The KRUSE ELITE Podcast

#70 - Q&A - Alisha is Back! Can Trigger Point Cause Damage? What You Need to Know About Muscle Tone, How to Add Applied Neurology to Your Practice, and More... 03.07.2026 1t 20min

In this episode, Alisha returns to the podcast and joins me as we speak with my producer, Tony, to answer questions from the listeners.  We discuss:  Can trigger point release cause damage Protective tension and muscle guarding What you need to know about muscle tone Inhibiting pain during recovery Movement visualization Acupuncture, vertigo, and inflammation How to add applied neurology to your practice Cross-body pain patterns Diet and learning what works for you Having kids and running a business And more... 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 Cranial Nerve 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

#69 - Aquatic Training for Recovery and Coordination 26.06.2026 1t 12min

What if aquatic training could turbo-charge your recovery?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, all about aquatic training and how I would often use it to aid in recovery, reduce inflammation and improve many facets of movement like strength, coordination, mobility, endurance, and more.  I discuss how aquatic training and the Burdenko Method were a formative part of my movement education and outline what makes aquatic training unique from a movement perspective.  I also breakdown aquatic training methods from an applied neurology perspective, and discuss how it can improve range of motion and create a more supportive environment for movement after injury, but also how it can adversely affect the vestibular system and create issues in certain situations.  I talk about how I would use aquatic training for athletes, as well as some of the programming ideas in the Burdanko method that set it apart.  Aquatic training is not your grandmother's water aerobics, and even though I have moved away from it for practical reasons, I encourage everyone to experiment with this modality to this day.   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 Cranial Nerve 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

#68 - Q&A - Stimulating the Vagus Nerve, Dealing with Migraines and Headaches, Blood Pressure Assessments, Concussions and the Visual System, and More... 19.06.2026 1t 6min

In this episode, I speak with my producer, Tony, to answer questions from the listeners and we discuss:    What causes vision and vestibular issues Concussions and the visual system Peripheral vision and tracking movement Stimulating the vagus nerve - Exhalation based breathing drills A surprising benefit of strength training - Dealing with chronic headaches and migraines Using colored lenses Blood pressure, wall sits, and grip exercises When you need cerebellar training Adjusting to career changes and content creation And more...   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 Cranial Nerve 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

#67 - Mobilizing the Lymphatic System 12.06.2026 1t 14min

Could your lymphatic system actually be the cause of your muscle pain?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the lymphatic system and how this often overlooked system is intimately tied to circulation, immune-response, muscle tone, sympathetics, breathing, mobility, recovery, and more.  I discuss the function and anatomy of the lymphatic system, why good lymphatic function is so important, and some practical techniques that you can use to mobilize the lymphatic system and decrease tightness and pain. I tell a story about how lymphatic drainage techniques helped me with persistent back pain and talk about how to know if lymphatic mobilization techniques are working.  I also talk about why I think many of the products marketed around the lymphatic system are overrated, what is actually happening with trampolines and vibration plates in terms of lymphatics, and why cardio, movement, breathing, and manual techniques are all you really need for the vast majority of cases.  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 Cranial Nerve 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

#66 - Surprising Benefits of Applied Neurology Training (WTH?) 22.05.2026 1t 15min

In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, and borrow a popular concept from the kettlebell community to tell stories about some surprising and unexpected benefits of applied neurology training.  We discuss:    The "WTH" effect of kettlebell training Diving sessions without pain due to vision training Smooth pursuits, visual saccades, and gaze stabilization Opposing joint mobility exercises Issues with parallel parking after menopause Chronic stress and peripheral vision The importance of balance training Threat and ill-fitting shoes Positive and negative cascade effects Vision drills and needing a new (better) glasses prescription Bag-breathing and visual acuity Measuring 1.5 inches taller from vestibular training My new belt-squat for lower body training without loading the spine And more... 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 Cranial Nerve 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

#65 - Q&A - The Neurology of Meditation, Training Strategies for Long-Term Brain Health, Wallet-Sitting and Posture, Dealing with Full-Body Tension on One Side, and More... 15.05.2026 1t 2min

In this episode, I speak with my producer, Tony, to answer questions from the listeners and we discuss: The neurology of meditation My experiments with binaural beats Dealing with full-body tension on one side Opposing Joint Theory - PMRF patterns Wallet-sitting and posture The importance of cardio and strength training Basic breathing and visual drills Training strategies for long-term brain health Novelty in training And more... 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 Cranial Nerve 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

#64 - The 8 Levels of Applied Neurology - A Framework for Pain and Mobility Issues 08.05.2026 1t 34min

What if you could use a single framework to diagnose your pain and mobility issues?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the 8 Levels of Applied Neurology, and how any issue we are trying to solve can be viewed through this framework to better understand, diagnose, and target it at the neurological level.  I outline the 8 Levels from the outside-in, following the neuro-anatomy of the body from the receptor level at the skin all the way up the spine and into the brain, and in doing so, show how you can systematically evaluate pain, movement, or mobility issues from a local level on up to higher order systems in the brain.  I also use a specific example of a pain and mobility issue and run it through the 8 Levels so you can see exactly how it can be applied and why so many of these issues are complex and touch many different systems in the body.  The 8 Levels is a powerful model that integrates all of the topics, tools, and approaches discussed thus far on the podcast into a single framework, and is required listening for the aspiring or practicing movement coach or professional.  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 Cranial Nerve 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

#63 - What is Really Happening with Repetitive Motion Injuries 24.04.2026 1t 20min

What if your tennis elbow is actually a symptom of a metabolic issue?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about common repetitive motion injuries that I get asked about frequently like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, jumper's knee, tendonitis etc.  I discuss why I don't love the term "repetitive motion injury" and how I prefer to think about these types of tendon issues from an applied neurology lens.  I discuss potential causes as well as outline several drills and techniques that can provide relief for these common issues.  Throughout this episode I touch on different topics such as floating pain syndrome, metabolic threats, hypersensitivity, the Alexander Technique, carpal tunnel, neuromechanic drills, peripheral nerves, compression bands, pressure-checking, joint mobility drills, floss bands, deep-tendon reflexes, general conditioning, aquatic exercise and more.  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 Cranial Nerve 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

#62 - The Neurology of Touch 10.04.2026 1t 41min

What if a thirty-second massage could eliminate your pain?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the power of touch from an applied neurology lens and how I utilize manual techniques in my practice to improve movement and relieve pain.  I discuss the neurological pathways involved in sensing touch and how we can use that knowledge to test and then target our manual techniques more effectively.  I also demystify common manual therapies and provide the practitioner with a plethora of tools and techniques that they can incorporate right away.  This episode covers a variety of topics such as the first-touch and second-touch pathways, c-fibers, the dorsal column, two-point discrimination, the spinal-thalamic pathway, crude touch, deep-tissue massage, foam rolling, soft touch, tractioning, the role of the thalamus as a filter for nociception, the 4-D analysis of touch, pulsing, and more.   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 Cranial Nerve 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

#61 - Complex Movements and Cerebellar Training 28.03.2026 1t 26min

What if you could improve your golf swing with complex movement drills?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about complex movement training and how it relates to the cerebellum, coordination, and pain.  I discuss the neuroanatomy of the cerebellum and its role in coordination, balance, proprioception, posture and muscle tone and how a deficit in cerebellar function can affect any or all of these traits or lead to pain.  I outline how to assess the health and engagement of the cerebellum, and how complex movement training can help us target any deficits as specifically as possible to create positive neurological change.  I also talk specifically about how targeting the cerebellum can not only reduce pain, but also help prevent injury and optimize athletic performance.  This episode covers a variety of topics such as the shapes continuum, gait assessment, the different zones of the cerebellum, true balance training, the difference between pain and injury, indian clubs, the patellar reflex test, juggling, and more.   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 Cranial Nerve 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

#60 - The Neuroscience of Frontal Lobe Training 21.02.2026 1t 28min

Can you improve your lack of motivation with frontal lobe training?  In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, and talk about the frontal lobe and why it is an important region of the brain related to voluntary movement, inhibition, core stability, focus and pain.  I outline common history findings that point to deficits in frontal lobe function, discuss the anatomy of the frontal lobe, and share some exercises and drills that can stimulate the frontal lobe to improve movement, enhance focus and motivation, and decrease pain.  I also talk about hemisphericity and how I think about right-left specific stimuli and training, some of my favorite apps for vision and reaction-based drills, why fuel issues and frontal lobe deficits might be related, the power of dual-tasking and sequencing for frontal lobe training and coordination, and more.   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

