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: Standing march with straight arm cable pull
BY Brian Schiff
Jan. 1 2014
The hurdle step assessment (as part of the FMS) is designed to challenge the body's proper stepping and stride mechanics as well as stability & control in single leg stance. The step leg must perform ankle... View More
Functionally Fit: Leg lock bridge
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 15 2013
The in-line lunge allows for the observer to pick on flawsor asymmetry by placing the body in a narrow stance with a wide stride toassess hip, knee, ankle and foot mobility and stability of the client.... View More
Functionally Fit: Resisted overhead squat
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 1 2013
There is a lot of focus on movement in rehab and training circles these days. I believe that as a very good thing and routinely incorporate the FMS in my programming as part of my client movement assessments.... View More
Functionally Fit: Active isolated hamstring stretch
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 15 2013
Hamstring flexibility is often lacking in many clients, especially adolescent males and runners. While there is often soft tissue tightness present, limited hip flexormobility also contributes to the often... View More
Functionally Fit: Sliding posteromedial reach
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 1 2013
All effective prehab and rehab programs for athletes should build in single leg stability exercises. I like to use sliding exercises as one way to improve neuromuscular control of the core, hip and knee.... View More
Functionally Fit: Front plank with hip extension
BY Brian Schiff
Oct. 15 2013
It is always preferable to include exercises that activatethe gluteus maximus and medius in training programs. Research has shown that poor hipactivation/control leads to frontal plane knee collapse and... View More
Functionally Fit: Latissimus dorsi myofascial release
BY Brian Schiff
Oct. 1 2013
Overhead shoulder mobility is a concern for those participating in Olympic lifting, Crossfit and overhead sports. A common issue that restricts full elevation and may lead to shoulder dysfunction is tightness... View More
Functionally Fit: Posterior shoulder self trigger point technique
BY Brian Schiff
Sept. 15 2013
Improving posterior shoulder mobility will help reduce shoulder impingement, improve posture and maximize shoulder health. Tightness often develops in overhead athletes or in response to faulty posture... View More
Functionally Fit: Atlas split squats with perturbation
BY Brian Schiff
Sept. 1 2013
Training clients to maintain core stiffness in athletic functional positions will improve performance and reduce injury risks for the spine and lower extremities. This exercise is an effective way to address... View More
Functionally Fit: Tall plank shoulder circles
BY Brian Schiff
Aug. 15 2013
Improving pillar/torso strength should be a primary aim for all fitness programs. Utilizing neutral spine core work to minimize unwanted shear force on the lumbar spine is a safer and often more effective... View More
Functionally Fit: Knee hug to in-step lunge with rotation
BY Brian Schiff
Aug. 1 2013
Incorporating a dynamic warm-up prior to athletic activity and training is the preferred way to prime the body for exercise. This particular movement is an effective drill for addressing hip and thoracic... View More
Functionally Fit: Bretzzel
BY Brian Schiff
July 15 2013
Shoulder mobility limitations are often present in clients and many times are related to poor thoracic spine mobility. Addressing any asymmetry and resolving kinetic chain tightness is important to reduce... View More
Functionally Fit: Foam roller snow angels
BY Brian Schiff
July 1 2013
Pectoralis minor tightness coupled with poor scapular control often leads to postural dysfunction and shoulder problems. Improving scapular stabilizer activation and shoulder alignment will reduce rotator... View More
Functionally Fit: Sidestep with elastic resistance
BY Brian Schiff
June 15 2013
In the February 2013 Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy the sidestep with resistance ranked second on the list. In particular, this exercise had one of the lowest TFL activations thereby... View More
Functionally Fit: Resisted side lying clam
BY Brian Schiff
June 1 2013
Weakness in the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius is often cited in contributing to patellofemoral pain, IT band problems, hip pathology and even back pain. Furthermore, activating the glutes and minimizing... View More
Functionally Fit: Sliding hip flexor stretch
BY Brian Schiff
May 9 2013
Tightness in the hip flexors, especially the iliopsoas, can have a negative impact on the lumbar spine and pelvic motion. Excessive tightness creates undue stress and shear force on the lumbar spine particularly... View More
Functionally Fit: Closed chain unilateral serratus holds
BY Brian Schiff
May 1 2013
In many cases, shoulder dysfunction and pain are tied to weakness in the scapular stabilizing musculature. The serratus anterior is an integral part of the force couple working with the upper and... View More
Functionally Fit: Tall plank shoulder taps
BY Brian Schiff
April 14 2013
Assessing anti-rotation pillar strength is important prior to loading clients’ spines with torsional activity. From a tall plank position, you can assess torsional control by observing this test/exercise.... View More
Functionally Fit: Standing pectoralis soft tissue mobilization
BY Brian Schiff
April 1 2013
Tightness in the chest is a common issue that negatively impacts posture and may contribute to shoulder impingement and dysfunction. In this column, I will reveal how using a compression technique in combination... View More
Functionally Fit: Unstable plank with sliding hip flexion
BY Brian Schiff
March 15 2013
In a previous column, I addressed a tall static plank with sliding hip flexion. In this column, I am expanding on that concept with the use of the BOSU Ballast Ball and BOSU Balance Trainer. Developing... View More
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