News

More than 150,000 people undergo lumbar spinal fusions each year to help alleviate lower back pain. Want to find safe, effective exercises following spinal fusion? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized training plan designed for post-surgery rehabilitation. If your or one of your clients is in the latter group, read on as Dr. Perkash addresses a question posed by a member of the TRX Community on whether the TRX Suspension Trainer could be used after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ Question: Can you address rehab using TRX related to spinal fusion? I am a trainer who is 11 weeks post op. I also have spinal disk degeneration. I use TRX regularly, and my surgeon agrees that TRX will be quite beneficial, as does my physical therapist. But I would like your opinion on whether using the TRX during my recovery would be a smart thing to do. Answer: Spinal fusion surgery involves “fusing” or connecting two or more bony spinal segments (vertebrae) using implanted hardware such as screws and rods, or with bone or synthetic bone products. Spinal fusion surgery can be performed in the lumbar spine for a variety of reasons, including elimination of pain from painful, abnormal motion (e.g., instability known as a spondylolisthesis), severe scoliosis, low back pain due to degenerative disc disease, as well as other entities such as fractures. Many patients after lumbar spinal fusion surgery regain full function and have no specific restrictions six to 12 months after surgery. Others, however, continue to have limitations in their activities of daily living or recreational activities. For these reasons, it is impossible to accurately generalize about all patients with spinal fusion surgery. However, virtually all patients eventually benefit from an exercise program involving core stabilization exercises as well as cardiovascular exercises. It is important to discuss the timing and specific limitations of an individual’s rehabilitation program with the patient’s spine surgeon. Many individuals will eventually have no restrictions and can fully participate in all core stabilization exercises including using a TRX fully, while others may have limitations that the spine surgeon may impose either temporarily or permanently. Many physical therapists, under the guidance of a spine surgeon or spine rehabilitation specialist, can teach patients specific exercises for the lumbar spine after surgery including applications with the TRX. I would encourage anyone who has had or is having spinal fusion surgery to consult with his/her spine surgeon for specific recommendations and limitations regarding his/her situation at any point in time. The most common path after surgery is a directed rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physical therapist during the first six to 12 months after surgery, followed by an independent home/gym exercise program indefinitely thereafter. For those who have been cleared by their spine surgeon to participate in all activities without restrictions, the following TRX exercises may be appropriate to achieve the goal of core strengthening: TRX Step Side Lunge TRX Step Back Lunge TRX Balance Lunge TRX Crossing Balance Lunge TRX Hamstring Curl TRX Hamstring Runner TRX Plank TRX Side Plank (with or without Hip Drop) TRX Crunch TRX Oblique Crunch TRX Squat TRX Single Leg Squat TRX Low Row TRX Overhead Back Extension TRX Standing or Kneeling Roll Out TRX Hip Hinge (Wide Stance or Single Leg) For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients, visit our Sports Medicine page and download our White Paper. Also, be sure to check out our TRX Biomechanics: Healthy Back DVD, creating in partnership with Corrective Exercise Specialist Justin Price and featuring an easy-to-follow series of targeted stretches and strength training exercises to help you regain muscular balance in your back. NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.

In this installment of "Ask the TRX Doctor," Dr. Perkash fields a question from member Yanira M. on the cause of tennis elbow and if/when to start using the TRX again after this type of injury. Want to find safe exercises while recovering from tennis elbow? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized training plan designed for your stage of recovery. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ Question: I've being suffering of chronic tennis elbow for the last three months, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I have a 0.5 cm tear in my extensor. Right now, I can't do any upper body exercise. I'm trying to figure out what caused this injury in the first place. Answer: “Tennis elbow” is a common musculoskeletal ailment that is known medically as “extensor tendinitis.” It usually represents cumulative trauma to the common wrist/forearm extensor tendon that originates along the lateral epicondyle (outside bone) of the elbow and inserts in various locations through muscles travelling across the wrist. It was named after a common ailment due to elbow pain as a result of incorrectly hitting a tennis backhand while bending the wrist. This resulted in chronic microtrauma to the extensor tendon and resulting lateral epicondylitis. In general, more people are afflicted with tennis elbow through activities outside of tennis than through tennis itself. With the advent of the computer keyboard and mouse, many people suffer from lateral epicondylitis and other repetitive strain injuries (a.k.a. cumulative trauma injuries) as a result of excessive time in front of the computer. Repetitive use of the wrists and forearms through any activity or a combination of activities can result in lateral epidcondylitis. This can include assembly work using the hands, twisting instruments such as a screwdriver, using vibrating equipment such as a jackhammer or repetitive gripping activities of any kind. Sometimes, the injury can be more significant and include more than simple tendinitis such as an extensor tear. Certainly the spectrum of injury in either situation requires physician consultation and guided treatment in an appropriate fashion. If someone does not have the strength and endurance to do a specific activity (e.g., using a keyboard or mouse for eight hours a day with relatively deconditioned forearm musculature) or if proper technique is not employed in given task (e.g., hitting a tennis backhand with a loose wrist or an excessively stiff racket), then injury is more likely to occur. All of these injuries should be treated appropriately under a physician’s guidance, and only after someone has been cleared by his physician should normal activities and sports activities be resumed. This includes using the TRX, as many of the exercises using the TRX require gripping using the forearm musculature. Sometimes, treatment of lateral epidondylitis can be prolonged, occasionally taking as long as one year or more to fully heal. Common treatments for lateral epicondylitis include physical therapy modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound, etc), bracing, stretching and strengthening exercises, cortisone injections, acupuncture and, rarely, surgery. Have a question for the TRX Doctor? Email askthedoc@trxtraining.com. For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients, visit our Sports Medicine page and download our White Paper. NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.

"Your MRI looks worse than you do," my doctor said to me after a recent visit. After a torn ACL and cartilage damage I had suffered two decades ago, I was given a diagnosis of "early" (because I'm relatively young!) osteoarthritis. The effects of the degraded cartilage have begun to manifest. The doctor was essentially saying that my left knee MRI looks like it belongs to someone who is more limited physically. Looking to maintain strength and mobility while working around joint issues? Take our quick assessment quiz for a personalized workout plan that accounts for your specific needs. She was surprised by my level of sport play and by the muscle development I have in my legs. In fact, she surmised that the reason I've stayed so capable is my devotion to developing leg strength to support the knee. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ What do you do when the knee breaks down? You can't stop squatting and lunging. If you do it in life, you need to train for it. Period. Over the years, I’ve worked with many people who have knee pain. After a trip to the doctor, they are often given glib, unhelpful advice like “don’t squat.” Maybe stacking hundreds of pounds on a barbell and vertically loading the legs in a barbell squat isn’t the best approach with knee issues. But we still need strong legs and stable knees. Enter the TRX. To strengthen the legs, there is no better exercise than a single leg squat. And with the TRX, it can truly be for everyone. Consider walking: you spend the majority of the time on a single leg! This means, with single leg training, you can provide a very “real world” leg exercise experience while at the same delivering a challenging load to the leg muscles with a resistance you are used to – your own bodyweight. The depth and the speed of movement can be adjusted based on the appropriate skill and fitness level. And with the TRX, you get the right mix of balance help to allow better performance and stability if you need it. Single leg squat variations, such as the TRX Single Leg Squat and TRX Lunge are two terrific options for developing strong, capable leg muscles. Another important part of healthy knees is stability. A major knee stabilizer is your hamstring muscles since they attach to the top of the lower leg bones. A hamstring that is strong while it is lengthening (eccentric contraction) is better able to keep the knee joint stable while performing a wide range of ground-based activities. I’ve created a great new TRX exercise to do just that. With injured knees (or to prevent injury), it is best to perform a variety of movements at a variety of angles and avoid excessive loads and/or repetitive motions. The many options provided by the TRX for leg training allow for maximum impact with minimum stress. I’ve used some of the same exercises with obese clients after knee replacements and athletes seeking better performance. Jonathan Ross, ACE Personal Trainer of the Year, Discovery Health Fitness Expert, TRX Master Trainer and creator of the TRX Super Hero workout, brings a fresh perspective on fitness to the industry (www.AionFitness.com). His personal experiences help him to create exercise strategies that deliver big results for clients.

