Peak RFP Podcast

Send us a textThis episode Luke welcomes Dr. Max Vogel, of Legend Orthopedics to the podcast to discuss everything ACL reconstruction.  Dr. Vogel is a former college baseball player and sports residency-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knees, shoulders, and all things sports-injury related.  Tune in for a refresher on what to expect when you've sustained an ACL injury and are preparing for surgery, or if you've already had surgery and are working through your rehab.  Reach out to the PEAK RFP podcast with the text tab above with any topics you'd like us to cover.  Stay in the game!www.PeakRehabFitPerform.com

Send us a textWhat are "Cognitive Distortions"?  Incorrect or irrational thoughts and patterns of thinking can really derail and demotivate you during your recovery/rehabilitation after injury or surgery.  Cognitive Distortions are these irrational thoughts that are so common in the day-to-day.  Some examples include catastrophizing, magical thinking, and minimizing but tune into the podcast to learn how you can stay motivated and avoid the discouragement and despair that can happen when you are tuning in to the wrong message - that's a cognitive distortion.  Send us a text message about what you would like us to cover - see the "Text the show" tab above and reach out!www.PeakRehabFitPerform.com

Send us a textThis episode Luke sits down with Dr. Meredith to discuss questions like:  What are the metals that make up the knee implants or prosthesis?  Are there plastic components in my knee?  What happens to the kneecap (patella)?  Tune in to hear the discussion of all of these questions and more.  Don't forget to "follow" the show.  Got questions?  Look for the tab in the show notes that says "Text the show".  We're happen to discuss any diagnoses or surgical procedures that interest you!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Send us a textThis episode Luke sits down with Peak RFP veteran and friend, Dr. Randy Meredith, of Legend Orthopedics to discuss how the patient can better prepare for the Total Knee Replacement surgery.  What types of things should the patient be considering - home environment, sleeping arrangements, basic hygiene and food preparation?  These are very important topics that can often be overlooked when the patient is getting ready for their knee replacement procedure. Tune in and get ready!  Send a message to the show on any rehab topics or surgical procedures you'd like the team to cover!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Send us a textThis week Luke sits down with mental health counselor (and patient) Austin Shively to discuss dealing with post-op stress and anxiety.  Tune in to learn about how we think (the cognitive model), the four basic sources of stress, and the relationship between stress and anxiety.  Got topics you'd like the Peak RFP podcast to cover?  Send us a message through the podcast messaging tab!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Send us a textWhat happens if your post-op rehabilitation after your total knee replacement doesn't go "by the book".  Maybe you have a post-op complication, or two, that slow you down.  Maybe your knee range-of-motion is poor, and you need a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).  Well, my guest, Mr. Tim Bell, had both.  Listen in and hear Tim's story but pay attention for some important truths about post-op knee rehab to include 1) take responsibility for your knee and 2) never give up!  Do you have orthopedic physical therapy questions or diagnoses you'd like us to address?  Email the show and let us know your questions.  www.PeakRehabFitPerform.com

Following up on our last Pickleball podcast, Caleb, Luke, and Marc dive into Pickleball strategy and some performance tips to help players from novice to elite.  What are the four strategic considerations to develop and master?  Tune in and find out.www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Caleb and Luke sit down with Peak RFP all-star PT Molly Mckay.  Molly has a passion for strengthening and fitness.  She is a triathlete, cross-fit athlete, and all-around butt kicker.  What is sarcopenia and why should I care?  Check out this episode and get ready to start moving some weight.  wwwPeakRehabFitPerform.com

Caleb and Luke sit down with Mr. Marc Blouin, a certified master pickleball instructor and Director of Racquet Sports at Augusta Country Club, Augusta, GA.  Listen to Marc's journey to pickleball and get a few tips that can help you improve your pickleball performance as well!  Some upcoming changes to the website are coming - check us out atwww.Peakrehabfitperform.comand see how we can improve your pickleball performance!

