PODCAST · health
Functional Rehab Podcast
by Dr. Ashley Mak, PT, DPT, CSCS
Learn all things rehab, recovery, injury prevention and more. With your host, Dr. Ashley Mak
Episodes
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Osteoporosis and Resistance Training
In this episode, Dr. Lizellen LaFollette discusses the importance of bone health, osteoporosis prevention, and effective resistance training strategies for women, especially around menopause. Learn how exercise, nutrition, and medical options can help maintain lifelong health. You can find Dr....
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Unlocking the Power of Pilates for Sciatica Relief: Insights from a PT Expert
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak interviews Kathleen McDonough, a physical therapist and Pilates expert, to explore how Pilates can aid in recovery from injuries, especially sciatica. They discuss the philosophy behind Pilates, its application in rehab, and how to choose qualified practitioners.…
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The Squat Test For Sciatica
Dr. Ashley explores the importance of proper squat mechanics for sciatica relief and overall spinal health. He emphasizes how movement patterns impact nerve health and provides practical tips for self-assessment and improvement. Are you a Marin County, California resident or live in the SF bay...
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The Healthcare Paradox: Why Success Means Patients Leave
Dr. Ashley Mak explores the healthcare paradox, the flaws in traditional physical therapy models, and introduces the 30-day anti-fragile intensive to empower patients in their recovery journey. Learn more at ifixyoursciatica.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
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The Movement Detective’s Guide to Sciatica
Dr. Ashley Mak explores personalized pain management strategies, focusing on identifying individual movement patterns and biases to optimize recovery. He emphasizes the importance of testing one variable at a time and tailoring exercises to specific archetypes like extension, flexion, lateral…
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Pattern Recognition in Sciatica Pain
Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the complexities of sciatica, emphasizing that MRIs are not definitive indicators of pain. Instead, he advocates for understanding personal movement patterns through a structured approach of identifying what feels good, neutral, and painful. By creating a personalized...
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Anatomy and Physiology of Sciatica Pain
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak delves into the anatomy and physiology of the sciatic nerve, explaining its origins in the brain and its pathway through the body. He discusses the nature of nerve pain, describing it as an irritation along the nerve's path and outlining a spectrum of sensations…
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Graded Exposure and Sciatica Pain
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the relationship between pain and movement, emphasizing the importance of understanding how the brain perceives pain and the necessity of movement for recovery. He introduces the concept of graded exposure to movement, using a traffic light analogy to…
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy for Sciatica Pain
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Deb Nelson delve into Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), exploring its principles, effectiveness, and how it contrasts with traditional pain management methods. They discuss the psychological aspects of pain, including catastrophic thinking and the…
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Somatic Tracking for Sciatica Pain
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the different categories of pain, focusing on nociplastic pain and the technique of somatic tracking as a method to manage and recalibrate pain perception. He emphasizes the importance of changing the language used to describe pain and introduces…
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The Biology of Sciatica Pain
The first episode of the year brings a shift in looking at sciatica pain. Yes, there are many ways that sciatica pain can occur: herniated discs, stenosis, arthritis, deep gluteal syndrome, piriformis syndrome. But what about the biology of pain itself? Today we take a deep dive to learn more…
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Dead Space and Sciatica Pain
In this solo session, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses how to manage sciatica flare-ups during the holiday season when many health services are unavailable. He emphasizes the importance of remaining calm, using breathing techniques, and approaching pain with curiosity. Dr. Mak provides practical tips for...
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Burnout and Sciata Pain
Dr. Van Praag is an anesthesiologist and coach to burnt out physician moms. In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Cindy Van Praag delve into the complexities of burnout, particularly among physician moms. They explore the chronic nature of burnout, its physical manifestations, and the...
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Gut Brain Axis and Sciatica
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak and Dr. Jen Clemons explore the intricate relationship between the gut and brain, emphasizing the gut-brain axis and its impact on pain and overall health. They discuss the importance of the microbiome, neurotransmitters, and inflammation in chronic pain...
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Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain V3
Today Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Deborah Ma, PhD, L.Ac, acupuncturist and owner of Puzzlesf.com a acupuncture clinic out in in the Mission District of San Francisco. We talk about how Chinese Meridians, reorienting the chi flow, and how a new technique called "cheek acupuncture" can be beneficial...
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Sciatica pain and the feet
In this episode, Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between foot health and sciatica, emphasizing how issues in the feet can lead to altered mechanics of the body. This episode covers foot anatomy, walking mechanics, and the importance of foot arches in maintaining proper posture. Dr....
