Unreal Results for Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers

Rethinking the Popliteus in Knee Rehab

In this episode of the Unreal Results podcast, I explore the anatomy and clinical significance of the popliteus — the small, often overlooked muscle that unlocks the knee and why it may be a missing link in lateral knee pain, shin splints, post-surgical inhibition, and chronic joint irritation. I share reflections from my own ACL-deficient knee during an 8 week plyometric intensive and how restoring dynamic confidence changed not just my performance, but my joint symptoms. We’ll also explore how the popliteus interfaces with the fibula, meniscus, joint capsule, and even the SI joint and why treating it in isolation rarely creates lasting change.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the popliteus is central to unlocking knee flexion in closed-chain movementWhy this muscle becomes hypertonic after injury and why releasing it isn’t enoughHow posterior capsule, fibular motion, and meniscal connections influence knee painPractical ways to combine manual therapy and yielding plyometrics for better outcomesIf you’ve ever wondered why the popliteus keeps “tightening back up,” this episode will help you understand what it’s protecting and how to work with it instead of against it.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep. 8: Unlocking The FibulaEp. 21: Easily Restore Knee Extension After Injury or SurgeryEp. 25: The Peripheral HeartEp. 78: Easily Restore Knee Flexion After Injury or SurgeryEp. 79: The Deeper Impact of Plyometrics w/ Matt McInnes WatsonEp. 138: The Link Between Potassium and Shin SplintsSquat Warmup VideoTutorial to Improve Knee Flexion VideoBook I Mentioned: New Manual Articular Approach: Lower Extremity by Jean-Pierre Barral & Alain CroibierSign Up For A Barral Institute Course (Tell them Anna Hartman sent you!)Learn the LTAP® In-Person in one of my upcoming coursesConsidering the viscera as a source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a great way to ensure a more true whole body approach to care, however it can be a bit overwhelming on where to start, which is exactly why I created the Visceral Referral Cheat Sheet. This FREE download will help you to learn the most common visceral referral patterns affecting the musculoskeletal system. Download it at www.unrealresultspod.com=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

The Clinical Power of the Spiral Line

In this episode of the Unreal Results podcast, I discuss the spiral fascial line not as something to memorize, but as a lens to better understand human movement and efficiency.You’ll hear how the spiral line influenced the name MovementREV, how it shows up repeatedly in LTAP® findings, and why freeing up rotation can transform gait, balance, and efficiency.In this episode, you’ll hear:What the spiral line actually connects and why it matters clinicallyHow the spiral line supports gait and whole-body efficiencyHow pelvic floor and diaphragm stiffness limit spiral expressionI hope this episode helps you recognize the spiral line and rotation as a foundational movement pattern, one that can clarify recurring clinical findings and elevate your outcomes with greater precision.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 8: Unlocking The FibulaEpisode 26: Sartorius B.I.G.Episode 44: Using Weight Shifting To Improve Movement PatternsEpisode 73: The Sartorius: It's More Powerful Than You ThinkEpisode 145: 5 Treatment Areas That Consistently Improve OutcomesLearn the LTAP® In-Person in one of my upcoming coursesConsidering the viscera as a source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a great way to ensure a more true whole body approach to care, however it can be a bit overwhelming on where to start, which is exactly why I created the Visceral Referral Cheat Sheet. This FREE download will help you to learn the most common visceral referral patterns affecting the musculoskeletal system. Download it at www.unrealresultspod.com=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Why Expectations Shape Clinical Outcomes

In this episode of the Unreal Results podcast, I share a candid look at expectations in clinical practice, especially after learning a new framework like the LTAP®. I break down why early wins can create unrealistic internal pressure, how I think about my 1-3 session benchmark, and why managing patient expectations is often the missing piece in overcoming imposter syndrome. I also walk through a real case example of a Navy SEAL BUD/S candidate to show how I decide when to adjust the plan, refer out, or stay the course.In this episode, you’ll hear:What “guaranteeing results” really means and what it doesn’tWhy mismatching assessment precision with treatment precision can worsen outcomesHow expectations (yours vs. your patient’s) shape confidence and resultsThe six questions that dramatically improve clarity, buy-in, and clinical directionIf you’re a clinician who wants better results without burning yourself out or second-guessing every session, this episode will sharpen your reasoning and steady your confidence.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep. 119: Guaranteeing Results... Until You Can'tEp. 125: You're Already Treating The Viscera... You Just Don't Know ItEp. 126: How Many Sessions Do Clients Really Need?Ep. 131: Raising The Bar On Patient OutcomesLearn the LTAP® In-Person in one of my upcoming coursesConsidering the viscera as a source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a great way to ensure a more true whole body approach to care, however it can be a bit overwhelming on where to start, which is exactly why I created the Visceral Referral Cheat Sheet. This FREE download will help you to learn the most common visceral referral patterns affecting the musculoskeletal system. Download it at www.unrealresultspod.com=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Bone Health, Loading, & Blood Flow

