Brian Schiff

Brian Schiff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a licensed physical therapist, respected author and fitness professional. Currently, he serves as the supervisor for Raleigh Orthopaedic Performance Center (formerly EXOS at Raleigh Orthopaedic). Brian conducts live continuing education webinars and presents nationally at professional conferences and seminars on injury prevention, rehab and sport-specific training.
Functionally Fit: Sliding Lunges
BY Brian Schiff
Sept. 1 2012
In my last column, I covered lunges with rotation and the implication for rotational control in athletes. Training clients with anterior knee pain is another common issue confronting many trainers. In... View More
Functionally Fit: Reaching lunge with rotation
BY Brian Schiff
Aug. 15 2012
Optimal knee function relies on proper hamstring strength and activation. Keep in mind a normal quad to hamstring strength ratio would be 3:2. Most females tend to be 2:1. Aside from flexing the knee and... View More
Functionally Fit: Mini-Band Supine Bridge
BY Brian Schiff
Aug. 1 2012
Bridging is a common exercise used in fitness and rehab. It is very effective for targeting the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscle groups. But, aside from hip extension, bridging is very effective for... View More
Functionally Fit: Chair Press-ups
BY Brian Schiff
July 15 2012
Research has shown that recreational weightlifters have greater imbalances between the upper and lower trap than the general population. Therefore, performing lower trapezius work is important in this... View More
Functionally Fit: Sciatic Nerve Gliding
BY Brian Schiff
July 1 2012
Begin in a seated position on the edge of a table (or bed) with the hands behind the back sitting tall. Next, slowly bend the head and trunk forward as you simultaneously extend the thigh. Pause at the... View More
Functionally Fit: Unstable Tall Kneeling Pallof Press
BY Brian Schiff
June 18 2012
In another article featuring BOSU Balance Training products, PFP columnist Brian Schiff demonstrates an exercise designed to promote anti-rotation core strengthening. Execution: Begin... View More
Functionally Fit: Unstable Four Point Arm and Leg Lifts
BY Brian Schiff
June 5 2012
In another article featuring BOSU Balance Training products, PFP columnist Brian Schiff offers an advanced exercise that should be reserved for clientele who have sufficient upper body... View More
Functionally Fit: Unstable Tripod Scapular Clock
BY Brian Schiff
May 17 2012
In another exercise featuring BOSU Balance Training products, PFP columnist Brian Schiff offers a more advanced unstable version of the tripod progression he discussed in his quadruped... View More
Functionally Fit: Unlocking the IT Band (Part 2) - Stretching
BY Brian Schiff
May 4 2012
In the previous column, I addressed soft tissue mobilization. Immediately following proper release, I suggest incorporating stretching to improve TFL and ITB mobility. I have included two self stretches... View More
Functionally Fit: Unlocking the IT Band (Part 1) - Soft Tissue Mobilization
BY Brian Schiff
April 15 2012
It is fairly well accepted in medical/rehab circles that much of the lateral knee pain felt by runners is related to the iliotibial band (ITB). Researchers report that frictional forces are greatest between... View More
Functionally Fit: Modified Grip for Lat Pull-Downs
BY Brian Schiff
April 1 2012
It is common to encounter clients experiencing shoulder pain with certain exercises from time to time. Most trainers and clients are aware that the rotator cuff is a common culprit. In addition, SLAP tears... View More
Functionally Fit: Pec Minor Stretching
BY Brian Schiff
March 19 2012
Our electronic dependent society (computers, tablets, cell phones) encourages us to fall into a kyphotic and rounded shoulder posture day after day. While this stretch does not isolate the pec minor (pec... View More
Functionally Fit: Unstable Core Scapular Y Raise featuring the BOSU Balance Trainer
BY Brian Schiff
March 5 2012
In another exercise featuring BOSU Balance Training products, PFP columnist Brian Schiff demonstrates an exercise that challenges the shoulder girdle, core and hips. It may look easy, but don't... View More
Functionally Fit: Side-Lying Bridge
BY Brian Schiff
Feb. 17 2012
This exercise is designed to strengthen the lateral myofascial chain and improve functional stability and neuromuscular control of the low back, pelvis and hips. It effectively targets the gluteus medius,... View More
Functionally Fit: Prone Neck Retractions
BY Brian Schiff
Feb. 4 2012
Poor posture and muscle imbalances lead to neck pain and dysfunction. With the increasing reliance on tablets, PC's and cellular phones, most people tend to fall into a forward head posture characterized... View More
Functionally Fit: Mini-Band Skater Squats
BY Brian Schiff
Jan. 20 2012
Research has shown that strengthening the gluteus medius is clearly an essential way to reduce anterior knee pain and improve pelvic stability and function. The exercise I am sharing today is useful for... View More
Functionally Fit: Shoulder Snow Angels
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 26 2011
This is the fourth and final exercise in my current series addressing scapular dysfunction. Today's exercise may seem rather simple, but it is effective yet challenging for many due to muscular imbalances... View More
Functionally Fit: Wall Slide Shrugs
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 1 2011
As I mentioned in the previous two columns, impaired movement of the scapula places more stress on the glenohumeral joint. Dysfunctional movement is common with shoulder pain and impingement. Another dysfunction... View More
Functionally Fit: Quadruped Rocking
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 18 2011
Scapular winging and tilting is a common problem in many clients. This can be the result of long thoracic nerve palsy, tightness in the pec minor, weakness in the serratus anterior, excessive thoracic... View More
Functionally Fit: Wall Mini-Band Scapular Retractions
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 4 2011
Shoulder impingement and scapular dysfunction are common issues that plague many clients. Research indicates that certain muscles tend to dominate others while other muscles fatigue easily leading to faulty... View More
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