Happy to get this episode out - sitting down with two patients and hearing from them on the ups/downs of rehabbing the knee after total knee replacement.  Find out what was unexpected, what went well, and some great tips to help you make your rehabilitation successful!Find Peak Rehabilitation on Facebook and Instagram.Check out our website at www.Peakrehabfitnessperformance.comEnjoy the show.

Welcome to 2024.  Very excited about this episode with Dr. Steve Parada, Orthopedic Surgeon from the Medical College of Georgia.  Dr. Parada is an Army veteran and shoulder fellowship trained surgeon from Harvard University.  Today's episode Luke and Dr. Parada talk about the Lower Trapezius Tendon transfer technique for those patients with unrepairable supraspinatus tendon (rotator cuff).  Enjoy!www.Peakrehabfitperform.comFollow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Luke welcomes Dr. Brian Abell from Legend Orthopedics to the podcast to discuss Posterior Tibialis Tendon reconstruction.  Dr. Abell is fellowship-trained in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery.  He is an Army veteran, serving actively for 14 years deploying to Afghanistan in 2010 with a forward surgical team (FST).  On this episode Luke and Dr. Abell talk about a common foot dysfunction - that is a "flat" or flexible foot that has failed conservative treatment.  What does surgical reconstruction of this area look like?  How long will I be immobilized? What kind of rehab follows this surgery?  Tune in and find out.www.Peakrehabfitperform.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram as well

Luke and Caleb welcome Dr. Leah Brown to the podcast.  Dr Brown is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and treatment of the knee, shoulder and elbow. She received her Bachelor's of Science in genetics from the University of Georgia, where she was a 14-time NCAA All-American, and a two-time NCAA National Gymnastics Champion and was inducted into the University of Georgia's Circle of Honor in 2016 for these accomplishments.  Dr. Brown also serves her country as a Naval Reservist and received the Bronze Star - she was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.  Is year-round "single sport" good for my athlete?  Can we prevent ACL injury?  Listen in and find out.  Check out Dr. Leah Brown at www.leahbrownmd.comCheck out Peak Rehab at www.Peakrehabfitperform.comFind us on Facebook and Instagram.

Luke and Dr Meredith refresh the discussion on what patients experience that first month after total knee replacement surgery.  Special topics in this episode include "minimally invasive" and "robotics" techniques when performing a total knee replacement.  Check it out!Visit us at Peakrehabfitperform.com

Luke and Caleb welcome Dr. Rob Willson back to the podcast to discuss the surgical management of the unstable patella (kneecap).  A common injury in the young athlete is the dislocation of the patella during sport.  However, it's not just about a dislocation as the unstable patella without dislocation can produce real cartilage damage to the underside of this important bone of the knee.  Get the information you need as a parent or a young athlete!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Luke and Caleb welcome Dr. Barry Jordan, Evans Medical Group, to the podcast to discuss Diabetes and how patients can better manage this epidemic in modern medicine.  Diabetes continues to be a major medical concern and the numbers seem to be growing.  What can you do as a patient?  How can I improve my diet?  How does exercise help to control my diabetes?  Tune in and find out.  www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Caleb, Vann, and Luke sit down again with Dr. Rob Willson to discuss a serious problem in our adolescent athletes - patellar instability.  What happens when the kneecap moves out of its natural groove in the thigh bone (femur), either by contact or non-contact?  This is a serious injury in the young athlete and proper early management is the key to preserving the all-important articular cartilage that lives on the underside of the kneecap.  Dr. Rob Willson is an orthopedic surgeon with Augusta University.  He is fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine and is the team physician for the Augusta Greenjackets and all Augusta University athletics.Caleb Mellinger, PT,DPT,OCS, Luke Heusel, PT,DPT,OCS, and Vann Jordan, PT,DPT, OCS, all work at Peak Rehabilitation Fitness and Performance in Augusta, GA.www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Caleb and Luke welcome back Dr. Rob Willson, orthopedic surgeon with Augusta University Sports Medicine to discuss meniscal repair rehab and progression following the first six weeks post-op until return to sport.  When can I run? When can expect to be released to return to sport?  Tune in and find out!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