The list of exercise benefits during pregnancy is over a mile long, and most women are well aware they should include physical activity during the nine months of their child’s development.  But let’s face it; pregnancy isn’t a cakewalk for most women.  Nausea, sleepless nights, hip and back pain, round ligament pain, and weight gain are just a few of the many discomforts women may experience during their pregnancy, making a fitness plan less and less appealing.   While some women are able to continue to run marathons and participate in vigorous boot camp classes, others find it a struggle to simply stand up and walk across a room. With TRX suspension training, exercises can be regressed and progressed to adapt to ANY level, making it the perfect fitness tool for all stages of pregnancy. Want to find safe, effective exercises for your stage of pregnancy? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized prenatal workout plan. The Suspension Trainer is also essential to help alleviate the aches and pains women may feel along their pregnancy journey. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ TRX Low Back Stretch (wide stance) Due to the forced anterior pelvic tilt caused by increased weight in the belly, the lower back and hamstrings often tighten up.   This natural traction will help decrease discomfort and low back pain from carrying a baby.     With the Suspension Trainer at mid length, stand facing the anchor point and walk back so that your arms are straight out in front of you.  With a shoulder-width or wider stance press your hips back and fold your body in half, leaning away from the anchor point.    TRX Chest Stretch Many expectant mothers experience a shortening in the muscles of the chest  Adjust the straps to mid length and stand facing away from the anchor point.  Walk forward so that your arms form a perfect “T”, and then step forward with one foot to create a stretch across your chest and shoulders.  Ensure you do not walk to far forward to avoid low back pain or the shoulders rolling forward.     TRX Low Row Along with the shortening of the chest muscles, the upper back muscles can weaken, leading to a “hunched” posture.  TRX Low Rows are a great modifiable exercise to combat this.    Fully shorten your suspension trainer and stand facing the anchor point.  Select an angle that is comfortable for you (the steeper the angle, the harder the exercise) and begin with your hands at your ribcage with your shoulder blades engaged behind your back.  Slowly lower down, maintaining a perfect plank.  Keeping your shoulders down and back, pull yourself back to the starting position.     TRX Assisted Squats and Lunges Strengthening the glutes is important to help stabilize the hips and improve posture during pregnancy. Assisted lunges are also great for improving both balance and leg strength. As pregnancy progresses, a woman typically gains more weight and her joints become more lax, which can make lunges more difficult. Squats and Lunges can be unloaded using a suspension trainer.   TRX Resisted Heel Taps Gently training the transverse abdominals can help prevent or alleviate diastasis recti, a thinning of the linea alba and a protrusion in the middle of the belly.   Begin lying on the ground facing the anchor point. Place both hands in the foot cradles and press down. Keep the core braced and knees bent at 90 degrees. Slowly lower one heel toward the ground until just before the low back rises up. Return to the starting position keeping pressure down in the hands. Aim for two 30-second sets of this exercise. (Note: Because this move is performed in the supine position, avoid doing this exercise any longer than 30 seconds and have the exerciser roll to her left side between sets.)    Prenatal Precautions  The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOC) published their first recommendations on exercise in 1985. Since then, these have been updated in 1994, and again in 2002. You can read the complete current ACOG Guidelines to learn how to identify absolute and relative contraindications to exercise during pregnancy.  Reasons to discontinue exercise and seek medical advice include: • Vaginal bleeding • Sudden swelling of the ankles, hands or face • Dizziness or faintness • Persistent, severe headaches and/or visual disturbances • Chest pain, excessive fatigue or palpitations • Unexplained abdominal pain • Calf pain or swelling • Persistent contractions that may be indicative of preterm labor • Insufficient weight gain [less than 2.2 pounds (1 kg) per month during the last two trimesters] • Amniotic fluid leakage  Source: American College of Sports Medicine. (2000). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.     

