“Your neck isn’t the problem—it’s what’s underneath.” In this episode, I share three unconventional exercises to fix a stiff neck without stretching it. A lot of people focus on stretching their neck, but if you can’t rotate, your body’s locking it down for a reason—usually because your nervous system "knows" it's not stable enough to "allow" rotation. The key? Training the muscles under the neck to stabilize and rotate efficiently. These three drills work from the ground up to create that stability and give your body permission to move freely again. Tune in to learn why your neck is stiff, what your body’s really telling you, and how to fix it with intentional movement.

To book an appointment, join my mentorship, download my fitness app, or follow me on socials: https://www.primal-pt.com/

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Follow Dr. JJ Thomas on socials: https://www.primal-pt.com/

“Does your body have what it needs to repair itself every day?” In this episode, I break down why tendonitis and tendinopathy stick around—long after the pain should’ve gone away. We talk about the root causes of tendon breakdown, from mechanical issues like poor movement patterns to deeper problems like limited blood flow, hormone imbalances, and missing building blocks in your diet. I explain why essential amino acids matter, how hormone levels can stall healing, and why movement without the right inputs won’t cut it. Listen in if you want to actually fix your tendinitis—not just mask the pain.

To book an appointment, join my mentorship, download my fitness app, or follow me on socials: https://www.primal-pt.com/

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Follow Dr. JJ Thomas on socials: https://www.primal-pt.com/

Why do some people with back pain never seem to get better? In this episode, I talk about how muscle activation plays a critical role in protecting the spine and preventing low back pain. I dive into key research from Paul Hodges and Angela Hibbs that shows how muscles like the multifidi, transverse abdominis, and glutes fire differently in people with and without back pain. I also go over the top 8 exercises I use at Primal to strengthen these muscles in all three planes of motion. These exercises focus on engaging the core effectively, training stability through movement, and avoiding common compensation patterns that lead to pain. Tune in to learn why your glutes and multifidi are critical for spinal stability, how core muscles fire late in people with low back pain, and which exercises can retrain these muscles to prevent injury.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Is your low back pain really coming from your spine? In this episode, I discuss the anatomy behind low back pain and explain how different muscle groups — like the posterior chain, anterior chain, and lateral stabilizers — all play a role in keeping your spine strong and pain-free. I break down key muscles like the latissimus dorsi, glutes, trapezius, multifidi, and adductors, explaining how they work together to stabilize your core and prevent dysfunction. I also discuss how weak or misfiring muscles can lead to that “catchy,” disc-like pain many people experience and why understanding these connections is key to long-term relief. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll cover the best exercises to strengthen these muscles and reduce pain so you can move better and feel stronger!

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

“What makes a great team? It’s not just about skills—it’s about mindset, passion, and the drive to grow.” In this episode, I sit down with my team at Primal to share how we came together, what sets our clinic apart, and why our culture is built on trust, continuous learning, and pushing each other to be better. We talk about how each team member found their way to Primal, the shift from focusing on numbers to prioritizing patient care, and why mindset, continuing education, and being surrounded by the right people is so important. Tune in to learn what truly makes a next-level physical therapy team and why we do things differently at Primal.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

In this episode, I talk about the essential movements that will get your body moving properly and help improve your mobility. We demonstrate and discuss Monkey Movement, Bear and Frogger positions, and how these simple yet powerful moves can make a huge difference in your mobility and strength. I talk about how these primal movements engage the whole body, how to perform them correctly, and the essential cues that make all the difference in getting them right. We also cover regressions for those who might have trouble with the full range of motion, and why these foundational movements matter for your overall health. Tune in to learn why mastering these primal movements will help you move better, reduce injury risk, and strengthen your body from the inside out.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

"If you don’t feel safe in a movement, your body will find a way to cheat." In this episode, I break down Frogger, my most prescribed exercise for improving mobility, rib-to-pelvis connection, and overall movement quality. It’s simple, but if you do it right, it reveals where your deficits are—and helps you fix them. I walk you through the exact cues and adjustments to get the most out of Frogger, why surface area matters when training, and how scapular stability and proprioception play a huge role in movement. Plus, we cover common mistakes, how to modify Frogger for injuries, and why going barefoot can make all the difference. Watch now to learn how to do Frogger correctly—and why it might be the missing piece in your training.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================

Ever feel like your shoulders, core, or posture aren’t working together the way they should? It might be time to rethink how you move, starting with the bear crawl. In this episode, I break down the Bear Crawl—how to do it properly, why it's more than just a warm-up, and how it connects your core, shoulders, and posterior chain for better movement and injury prevention. I cover key cues for shoulder stability, spinal activation, and proper movement sequencing so you’re not just going through the motions but actually improving your strength, posture, and movement efficiency. This is foundational work for anyone who wants to move better, train harder, and prevent injuries. Listen in to learn how to fix common mistakes and unlock the full benefits of this primal movement.

========================

Get A Free Copy Of My Book: 5 Things Your MUST do to Build a Successful Cash Based PT Practice: This quick, easy-to-read guide is your no BS steps to what really works in building a Cash Based Physical Therapy business.
👉 https://bit.ly/SuccessfulCashBasedBusinessebook

For more on our in person Physical Therapy continuing education classes, check out our Primal University 🎓 https://bit.ly/primaluniversityyt

========================

Learn More about Primal Physical Therapy 👉 https://bit.ly/primalphysicaltherapy

========================
With over 20 years as a physical therapist, JJ’s passion for movement along with her unique experiences and training have shaped her into the successful clinician and educator she is.

JJ graduated from the University of Delaware in 2000, which is now ranked as the #1 physical therapy school in the nation. She holds multiple certifications in a variety of advanced specialty techniques and methods, all of which complement her role as an expert clinician and educator. JJ has been certified in dry needling since 2009, and began instructing dry needling in 2012. She currently teaches for Evidence in Motion (EIM), and also independently lectures and trains other clinicians throughout the country in the fields of physical therapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine. She uses her expertise to help other professionals advance their skills and outcomes, either through manual interventions or specialized movement analysis.

JJ Thomas also has certifications in Gray Cook’s Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), ACE Gait Analysis, Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), The Raggi Method of Postural Evaluation (based out of Italy), and many other joint, soft tissue, and neural mobilization techniques. In addition to these accomplishments, JJ is also a trainer for GMB Fitness, where building a solid foundation fosters restoring functional, pain-free movement.

JJ’s expertise in the area of movement analysis and in dry needling has played a large part in success in the field of sports medicine. JJ has had the honor to work with the US Field Hockey Team, and with individual professional athletes from NFL, MLB, NBA, USATF, PGA, US Squash, USPA (polo), and more.

As a recognized expert in dry needling and consultant for organizations such as the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), JJ has contributed to national legislative advancements in dry needling. Her work with these organizations includes establishing national education standards for dry needling competence and successfully adding a Trigger Point Dry Needling CPT code for insurance and billing coverage. JJ assisted the APTA in successfully adding a specific CPT code for trigger point dry needling in CPT 2020.

========================

Join Dr. JJ Thomas On Social:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalphysicaltherapy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jj-thomas-31755023/

========================