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2026 Vertex Pump & Run Recap

The 2026 Vertex Pump & Run was a great day for our community.

Every year, this event reminds us what makes it special. You get strength. You get grit. You get people willing to show up, compete, cheer, volunteer, and be part of something bigger than themselves. That is what this event is about.

For those who are new to the format, the Pump & Run starts with the bench press and finishes with a 5K. Every bench rep takes 30 seconds off your 5K time, which means the final result rewards both strength and endurance. It is a simple format, but it makes for a fun day and some serious competition.

We want to thank every participant who signed up and competed. Some came to chase a win. Some came to test themselves. Some came to be part of the atmosphere. All of it matters. Events like this do not happen without people willing to step up and get after it.

We also want to thank our volunteers, supporters, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make the day run smoothly. Putting on an event like this takes a team effort, and we are grateful for every person who gave their time and energy to help make it happen.

And of course, thank you to the families, friends, and spectators who came out and supported everybody along the way. That kind of support changes the whole feel of a race day. It makes the event better, louder, and more memorable.

As for the competition, the winners earned it.

Our Male Overall Winner was Orinthal Striggles with a net time of 5:44. Our Female Overall Winner was Krissy Diaz with a net time of 9:50. In the Masters division, Cody Perrot took the Male Masters title with a net time of 7:39, and Shenequa Coles won Female Masters with a net time of 19:37.

That is a strong day’s work. Congratulations to all four champions.

There were a lot of strong performances across the board, and the full results show just how competitive the field was from top to bottom.

At the end of the day, this event is bigger than times and placings. Sure, we like competition. We are not going to apologize for that. But what makes this event worth doing is the people. Good people. Strong effort. A fun atmosphere. A community that keeps showing up.

That is a beautiful thing.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make the 2026 Vertex Pump & Run a success. We appreciate you, and we are already looking forward to next year.

For full results, visit the official results page here.

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Murph Workout in Columbia, SC | Free Memorial Day Event at Vertex PT

Murph Workout in Columbia, SC | Join Us This Memorial Day

We’re hosting our annual Murph workout this Memorial Day at Vertex PT in Cayce, and you’re invited.

Whether you’ve done Murph before or this is your first time, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, train with a group, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Event Details

  • Date: Monday, May 25
  • Heats: 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM
  • Location: Vertex PT, Cayce, SC

👉 Sign up here

If you’ve been wanting to try out our gym or just need a place to do Murph, come for free. Bring a friend.

What Is the Murph Workout?

“Murph” is a CrossFit Hero workout honoring U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

Every Memorial Day, gyms across the country complete this workout as a tribute to his sacrifice and to honor all who have served.

The Murph Workout (Rx Version)

For time:

  • 1-mile run
  • 100 pull-ups
  • 200 push-ups
  • 300 air squats
  • 1-mile run

You can break up the pull-ups, push-ups, and squats as needed.

A weight vest (20 lb for men / 14 lb for women) is traditional, but not required.

Murph for Beginners (Scaling Options Available)

New to Murph? No problem.

We’ll have scaling options available so anyone can participate, including:

  • Reduced reps
  • Ring rows instead of pull-ups
  • Elevated or modified push-ups
  • Shorter run distances

Our goal is simple: meet you where you are and help you get through the workout safely.

Why Do Murph on Memorial Day?

Murph is more than just a workout.

It’s a way to:

  • Honor those who gave their lives in service
  • Push yourself physically and mentally
  • Be part of something bigger than yourself

There’s a different energy in the room on Memorial Day. You feel it.

Join Us for Murph in Columbia, SC

If you’re in Columbia, Cayce, West Columbia, or the surrounding area, we’d love to have you.

👉 Reserve your spot here

Come put in the work. Bring a friend.

We’ll see you on Memorial Day.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Vertex

This year, Vertex is proud to celebrate 10 years of serving Columbia, South Carolina and the surrounding community.

Since 2016, our mission has been clear: deliver high quality care, help people get better, faster, and do things the right way. Over the past decade, we have had the privilege of working with so many patients, families, athletes, professionals, and members of our community. We do not take that trust lightly.

From the beginning, Vertex was built with intention. We wanted to create a place where patients could receive thoughtful, one-on-one care and where treatment was guided by clinical reasoning, strong relationships, and a genuine commitment to outcomes. Ten years later, that standard still matters just as much to us now as it did on day one.

We are incredibly grateful for the patients and families who have trusted us with their care over the years. We are also thankful for the clinicians and staff members who have contributed to the work, as well as the colleagues, referral partners, and community supporters who have been part of the journey. So much of what has been built over the last decade has been made possible through the support, trust, and relationships of people throughout Columbia and the Midlands.