In this installment of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Perkash addresses a condition that affects approximately seven million people in the United States: scoliosis. Want to find safe, effective exercises that take your spinal curvature into account? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized training plan designed for those with scoliosis. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ Question: I am thinking about taking a TRX class and was wondering about using it if you have scoliosis. I'm an avid cyclist and take Pilates and yoga on a regular basis. Is there anything that might injure my back due to my condition? Answer: Scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, is generally divided into four categories: congenital, neuromuscular, idiopathic and degenerative. Congenital scoliosis means you are born with a curvature of the spine. Neuromuscular scoliosis generally results from diseases of the nerves or muscles, such as muscular dystrophy. The idiopathic scoliosis means that we do not know what causes it, but it usually appears during adolescence, and this is the most common cause. In the elderly, scoliosis can also result from asymmetric degeneration of the discs and spinal elements. In the vast majority of cases, the curvature is mild and can be managed non-operatively. In rare cases, the curvature requires surgical intervention with placement of spinal hardware to “straighten out” the spine to prevent worsening of the condition. Bracing is also considered in cases of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis when the curvature worsens before full growth has been achieved. In general, rehabilitation physicians recommend strengthening of the musculature surrounding the spinal curvature to strengthen and support the spine. This recommendation is for patients with or without scoliosis, but in those with scoliosis, this can be even more important to try to compensate for abnormal muscle imbalances that have resulted from the scoliosis. The TRX Suspension Trainer is a fitness tool that can help with core musculature strengthening in virtually every exercise that is performed using it. Since the TRX uses the principle of balance in every exercise it employs, different parts of the core musculature surrounding the spine are activated to maintain this balance. It is an excellent tool for anyone who is interested in spinal musculature health and strengthening. Unless there are specific features of scoliosis that may limit an individual’s ability to participate in exercises, most patients who do not require surgery do not have any specific limitations with regard to their exercise program. You should check with your spine physician if you have any specific limitations with which you need to be concerned. If you are already actively involved in Pilates, yoga and bicycling and have not been given any specific restrictions by your physician, you are an ideal candidate to explore TRX Suspension Training to its fullest potential. For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients, visit our Sports Medicine page. NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common conditions affecting the shoulder. In 2010, close to two million people in the United States went to their doctors because of a rotator cuff problem. In this Ask the Doctor, Dr. Perkash addresses a question posed by a member of the TRX Community who was diagnosed with a possible rotator cuff tear. Question: In 2007, after working out three times a week with a personal trainer who emphasized heavy weight lifting, I developed severe shoulder pain and was diagnosed with a "possible" torn rotator cuff. After two cortisone injections in two years, I have been pain free. I have given up the weights for bands. Would TRX aggravate this condition, or are there specific exercises I could use for continuing rehab? Answer: The rotator cuff is a combination of four muscles in the shoulder: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. The function of the rotator cuff is to stabilize and move the shoulder joint, which is a ball (the humerus) and socket (the glenoid) joint. These muscles and others are responsible for movement of the entire shoulder girdle, which includes the shoulder blade (scapula) and the clavicle. Injuries to the rotator cuff are quite common, both with aging and with exercise and activities. Athletes who perform overhead activities such as those participating in football, baseball, tennis, weightlifting, volleyball and water polo are particularly susceptible to rotator cuff injuries. The rotator cuff can be injured due to a strain injury or trauma, or it can become inflamed due to chronic overuse such as with swimming or other repetitive motions of the shoulder. With aging, degeneration of the joints in the shoulder or formation of bone spurs can predispose to rotator cuff injuries. Degenerative changes can also occur in the nearby acromioclavicular joint, which can also cause shoulder pain. Diagnosis of rotator cuff injuries is usually clinical initially, but x-rays can show bone spurs and degenerative changes in the shoulder joints, and and MRI scan can reveal a potential rotator cuff tear. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, cortisone injections and less commonly surgery to repair a significant rotator cuff tear. Small or partial tears can usually heal themselves with appropriate treatment, but full thickness tears usually do not heal and often require surgery to repair the rotator cuff. In someone who has had complete resolution of symptoms of a "possible" tear, the prognosis is quite good long term with appropriate rehabilitation and preventative measures. Overhead activities with heavy weights such as military press place the shoulder in a relatively unstable position and should be performed with caution, or only light weights should be used. Strengthening of the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle musculature can markedly reduce the risk of injury in the future. If the shoulder pain symptoms have completely resolved, there may not be any specific restrictions that are necessary. Anyone with a prior injury to the rotator cuff should clarify with his physician whether he needs to follow any specific restrictions given his individual situation. Check with your physician whether you have any specific restrictions with regard to your shoulder condition. The TRX Suspension Trainer is an excellent tool for strengthening the rotator cuff, improving functioning and performance and decreasing the likelihood of future injury. Want to find safe, effective exercises for your shoulder rehab? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized training plan designed around your recovery needs. The following exercises are excellent for the ongoing rehabilitation of a previous rotator cuff injury and stabilize the shoulder girdle: TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ TRX Shoulder Series TRX Swimmer Pull TRX Biceps Curl TRX Chest Press TRX High Row  Another good exercise for shoulder stability is the TRX Serratus Slide. Again, it is important to take guidance from your physician and physical therapist regarding exercise selection for your specific situation. For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients, visit our Sports Medicine page. NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.

