The KRUSE ELITE Podcast

Are you or is someone you know hypermobile and dealing with pain?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, all about hypermobility, and how it's often connected to chronic pain, injury, and even autonomic issues.  I use neurology to explain why this might be, as well as discuss how I approach training hypermobile individuals to decrease pain, optimize interoception, and improve strength in end-ranges of motion.  I also discuss how hypermobile individuals are often attracted to modalities centered around flexibility, why this might not be the best training tool for them, and why hypermobility can lead to mapping with pain instead of proprioception, especially at end-ranges of motion.  This episode is a great starting point for tackling common issues associated with hypermobility and lays out practical training tools that you can implement right away to start to assess and improve movement and decrease pain in hypermobile individuals.  Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Did you know that applied neurology isn't actually the goal?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about the importance of a balanced strength and movement practice as the foundation for a healthy, fit, and pain-free life.  I discuss my own training practice, the pros and cons of following a strict regimen vs following your intuition, why interoception is one of the most important things I teach, why I prioritize balance and coordination over strength, free weights vs machines, gait cycle, rate of perceived exertion and more.  I outline the programming we follow in our Strength Dojo and how we integrate applied neurology throughout while still building strength, mobility, and resilience.  I also caution the applied neurology enthusiasts against seeing everything in terms of targeted interventions when focusing on the fundamentals may be the solution they are seeking.  This episode will empower you to better understand how your body responds to training, and to think about training in a more comprehensive way than just getting faster or stronger.   Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Links: Learn how Karen solved her plantar fasciitis with strength training and mobility drills Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What if your knee pain can be cured by smelling salts?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, all about the trigeminal nerve and why this large nerve in the face can have far reaching effects on the rest of the body.  I discuss the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve, its primary functions, its connection to the brainstem and cranial nerves, and how these connections can manifest in surprising ways.  I go over how to assess and train different aspects of the trigeminal nerve, using tools that range from touch, to motor control, to vision, to activating the nasal cavity through scent, and how you can use these tools today to improve trigeminal function, increase map clarity, reduce threat, and potentially reduce or eliminate pain or movement dysfunction.  While the focus is on the trigeminal nerve, we cover a variety of related topics from jaw alignment, scoliosis, autonomic function, blood pressure, botox and more, and underscore the importance of not relying solely on biomechanical connections when dealing with pain and mobility issues. Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Links: Check out our podcast episode on the visual system Check out our YouTube Video for jaw tension (includes Trigeminal Nerve Glide tutorial) Check out our YouTube video on cranial mobility Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

In this engaging discussion, Tony Fowler, a podcast producer and health enthusiast, delves into the vagus nerve's intricate connections and its vital role in our bodies. He explains the misconception of 'resetting' the nerve and introduces therapeutic techniques like humming and mobility drills to enhance vagal function. The conversation also touches on the importance of body awareness in recovery and inflammation management, alongside innovative therapies to optimize health. Tune in for fascinating insights into the interplay between our nervous system and overall well-being!

Are you managing chronic pain? Do you have the type of pain that "flares up?" Or, maybe your pain moves from one body part to another and you're constantly playing whack-a-mole with your pain.  In today's episode, I speak with one of my very first instructors of applied neurology, Matt Bush, about signs and symptoms suggesting your brain and body are in need of fuel support. We talk about how your brain needs two things to stay alive - fuel and activation. And, your brain's preferred source of fuel is glucose along with oxygen. We talk about acute signs of a fuel deficit like decreases performance, increases in pain, a decrease in cognition and coordination, and increased emotional volatility. We cover what it looks like when you have a more longstanding fuel deficit that can lead to more systemic dysfunction, neural degeneration, emotional dysregulation and even metabolic disease. We share the physiology behind increasing oxygenation of your brain and tissues through CO2 tolerance training, the most important categories of breath training to consider to increase oxygen utilization at the cellular level, and styles of breathing to stay away from if you identify with having a fuel issue. We also cover how metabolic dysfunction may be the root of autoimmune illnesses, how ketosis is not a sustainable strategy for long term health, and which sources of carbohydrates are ideal, not just for brain health, but for overall metabolic health and wellbeing.  Thank you to my mentor and co-host for today's podcast, Matt Bush, for delivering such an awesome lesson on fueling your brain and your body. Click below to follow and work with Matt and his team at Next Level Neuro. Learn More about Next Level Neuro's Fundamentals of Applied Neurology Course Contact Matt and Kathy to let them know you listened to The KRUSE ELITE Podcast and you'll receive a free gift: Instagram: @nextlevelneuro Facebook: @nextlevelneuro    Email: Office@nextlevelneuro.com   Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What if you could solve your carpal tunnel or sciatic problems with a single drill?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about a category of drills that directly target the peripheral nerves called neuromechanics.  I discuss how the concept of mobility applies not only to the joints and muscles but also the nerves, how understanding the anatomy of nerves is crucial to understanding how to use neuromechanics correctly, and how to apply these concepts for real-world results with pain and mobility.  I break down neuromechanic drills into three main categories - tensioning, slacking, and sliding, and explain how choosing different drivers can lead to almost limitless combinations with specific targets and effects.  I also discuss how this category of drills is often misunderstood or misapplied, and what to watch out for when applying these drills to resolve specific pain issues or to simply mobilize the nerves for a broader training effect.  Neuromechanic drills can be an extremely powerful tool when used correctly and this episode will help you hit the ground running so you can integrate them into your own practice.   Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