As we reflect on the past 10 years, we are proud of what Vertex represents. Hard work. Intention. Excellence. A commitment to serving people well. We are thankful for everyone who has played a part in the story, and grateful to God for His blessing and provision along the way.

Thank you, Columbia, SC, for allowing Vertex PT Specialists to serve this community for the past decade.

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Men’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC

What it is, who it helps, and what to expect at Vertex PT Specialists

Pelvic floor issues aren’t just a women’s health topic.

At Vertex PT Specialists, we now offer men’s pelvic floor physical therapy in Columbia, SC. If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, or ongoing pain that hasn’t responded to typical treatment, pelvic floor PT can be a practical, conservative next step.

Visits are private, one-on-one, and built around a clear plan to help you get back to normal life and training.

What Is the Pelvic Floor (and Why It Matters for Men)?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues at the base of the pelvis. In men, it plays a key role in:

  • Bladder and bowel control

  • Pelvic stability and pressure management (especially with lifting and impact)

  • Breathing mechanics and trunk support

  • Sexual function

  • Comfort with sitting, running, and strength training

Like any muscle group, the pelvic floor can become overactive (too tight), underactive (too weak), or uncoordinated—and those patterns can create symptoms that don’t always feel “pelvic.”

Who Men’s Pelvic Floor PT Helps

Men often put these symptoms off because they’re frustrating, confusing, or uncomfortable to discuss. Pelvic floor PT may help if you’re dealing with:

Urinary symptoms

  • Urinary urgency or frequency (feeling like you have to go often)

  • Leakage or reduced control

  • Feeling like you can’t fully empty

Pelvic pain and related pain patterns

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Persistent testicular pain (when appropriate for PT care)

  • Pain that worsens with sitting, exercise, or certain movements

  • Hip, groin, or low back pain that doesn’t respond to the usual approaches

Post-prostatectomy rehabilitation

Pelvic floor PT is commonly used after prostate surgery to support control, confidence, and a safe return to activity.

If you’ve tried rest, stretching, or strengthening and things keep cycling back—or if you’ve been told “everything looks normal”—a pelvic floor evaluation can help identify what’s driving the issue.

Pelvic Floor PT for Active Men and Athletes

We often see symptoms show up when:

  • Training load increases (heavier lifting, more running, more impact)

  • Breathing and pressure strategies break down under fatigue

  • Hip/trunk strength and pelvic floor timing aren’t syncing well

  • Stress and tension contribute to pelvic floor overactivity

That’s why pelvic floor rehab is rarely “one exercise.” It’s typically a combination of coordination, pressure management, mobility, strength, and return-to-training progressions.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

Men’s pelvic floor PT is individualized and may include:

  • Education on what’s likely contributing to symptoms

  • Breathing and pressure management strategies

  • Pelvic floor relaxation and coordination training (not always strengthening)

  • Hip and trunk strength/mobility work

  • Manual therapy when appropriate

  • Progressive return to lifting, running, and sport

  • Practical strategies to reduce flare-ups in daily life and training

The goal is straightforward: reduce symptoms and give you tools that hold up in real life.

Meet Dr. Cayley Hollifield, PT, DPT

Cayley Hollifield provides pelvic floor physical therapy for men, including care for urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, testicular pain (when appropriate), and post-prostatectomy rehabilitation. Her approach is practical, patient-first, and focused on helping you return to normal function and training with confidence.

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2026 Vertex Pump & Run 

When is it? Saturday April 18th, 2026

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 21st!

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 once again 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, April 17th – 8:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m

Saturday, April 18th – 7:00 a.m – 7:30 a.m

 

Registration Cost

5k Run – $40

Pump & Run – $45
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Vertex PT Columbia SC: Section 127 Educational Assistance for PTs

At Vertex, we know that student loans are one of the biggest financial challenges facing physical therapists today. If you are a PT in Columbia, SC, those loan payments can add stress to your career. That is why we are offering a new benefit for our full-time PTs: educational assistance under Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code.

What Is Section 127?

Section 127 allows employers to provide up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance benefits that are excluded from taxable income. This means you can reallocate a portion of your salary toward eligible educational expenses, including student loan repayment, and that portion is not treated as taxable income.

This does not mean we pay off your loans for you. You will still make your regular student loan payments. The difference is that you are doing so in a tax-advantaged way, which helps you keep more of your paycheck instead of sending it to the government.

How It Works at Vertex PT

  • Eligibility: Full-time physical therapists at Vertex PT in Columbia, SC are eligible for Section 127 educational assistance.