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Season Preview!
Dr. Ashley introduces the new season of the podcast, focusing on the underlying causes of chronic pain. The season will explore biomechanics, gut health, neuroplasticity, and the endocannabinoid system, featuring expert guests. Interested in an episode that we haven't coverd yet? Email us at...
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Inflammation and Sciatica Pain
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the often misunderstood role of inflammation in the healing process, particularly in relation to sciatica pain. He explains the three main phases of tissue healing—acute inflammatory, proliferation, and maturation—and emphasizes that inflammation is…
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Best supplements for Sciatica Pain
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the role of supplements in managing sciatica and nerve pain. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes of sciatica and highlights the most researched supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and palmitolethylamide. The...
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Anxiety and Sciatica pain
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Tracy Foose, MD explore the intricate relationship between anxiety and pain, discussing how they influence each other and create a feedback loop. They delve into the role of psychiatrists in managing chronic pain, the science behind pain perception, and…
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Fix your own Sciatica v 3.0
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Mak discusses the complexities of managing sciatica pain, emphasizing a personalized approach that treats the individual rather than just the diagnosis. The conversation covers the importance of identifying the source of pain, understanding the anatomy of sciatica, and...
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Using AI for sciatica pain
Dr. Ashley discusses the challenges of managing sciatica pain, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment approaches. The discussion transitions into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in pain management. Dr. Ashley shares insights on how AI can serve…
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Pain management through pregnancy and postpartum
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Lizellen LaFollette, MD discuss the various stages of pregnancy, focusing on pain management, physical changes, and the importance of support systems. They explore the first, second, and third trimesters, addressing common aches and pains, as well as the...
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The ins and outs of virtual care
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Krystal Soudaitis explore the evolution of digital health solutions, particularly in the context of tele-rehab in a post-COVID-19 world. They discuss the current landscape of digital health, the impact of the pandemic on healthcare delivery, and the…
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Overcoming Pain: Deborah's Journey with Sciatica
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Deborah Moore discuss Deborah's extensive athletic journey, transitioning from endurance sports to strength training, and overcoming chronic pain. They explore the importance of adaptability in training, debunk myths about aging and mobility, and emphasize the...
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Rheumatology pain management
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Isabel Amigues, a rheumatologist, about her journey in the field of rheumatology, the importance of pain management, and the challenges patients face in accessing care. Dr. Amigues shares her personal experiences with cancer and how it transformed…
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Navigating life after Sciatica Pain
Dr. Ashley discusses the essential aspects of managing life after recovering from sciatica pain. The discussion covers the likelihood of pain recurrence, the importance of ergonomics, movement responsibility, stress management, nutrition, and safe return to exercise. Dr. Ashley emphasizes that...
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Exercise Your Way to Resilience: Strengthening Your Sciatica Recovery
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley delves into the significance of strength training in alleviating sciatica pain. She discusses the various components of strength, the reasons behind muscle weakness, and how to identify which muscles need strengthening. The conversation emphasizes the importance…
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Stretch Your Way to Relief: Navigating Sciatica Stretches
In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the role of stretching in managing sciatica pain. The conversation covers what stretching is, how it works, and the common mistakes people make when stretching. Dr. Ashley breaks down the most common stretches for sciatica, including the piriformis stretch,...
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Unlocking Sciatica Relief: the directional preference model
Dr. Ashley discusses the directional preference model of pain management, particularly in relation to sciatica. He explains the McKenzie Method, its historical context, and how it can be applied to relieve pain. The discussion includes theories behind directional preference, emphasizing the...
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Measuring Progress: Tracking Your Sciatica Recovery Journey
In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the complexities of sciatica pain and recovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the symptoms and tracking progress. He explains how to define improvement in recovery, the significance of pain intensity, and the need for a systematic approach to...
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Injection for sciatica or piriformis syndrome?
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Arun Kalava, MD dive into the complexities of piriformis syndrome, discussing its significance, symptoms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis. They explore various treatment options, including injections and physical therapy, while emphasizing the…
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Understanding Sciatica: Anatomy, Causes, and Differential Diagnosis
This is part 1 of a 6 week series talking about all things sciatica. Dr. Ashley goes over the anatomy and differential diagnosis of the sciatic nerve. Once you can determine the cause of pain, the treatment process can be fairly simple. But the key is focusing on what is called the “clinical...
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Beyond the Back: The Foot Secret for Sciatica
Learn how to normalize toe function, improve foot support, and reduce sciatica pain. This episode dives into the benefits of proper toe spacing, its impact on gait, hip extension, and lower back stress. Discover how this simple product can be a valuable tool in your sciatica management strategy....
