Brian Schiff

Brian Schiff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, strength and conditioning coach, author, industry speaker, and educator. Currently, he owns and operates Spark Physical Therapy & Performance, a sports medicine clinic in Raleigh, NC. Brian conducts live continuing education webinars and seminars on injury prevention, sports rehab and sport-specific training.
Functionally Fit: Theraband W
BY Brian Schiff
Feb. 1 2013
In the last column, I reviewed an exercise for the serratus anterior designed to improve scapular stability. I am continuing with another great elastic shoulder strengthening exercise. Many people are... View More
Functionally Fit: Theraband serratus push-ups
BY Brian Schiff
Jan. 15 2013
Maintaining healthy shoulders is vital for successful and long term resistance training. Over time, normal wear and tear as well repetitive use can cause shoulder dysfunction. Optimizing scapular stabilizer... View More
Functionally Fit: Tall plank with sliding hip flexion
BY Brian Schiff
Jan. 1 2013
Building pillar strength is important for clients and athletes alike. Specifically, improving anterior rotational stability is important for optimizing movement patterns and reducing injury risk. Execution:... View More
Functionally Fit: Iso bridge with alternate knee extension
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 15 2012
Many of the clients and patients I see struggle with glute activation and pelvic stability. Imbalances and injuries often lead to poor postural control and the inability to maintain a level pelvis in single... View More
Functionally Fit: Single leg A-P reaches
BY Brian Schiff
Dec. 1 2012
Runners are often sidelined by overuse injuries. One of the primary reasons is they move poorly. This is compounded by the fact that running entails single leg stability, and most runners have asymmetries.... View More
Functionally Fit: Kneeling Latissimus Stretch
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 15 2012
Another installment in a series of exercises featuring BOSU, Brian demonstrates an exercise that helps improve a client's range of shoulder motion. It is common to assess clients with latissimus... View More
Functionally Fit: Sliding Shoulder Raises
BY Brian Schiff
Nov. 1 2012
Most clients will deal with shoulder and back problems at one time or another. In many cases, they lack sufficient shoulder and core stability. Integrating closed chain work that ties the hips and shoulders... View More
Functionally Fit: Sliding Hamstring Curls
BY Brian Schiff
Oct. 14 2012
Most clients are in need posterior chain strengthening to resolve muscle imbalances and improve performance. For example, an ideal quadriceps to hamstring ratio is 3:2, yet many female athletes tend to... View More
Functionally Fit: Unbalanced Isometric Split Squats with Perturbation
BY Brian Schiff
Oct. 1 2012
Another installment in a series of exercises featuring BOSU, Brian demonstrates an exercise that helps improve a client's ability to maintain proper body alignment for activities such as running,... View More
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
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