In this episode of the Unreal Results podcast, I explore why the femoral neck can be uniquely resistant to change and why this often has less to do with exercise selection and more to do with blood flow and neurovascular entrapment. A simple case study question opens into a deeper look at pelvic anatomy, vascular supply, and how circulation drives bone remodeling.I break down the arterial anatomy of the hip, identify common neurovascular entrapment sites that limit blood flow to the femoral neck, & explain why checking distal pulses may be the assessment you’re missing. I also unpack the relationship between pelvic floor tone & inhibited blood flow to the hip joint and how addressing it can change femoral neck response.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:Ep. 9: Left Side Sciatica or Right Side Shoulder Pain?Ep. 75: The Colon ConnectionInfo from the handout I mentioned- Femoral Neck Vascular Anatomy: Hip Joint Anatomy Article (pages 7-8) & Blood Supply to Head of Femur (slides 2-7)- Vascular Entrapment Areas: Iliopectineal ligament and inguinal ligament, pectins/iliopsoas, quadratus femoris, sartorius, proximal rectus femoris- General Pelvic Congestion: Episode 49 - Pain on the Sacrum- Practical Treatment Area: Hip Flexor Release & Obturator Canal- Practical Treatment Area: Posterior Inferior Pelvic floor Mobility- Practical Treatment Area: Obturator nerve glide- Practical Treatment Area: Adductor hiatus / distal sartorius soft tissue mobilization - decompression with flexible cup or self massage - Practical Treatment Area: Hip Medial Glide- Practical Treatment Area: Prone supported frog stretchTools To Support These Treatments- Soft Ball for Self-Massage* & Flexible Cups*Learn the LTAP® In-Person in one of my upcoming courses*This link is an Amazon affiliate link, meaning I earn a commission from any qualifying purchases that you makeConsidering the viscera as a source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a great way to ensure a more true whole body approach to care, however it can be a bit overwhelming on where to start, which is exactly why I created the Visceral Referral Cheat Sheet. This FREE download will help you to learn the most common visceral referral patterns affecting the musculoskeletal system. Download it at www.unrealresultspod.com=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

5 Treatment Areas That Consistently Improve Outcomes

After more than 20 years in practice, I’ve noticed there are certain treatment areas that consistently create change across a wide range of complaints. The key isn’t the technique but understanding why these areas matter and when to address them.In this episode of the Unreal Results podcast, I share five treatment regions I find myself coming back to again and again across elite athletes, Navy SEAL candidates, and complex cases. These are high-payoff regions that consistently influence the body as a whole when addressed with intention.In this episode, you’ll learn:How nerve pathways and fascial relationships explain why these areas matter far beyond local painWhy sequencing matters more than the tool you’re usingHow to apply these concepts without overcomplicating your sessionsThis episode isn’t about adding more techniques, it’s about sharpening your ability to recognize the areas that matter most in each session.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 9: Left Side Sciatica or Right Side Shoulder Pain?Episode 26: Sartorius B.I.G.Episode 28: The Power Of The Trigeminal NerveEpisode 70: How The Trigeminal Nerve Could Supercharge Your PracticeEpisode 73: The Sartorius: It's More Powerful Than You ThinkEpisode 86: Decoding The Nervous System For Health Pros Episode 142: The Most Overlooked Skill In Clinical PracticeTreatment Video: Superior Gluteal Nerve GlideTreatment Video: Manual Technique For Superior Gluteal NerveTreatment Video: Neural Manipulation Technique For Superior Gluteal NerveOnline Course: Go-To Treatments For The Viscera & Nervous SystemLearn the LTAP® In-Person in one of my upcoming coursesConsidering the viscera as a source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a great way to ensure a more true whole body approach to care, however it can be a bit overwhelming on where to start, which is exactly why I created the Visceral Referral Cheat Sheet. This FREE download will help you to learn the most common visceral referral patterns affecting the musculoskeletal system. Download it at www.unrealresultspod.com=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube