Shoulder pain is a game changer. A painful shoulder can quickly limit the activity level for athletes and non-athletes alike. The shoulder joint is the…

Because it is one of the most mobile joints, the shoulder joint is also one of the most injured joints in the human body. This…

  By Sarah Westgreen at Tuck Sleep When you don't sleep enough, you're not at the top of your game. Sleep deprivation can make you…

For most, the term "pain management" creates haunting visions of pain medicine, drastic lifestyle changes and expensive doctor bills. In the sports medicine world, that…

"Educate your physical therapy patients" was the message my fellow classmates and I heard as we polished our healthcare skills in the outstanding physical therapy…

The medical examinations at the NFL Combine are extremely valuable. A huge part of the annual NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week is the medical…

Week 6 of the 2017 NFL season added another painful chapter to the venomous rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. Packers’…

I'm often asked: "How do pro athletes heal so fast following a major surgery?" My answer is two-fold: "They lock into a positive attitude before…

For every athletic training student, this time of year is one of great excitement and stress.  Football training camps in the NFL and college are…

To convince my patients, fellow #SpartanRace athletes and friend that ice therapy works, I simply tell them: "Ice is your best friend"! Ice is cheap,…

Wrist pain will humble even the toughest of athletes. With a painful wrist, suddenly simple tasks becomes painful.  Opening a door, picking up our kids…

John Norwig has the right to be proud. Playoff football’s in the air. I’m here in Kansas City with NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football crew…

You hear it every Sunday, watching an NFL player escorted to the locker room after taking a big hit to the head: "He's in the…

I competed in the Asheville (NC) Super Spartan Race with my buddies last weekend. From the 7 hour ride north with my friends, to the jokes at…

I flipped a giant tire today during my Spartan workout.  Flipped, as in singular.  One.  Uno.  Eins.  Once was enough. I'm allergic to sports injuries.…

[caption id="attachment_2820" align="alignleft" width="352"] Image Source: Pixabay[/caption] How many of us overthink our wellness, fitness exercises and health maintenance plans? "Guilty as charged!" Wake-up Call…

[caption id="attachment_2826" align="alignleft" width="214"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] As we await for the bright lights to begin Round 2 of the 2016 NFL Draft, the big looming…

[caption id="attachment_2828" align="alignleft" width="264"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] He sits on the bench with an ice bag on the back of his lower leg.  A calf strain…

When your computer locks up, what do you do?  The CONTROL - ALT - DELETE key combo is probably your go-to plan to put your…

[caption id="attachment_2816" align="alignleft" width="264"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] I saw a physical therapy patient this week with a chronic knee injury.  His knee was swollen and stiff,…

[caption id="attachment_2861" align="alignleft" width="223"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] Dear Rookie Hamstrings, We all know the deal.  You busted your ass all last summer, during a long and…

[caption id="attachment_2831" align="alignleft" width="289"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] I competed in the big Charlotte Spartan Race with my friend Paul Wilson yesterday. I had so much fun….in…

I got the call last week and his stress level was obviously high.  "They think she has a sports hernia!" my good friend said.  "Her…

As New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham prepares for Sunday's 2015 NFL Pro Bowl, he's still dealing with an injured right shoulder.  As with…

[caption id="attachment_2840" align="alignleft" width="274"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] I did my first CrossFit workout (at CrossFit Pablo Beach in Jax Beach) this weekend….and my ass and hamstrings…

I get asked about NFL injuries almost every day..…and I love it because NFL injuries have been a huge part of my life for over…

I get lots of questions from non-professional athletes looking for ways to avoid injuries. Any injury, large or small, can change your life.  As we…

[caption id="attachment_2864" align="alignleft" width="258"] Source: Pixabay[/caption]  "What's he got?" the coach shouts with frustration as I approached with my exam findings of the injured football…

Football's in the air.  It has a way of making sports seem legitimate again.  The buzz of training camp and how "my team" will do…

April 25, 1988 was the day my childhood NFL dream came true. Ronnie Barnes, the Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Giants and one…