  • What It Covers: Includes student loan repayment assistance as part of the educational assistance benefit.

  • Tax Benefit: Amounts applied under Section 127 are excluded from taxable income.

  • Your Role: You continue making your payments, but with the added benefit of paying less tax on that portion of your salary.

Why It Matters

We started Vertex PT to be more than just another physical therapy clinic. Our mission is to provide excellent patient care while building a workplace that supports our team’s growth and financial stability.

By offering Section 127 educational assistance, we are giving our PTs a way to reduce the tax burden that comes with student loan payments. It is not a handout. It is a benefit that helps you keep more of what you have already earned.

Ready to Join the Team?

If you are a licensed physical therapist looking for a clinic in Columbia, SC that invests in both patient care and employee well-being, we would love to hear from you. Send your resume to info@vertexpt.com.

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Sports Physical Therapy in Columbia, SC: Training Athletes for the Olympics and Beyond

Working with elite athletes is part of our everyday mission. Recently, our team had the privilege of helping Matthew Boling (@matthew_boling1) — one of the fastest sprinters in the world and a contender for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (LA 2028) — return to form on the track.

While not every patient we see is preparing for the Olympic Games, the same principles that help world-class athletes perform at their best also apply to high school athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone in our community who wants to move, train, and live without limitations.

Our Approach to Sports Physical Therapy

At our clinics in Columbia, Irmo, and Cayce, we specialize in:

  • Sports injury rehabilitation: Addressing everything from sprains and strains to complex post-surgical recovery.

  • Performance physical therapy: Helping athletes improve speed, strength, and resilience through evidence-based training.

  • Injury prevention: Correcting movement patterns and reducing risks before they turn into setbacks.

Why Athletes Trust Vertex PT

Our physical therapists combine years of clinical expertise with hands-on experience working with athletes at every level — from Olympians and professional competitors to youth athletes across the Midlands. The goal is always the same: help you recover faster, perform better, and come back stronger.

Serving the Columbia Area

With clinics located in Columbia, Irmo, and Cayce, we are proud to serve patients throughout West Columbia and the greater Midlands. Whether you’re chasing Olympic dreams or simply want to stay active with your family, Vertex PT Specialists is here to guide your recovery and performance journey.

Ready to take the next step in your recovery or training? Schedule an appointment at one of our Columbia-area clinics today.

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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 group of just over 3,800 PTs nationwide with this advanced certification.

What is an SCS?

The Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) credential is one of the most rigorous designations in the physical therapy profession. To achieve it, PTs must:

  • Accumulate thousands of hours of direct sports-related patient care experience
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sports injuries, rehabilitation, and return-to-play principles
  • Pass a comprehensive board certification exam

This ensures that an SCS is uniquely qualified to work with athletes of all levels, from youth to professional, helping them recover from injuries and return safely to peak performance.

Why it Matters for Athletes

If you’re an athlete dealing with an ACL tear, shoulder injury, or overuse condition, an SCS brings expertise in:

  • Evidence-based rehab programs
  • Injury prevention strategies
  • Sport-specific return-to-play testing
  • Managing high-level performance demands

 

Vertex PT: A Team of Specialists

At Vertex PT, our culture is built on clinical excellence and patient results. With both Orthopaedic Clinical Specialists (OCS) and Sports Clinical Specialists (SCS) on staff, our patients benefit from world-class expertise delivered locally here in Columbia, Cayce, and Irmo.

Whether you’re an athlete recovering from surgery, a parent trying to stay active, or a weekend warrior fighting through aches and pains, you’ll get personalized, one-on-one care designed to help you move better and recover faster.

Clinics: Cayce, Irmo, Downtown Columbia
In-home visits: Lexington and Richland counties

Expert care. Local team. Proven results.

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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 50 distinguished alumni.

The series highlights graduates who have made an impact across public health through research, education, policy, and clinical care. Brandon was featured after being recommended by faculty to represent both the Arnold School and the USC Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the field of physical therapy.

Born, raised, educated, and still practicing in Columbia, Brandon founded Vertex PT Specialists in 2016 and now leads multiple clinics serving patients across the Midlands. In addition to treating patients, he mentors clinicians and teaches in the same program that helped shape his career.

Appreciative of the recognition, Brandon says he is proud to represent the program and the people behind it. See below for the full interview featured by the Arnold School.

What led you to choose the Arnold School, and what do you remember most about your experience?