The episode Caleb and Luke engage a somewhat controversial topic:  Should everyone deadlift?  The short answer is YES.  In some form or fashion, modified, or traditional, the deadlift exercise represents one of the most important functional movement patterns-a movement pattern that most people engage in on a daily basis.  You either do it right or you don't...but you do it nearly every day.  Lots of exercises can be dangerous...so can driving a car.  We don't stop driving cars because it could be dangerous or because people are killed in car accidents, we just learn how to drive correctly and carefully.  Check it out!  Get those hips hinging.  www.peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Luke and Caleb welcome back to Peak Rehab Dr. Rob Willson from Augusta University Sports Medicine.  Dr. Willson is an orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in sports medicine from the University of Connecticut and is the team physician for the Augusta University Athletics programs as well as the Augusta Greenjackets.  Who should have meniscal repair surgery?  Why are the menisci important within the knee?  How long is the rehabilitation after meniscal repair surgery.  Tune in and find out.  Educate, Empower, Elevatewww.peakrehabfitnessperform.com

Dr. Rob Willson is back with Vann, Caleb, and Luke to discuss one of the hottest topics in sports medicine:  When to return to play after ACL reconstruction?  The two critical elements of time and body preparation for sport are discussed.  How early is too early?  Tune in and see what the current best evidence on return to sport after ACL reconstruction suggests.  Educate, Empower, Elevate                              www.PeakRehabFitPerform.comCheck out our last episode if you missed our discussion on ACL reconstruction and early rehab with Dr. Rob Willson!

This episode Caleb, Vann, and Luke sit down with Dr. Rob Willson, an August native and orthopedic surgeon in the Augusta University health system who is fellowship- trained in Sports Medicine from the University of Connecticut.  Dr. Willson is the team physician for Augusta University (AU) Athletics and the Augusta Greenjackets.  Tune in for some great patient education concerning ACL reconstruction and what early rehabilitation will emphasize.  Educate, Empower, Elevatewww.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Caleb and Luke welcome the first Peak patient into the podcast!  Jeff underwent a bilateral knee replacement with Dr. Randy Meredith and talks about his experience prior to and throughout his rehab course.  We know you've got some good questions and Jeff provides some great patient-centered answers.  Check it out!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Luke welcomes Dr. Randy Meredith, Legend Orthopedics, back to the podcast to discuss patients that are candidates for a bilateral knee replacement.  Listen in to hear from Dr. Meredith some of the unique struggles and factors that the patient undergoing the bilateral TKA will experience.  Am I a candidate for a bilateral TKA?  Is it different from the single TKA?  Tune in and find out!www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Caleb and Luke talk about dosing your physical therapy treatment.  How hard should you be pushing?  How frequent should you be exercising?  Are you exercising enough at home or not enough?  This episode is pertinent to all patients that have had surgical intervention as well as those dealing with non-surgical issues.  More is not always better - sometimes it is.... tune in and get some guidance.www.Peakrehabfitperform.com

Caleb and Luke are back to discuss "starting well" after your knee replacement surgery.  The first three weeks are a critical time for the patient, the knee is PAINFUL with poor mobility and soft tissue swelling as leading factors inhibiting progress.  How can the patient get these important first three weeks correct and set them up for success?  Tune in and find out.  Do you have a topic that you would like Caleb and Luke to cover?  Send us an email:  LHeusel@live.comwww.Peakrehabfitperform.comMotion is medicine

Luke and Caleb discuss rehab within the first 6 weeks after shoulder replacement surgery.  Both types of shoulder replacement procedures are discussed (Anatomic and Reverse) as well as your keys to success in those important first  6 weeks.  Let's get those shoulders moving!