Today is a true day of "role reversal" for me.  Instead of being the physical therapist, I'll be the patient rolling into the operating room…

As told by Colleen Clarson - At first glance, it was only a daunting fitness challenge.  At second glance, it was terrifying…if not seemingly impossible.…

How does an athlete measure his/her success? High profile athletes have coaches, fans and ESPN to judge their performance.  Runners and bikers have the clock…

I'm in Atlanta preparing for our last preseason game against the Falcons. We're just ending our press-season training camp which includes living in the hotel…

The NFL season is two weeks away and that means that the Fantasy Football Drafts are coming soon.  Fantasy Football popularity is very impressive and…

As a runner I can get away with saying this:  Runners aren't normal.  Admit it because we all know it's true.  Veteran distance runners and…

[caption id="attachment_2882" align="alignleft" width="271"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] This Saturday’s Tough Mudder- Jacksonville is coming to town with lots of hype.  Known for it’s very original and…

[caption id="attachment_2858" align="alignleft" width="273"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] Last weekend was the big local mud run, the MuckFest MS here in Jacksonville, Florida. It's a great event…

I ran 10 miles yesterday morning with Dawn, Beth, Kevin and Rob.  It's a great group of runners and even better people.  They're optimistic, energetic, healthy, humorous…

I'm ready to go for tomorrow's Donna Breast Cancer 1/2 Marathon here in Jacksonville, FL.  Both the 1/2 marathon and the full marathon are wildly…

I often talk to our Jacksonville Jaguars players about their past experience with injuries and sports medicine care.  From their days playing ball in midget…

A few days ago a coworker came to me complaining of low back pain.  You know the drill: Stabbing pain with forward bending, spasms grabbing…

[caption id="attachment_2241" align="alignleft" width="135"] Two Boys Playing[/caption] I had a wonderful Christmas last week. It was a memorable holiday that allowed me to spend time…

I stopped by Home Depot on the way home from work last night.  This time of the year in the NFL, I have to do…

[caption id="attachment_2842" align="alignleft" width="309"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] Too many of us live with daily ankle pain. Usually the factors creating ankle pain are often quite controllable…

[caption id="attachment_2871" align="alignleft" width="256"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] The truth hit me with the sting of a punch in the gut.  The words "Another runner was hit…

[caption id="attachment_2847" align="alignleft" width="289"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] It wasn't a good workout but it was a great run.  I just finished a 5:30 AM run in…

This Sunday's Jaguars game against the Chicago Bears will be special for me for many reasons.  For starters, it's my 500th NFL game.  At 49 years…

[caption id="attachment_2850" align="alignleft" width="245"] Source: Pixabay[/caption] I received a call from a dear friend of mine regarding his knee injury.  I get lots of these.…

Gameday in the NFL.  It's easily the best day of the week for players, coaches, athletic trainers and, of course, the fans. I'm often asked:…

With the 2012 NFL pre-season in full swing, there is one things you can count on:  Hamstring injuries.  Anytime you combine highly competitive and dehydrated…

When someone has the opportunity to spend time in an NFL athletic training room, they usually come away saying the same thing: "I never realized how…

I received great questions on MikeRyanSportsMedicine.com from Carl in Texas and Maria' in France related to how world-class athletes recovery so effectively.  Recovery is one of my favorite…

Today is commonly referred to as"Report Day" in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hotel check-in at 10, medical updates at noon, miscellaneous updates and…

This past weekend while vacationing with my family, I was introduced to Terry while we worked out at CrunchGym in Danville, CA.  He is a close…

With record high temperatures blanketing the country so early this summer, I’ve received dozens of emails and texts regarding heat and hydration questions from runners. …

Ace pitcher Stephen Strasburg left Saturday’s game after the 3rd inning because of heat illness and dehydration.  The 106-degree temperatures in Atlanta were brutal for…

Everyone of us is looking for the "perfect workout".  It's the workout that gets us in awesome shape while burning pounds of fat and makes our…

This is a fun and interesting article on the 10 most common reasons why people don't exercise. It not only describes the lame excuses many…

Stephen P. Makk published a wonderful article in Kentuckiana Healthy Woman on Obesity's Effects on Bones and Joints. Highlights include his breakdown of the routine tasks obese people have…

Three days ago, while enjoying a wonderful time on the beach with family and friends, I took a bite of my take-out fish sandwich and…

We spend thousands of dollars a year on our running shoes to maximize our comfort and cushioning to protect our feet, knees, hips and low…

I recently recieved a great question on Osgood Schlatters disease of the knee, a common topic for questions on MikeRyanFitness, that I wanted to share. The…

NFL Draft Day is here and I think it’s safe to say that most football fans are tired of the Mock Draft-mania.  We’ve heard plenty…

I received an email from a follower with a simple and important question:  "How to I determine how hard to exercise when I want to…

"Why Fitness Rocks" by Paul Phillips - MudRunManiac.com              900 As of today, 900 is the total number of burpees…

[caption id="attachment_1853" align="alignleft" width="223" caption="Mike Ryan, Mud Run Winner"][/caption] This past weekend's big local mud run is the talk of the town.  With thousands of…

This weekend's mud run race is a big deal in Jacksonville.  Organized and run by the Northeast Florida Chapter of the National MS Society, the…

Running Injuries: My Pain Management Plan It's 6:55 AM.  I'm wrapped in ice while scarfing down a healthy bowl of cereal and writing this post.…

As a runner, we're often guilty of trying to do too much and the results are bad:  Running injuries and/or poor performances.  Overtraining in running…

It’s no secret that healthy food plays an integral role in performance. At the end of the day your body will perform better when it…

It’s NFL combine time and the excitement here in Indy has never been better.  With Super Bowl memories still alive in the host city and…

It didn't take long before I knew it would be a special day. This past Sunday morning I lined up to start the 5th running…

Understanding a Torn Cartilage The menisci or “cartilage” of the knee remains a common source of knee pain for athletes of any age.  The “C”…

It's been 184 days or 6 months since the very first NFL pre-season game when the Chargers hosted the Seahawks on August 11, 2011.  Every…

High Ankle Sprain Management Managing a high ankle sprain is not easy, and rehab requires a significant amount of experience.  It reflects a balance of…

Running Foot Pain or Stress Fracture? Pain is often a runner's most loyal training partner, free from the busy social calendars or alarm clock failures…

I have 33 days to get ready for a 1/2 marathon, 13.1 miles.  I'll save you the details of my To Do List for the…

[caption id="attachment_1690" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="MoJo with Mike Ryan and his son"][/caption] This NFL season marked a milestone for me. With twenty-four years in the league,…

  I can hear you now: "What's a guy from Florida know about running in cold weather?!" The answer:  Too much. Growing up in the…

I love this story on so many levels.  From his amazing accomplishment to his funny T-shirt, this one will make you smile. Hopefully it makes…

[caption id="attachment_1642" align="alignleft" width="233" caption="Falling off the bike Hurts!"][/caption] This week's guest blog posts is from a very special athlete: Jessica Lane. She is all…

Introduced to The Difference Maker In April of 2010 I was speaking at the 7th annual Sports Related Conference on Concussion & Spine Injury at…

Knee swelling is a major concern for athletes young and old.  Understanding their swollen knee is an important step to decreasing their pain and regaining…

Assisting the efficient joint relationship in the knee, two cartilaginous menisci rest on the flat surface of the larger lower leg bone (tibia). The inner…

Understanding Kneecap Pain for Runners Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) typically presents with a dull pain just beneath the kneecap and lower front part of the…

As you can imagine, I get asked a lot of questions about sports related injuries, “how do I treat” this and that injury and proper…

Managing a Foot Stress Fracture the Right Way Stress fractures in the foot are usually associated with overuse injuries to weight-bearing bones. Most athletes affected…

One of the wonderful benefits of exercising is enhancing the function and appearance of your muscles.  Working out is hard enough without your muscles working…

Anterior cruciate ligament tears have become too common.  Most non-professional athletes just assumes that an ACL surgery is a simple procedure with little chance that…

Turf Toe.... it's an injury that doesn't sound like much but can certainly "packs a punch".  Athletes that suffer from a sore big toe can…

I'm often asked about orthotics and the questions usually involve two basic issues:      1.  Do orthotics really work?      2. Why are orthotics so expensive?…

A neck injury can happen very suddenly but have lasting effects.  Athletes who suffer neck injuries usually take extra precaution with their rehab because of…

Let's admit the obvious: Fitness takes time and it's not always fun. It's ironic when you think about it.   In today's fast pace lifestyle if there' one…

A rib injury seems simple enough....until it's you with the injury.  An athlete with a bruised or broken rib will commonly describe an injury which is…

I have to admit, I'm very impressed with the popularity of fantasy football and how many football fans are involved in fantasy leagues around the…

[caption id="attachment_1422" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Shoulder Injury (Photo: Leedman)"][/caption] In the 2011 NFL  season so far one of the most common injury is the shoulder.  Numerous…

I have to laugh when friends ask me, "what's the big deal about a simple groin strain?!"  My reply is always the same and their…

[caption id="attachment_1381" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Dreaded Ankle Sprain (Photo: Thinkstock Photos)"][/caption] There's on injury which is painful and and can happen at moments notice.  It's the dreaded sprained…

Watching ESPN this past weekend while in Charlotte getting ready for our big game against the Cam Newton Panthers, I heard an amazing statistic:  Five…

[caption id="attachment_1355" align="alignleft" width="267" caption="Running a Record Time"][/caption] You cross the finish line, achieving your goal of finishing the race.  Millions of thoughts are racing through your mind:…

Concussions are the hot topic in the NFL, as it is with every level of modern-day athletics.  If an athlete in any sport has an opportunity to…

[caption id="attachment_1332" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Marathon Runners {Photo: dmytrok)"][/caption] The Human Body is one of the greatest machines in the world. It can be put through…

Kind of a bold title, wouldn't you agree? A painful hip is a common complaint with athletes of any age.  I've demonstrated the proof of…

I read a great article this weekend in the Health section of the Wall Street Journal titled: “As Sports Medicine Surges, Hope and Hype Outpace…

Saturday, September 3rd at 6:00 PM EDT. That’s the deadline that will directly impact the careers of more NFL players than any other day of…

Understanding Shoulder Labral Tear Shoulder glenoid labrum injuries are common in sports where repetitive overhead movements and physical contact are present. The shoulder has more…

Tame Heel Pain Flareups From Plantar Fasciitis   Understanding Plantar Fascia Strains Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes localized pain in the backside portion…

How Ending the NFL Lockout Changed My Perspective on Sports Medicine Tonight is the first pre-season game of the awoken 2011 NFL season and no…

With the recent heat wave that has gripped the country, many of us are struggling to tolerate the brutal heat and humidity.  It's one thing…

Understanding Referred Shoulder Pain Referred pain is common in the human body due to the many nerves, which run from the spinal cord to the…

Confession time:  It's the toughest part of the year...18 hours days, long busy practices in the 100+ degree heat and humidity, huge #'s of injuries…

Understanding a Lateral Meniscus Tear “I tore my cartilage” is the term most athletes use to describe the possible source of their knee joint line…

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sacroiliac (SI) joints and the axial skeleton often having a strong genetic…

Understanding Supraspinatus Tendonitis Supraspinatus tendonitis is a common injury in many sports that include aggressive overhead movements. The supraspinatus is a muscle located on the…

Understanding Running Knee Pain Pain associated with running can contribute to some forms of overuse injuries. Constantly subjecting the structures holding the joint to mechanical…

Understanding Spondylolysis Spondylolysis is a condition created when a localized fracture of the bony arch, referred to as the pars interarticularis. This injury is most…

Understanding Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Sinus Tarsi Syndrome is a rather common foot injury for stop-and-go type sports, which can leads to pain in the sinus…

Understanding Frozen Shoulder/ Adhesive Capsulitis Older athletes are more prone to suffer from the frozen shoulder syndrome, also referred to as adhesive capsulitis.  Frozen shoulder…

