14 year old male baseball player presented to Vertex with a chief complaint of left sided jaw pain that occurred after being hit on the chin by a ground ball at practice. Additionally, he complains of his jaw “locking” and “clicking” with end range mouth opening, specifically while eating.
Clinical Exam:
Palpable Click with opening and 25mm left mandibular deviation (ipsilateral)
Apical breathing pattern
Decreased left upper cervical rotation (+ left cervical flexion rotation test)
Tenderness to palpation left masseter and left medial pterygoid with patient reported familiar pain
Treatment:
HVLAT directed to bilateral C1/C2 with + cavitations.
Upper and mid thoracic HVLAT
DN with electrical stimulation to left masseter, medial pterygoid, and joint capsule.
Manual TMJ distraction
Home Exercise Program:
Cervical SNAGs, cervical retraction with over-pressure applied to maxilla, postural resets, diaphragmatic breathing
Patient Education:
Postural considerations; specifically with school and smart phone use consisting of spending less time in forward head posture in order to minimize mandibular retraction.
Result:
Chief complaint of “click” and “locking” resolved within session. 25mm deviation reduced to <5mm. Patient followed up 6 weeks later and maintained treatment effect.
https://i0.wp.com/vertexpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/TMJ-pic.jpg?fit=304%2C241&ssl=1241304Brandon Vaughnhttp://ecbiz218.inmotionhosting.com/~wwwver6/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-horiz.pngBrandon Vaughn2017-04-26 12:52:372018-02-23 21:17:21TMJ Dysfunction Case Study
At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, we regularly use the Biering-Sorensen Test to evaluate lumbar endurance in athletes, active adults, and individuals recovering from low back pain. It’s a powerful tool to assess the isometric endurance of the back and hip extensors, helping us identify clients who may be at higher risk for developing nonspecific low back pain.
Whether you’re a CrossFit athlete, weightlifter, or weekend warrior, understanding your posterior chain endurance is key before returning to deadlifting, running, or any high-level physical activity.
What Is the Sorensen Test?
The Biering-Sorensen test (often referred to simply as the Sorensen Test) is a clinical assessment of the endurance of your lumbar spine extensors. Research supports its use in predicting the likelihood of future or recurring low back pain, especially in active populations.
How Is the Sorensen Test Performed?
You’ll need:
A GHD machine (glute-ham developer), available in most gyms and performance clinics
A timer
A trained provider or clinician (preferably a physical therapist in Columbia, SC )
Instructions:
Position the patient face-down on the GHD in a horizontal prone position.
Cross arms over the chest and keep the chin tucked.
Make sure the upper edge of the iliac crest aligns with the pad.
Instruct the patient to brace the abs and squeeze the glutes to maintain a neutral spine.
Start the timer when they reach full position.
Stop the test when:
The patient’s shoulders drop
They can no longer hold position
240 seconds (4 minutes) is reached
Males
Females
Healthy
198s
197s
Prior Low Back Pain
176s
210s
Current Low Back Pain
163s
177s
Source: Demoulin et al. (2006). Spinal muscle evaluation using the Sorensen test: a critical appraisal of the literature.
Why We Use It at Vertex PT
At Vertex Physical Therapy Specialists, with locations in Cayce, Irmo, and Downtown Columbia, we incorporate the Sorensen Test into return-to-sport assessments and back pain rehab plans. It helps us:
Benchmark baseline endurance
Track progress over time
Reduce the risk of reinjury
Guide training modifications
If you’re dealing with chronic low back pain, or preparing to return to lifting, this is one test you don’t want to skip.
Columbia SC Physical Therapy for Back Pain and Injury Prevention
Ready to test your spinal endurance or address lingering back pain?
We can help.
Our licensed physical therapists specialize in sports rehab, spinal strengthening, and performance optimization. Whether you’re in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, or the surrounding Midlands area, Vertex PT Specialists can design a customized plan that gets you back to doing what you love.
Book an appointment at one of our Columbia-area clinics or contact us today to schedule your assessment.
http://ecbiz218.inmotionhosting.com/~wwwver6/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-horiz.png00Brandon Vaughnhttp://ecbiz218.inmotionhosting.com/~wwwver6/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/logo-horiz.pngBrandon Vaughn2017-04-12 10:36:122025-07-24 16:30:15Biering-Sorensen Test: What It Measures and Why It Matters
Peptides 102: The Ultimate Injection Guide is Here
If you’re into peptides, you already know what they can do—fat loss, recovery, performance, sleep, anti-aging. But let’s be honest… Most people still mess up the basics.
Bad reconstitution ratio
Wrong injection technique
No site rotation
Lumps, scar tissue, and wasted vials
That’s exactly why I put together Peptides 102: The Pinning Guide—a free, tactical injection resource designed to walk you through every single step.
This isn’t theory. This is everything I’ve learned from answering hundreds of DMs, consults, and patient questions, condensed into one practical PDF.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
✅ Step-by-step reconstitution instructions (with supply list and links) ✅ BAC vs. acetic acid—when to use each ✅ Injection site maps (systemic, local, and superficial) ✅ How to avoid lumps, nodules, and scar tissue ✅ Mixing multiple peptides properly ✅ Storage and shelf-life best practices ✅ Site rotation strategy ✅ Real-world FAQs and mistakes I see daily
Who This Guide Is For:
Beginners ready to move from theory to action
Intermediate users looking to fix their technique
Anyone who’s wasted peptides because of poor prep or bad info
People tired of YouTube rabbit holes and Reddit confusion
Final Note
Pin responsibly. These guides are educational only, not medical advice. Always talk to your physician before starting anything new.
