Entries by Brandon Vaughn

,

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 […]

, ,

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 […]

,

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 At Vertex PT Specialists, we provide women’s health physical therapy in Columbia, SC that goes beyond outdated advice.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 […]

,

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 […]

,

From Gymnastics Studios to Garage Gyms: Who Can Benefit from In-Home Physical Therapy?

When people think of home health physical therapy, they often picture older adults recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions—and we absolutely serve those patients. But that’s only part of the story. At Vertex PT Specialists, our Outpatient Home Health Physical Therapy team serves a wide spectrum of patients in Lexington and Richland Counties. From […]

,

What to Look for in a Sports Physical Therapist

When you’re recovering from an injury or trying to stay in the game, you need more than a basic rehab plan. As an athlete—whether competitive or recreational—you deserve physical therapy that reflects the demands of your sport and helps you return stronger, not just pain-free. If you’re searching for sports physical therapy in Columbia, SC […]

, , ,

Thinking About BPC-157 for a SLAP Tear? Here’s What You Should Know

It’s a question I’ve been asked more than once:“Can peptides like BPC-157 actually heal a SLAP tear?” I answered this in a recent YouTube video, but I wanted to break it down further here—especially for anyone exploring shoulder pain solutions, labral injuries, or alternatives to surgery. Watch the full breakdown here: New to Peptides? If […]