Understanding a Long Head of Biceps Brachii Tendon Rupture Proximal biceps brachii tendon ruptures (bicep rupture) are more common than most would assume. High intensity…

Understanding Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis is a condition that causes an alteration of the normal alignment of the spine. The term was coined from its Greek root…

He's back and no one is more excited than he is today. Not long ago this amazing cyclist had to dig deep to simple ride…

Come on, who doesn’t love a great massage with a happy ending?! I can see you smiling now just thinking of that satisfied feeling at…

Injury can present a huge psychological challenge for athletes. Pain, on its own, provides a significant mental and emotional challenge. Being in pain is tiring…

Understanding Knee Pain From Cycling Cycling is a wonderful sport for athletes at any age.  Whether you’re biking the flat roads here in Florida or…

1st Place Sports, Jacksonville's premier running store for over 30 years, demonstrated its commitment to its customers again this week.  Long recognized as one of…

Sunday’s big event will be a major step in enhancing the health and well-being of children in the Nashville area.  Making sure those smiling faces…

In the athletic world, there are all sorts of events and competitions that take place on a yearly basis. From the Super Bowl to the…

If you know long enough in advance that you’re going to have major back surgery, look at that time as an opportunity. You don’t have…

I received a message from a Jags' season ticker holder with a simple medical question related to a not so simple shoulder injury.  This loyal…

The truth is….athletes “pull” muscles. That is something everyone is at risk for with an active lifestyle. Biceps femoris tendonitis is typically an injury resulting…

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is a thickening of the medial or inner knee joint capsule.  The MCL is the stabilizing ligament between the medial…

Tiger Woods has been "in the rough" a few times over the past couple of years.  His latest challenge may prove to be more difficult…

[caption id="attachment_933" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Football Injuries Happen"][/caption] I arrived home last night after a wonderful "working" vacation in Destin, FL.  I was very fortunate to…

What is pes anserine bursitis? This ailment, while not extremely common, can be quite painful. It is the result of inflammation of the pes anserine…

Oz had the famed Curtain. Babylon had the mighty Walls. The NFL has The Door. Only "Authorized Personnel" are allowed through the NFL Draft Room…

[caption id="attachment_911" align="alignleft" width="143" caption="YOUNG, HEALTHY & HAPPY"][/caption] Sunday’s big event will be the first step in creating an active and healthy lifestyle for thousands…

If you want little Johnny to have shoulder and elbow problems early in life, sign him up as a pitcher for the Little League team…

“I didn’t know there was a 2nd Combine!” I hear it all the time and somehow the secrecy of this 2nd NFL Combine continues.  No…

"How Can I Help You? [caption id="attachment_883" align="alignleft" width="201" caption="What Are Your Sports Medicine Questions?"][/caption] These five simple words can be the difference between someone…

I feel so strongly about my low back rehab plan that I'm going to guarantee it will reduce your low back pain! Low back pain…

Understanding Shoulder Bursitis The subacromial bursa is a thin sac-like structure that is located just under the acromioclavicular or AC joint of the shoulder.  The…

[caption id="attachment_204" align="alignleft" width="194" caption="FLEXIBILITY IS FOR ALL ATHLETES & ALL SPORTS"][/caption] 80% of us will have back pain at some point in our lives.…

[caption id="attachment_817" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kyrie Irving"][/caption] I'm always amazed to see athletes come back to play. I know just how hard everyone works to get…

This weekend may prove to be the dirtiest, most fatiguing, most fun and most rewarding time that you’ve had since your were a kid at…

Understanding Fat Pad Impingement The infrapatellar fat pad is a sensitive mass of tissue that lies behind the patella tendon and on the front side…

[caption id="attachment_761" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Live Chat With Mike Ryan"][/caption] My "Live Chat" today on the Jacksonville Jaguars' official website was so much fun.  The number…

The big race is this Saturday…the Gate River Run 15 km USA Championship Race.  This race goes well beyond a local “bragging rights” race by…

“I’m having numbness down my leg and no one seems to know why!” she barked out frustratingly over the phone.  I hear similar complains from…