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Sciatica Survival: Navigating Car Rides Without the Pain
In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses effective strategies for managing sciatic pain while driving. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual causes of sciatica and how to adjust car seating positions to alleviate discomfort. Dr. Ashley also shares pre and post-driving…
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Navigating the Sciatica Danger Zone
Dr. Ashley discusses the often-overlooked danger zone of sciatica recovery, emphasizing the importance of not just alleviating pain but also preventing relapses. Hey outlines key factors contributing to the danger zone, such as tissue healing time and inappropriate ramp-up phases. Dr. Ashley...
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Core Strength for Sciatica Pain
Dr. Ashley delves into the importance of core strength in relation to sciatica pain. The discussion begins with defining core strength and its significance in recovery. Dr. Ashley explains various aspects of core strength, including stability, active contraction, and motor control. The…
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Sciatica pain and stress
Dr. Ashley explores the intricate relationship between overstimulation, stress, and pain. He discusses how overstimulation can amplify pain and stress responses, leading to a vicious cycle. Dr. Ashley emphasizes the importance of understanding stress, its role in our lives, and how it can be both...
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Navigating Healthcare Costs with CrowdHealth
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Andy Schoonover discuss the complexities of healthcare financing, particularly focusing on the limitations of traditional insurance models and the innovative solutions offered by Crowd Health. They explore the hidden costs associated with healthcare, the...
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Mini Episode- Back Braces for Sciatica
This episode explores the world of back braces, discussing their types, effectiveness, and proper usage. Back braces can provide a sense of support and relief, research shows mixed results regarding their effectiveness, particularly post-surgery. Dr. Ashley provides practical recommendations for...
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Pilates for sciatica pain
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Charlyn Huss, MA, NCPT discuss the benefits of Pilates, particularly in relation to pain management and rehabilitation. Charlyn shares her personal journey to becoming a Pilates master teacher, her insights on scoliosis and pain perception, and the importance…
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Mini Episode- Lumbar support for sciatica
What is Dr. Ashley's favorite back cushion for sitting? This Cushion Lab extra firm lumbar support is something that his wife has been using for years. Ashley discusses the rule of 90 degrees and shares specific tactics to help maintain an optimal sitting position throughout the day. Amazon...
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The Seven Patterns of Headaches Explained
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley and Dr. Vrzal delve into the complexities of headache management, exploring various types of headaches, their underlying causes, and the importance of lifestyle and nutrition in managing pain. Dr. Vrzal shares his insights on the seven patterns of headaches,...
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Mini Episode- Benefits of foam rolling for sciatica
In this episode, Dr. Ashley discusses the benefits of foam rolling for sciatica pain relief, emphasizing its advantages over traditional stretching. he explains how foam rolling improves blood flow, flexibility, and muscle function while addressing specific pain sources. The episode provides...
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Unlocking Pain Relief: The Power of Stellate Ganglion Blocks
In this conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Arun Kalava, MD about the use of stellate ganglion blocks in managing pain and other medical conditions. They discuss these various conditions that can be treated with this intervention, the role of the nervous system in pain perception, and the...
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Sleeping with Sciatica Pain
This episode jumps into the intricate relationship between sleep and pain, particularly focusing on how pain can disrupt sleep and vice versa. Dr. Ashley shares practical strategies to improve sleep quality, especially when dealing with sciatica. Key topics include understanding the stages of…
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How to speed up your sciatica pain relief
In this episode, Dr. Ashley and Rick Olderman delve into the complexities of chronic pain and the importance of a tailored approach to treatment. They discuss the evaluation process in physical therapy, emphasizing the need for effective communication between patients and providers to maximize...
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Training Strongman with Sciatica Pain
Dr. Ashley and Katie Feeley delve into the world of Strongman, discussing the mechanics of various lifts, the importance of functional strength, and strategies for injury management and recovery. They explore the unique demands of Strongman events, emphasizing the need for control and consistent...
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Will losing weight fix my sciatica?
In this episode, Dr. Ashley addresses the complex relationship between weight loss and sciatica pain. Many patients believe that losing weight will alleviate their pain, but this episode explores the nuances of body weight, body composition, and the importance of movement. Ashley emphasizes that...
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The science of cannabis in pain management
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Ashley interviews Dr. Leah Johnson, a clinical pharmacist specializing in cannabis therapy. They discuss the evolving role of cannabis in pain management, particularly chronic pain, and the importance of understanding the science behind cannabis, including…
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