Have you ever experienced chronic pain? Maybe you've seen every practitioner and doctor and even tried surgery to resolve your pain, but years later you are still struggling? This is the story of Dojo member and yoga therapist, Krista Quinn. Over 10 years ago, Krista found us on instagram after battling a decade long of low back pain. A laminectomy at age 22 initially provided relief for a year or two but her pain came back with a persistent vengeance, putting her in and out of the emergency room. In this episode, Krista and I recall how we met, the first few sessions using applied neurology and how sensory work as strange and simple as smelling cinnamon, poking with a paper clip, applying kinesiotape, and some cerebellar training provided tremendous relief. Throughout our work together Krista went from a yogi who couldn't do a forward fold due to her back pain to practicing advanced arm balancing positions with ease and coaching others with chronic back pain.   We also talk about a realistic timeline for getting out of chronic pain, the role of your mindset, and how behavior change is a huge factor in eliminating pain. Thank you to Dojo Member, Krista Quinn for sharing your story and for demonstrating the commitment and dedication required to overcome chronic pain.  If you'd like to connect with Krista, you can find her here: Krista's Website: https://www.kristaquinnhealth.com/ Krista's Instagram: @happylowbackyogi Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

What would you do if you were facing a terminal diagnosis? Do you give up or do you fight? This is the reality for Dojo Member, Jason Gallman. Over a year ago Jason came to us after having a history of beating cancer and surviving a spinal stroke. He discovered some mobility drills that helped him exercise without low back pain and improved some sensation in his feet. Just a couple months in we received a message from Jason that he was facing a potential terminal diagnosis. He learned that he has stage 4 prostate cancer. Jason shares: "There is no cure and I'm living with the reality of no energy and a shorter life." Jason is a husband, a father, a grandfather, a preacher, a stand-up member of his community, and an inspiration to so many. Despite the challenges he is facing he chooses to get up and go. He shares how he has used what he has learned in the Dojo to manage symptoms, to improve his energy, and he shares how the threat bucket concept has helped him keep perspective when symptoms arise and which tools he needs to call on in order to lessen the discomfort. It is an absolute honor to have Jason in this community and we hope that those of you who are struggling, or know somebody who is struggling, with a challenging health condition, you can share Jason's story and call on his spirit to pull you through.  Thank you to Neuro Dojo student and Dojo Member, Jason Gallman for sharing your deeply personal and inspiring story.  Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about building your very own neuro toolset.  I go over the main categories that I consider essential to my work in applied neurology, and what the top tools are that you can get to help you with your coaching, your training, and with tackling pain and mobility issues.  I discuss tools for general training, sensory stimulation, visual training, breath training, reaction training, speed training, and more, and go in-depth on the why and how of different techniques that these tools can help you achieve.  Most of these tools are cheap or even free, and can level up your personal or professional applied neurology practice.  This episode goes into detail at the conceptual and application level, so even if you get none of these tools you will come away with a greater understanding of how to practice applied neurology and how to think about assessing and solving problems for yourself or your clients.  Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo

We are very excited to introduce the other half of Kruse Elite, Alisha Kruse, to the podcast!  In this episode, Alisha speaks with our podcast producer, Tony, about her health and fitness journey, from playing soccer in college and suffering the severe side effects of a concussion, to becoming a personal trainer, studying various modalities including acupuncture and applied neurology, to finally taking control of her fuel and pain issues and joining forces with Taylor to start a practice together.  She talks about what led her to pursue health and fitness, what challenges she encountered both with her career and with her own health and fitness along the way, and how her drive to help her clients with persistent pain issues led her down a varied path that eventually led to applied neurology.  Alisha also discusses the importance of breathing, how to assess your diet, the connection between ancient eastern medicinal practices and modern neurology, the challenges of recovering from a major surgery, the differences between online and in-person coaching, and more.  Check out the Ancore cable we use HERE (use code: KRUSEELITE) Free Resources: Join our mailing list HERE to stay up to date on the latest updates from Kruse Elite Join our free Neuro Masterclass here to get a taste of how neurology impacts your movement and pain issues Subscribe to our YouTube HERE for in-depth educational videos and tutorials Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode! Whenever you're ready here's how we can help you: Become an expert in problem solving movement and pain issues with our beginner neuro course, Neuro Foundations Master applied neurology so you can feel confident you can help anyone who walks through your door by joining our advanced neuro course, The Neuro Dojo