USC was actually the only DPT program I applied to, which I wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but I knew what I wanted. I was finishing up my senior year at The Citadel when I applied, and I started PT school just a few months after graduating in 2007. I was born in Columbia, raised in Columbia, and I’m going to die in Columbia. I wanted to stay here, build something here, and be part of this community long term. The Arnold School gave me the chance to do that and helped me plant deep roots in the place that matters most to me.

We had 18 students in our class, which made for a close-knit, supportive environment. The professors knew their stuff, but more importantly, they actually cared. At the end of the day, that made all the difference. That kind of mentorship shaped me not just as a student, but as a clinician, business owner, and now CEO. I still feel the impact of that experience in the way I lead and treat today.

Now, almost 15 years later, I’ve had the chance to serve as a clinical instructor for dozens of USC students and continue to stay involved by teaching part time in the DPT program. It’s been a privilege to help train the next generation of physical therapists coming out of the same program that shaped me.

How have you used your degree in your career?

My DPT from the Arnold School gave me everything I needed to hit the ground running. I started out as a staff therapist, then branched out on my own as a one-man show in a single room inside a gym. That experience laid the groundwork for what eventually became Vertex PT Specialists, which I founded in 2016. A few years later, I brought on my business partner Josh Jeffery, who also graduated from the same program. Since then, we’ve grown Vertex into multiple clinics and a home health division serving patients across the Midlands.

The education I got at USC prepared me to treat a wide range of patients, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence to lead. This business has become a reflection of who I am and the values I care about most. It’s the product of years of hard work, and I’m proud of what we’ve built.

What advice do you have for current & future students?

Relationships are everything in this profession. It’s a people-driven field, and the connections you build with classmates, professors, mentors, and patients will take you further than any textbook. Relationships bring the humanity to this work. Without that, we have nothing.

Also, don’t be afraid to push the profession forward. Open your own practice. Specialize. Be the first to do something in your area. We need more PTs willing to lead, to advocate, and to take up space in the broader healthcare system. The world is still going to the bold. Don’t be afraid to ask for more, and don’t be afraid to be told no.

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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 dry needling. We’ve helped hundreds of patients in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and West Columbia, SC get relief—many of whom thought their only options were pain meds, bite guards, or surgery.

What Is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMD refers to dysfunction of that joint, which can be caused by:

  • Jaw clenching or grinding (bruxism)
  • Poor posture or cervical spine issues
  • Stress and muscle overactivity
  • Trauma to the jaw or neck
  • Dental procedures or orthodontics

Common TMJ Symptoms We See in Our Columbia Clinics

  • Clicking, popping, or locking of the jaw
  • Pain when chewing or yawning
  • Headaches, especially near the temples
  • Pain near the ears or face
  • Limited jaw opening or closing
  • Tooth sensitivity without dental cause
  • Neck tension or poor posture

How Physical Therapy Helps TMJ in Columbia SC

At Vertex PT Specialists, we take a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to treating TMD. You won’t just get a handout or quick massage—we do a full biomechanical evaluation of:

  • Jaw motion
  • Muscle function (masseter, pterygoid, temporalis)
  • Cervical spine involvement
  • Postural alignment and breathing mechanics

Your PT plan may include:

  • Manual therapy to release trigger points and restore mobility
  • Dry needling of the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids to reduce muscle tension
  • Postural correction and ergonomic coaching
  • Jaw coordination retraining (often overlooked!)
  • Cervical spine mobilization if neck issues are contributing

TMJ Dry Needling in Columbia, SC

Many of our patients find the fastest relief comes from dry needling of overactive jaw muscles. This targets the true source of pain—often deep trigger points you can’t release with stretching or massage alone.

Read our full post on TMJ Dry Needling here »

Dry needling can help with:

  • Jaw popping or clenching
  • Locking with opening or chewing
  • Headaches and facial tightness
  • Ear fullness or ringing
  • Tooth pain without dental pathology

All of our dry needling sessions are one-on-one, full-hour treatments with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Who We Treat

We’ve helped:

  • Teachers with stress-related jaw clenching
  • Teens in orthodontic treatment
  • Athletes with head/neck trauma
  • Office workers with poor posture
  • Chewers and teeth grinders of all kinds

Whether your TMJ pain started recently or has been chronic for years, we can help.

TMJ Physical Therapy in Columbia, Cayce, Irmo, and West Columbia

We offer treatment for TMJ and jaw pain at all three of our clinics:

We also offer outpatient home visits in the Columbia metro area if you’re unable to travel.

Ready to Get Relief from TMJ Pain?

If you’re tired of jaw pain running your life—or if you’re frustrated by being bounced between dentists, ENTs, and specialists—it might be time to try something different.

Contact us today to schedule a full evaluation and personalized plan.

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