#675: Eric Cressey, Cressey Sports Performance — Tactical Deep Dive on Back Pain, Movement Diagnosis, Training Principles, Developing Mobility, Building Power, Fascial Manipulation, and Rules for Athletes | TED Radio Hour

Intro

In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, host Eric Cressey, founder of Cressey Sports Performance, dives deep into the world of back pain, movement diagnosis, training principles, mobility development, power building, fascial manipulation, and rules for athletes. He shares insights and expertise on these topics, providing valuable information for both athletes and those dealing with back pain.

Main Takeaways

Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

• Low back pain is a complex diagnosis that affects many people.
• Chronicity is a significant issue with back pain in the general population.
• The medical system may not be well-designed to handle non-homogeneous conditions like back pain.
• Different activities can cause different types of back pain.
• Radiologists may read images more intently if they see the patient’s picture before reading.

Movement Diagnosis and Training Principles

• Movement diagnosis is just as important as medical diagnosis.
• A conversation is crucial in starting a movement screen or assessment.
• Vitamin D deficiency and adequate magnesium levels are important to consider for overall health.
• Good coaching and appropriate exercise variability can help with low back pain.
• Movement screens like FMS and selective functional movement assessment can be helpful for identifying issues.

Fascial Manipulation and Joint Health

• Fascial manipulation can lead to good outcomes for athletes.
• Improved range of motion can be noticed immediately after fascial manipulation.
• Joint abnormalities are common in both athletic and non-athletic populations.
• Rotation is important for maintaining range of motion and preventing loss of mobility over time.
• Shoulder blade movement is important for functional movement and preventing mobility loss.

Training Principles and Injury Prevention

• Strengthening the posterior chain is important for functional carryover to real-world activities.
• Power training can help prevent hip fractures and falls in older adults.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann is a landmark book that changed the perspective from a medical diagnosis to a movement diagnosis.
• Advocating for oneself as a patient is crucial in receiving proper medical care.
• Specialization in a particular realm, such as baseball, is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Coaching and Training Strategies

• Working with practitioners who have experience with competitive athletes can lead to better outcomes.
• The standard of care is higher when dealing with competitive athletes.
• Mindfulness to timelines is important in treating athletes.
• Heavy bilateral loading is not suitable for everyone, especially those with flat spines.
• Stretching should have a rationale, adding good stiffness can be beneficial.

Summary

Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

Back pain is a complex diagnosis that affects many people, and chronicity is a significant issue. The medical system may not be well-equipped to handle the non-homogeneous condition of back pain. Different activities can cause different types of back pain, making it challenging to treat all cases the same way. Radiologists may read images more intently if they see the patient’s picture before reading, highlighting the subjective nature of radiology interpretation.

Movement Diagnosis and Training Principles

Movement diagnosis is just as important as medical diagnosis, and a conversation is crucial in starting a movement screen or assessment. Considering factors like vitamin D deficiency and magnesium levels is important for overall health. Good coaching and appropriate exercise variability can help with low back pain, and movement screens like FMS and selective functional movement assessment can be helpful for identifying issues.

Fascial Manipulation and Joint Health

Fascial manipulation can lead to good outcomes for athletes and improve range of motion immediately. Joint abnormalities are common in athletic and non-athletic populations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rotation and shoulder blade movement for functional movement and preventing mobility loss.

Training Principles and Injury Prevention

Strengthening the posterior chain is crucial for functional carryover to real-world activities, and power training can help prevent hip fractures and falls in older adults. The book “Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes” by Shirley Sahrmann shifted the perspective from medical diagnosis to movement diagnosis. Advocating for oneself as a patient and seeking specialized care in specific realms, like baseball, can lead to better outcomes.

Coaching and Training Strategies

Working with practitioners experienced in treating competitive athletes can lead to better outcomes, as the standard of care is higher. Mindfulness to timelines and individualized approaches are important in treating athletes. Heavy bilateral loading may not be suitable for everyone, and stretching should have a rationale. Building relationships with coaches and finding mentors can make a difference in career development.

Conclusion

This episode of the TED Radio Hour with Eric Cressey provides valuable insights into back pain diagnosis, movement assessment, training principles, fascial manipulation, and coaching strategies. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of these topics and how they can be applied to optimize performance and prevent injuries. Whether you’re an athlete or someone dealing with back pain, the knowledge shared in this episode can help improve your approach to training and overall well-being.