[caption id="attachment_639" align="alignleft" width="276" caption="Mike Ryan Biking in Colorado July 2010"][/caption] March 1st is here and we can officially stop blaming our health and fitness…

[caption id="attachment_703" align="alignleft" width="109" caption="NFL Combine Workouts"][/caption] With the NFL Combine medical exams and individual workouts starting tomorrow, there’s a lot of excitement in the…

I just posted an article on Shoulder Impingement Syndrome or Tennis Shoulder in my Shoulder Injuries section of MikeRyanFitness.com. A friend of Nate's came to…

A friend of one of our coaches came to see me yesterday with left shoulder pain.  He had shoulder issues with his right arm last…

[caption id="attachment_673" align="alignleft" width="195" caption="RUNNING WITH A SMILE"][/caption] Today is an exciting day in Jacksonville, FL.  Today is the 4th annual 26.2 With Donna Breast…

Metatarsalgia: Foot Pain’s Evil Brother Metatarsalgia is a general term relating to forefoot pain, secondary to inflammation in the distal foot and toe area.  Joints…

As I came up with the title of this article I actually laughed out loud.  With the amount of information on and diversity of options…

I just finished watching a great Super Bowl, as I'm sure most of you did as well.  Maybe it's just me being a "medical guy"…

If you are experiencing general shoulder pain and want to return to exercising your shoulders or reduce your shoulder soreness, this article is written for…

Shoulder dislocation is an all too common an injury for many sports with both men and women.  Although it can happen in any direction, approximately…

How To Treat Shoulder Pain Caused By AC Joint Separation Acromioclavicular joints or AC joints are easily injured and susceptible to secondary issues such as…

The evolution of sports has proved to be a fascinating and often amusing combination of creativity, science and hype.  From the lightest of high-tech equipment…

Sprained Ankle Management Year over year, ankle sprains are the most common lower extremity injury in all of sports.  From a minor “tweak” to a…

[caption id="attachment_375" align="alignleft" width="248" caption="Mike Ryan - Corporate Wellness"][/caption] I was really excited to be featured in the Jacksonville Daily Record this week. The article…

If you experience pain when twisting at the waist or bending over, you may be suffering from Sacroiliac joint pain. The two sacroiliac joints are…

[caption id="attachment_274" align="alignleft" width="200"] Turf Toe Caused By Hyperextension[/caption] Turf toe is an injury with a short name but a long history of pain in…

Core workouts should be a key part of everyone’s workout plan.  If you’re like most people, you want a flatter stomach and stronger abdominal (Abs)…

One of the most common questions that I’m asked is:  “With a sports-related injury, when do I use ice and when should I apply heat?”…

[caption id="attachment_327" align="alignleft" width="191" caption="Develop Strong Quads like Spiderman"][/caption] If you want to keep your knees happy, make your quadriceps (quads) a top priority.  The…

In order to eliminate heel pain, we have to know what causes heel pain? Although the term heel pain is somewhat general, if you suffer…

[caption id="attachment_316" align="alignleft" width="282" caption="Chondromalacia - Dreaded Runner's Knee"][/caption] Chondromalacia, known as "Runner's Knee", is one of the most common sources of knee pain for…

[caption id="attachment_198" align="alignleft" width="253"] Running With ITB Syndrome[/caption] Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), or Illiotibial band tendonitis, is a frustrating and troubling injury.  Because of it’s…

[caption id="attachment_222" align="alignleft" width="278" caption="Achilles Rupture"][/caption] Your Achilles tendon is a strong tendon in your body.  It connects the calf muscles (made up of the…

[caption id="attachment_190" align="alignleft" width="259" caption="Painful Osgood Schlatters Disease"][/caption] “He has this huge bump below his knee, his doctor says he’ll grow out of it but…

Understanding a Lumbar Spine Bulging Disc It seems that most non-medical people understand more about their computers and smart phones than they know about their…

Understanding Achilles Tendonitis [caption id="attachment_482" align="alignleft" width="186" caption="Common Location of Achilles Tendonitis"][/caption] Achilles tendonitis is a common injury associated with the presence of inflammation and…