#59 - What is Applied Neurology? 14.02.2026 1t 14min

Does the word "neurology" make you think of scientists in white lab coats?  In this episode, I bring it back to basics with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, and talk about what applied neurology really is.  I define applied neurology as I use it in my practice and what sets it apart from other more clinical neuroscience-based disciplines like functional neurology.  I also talk about the growing "nervous system regulation" space and what many are getting right and wrong about applied neurology as the concepts start to become more popular.  I talk about some of the core foundations and models underpinning applied neurology such as the input/output loop, the threat bucket, the assessment process, the importance of neuroanatomy, the time-scale of the nervous system, and more.  This is a review of fundamental concepts but also a great discussion around how I think about applied neurology and how it fits into the wider conversation around health, fitness, pain, and mobility.   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

#58 - How to Change Your Autonomic Function 07.02.2026 1t 23min

Do you have clients who never seem to warm up despite your best efforts? In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about the autonomic system and how it relates to pain and mobility.  I talk about the involuntary nature of the autonomic system, the relationship between voluntary and involuntary function, how the body will anticipate physical activity, the neuro-anatomy of autonomic function, pain and threat, gait, breathing, blood-pressure, bone-conduction headphones, warm-ups, and more.  I also talk about how to determine if someone is having issues with their autonomic system, what tools you can use when making assessments, and different stimuli that can be used to improve autonomic function.  While autonomic function may not be under your direct conscious control, there are still a lot of ways to affect your autonomic function for the better to decrease pain and improve health and performance.   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

#57 - 2025 Year In Review 30.01.2026 1t 19min

In this episode, I speak with my trusty podcast producer, Tony, about how Kruse Elite has changed and grown over the past year and what we are focusing on going into 2026.  I talk about the difference between social media growth and actual business success, what has changed in our Neuro Dojo courses over the past year, and why 2025 has been our best year yet.  I also talk about some of the biggest challenges we faced with our health, our home, our business, and how we relate to our students and our audience.  I discuss some environmental threat factors that were leading to health and pain issues and how we are trying to work through it with applied neurology and dietary changes.  I share some of the most popular neuro concepts and successes for our students over the past year, and how restructuring our courses has allowed us to better support our students as they progress with their neuro education.  We are so grateful to everyone that has listened and engaged with us over the years and are looking forward to some big things in 2026 and beyond.  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

#56 - Setting Goals Around Pain 09.01.2026 1t 8min

What if your pain is getting in the way of your health and fitness goals?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about setting goals around pain.  I discuss why calendar-based goals can be a trap, what happens when pain gets in the way of your performance goals, how I think about goal-setting for my own training, how I help my clients achieve their performance goals, setting goals around consistency, how to set neuro-specific goals for yourself, and more.  I also talk about the ephemeral nature of pain, why it's better to focus on process rather than outcomes when it comes to pain, how chronic pain differs greatly from other forms of pain, why the salience of performance goals can actually help reduce pain, and why getting benchmarks of your own performance is often a better first step than looking at standards.  This is a must-listen if you are setting goals for the New Year.  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

#55 - Is Tracking Worth It? 19.12.2025 1t 18min

What if tracking is hurting your progress?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about tracking in its many forms and how I think about it in the context of my own training and applied neurology practice.  I discuss some more common tracking practices like steps, calories, macros, heart rate, weight/reps/sets, sleep etc. as well as some more neuro-specific practices like tracking pain, breathing, balance, and cerebellar testing.  I discuss the pros and cons of these methods, identify the ones I use most personally and with my clients, and offer some insights into how to think about tracking not as a goal unto itself, but as a tool to inform your training and lifestyle habits or to educate yourself as an athlete or coach.  I also discuss the relationship between interoception and chronic pain, and how focusing inward is a powerful tool that can sometimes be counterproductive.  This is a free-ranging conversation around the many forms of tracking with many powerful training and applied neurology insights sprinkled throughout.   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

#54 - Expanding Your Movement Box 05.12.2025 1t 34min

What if your ability to move well is shrinking?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about the concept of the 'movement box' and why creating a varied movement practice can be the key to a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.  I discuss the neurology of movement and how movement can be trained through exposure, what happens when you don't have that exposure to varied movement, and why a lack of varied movement may have other, less obvious side-effects.  I give my number one recommendation for the sedentary individual that is looking to improve their ability to move, some of my favorite exercises to add to a regular strength training program, and my thoughts on picking up new physical fitness modalities or sports.  I also discuss the concept of "optimal" movement in strength training vs "functional" movement, why I believe lifestyle stress is the greatest contributor to injury, the difference between flexibility and mobility training, the active vs passive gap, why you should treat your training like a practice, why speed of movement matters, and more. 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

