Ever feel like your shoulders, core, or posture aren’t working together the way they should? It might be time to rethink how you move, starting with the bear crawl. In this episode, I break down the Bear Crawl—how to do it properly, why it's more than just a warm-up, and how it connects your core, shoulders, and posterior chain for better movement and injury prevention. I cover key cues for shoulder stability, spinal activation, and proper movement sequencing so you’re not just going through the motions but actually improving your strength, posture, and movement efficiency. This is foundational work for anyone who wants to move better, train harder, and prevent injuries. Listen in to learn how to fix common mistakes and unlock the full benefits of this primal movement.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Are you sitting too much? It’s more dangerous than you think. In this episode, I break down how prolonged sitting (especially in chairs) impacts your health and what you can do to fight back.

Research shows that sitting for over 9 hours a day is linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic issues, and increased mortality risk. But there's a catch. It's not just how long we sit that's killing us but HOW we sit during periods of down time that matters most.

I discuss how our bodies are designed to use active resting postures to fuel the continual repair and maintenance of all of our cells and organs in our body - AND how prolonged chair sitting robs our bodies of the ability to do this which results in eventual breakdown of not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the cardiovascular system and ALL of our systems on a cellular level.

This episode shares insightful research on how the rest patterns of hunter-gatherer societies honor our body's evolutionary design, and how those societies have it right by staying active, even during rest.

I share simple ways to reduce the negative effects of sitting and improve your health by incorporating primal (archetypal) postures that support muscle activation and better circulation even at "rest".

Listen in to learn how you can improve your health and longevity by making these small changes in the way you "sit".

🔗 PMID: 32152112
🔗 PMID: 27723159
🔗 PMID: 28657123

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

"There’s 72 seconds left out there." That’s what pro runner Josh Izewski said after his last Olympic Trials. Every second counts, but injuries and setbacks can change everything. In this episode, I sit down with Josh Izewski, a professional runner for Zap Endurance, to talk about injury recovery, movement evaluation, and the rehab approach that got him back on track. We dive into strength training beyond running and how shifting his approach has shaped his comeback. Josh shares his journey from post-race disappointment to rebuilding for another shot at the Olympic Trials. Whether you're an athlete overcoming setbacks or a clinician working with endurance athletes, there's a lot to take away from his story. Tune in!

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

The way we move is deeply connected to survival—but traditional rehab often ignores that. In this episode, I break down the Primal Method, my unique approach to assessing and improving movement by understanding the body as an interconnected system. I explain why primal movements are hardwired into our DNA, how the musculoskeletal system supports survival, and why cellular repair is critical for long-term performance. By applying these principles, physical therapists can enhance patient care, prevent injuries, and rethink how they approach rehab. Tune in to learn how the Primal Method can change the way you move, train, and recover.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Is your movement breaking down—or are you building strong foundations? In this episode, I dive into the Primal Method and the importance of developmental milestones in building efficient, lifelong movement. From crawling and rolling to running and jumping, we explore how foundational skills learned early in life set the stage for mobility as adults—and why losing these skills leads to compensations, breakdowns, and injuries. I also discuss why movement maintenance is crucial, comparing it to how athletes keep their skills sharp with continuous practice. Movement is more than mechanics; it’s the foundation of how we live and thrive. Tune in now to discover how the Primal Method can help you rebuild your movement foundations and move better for life.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Did you know your body's design and development influence every movement you make? In this episode, I’m giving you an inside look at the Primal Foundations course, a program rooted in the idea that the body is an intricate, interconnected system. We dive into how embryology influences movement patterns, why systematic evaluation is key to unlocking better outcomes, and how understanding the purpose behind the musculoskeletal system can reshape your practice. Tune in now, and don’t forget to check out the Primal Foundations course on www.primalhq.com if you want to go even deeper.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Struggling with mastering the pistol squat? I got you. In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about nailing the pistol squat, from understanding the role of the serratus anterior to mastering regressions that lead to success. You’ll learn why arm reach is key, how to stabilize your pelvis, and the exact steps to progress toward a perfect single-leg squat. Tune in and take the first step toward crushing your fitness goals with confidence!

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

How can squats improve muscle activation and performance? In this episode, I break down the muscle activation patterns you need to know when it comes to different squat variations. I’ll discuss the key differences in quad and glute activation between split stance and single-leg squats, and why these insights are crucial for both clinicians and athletes. We also explore the clinical implications of knee over toe position, how to address common conditions like patellofemoral syndrome, and provide practical recommendations for exercise programming. Tune in to get expert tips that will help enhance your training or treatment plan!

Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4831851/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31523343/

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================