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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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