, ,

2025 Vertex Pump & Run 5K 

When is it? Saturday March 29th, 2025

Where is it? Vertex PT Specialists in Cayce, SC (located across from Krispy Kreme)

Who is it for? Anyone looking to test their strength and endurance, PR their 5K, or just come out to run/walk and have a good time!

The Vertex Pump & Run is an event that measures overall fitness by testing both strength and endurance.

In the competition, participants bench press a percentage of their body weight. Each lift (up to a maximum of 30 reps) reduces their 5-kilometer run time by 30 seconds. There will be ten (10) age/gender divisions. Depending on age, men must bench press 60% to 100% of their weight, and women 40% to 70% of their weight.

Weigh-in and bench press begin at 7:00 a.m. The running portion of the 5K Pump & Run starts at 8:30 a.m. Participants can choose to register for the 5K run/walk only, which also starts at 8:30 a.m.

The 5K race will be timed by Strictly Running and is part of Columbia Running Club’s Tour de Columbia. The race will start and finish at Vertex PT.

Entry to the Pump & Run or the Vertex 5K includes a T-shirt that is guaranteed if you register before March 10th!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 


Example:

  • A 45-year-old female who weighs in at 150 lbs will bench press 60% of her bodyweight for reps, which is 90 lbs.
  • She successfully bench presses 90 lbs for 15 reps.
  • She then runs a 5k and finishes in 24 minutes.
  • Her recorded time is therefore 16 minutes and 30 seconds, after reducing her 5k time by 7 minutes and 30 seconds due to her 15 successful bench press reps.

BENCH PRESS RULES

  1. Starting Position
    • The lifter must lie on their back with their head, shoulders, and buttocks in contact with the bench surface.
    • The lifter’s feet must be flat on the floor. If a lifter’s feet cannot comfortably or securely reach the floor due to height, blocks may be placed under their feet to provide a stable and level surface. These blocks must not elevate the heels higher than a natural flat-foot position.
    • Shoes must not have excessively thick soles that artificially elevate the heels.
  2. Grip and Bar Position
    • The lifter’s eyes must be directly under the barbell when positioned on the bench.
    • The grip width of the barbell is not specified, but it must be evenly distributed on both sides of the lifter’s body.
    • The lifter must use a thumb-around grip, which must be maintained throughout the lift.
  3. Lift Execution
    • The barbell must be lifted from the rack stands and lowered under control to touch the lifter’s chest.
    • The lifter must press the bar upward immediately from the chest to the fully locked-out position with elbows extended. One repetition is counted when the barbell reaches this locked-out position.
    • The lifter must hold the bar steady in the locked-out position before lowering it back to the chest. Resting on the chest is not allowed.
    • A maximum of 30 unbroken reps is permitted. If the lifter racks the bar or requires assistance, their score will be the total number of completed reps.
  4. Spotting and Safety
    • A spotter will be present for safety and must intervene only if the lifter requests assistance or cannot complete the lift.
    • The lifter’s score will reflect the last fully completed repetition before racking or requiring spotter intervention.
  5. Special Accommodations for Shorter Lifters
    • Lifters who are unable to securely place their feet flat on the floor due to height are permitted to use blocks under their feet to achieve a stable position. The blocks must ensure a natural, flat-footed stance without elevating the heels artificially.
    • The blocks used must be approved by event organizers to ensure consistency and fairness.

COURSE MAP


SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR!

We are thrilled to have the Samuels Reynolds Law Firm as the title sponsor for the Vertex Pump & Run. Their unwavering support for local events like ours demonstrates their commitment to strengthening our community.

As a locally owned boutique law firm based in Columbia, SC, Samuels Reynolds Law Firm specializes in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. With over 57 years of combined experience, they offer personalized attention, in-depth knowledge, and skilled legal representation to clients across South Carolina.

If you or a loved one need trusted legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at 803.779.4000 or visit their website at samuelsreynolds.com.

Thank you, Samuels Reynolds Law Firm, for helping make the Vertex Pump & Run possible!

