in a difficult situation. There are many structures which influence shoulder function. If any of these structures become dysfunction, shoulder pain will likely ensue. On this podcast we review structures which influence should pain. You will leave with a better understanding of anatomy and at finding what drives shoulder pain. Also go to capacitypt.com to get the free shoulder e book for tons of great free info on shoulder health.

    Jesse Elis: Bridging the Gap from PT to Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2020 55:50


    Today I sit down to talk with the head of performance for the NBA franchise Portland Trailblazers Jesse Elis. We review his sports PT pathway, concepts of collaboration between providers, and much more. We review case based examples on how a PT and strength coach can collaborate for optimal outcomes. Give a listen and learn how to communicate and collaborate in a difficult health and wellness field. Enjoy!

    DISCUSSION: 5 Attributes of a Resilient Runner

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 20:38


    On this discussion based podcast I sit down to talk about attributes of a durable runner. Meaning, what key movement patterns should we assess and train to keep a runner healthy and pain free. Likewise, if we are dealing with an injured runner these would be common areas to check. There is way more to a healthy runner than 5 attributes but these are top tier patterns that influence running economy. Give it a listen and try out the tests yourself. Enjoy!

    Lindsey Hagen: ultra-marathons, mindset, and endurance athlete performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 47:16


    Today I was lucky enough to sit down with my wife Lindsey Hagen. She is a physical therapist as well but also an ultra-marathoner and mother of two. We talk about her pathway to ultra-running, how to balance work and life, mindset, pain management, and rehabilitation/performance of the endurance athlete. Its a fun discussion and you can pick up the fact we know each other a little bit :). Enjoy!

    Discussion: Why the Thoracic Spine is So Important

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2020 40:25


    On todays discussion based podcast we review the anatomy and biomechanics of the thoracic spine and its role in our function. We break down common dysfunctional patterns with the thoracic spine and how they present. Also, we get into a battery of tests and treatment options we can use to determine if the thoracic spine is a driver of dysfunction in our clients. Hope you enjoy!

    Lenny Macrina Baseball Rehab and Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2020 64:41


    Today I sit down with Lenny Macrina from Champion PT in Boston, MA. Our topic is on baseball but we branch out to discuss PT career advice, outpatient PT practice tips, and more. Lenny has an awesome track record from publishing several papers on baseball rehab and performance, being a consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays, and working with the top surgeons in the country. We are able to tap into some of his experiences as well as insights in movement efficiency. Give it a listen. Leave a review. Come back for more great content.

    Discussion: Case Discussion on Ankle Sprain Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2020 14:40


    On this discussion based podcast we will review how to manage both an acute ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability. We will formulate the discussion based on cases. We review acute care management, biomechanics and manual therapy, and exercise selection.

    Podiatrist Dr Amanda Westfall: Foot Dysfunctions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2020 40:09


    Today we sit down with Podiastrist Dr Westfall from Bend, OR. We went through list of foot problems and her approach to foot care. We review differential diagnosis, conservative foot care options, plantarfascitis, bunions, neuromas, and more. She is an awesome clinician and you will get tons of great info from the talk. Enjoy!

    Sean Wells: Crossfit Programming

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2020 52:56


    Today we sit down with Crossfit and performance coach Sean Wells who owns Oregon Crossfit in Bend, OR. Sean has a ton of experience in training athletes and fitness clients and it shows in our conversation. We discuss his pillars of Crossfit programming, how he modifies programming if any between athletes, and his views on recovery. During the interview we even get into specifics of methods to improve posterior chain strength and managing pain. It's a great discussion and I guarantee you will get some valuable information.

    Discussion: ACL Rehabilitation Case Study

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2020 18:44


    On this discussion based podcast, we are starting a new series of breaking down a common case we see in the clinic. This beneficial to learn about a thought process and a treatment progression. We are going to review a case of a 22 year old skier who is 8 weeks out of ACL hamstring graft reconstruction. We are going to hit on general ACL rehab tips but most importantly review the battery of tests to determine function and readiness to play. Give it a listen. Reach out or leave comments if you want a specific case to be covered. Enjoy!

    Seth Oberst - The Connection Between Stress and Pain

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2020 53:17


    We sit down today to talk with physical therapist Seth Oberst. Seth is based out of Atlanta and has developed a niche in stress and pain management. He teaches courses across the country regarding all things stress management. We discuss so many interesting topics. We review the interconnection between stress and pain. We talk about how to best use the subjective exam, the role of manual therapy and touch in pain, breathing, and so much more. He is a crazy smart guy and he does an amazing job at putting complex concepts into practical terms. Enjoy!

    Discussion: What is Balance Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2020 13:37


    On this discussion based podcast I define balance, review ways to assess balance, and lastly how to optimize balance and performance. Enjoy!

    Alan Stein Jr - The High Performance Secrets

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2020 45:00


    On this podcast we sit down with Alan Stein Jr to talk strategies to improve performance and productivity. I got to meet Alan years ago when he was a strength and conditioning coach for DeMatha High School and I was a physical therapist training basketball athletes. During our discussion we review how he transitioned from coach to speaker. We also hit on aspects of culture, work ethic, and common deficiencies in the workforce. Give it a listen and enjoy!

    Discussion: Motor Skill Acquisition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2020 12:38


    We all struggle getting skill and movement to stick long term. What I review on this discussion based podcast are strategies to retain skill that we teach. These are principles I recently review at the NSCA Oregon state clinic. Enjoy!

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