#53 - What Chiropractors Should Know About Applied Neurology 21.11.2025 1t 14min

What should you do if chiropractic adjustments aren't helping your client?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about using applied neurology to support chiropractic care.  I discuss what is happening with chiropractic adjustments from a neurological lens, the state and diversity of the chiropractic industry, common misunderstandings about chiropractic adjustments, some of the tech-based approaches that have been embraced by chiropractors, and more.  I outline the importance of assessments to any practice and describe some gait, cerebellar, and range-of-motion assessments that can be done quickly in a chiropractic session to help inform adjustments and exercise prescriptions.  I talk about the active vs passive gap and some strategies to add more active interventions to your practice.  I also give some advice on how to structure your practice in a way that supports more personalized care for your clients and what to do if your interventions aren't yielding positive results.  This episode is meant to be a companion to any chiropractor or manual therapist that is looking to incorporate applied neurology in their practice, and has plenty of great actionable advice that applies outside of chiropractic as well.   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

#52 - Primitive Reflexes Explained: How Early Brain Development Shapes Behavior, Learning & Emotions with Rachel Harrington 07.11.2025 1t 2min

Did your child skip some developmental milestones or seem a little behind in hitting them? Do they struggle with things like catching or throwing a ball, playing sports, or even making friends? Or maybe you were that kid once upon a time? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with pediatric occupational therapy assistant Rachel Harrington all about primitive reflexes—what they are, how and when they develop, and how they impact both kids and adults in daily life. We dive into how these reflexes get kick-started during the birthing process, how many are guided by the visual system, and why it’s so important to integrate them as children grow. We also talk about how primitive reflexes can actually come back after trauma or as part of the aging process, acting as a protective mechanism. Rachel breaks down the signs of poor reflex integration—things like ongoing anxiety, vestibular dysfunction, feeling ungrounded, poor left/right coordination, ADHD, bedwetting, IBS, trouble sitting still, speech or articulation challenges, and more. We nerd out a bit on the neuroanatomy behind primitive reflexes and get into practical tools like breathing exercises, motor control drills, and vestibular activities. We even chat about how these concepts overlap with applied neuro training. Plus, Rachel shares activity ideas for kids who struggle with emotional regulation and explains how to choose drills based on whether a child is over- or under-responsive. Huge thanks to Rachel for sharing her deep knowledge of pediatric occupational therapy and for creating such incredible resources for both parents and practitioners. Click below to follow and work with Rachel and her team at The Sensory Project and Sensational Brain. Websites:   https://sensationalbrain.com/ https://thesensoryproject.com/pages/integrative-achievement-center   Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/59C6E9E1-DEC9-4839-80BA-1B21D5D9D87F?ingress=2&lp_context_asin=B0FM8MQC2F&lp_context_query=the%20sensory%20project&visitId=ec71f4a3-c3c9-4710-8da7-88f70d8effd5&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln    Instagrams:        @sensationalbrain   @thesensoryproject208   Podcast: https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast  Freebies: Reflex checklist:  https://masterful-flower-376.myflodesk.com/pijs6q3tr7 Sensory checklist: https://masterful-flower-376.myflodesk.com/free-sensory-checklist    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

#51 - Understanding Pain 31.10.2025 1t 14min

What if most people are fundamentally misunderstanding how pain works?  In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, about how I think about pain through an applied neurology lens.  I discuss the psychology of pain, how we usually associate pain with injury, how pain is a construct of the brain related to threat, and why understanding the true nature of pain can be the single most powerful revelation for many of my clients.  I also discuss how I approach acute pain related to injury vs chronic pain, why movement tends to be so helpful for pain, the threat bucket, the concept of nociception, muscle pain vs joint pain, referral-based visceral pain, what's actually causing headaches, pain disorders and more.  I also discuss some of my favorite interventions for dealing with pain ranging from techniques such as blood-flow restriction and breathing exercises to trigeminal nerve activation and lymphatic drainage techniques.  This episode is a great review of many essential applied neurology concepts around pain and includes some of my go-to tools and insights for dealing with pain when nothing else seems to be working.  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