This episode Luke welcomes in Dr. Doug Phillips, Legend Orthopedics, Augusta, GA to discuss the differences between an anatomic shoulder replacement and a reverse shoulder replacement.  What are the differences and why would a surgeon do a Reverse vs a standard anatomic replacement?  What are the typical follow up appointments look like for the patient and what should they expect?  Tune in and find out.  https://www.peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Luke and Caleb are talking what to expect from your RCR rehab in the first six weeks after surgery.  Typically, you are still in a sling and are beginning to work on gentle passive range-of-motion (ROM) to get that shoulder moving in order to reduce pain and improve healing.  Check out this episode to hear from Luke and Caleb on what you can expect in your first six weeks after Rotator Cuff Repair.  

This episode Caleb and Luke are discussing rehabilitation ideas and activities during the second six weeks after Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR).  This phase (POW #6-12) is often referred to as the "strengthening phase" as we begin to add strengthening exercises into your program.  Keys continue to be improving range-of-motion, decreasing pain, and improving functional activities through additional strengthening activities.  Tune in and keep working on your shoulder!

This episode Luke talks RCR post-surgery weeks #0-6 with Dr. Randy Meredith, Legend Orthopedics.  How long do I wear this sling?  What does the progression look like through the first 6 weeks after surgery?  Why is sleeping so painful?  Tune in and get some answers!

Luke and Dr. Meredith discuss the surgical and rehab considerations of weeks 6-12 after Rotator Cuff surgery.  Specifically, we talk about beginning the strengthening phase after surgery as well as what you can expect as you get out of your sling.  Do I still have some soreness and pain?  When can I play golf?  Lots of questions - tune in and get some answers.

Luke and Caleb discuss non-surgical shoulder pain- commonly categorized as bursitis, tendonitis,  and rotator cuff impingement.  These are all common diagnoses but the key is not the tissue that is inflamed or painful but what do we do about it?  Tune and here how Luke and Caleb evaluate and manage these common shoulder conditions.

Join Luke as he welcomes Dr. Randy Meredith, Legend Orthopedics, to the show to discuss the why's and the how's of rotator cuff repair.  What's the typical procedure with a RCR? What should I expect with/after the surgery?  Tune in and find out!

This episode Caleb and Luke will begin a multi-part series focusing on one of the most common orthopedic surgical procedures:  Rotator Cuff Repair.  Join us as we discuss wearing a sling, utilizing passive range-of-motion, and other useful information tidbits to help you before and after your rotator cuff repair.  Got questions about Rotator Cuff Repair?  Email Caleb at Caleb@Peakrehabfitperform.comMotion is medicine!

This episode Caleb, Luke, and our newest Peak podcaster, Aaron Dowling PT, DPT, talk Mechanical Low Back Pain (MLBP).  MLBP is one of the most common, most misunderstood, most frequently difficult to manage conditions patients and physical therapists experience.  How should we think about imaging findings?  Xrays, MRIs, lots of "patho-anatomical" information can be present with MLBP and it can be daunting for the patient to navigate.  This episode starts our MLBP series where we will dive in together and try to move forward with optimism to take a small bite of this animal....check it out!

This episode Luke and Dr. Meredith talk post-operatively about what the patient can expect after a Total Hip Replacement utilizing the direct anterior approach.  Important points include how much pain and swelling to expect as well as guidance for walking and returning to normal daily activities.  Check it out!