Osteoporosis is a disease affecting many millions of people around the world. In the US alone, this condition is a major health risk for 28 million Americans. One of our TRX Community members, Bart, recently wrote into Dr. Perkash asking whether the TRX Suspension Trainer could be incorporated into the treatment of osteoporosis. Below, you'll find the Q&A as well as a video we shot here at TRX HQ with our Director of Rehabilitation Brian Bettendorf (and Anne from our Education Dept), illustrating some of the TRX exercises Dr. Perkash recommends for individuals who have been diagnosed with this condition. Question Resistance training with TRX can absolutely be a valuable tool for those with osteoporosis, but let me explain how it fits into a bone health program. Want to find safe, effective exercises for managing osteoporosis? Take our quick assessment quiz to get a personalized training plan designed for bone health. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ Traditional weight training with dumbbells and barbells is important because the direct loading helps stimulate bone remodeling. However, TRX can provide many unique benefits: Answer Osteoporosis-related fractures are a significant cause of disability in the elderly. Recent research has demonstrated that one of the best ways to combat osteoporosis is prevention. This can be achieved through a variety of recommended behaviors beginning early in life and continuing these behaviors throughout one’s life. Proper nutrition, including adequate consumption of calcium, as well as regular physical activity and exercise contribute to improving bone mineral density. Bone has the ability to respond to exercise by becoming stronger and denser. Studies have shown that two main types of exercise are most important for building and maintaining bone mineral density: weight-bearing exercise that involves bones and muscles working against gravity, and resistance training that provides a force on bones provided by muscles and tendons, which leads to stronger bones. With the TRX, you use your own bodyweight as resistance. This type of training results in increased tension on muscles and tendons, providing a force on bones that can lead to increased bone mineral density. Furthermore, any TRX exercise that is performed standing on one or both feet involves weight bearing and therefore can help with strengthening bones. In the video above, you'll see three TRX exercises that can be substituted for exercises using dumbbells: TRX Chest Press, TRX Mid Row and TRX Overhead Squat. Some other TRX exercises you can do include the TRX Shoulder Series (I, Y, T Deltoid Fly), TRX Biceps Curl, TRX Triceps Press, TRX Push-up and many others. The unique benefit of the TRX is the user is able to modfiy body angle and base of support to scale intensity across a continuum of low to high loads and stable to unstable positions. Furthermore, TRX exercises promote balance, core strengthening, gait and performance and can decrease the risk of falling in the elderly, reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. (Studies are currently being done using the TRX in fall prevention.) For all of these reasons, the TRX is a great substitute for many exercises that use traditional dumbbells and barbells. The important point is to adhere to a comprehensive exercise program throughout one’s lifetime to encourage overall improved bone density and strength. Have a question for the TRX Doctor? Email the Doc. For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients, visit our Sports Medicine page. NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.

