Entries by Brandon Vaughn

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What is a Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) in Physical Therapy? Meet Dr. Remey Timo-Dondoyano

Did you know that only about 1.5% of physical therapists in the United States are Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS)? At Vertex PT, we’re proud to have Dr. Remey Timo-Dondoyano, PT, DPT, on our team. She earned her SCS credential through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties in 2020, placing her among a small […]

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USC Arnold School Honors Vertex PT Founder Brandon Vaughn in 50 Careers for 50 Years Campaign

USC Arnold School of Public Health Honors Brandon Vaughn in 50 Careers for 50 Years Dr. Brandon Vaughn, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, founder of Vertex PT Specialists, was recently recognized by the USC Arnold School of Public Health as part of its “50 Careers for 50 Years” campaign, celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary and spotlighting […]

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Dry Needling the Distal Supraspinatus for Rotator Cuff Pain

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, especially near the front or top of the shoulder, rotator cuff syndrome may be to blame. At Vertex PT Specialists, we frequently treat patients in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and surrounding areas dealing with this common issue. One powerful treatment tool we use is dry needling—a technique that targets dysfunctional […]

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The Best Post-Workout Drink for Endurance Athletes, According to Science

If you’re an endurance junkie and you’re logging long rides, training for a half-marathon, crushing WODs, or chasing podiums, you already know recovery matters. But here’s the real question:What’s the best drink to help you bounce back faster and perform better next time? A new study published in The Journal of Physiology tested different post-workout […]

Dry Needling the Rhomboids Safely: Lessons from a Recent Pneumothorax Case

Dry Needling the Rhomboids: What a Recent Case Teaches Us About Safety Dry needling is an effective clinical tool for treating myofascial pain, trigger points, and movement dysfunction. But like any skilled intervention, it requires anatomical precision and clinical judgment—especially when needling near the thoracic cavity. In June 2025, the journal Physical Therapy published a […]

Concussion Supplements That Actually Work: What the Latest Research Says

Concussions are complex—and so is recovery. While rest and graded return-to-activity remain the foundation, research now supports a range of nutritional strategies to help the brain heal more efficiently. A 2024 review published in Nutrients (PMC11314487) outlines how targeted supplements may reduce inflammation, support energy metabolism, and enhance cognitive recovery following concussion or mild traumatic […]

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TMJ Pain in Columbia SC? Here’s What Really Helps (Backed by Physical Therapy and Dry Needling)

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, clicking, clenching, or limited opening, you’re not alone. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ or TMD) affects millions of Americans—and it’s one of the most overlooked musculoskeletal issues in physical therapy. At Vertex PT Specialists, we specialize in treating TMJ disorders using a combination of hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, and targeted […]

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Postpartum Recovery and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC: Why Kegels Might Not Be Enough

If you’ve been told to “just do Kegels” after pregnancy, you’re not alone—and you’re not getting the full picture. At Vertex PT Specialists, we provide women’s health physical therapy in Columbia, SC that goes beyond outdated advice. Our pelvic floor physical therapist, Dr. Katie Bailey, PT, DPT, helps women recover their strength, confidence, and control […]

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Dry Needling for Low Back Pain: Targeting the Erector Spinae and Multifidus

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy. At Vertex PT Specialists, we use advanced techniques like dry needling to target deep spinal stabilizers that traditional treatments often miss. In this video, Dr. Josh Jeffery, PT, DPT, CSCS, reviews the anatomical considerations, palpation techniques, and safe application of dry […]