 

Race Day Schedule 

7:00 am – Packet pick up, Late Registration

7-8:00 am – Weigh in and Bench Press

8:30 am – 5K race begins for EVERYONE

10:00 am – Awards Ceremony

Packet Pick Up

Friday, March 28th – 8:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m

Saturday, March 29th – 7:00 a.m – 7:30 a.m

 

Registration Cost

5k Run – $40

Pump & Run – $45
/0 Comments/by
, ,

Mastering Dry Needling for the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)

At Vertex PT Specialists, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of physical therapy techniques. In our latest video, Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, demonstrates and instructs on the proper technique for dry needling the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)—a vital treatment for addressing low back pain and dysfunction.

Check out the video below to see Brandon guide you through this advanced dry needling technique step by step:

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a powerful treatment designed to relieve muscle pain, trigger points, and movement restrictions. By using thin, sterile needles, physical therapists can target specific muscle groups, leading to:

  • Improved Circulation: Enhances the healing process by increasing blood flow.
  • Pain Relief: Releases tension in tight muscles.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Restores proper function and range of motion.

Why Focus on the QL?

The Quadratus Lumborum is a deep-seated muscle located in the lower back. Dysfunction in the QL can lead to:

  • Persistent low back pain
  • Limited hip mobility
  • Referred pain to the glutes or pelvis

Brandon Vaughn’s demonstration highlights how precise dry needling can effectively alleviate QL-related symptoms, making it an invaluable tool in physical therapy.

About Brandon Vaughn

Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a seasoned physical therapist and the owner of Vertex PT Specialists. With a wealth of experience and advanced certifications, Brandon specializes in helping patients achieve optimal recovery and performance. In this video, he shares his expertise to empower other therapists and educate patients about effective treatment options.

Why Choose Vertex PT Specialists?

At Vertex PT Specialists, our team of highly trained therapists uses evidence-based techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, we’re here to help.

Learn More or Book an Appointment

Want to know more about dry needling and how it can benefit you? Contact us today at info@vertexpt.com or call 803-973-0100 to schedule your appointment.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Regain Control: How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help Urinary Incontinence

At Vertex PT Specialists, LLC, located in Columbia, SC, we are committed to helping individuals regain control over their lives through effective and personalized physical therapy solutions. One area we specialize in is pelvic floor therapy for those experiencing urinary incontinence. If you’re struggling with leaks or other bladder issues, this post will guide you through what urinary incontinence is, its causes, and how pelvic floor therapy can help.

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine, which can happen to people of all ages. However, it’s especially common in women due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. It can impact daily life, self-confidence, and even physical activity, but the good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy offers a proven solution.

Common Types of Urinary Incontinence:

  • Stress Incontinence: Leakage caused by activities like sneezing, coughing, laughing, or exercise.
  • Urge Incontinence: A sudden, intense urge to urinate that’s difficult to control.
  • Mixed Incontinence: A combination of stress and urge incontinence.

At Vertex PT Specialists, our Women’s Health Physical Therapists are trained to assess and treat all forms of incontinence with a tailored approach.

Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence

Several factors can contribute to urinary incontinence, including:

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness or Tightness: Muscles may not function properly to support the bladder.
  • Poor Bladder Habits: “Just-in-case” bathroom trips can lead to bad habits.
  • Hormonal Changes, Pregnancy, or Childbirth: These events can weaken the pelvic floor.
  • Chronic Constipation or Straining: Increased abdominal pressure can damage pelvic muscles.
  • Nutrition and Hydration Issues: Caffeine, alcohol, and dehydration can irritate the bladder.

Our team  focuses on identifying the root cause of your incontinence to create a treatment plan that works for you.

How Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to strengthen, relax, and coordinate the muscles in the pelvic region. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Internal and External Assessments:
    • Our Women’s Health PTs assess muscle strength, coordination, and areas of tightness or tenderness both internally and externally to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
  2. Personalized Treatment Plans:
    • Bladder Habits: Education on healthy bladder routines.
    • Guided Kegel Exercises: Learn proper technique with external cuing to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
    • Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM): Address muscle tightness or scar tissue in internal and external structures that may contribute to incontinence.
  3. Education and Empowerment:
    • We educate patients on the connection between lifestyle factors (hydration, nutrition, and exercise) and pelvic health.

Tips for Improving Bladder Health

In addition to pelvic floor therapy, here are some actionable tips you can use today:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water, but avoid overhydration or dehydration.
  • Bladder Training: Avoid “just-in-case” bathroom trips. Aim to urinate every 2-4 hours.
  • Limit Irritants: Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks if they irritate your bladder.
  • Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor: Engage in pelvic floor exercises under the guidance of a professional.

Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Leaks

If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, don’t wait to seek help. At Vertex PT Specialists in Columbia, SC, our Women’s Health Physical Therapists, Dr. Carly Holthausen, PT, DPT, and Dr. Katie Bailey, PT, DPT, are here to provide expert care tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment:
Visit us at vertexpt.com
Call us at (803) 973-0100

Take control of your pelvic health and live life without limitations—schedule your appointment today!

Why Choose Vertex PT Specialists?

With a commitment to quality care and a team of experienced specialists, Vertex PT is your trusted partner for all your physical therapy needs in Columbia, SC. We offer comprehensive pelvic floor therapy, empowering our patients to regain control of their lives.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we don’t just treat conditions—we treat people. Let us help you on your journey to better health.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Dr. Brandon Vaughn Featured on “The Game of Wealth” Podcast

We are excited to share that Dr. Brandon Vaughn, founder of Vertex Physical Therapy, was recently featured on Season 2, Episode 8 of The Game of Wealth Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Vaughn dives into the story behind the creation of Vertex PT, sharing the challenges and triumphs of building a practice that prioritizes quality care, community involvement, and professional growth. He discusses Vertex’s core values and how they continue to shape the company’s success and its reputation for excellence in physical therapy.

If you’ve ever wondered what drives the vision behind Vertex PT or what it takes to grow a values-driven business, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now: S2 EP8: Brandon Vaughn, Founder of Vertex Physical Therapy

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab

Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab

Download Here

Recovering from an ACL injury can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, you can improve your outcomes. Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab is a comprehensive guide that combines evidence-based practices with the latest in peptide therapy to support recovery and long-term health.

Written by Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, this guide provides clear, actionable protocols tailored to each stage of recovery.

What’s Inside:

  • Phase-Specific Recovery Protocols: Step-by-step guidance for using peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, and IGF-1 LR3 during each stage of ACL rehab.
  • Nutritional Support: Practical recommendations for optimizing recovery through diet and supplementation.
  • Case Studies: Real-world examples showing how peptides can accelerate healing and reduce downtime.
  • Safety Guidelines: Tips for sourcing, reconstituting, and administering peptides responsibly.

Who Is This For?

  • Physical Therapists: Gain insights into incorporating peptide therapy into your practice.
  • ACL Patients: Learn how to actively support your recovery with targeted strategies.
  • Athletes and Enthusiasts: Reduce injury risk and improve recovery with peptide-based solutions.

Why This Guide?

Brandon Vaughn shares over 15 years of clinical experience, combining innovative therapies with practical recovery advice. This guide is designed to provide a balanced and evidence-based approach to ACL rehabilitation.

Stay Updated:

Follow Brandon on Instagram for the latest updates on peptide therapy and recovery tips: @bvthept.

Start improving your recovery today. Download Peptide Therapy: For ACL Rehab and explore how peptides can make a difference in your healing process.

/0 Comments/by

Peptides Q&A

I’ve compiled all the Q&As from Peptides 101, along with common questions from DMs, texts, and emails, into one convenient resource! This document will be updated at least monthly, so feel free to enter $0 at checkout and check back periodically to re-download the latest version. Keep those questions coming!

Free to download here.

-Dr. Brandon

/0 Comments/by