Chain Reaction Physical Therapy

01/15/2026

I know everything feels really hard right now.

And to me, coming on here and talking about running and riding seems just really disingenuous, when there are so many terrible things going on in the world.

But.

I think one form or resistance is leaning into and continuing to excel at the things we’re really good at. And to not let the world beat us down into a place of complete non-action.

And.

I think it’s important to continue to advocate and amplify and bear witness.

Both things can be true.

So know that while I’m posting here about sport, it’s within the context of acknowledging that things are not right outside of this little microcosm. And by talking about inconsequential things here, it by no way diminishes how much work needs to be done in lots of other aspects.

And my hope is that I can simply be a small respite from the horror of the daily news.

I see you. I see the world. I see how hard this is. Be kind. Acknowledge everything that’s happening is horrifying. But don’t let the bastards take what’s yours away from you.

That’s all I’ve got over here.

01/12/2026

But there are some perks. Like, he doesn’t even CARE that I’m number 21,535 on the waitlist for season tickets.

12/26/2025

What’s the connection between dorsiflexion and hip pain?

Several things.

We need 10-20 degrees of dorsiflexion to walk or run. If we don’t have that, we’re going to get it from somewhere else. Which means looking further up the chain.

🦶The quad, which connects to the hip, sometimes has to then work harder to help pull us forward.

🦶The glutes, which cover the back of the hip, may have to overcome limited range of motion at the foot and work harder to extend the hip.

🦶The hip flexor, which crosses the hip, may work harder to flex the hip to help clear the toe off the ground.

When something has to go above and beyond its job description, it often starts to let us know. Sometimes that looks like pain in that area.

We all always know to check the joint above and below a patient’s pain point. But a lot of times, zooming out even further gives us the answer we’re looking for.

12/22/2025

Hey fellow rad femmes, quick announcement:

We are not apologizing for our pace anymore.

A phenomenon I’ve noticed on the trail is that whenever I’ve pulled over for someone who is climbing up the opposite way, the females almost always offer some sort of apology as they go past. The males (the polite ones) will just say thanks.

I know there is still plenty of disparity in endurance sports. And that it took a literal passing of a law (thanks Title IX!) to give us the same access to sports as our male counterparts.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t belong out there. And it certainly doesn’t mean we have anything to apologize for.

Get out there and own your space. And be sorry about nothing.

(Facets this also applies to: trail running, road riding, going too slow OR too fast, daily living).

12/22/2025

Cleat position isn’t just about comfort. It affects how your foot, ankle, and power all work together on the bike.

When a cleat is set too far forward, it can:
🦶Increase pressure through the toes
🦶Contribute to numbness or tingling in the foot
🦶Encourage an excessive toe-down position during the pedal stroke

That toe-down pattern matters because:

As you push down and then try to pull back through the stroke, a forward cleat:
1️⃣ Requires more ankle dorsiflexion to reset
2️⃣ Increases ankle motion with every revolution
3️⃣ Creates a less stable base for power transfer

If ankle mobility is limited (which is common), that extra motion can lead to power leakage and unnecessary fatigue.

Cleat placement should balance:
✔️ foot pressure
✔️ ankle mobility
✔️ stability through the pedal stroke

A more stable ankle means better power, less strain, and happier feet over long miles.

And if you’re riding with scoliosis or a spinal fusion: this is your reminder that your body isn’t fragile; it’s adaptable. Cycling isn’t an “automatic” position for any human body, and a standard fit won’t always honor things like rotation, pelvic asymmetry, or how you breathe and hold yourself on the bike. The goal isn’t to force you into a cookie-cutter position. It’s to use your contact points (feet, saddle, hands) to support your shape so you can ride strong, take a full breath, and keep showing up.

Make sure you’re following for all things bike fit and strength training, and .g.dpt for all the tips on living your best life with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

📺 And if you liked this clip, comment “BIKE FIT” for the link to watch the full interview on YouTube

12/15/2025

What I hear in my mind when cornering.

12/15/2025

New Blog Post!

Cycling with scoliosis? Learn bike fit adjustments that improve comfort, breathing, and power—without forcing it.