FROM THE VAULT: We think the TRX kills it at keeping anyone in great shape. Take our quick workout quiz to get customized combinations of TRX and kettlebell exercises for your goals. But we're often asked how to integrate other fitness tools into your TRX workouts. Here, TRX Head of Human Performance Chris Frankel shows how pairing the TRX with kettlebells will help you build strength and explosive power. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ In this video, Chris starts with an easy warm up using a foundational movement, the Kettlebell Swing, and then combines the kettlebell with three TRX exercises (TRX Lunge, TRX Side Lunge and TRX Power Pull) to create some hard-hitting hybrid movements that challenge your stability and flexibility but also your lower body strength and power. Chris throws some rotational work into the mix, which is a big focus in just about any field and court sport, and adds progressions of each movement so you can work at your current fitness level… and beyond. Using the TRX with kettlebells allows you to train several modalities at once (flexibility, mobility, strength, power, rotation, etc), opening up new performance opportunities. These moves are guaranteed to take things up a notch in your training! For more great kettlebell/TRX exercises, check out our TRX Kettlebell: Iron Circuit Conditioning DVD. As the resident TRX Professor, Chris Frankel draws from over 25 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach. He earned an MS in Exercise Physiology from the University of New Mexico, where he is currently completing his doctorate in Exercise Science. Before taking the position of Director of Programming at TRX, Chris was an instructor in the Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of New Mexico.

If you or your client has ever experienced piriformis syndrome, you know it’s a pain in the butt–literally! Runners, cyclists, and other athletes engaging in forward-moving activities are particularly susceptible to developing piriformis syndrome, especially if they do not engage in stretching and strengthening exercises. Here, Dr. Perkash addresses a question posed by a member of the TRX Community on whether the TRX Suspension Trainer can be used in the rehab of piriformis syndrome. Question: I have been in physical therapy for the past month for piriformis syndrome. I had to stop training for my marathon this fall due to this injury, which was brought on by overtraining. I have been doing several glute-specific exercises in PT to help strengthen the muscles that are weak. In addition to strengthening my weak glutes, I have been icing, stretching and using my TRX Suspension Trainer regularly to supplement rehab. Will TRX exercises exacerbate my piriformis syndrome? Can you recommend any specific exercises that will help my rehab and recovery? Answer: The piriformis muscle is a muscle deep within the gluteus region that is thought to irritate or compress the adjacent sciatic nerve, resulting in buttock and possibly leg pain, numbness or tingling, otherwise known as piriformis syndrome. Potential causes of piriformis syndrome also remain controversial. Overuse injuries such as with running, bicycling or rowing or direct trauma to the gluteus region are thought to be potential causes of piriformis syndrome. It has been theorized that a combination of weakness in the hip abductors/gluteus medius muscles combined with tight hip adductors can lead to the condition. Treatment for piriformis syndrome involves rest, modalities such as application of heat/ice, stretching and strengthening exercises for the gluteus and core musculature, oral anti-inflammatory medications and possible local steroid injections. Formal physical therapy is often employed with the use of additional modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation, as well as a directed home exercise program. The goal is to stretch the gluteus musculature, the hamstrings and piriformis muscle itself, while strengthening the hip abductor and core musculature to improve muscle imbalances. Any rehabilitation program after injury should be performed under the guidance of a physician and physical therapist. The Suspension Trainer can be used in the rehabilitation of piriformis syndrome with the following exercises: TRX Step Side Lunge TRX Step Back Lunge TRX Balance Lunge TRX Crossing Balance Lunge TRX Hamstring Curl TRX Hamstring Runner TRX Plank TRX Side Plank (with or without Hip Drop) TRX Crunch TRX Oblique Crunch TRX Squat TRX Single Leg Squat TRX Low Row TRX Overhead Back Extension TRX Standing or Kneeling Roll Out TRX Hip Hinge (Wide Stance or Single Leg) For more on how TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise is a safe, scalable and effective solution for you or your patients. Want to find exercises that match your medical needs? Take our quick assessment quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your condition. Visit our Sports Medicine page and download our White Paper. If you have a question for Dr. Perkash, email askthedoc@trxtraining.com. TAKE OUR TRAINING QUIZ NOTE: Any medical information in this blog is of a general nature and not a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. If you need medical advice, see a doctor.