This episode Luke welcomes Dr. Randy Meredith back to Peak Rehab to discuss some of your most common questions after your total knee replacement.  Is it normal for my knee to make some noise?  Why does the outside of me knee feel a bit numb?  When can I kneel on my knee?Check this episode out and get those questions answered!  Got questions?  Contact Luke at Luke@PeakRehabfitperform.com

This episode Luke and Vann begin the ACL series and are talking ACL graft, fixation, ligamentization, and incorporation.  When is the ACL graft the strongest?  When is the fixation of the graft into the bone the strongest?  When can I start to push strength and increase my athletic movements and rehab?  Check out this episode and stay tuned for more episodes with Luke and Vann talking all things ACL reconstruction and rehab.  Got questions?  Shoot us an email:  Vann@Peakrehabfitperform.com                                                                               Luke@Peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Luke and Caleb discuss some principles to optimize your running gait.   What are some important concepts to keep in mind when you are running?  Run quiet, run quick, run straight...check it out.Got questions for the Peak RFP Podcast?  Email Caleb@Peakrehabfitperform.com

Luke and Caleb talk plantar fascitis and generalized foot and heel pain.  What does the plantar fascia do?  Do I have muscles in my foot?  Do I have to do core exercises to help my foot pain...you know the answer to that!  Got questions?  Email Caleb at Caleb@Peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode we talk about what to expect when you are having a knee arthroscopy.  Emphasis points continue to be the need for good post-operative rehab to improve your knee range-of-motion and strength.  Luke and Dr. Meredith discuss the indications for a knee scope as well as what you can expect as it regards pain, swelling, and mobility.  Have questions?  Contact Luke Heusel at Peak Rehabilitation, Fitness, & Performance at Luke@Peakrehabfitperform.com

This episode Caleb and Luke talk Total Hip Replacement with Dr. Randy Meredith, Legend Orthopedics.  What are the indications for hip replacement and what are the different approaches to surgery?  What is the Direct Anterior Approach?  Check it out!

This episode Caleb and Luke catch up with Dr. Meredith, Legend Orthopedics, to discuss hip pain and some common misconceptions about pain that originates from the hip joint or from other regions of the body, specifically the lumbar spine.  Hip bothering you? Check out this episode and keep it moving!

This episode we talk "dry needling" with Dr. Marie Hartney, PT, OCS of Peak Rehabilitation, Fitness, and Performance.  What is dry needling, what types of diagnoses are we using TDN with, and what type of symptoms may I experience?  Tune in and find out.  

This episode Luke and Caleb talk about some common areas in the runner that are consistent complaints to include knee pain, foot pain, and hip pain.  Emphasis points continue to be core strengthening for the runner and understanding the interdependent nature of the foot to the trunk when running.  Check it out.  

This episode we welcome in Dr. Vann Jordan, PT, OCS, Peak Rehab, Fitness, and Performance to the podcast to discuss the primary importance of the core, "the gut and the butt," to enable movement success.  Key points include the ability to generate central body or proximal stiffness in the trunk and pelvis to allow for the generation of power and speed as well as preventing injury and improving performance throughout the upper and lower extremities.Go get some planks in today!

This episode is the final in our Total Knee Replacement series.  Luke and Dr. Meredith discuss what to expect during post-op weeks #6-12 as well as what to expect when you return to work and normal recreational activities through that first year after surgery.  Keep up your good work!

We continue our series on Total Knee Replacement with this episode focusing on the patient that is 4-6 weeks out from surgery.  Luke and Dr. Meredith talk what to expect from your knee as well as other important considerations including quad tendon protections and the dreaded manipulation under anesthesia (MUA).  Check it out.  

Dr. Meredith, fellowship-trained, total joint specialist, from Legend Orthopedics in Augusta, GA joins Luke Heusel, PT, DPT, OCS of Peak Rehabilitation, Fitness, and Performance, Augusta, GA to talk about the client with a total knee replacement that is 2-4 weeks from surgery.  Emphasis points continue to be knee range-of-motion and goals, gait training, strength, pain, and soft tissue swelling components.  Do you know what to expect?  Check it out.  

This episode we again welcome Dr. Randy Meredith, Legend Orthopedics, Augusta, GA to the Peak Rehab Fitness and Performance (RFP) Podcast to discuss the client with a total knee replacement 1-2 weeks out from surgery.  Important discussion points continue to be soft tissue swelling, joint range-of-motion (ROM), muscle strength, and gait.  What to expect, how should I feel?  Check it out.