Unlocking Your Strength Potential: A Powerful Deadlift

Unlocking Your Strength Potential: A Powerful Deadlift

Introduction:

Are you strong? It’s a question that often leaves us wondering how we measure up. When it comes to gauging your overall, total body strength, there’s no better benchmark than the deadlift. The act of lifting heavy loads from the ground not only builds strength but also tests your power and resilience. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips you can consider while performing the deadlift and also discuss the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure you are lifting with proper form. 

The Indispensable Role:

The deadlift is a foundational exercise, and mastering it is key to becoming a stronger, more robust version of yourself. Through discussion in this blog post we will break down a few fundamentals of the deadlift. Tension on the bar and hip positioning are examples of factors that influence the deadlift and are fundamental to your success in this lift.

Taking tension, also known as slack, out of the bar when initiating the lift provides your body with a strong foundation to initiate the movement. Doing this helps ensure that you begin the lift from a dead stop and are engaging the key muscle groups that power this lift such as the hamstrings and gluteal complex. Pressing your hips into the bar at the top of the lift is another cue to focus on, which is another way to encourage proper muscle activation and form throughout the deadlift.

Is It Essential?:

Professional guidance is essential for improving your deadlift technique. Trained movement experts, including the team at Continuous Motion Physical Therapy, specialize in helping athletes like you perfect their lifting techniques and optimize the benefits received from the exercise. Our team can provide you with personalized guidance and feedback necessary to refine your deadlift form. 

Early Intervention:

Incorporating proper form and techniques into your deadlift routine is like having an early intervention for strength gains. By seeking professional guidance on proper mechanics early in your deadlift journey you are setting the stage for a strong and safe foundation that will carry you throughout your active lifetime. By enhancing your deadlift form with a trained professional, you reduce the risk of discomfort or injury. This helps to ensure that this exercise remains a valuable part of your strength-building routine.

Gaining Strength and Flexibility:

Understanding the Causes of Shoulder Pain When Lifting Weights

The deadlift is not just about picking up heavy weights; it’s about building strength and flexibility throughout your entire body. Embracing techniques such as bar tension and hip/back positioning allows you to harness the full potential of this exercise, developing power and resilience that extend beyond the gym.

Call-To-Action:

The deadlift is your gateway to unlocking your full strength potential. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting, the team at Continuous Motion Physical Therapy is here to help you better understand the ins and outs of proper and safe lifting mechanics. Let our team of experts guide you on your journey to becoming a more powerful version of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How can taking tension out of the bar improve my deadlift?
Removing tension from the bar before initiating the deadlift helps to ensure the body is engaged prior to initiating the lift. This will cause muscles needed to perform the lift to activate, thus making it easier for your body to generate the force needed to complete the lift safely
Q2: Why is pushing my hips into the barbell essential for deadlift performance?
Pushing your hips into the barbell is crucial because it engages the posterior chain muscles, including the glutes and hamstrings. This action allows you to generate more force and lift heavier weights with greater ease while reducing the risk of lower back strain.
Q3: Is professional guidance necessary for mastering deadlift techniques?
Yes, professional guidance is highly beneficial for mastering deadlift techniques. Continuous Motion Physical Therapy specializes in helping athletes perfect their lifting form. Our expert team can provide personalized feedback and guidance to ensure that you’re performing deadlifts efficiently, maximizing your strength gains, and minimizing the risk of injury.
Q4: How does early intervention in deadlift technique benefit my strength gains?
Early intervention in your deadlift technique is like having a head start on your strength gains. By incorporating proper form from the beginning, you create a solid foundation for efficient lifts. This not only enhances your performance but also reduces the risk of developing bad habits or injuries as you progress your strength gains.

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Author

Dr. Cameron Moore

PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

Helping active people STAY active

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Dr. Kelsey Houston
PT, DPT, CERT. CN

Dr. Kelsey Houston is a dedicated and skilled physical therapist with a passion for promoting health and wellness. Originally from Damascus, OR, she pursued her graduate education in Arizona, earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Franklin Pierce University. Throughout her academic career, she honed a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice, patient-centered care, and rehabilitation techniques.

Dr. Houston also brings a background in athletics, particularly competitive soccer, which has fueled her dedication to sports rehabilitation and orthopedics. She earned a degree in Clinical Health Sciences from Portland State University, further deepening her knowledge of the human body and its movement mechanics. Her clinical experience spans a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, where she has worked with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

With a particular focus on orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, Dr. Houston is committed to helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and return to active lifestyles. She takes a patient-centered approach, using her expertise to help individuals improve their quality of life.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Houston values maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Kelseys Credentials 

  • Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)

Dr. Khristian McGinley, PT, DPT Cert. DN

therapy in pregnancy

Dr. Khristian McGinley, physical therapist, grew up here in Phoenix, as a competitive softball player with a longtime passion for health and wellness. After sustaining an elbow injury in high school and attending PT herself, she knew that she wanted to pursue a career helping people recover from injuries and getting back to doing what they love. She eventually received her B.S in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona in 2013, then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2017.

Dr. McGinley began her career with a passion in pediatrics and orthopedics, undergoing coursework to treat diagnoses such as torticollis, developmental delay, and toe walking. She also became certified in Dry Needling in 2017, and since then has been additionally trained in Dry Needling for Pelvic Rehabilitation. After the challenging birth of her first child, she developed a passion for treating the pregnant and postpartum population. She became specialty training in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation in 2021 and since then has focused her practice on helping moms achieve pain free pregnancy, peaceful childbirth, and complete postpartum recovery. She specializes in diagnoses such as urinary incontinence, diastases recti, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain.

Outside of the clinic, Dr. McGinley enjoys hiking, running, camping, weight lifting, and playing slow pitch softball. She loves spending as much time as she can outside with her husband and two children.

Dr. Khristian McGinley’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Specialty-trained in Pelvic Floor Therapy

Renée Ruchala - CSCS

Renée Ruchala, Strength and Conditioning Specialist grew up in Chicago, IL. Growing up as a dancer, she developed a deep passion for fitness, sports, and health. After hitting a plateau in her ballet, she realized the benefits of strength training for dancers and all athletes. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in coaching athletes. 


She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Grand Canyon University in 2023. Renée was a sports performance intern at the University of Utah, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University. She worked alongside collegiate strength and conditioning coaches with both men’s and women’s Olympic sports teams in the weight room. 


In addition to sports performance, Renée is also a professional dancer with the Arizona Rattlers Indoor Football Team and a Coach at F45 Training GSQ.


Renée’s Certifications:

  • Certified Strengthen and Condition Specialist (CSCS) 

Dr. Cameron Moore, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, CSCS, Dip. Osteopractic

skilled thrapist

Dr. Cameron Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, has always been very active with sports and activities starting with competitive motocross racing up to a semi-professional level and being a scholarship athlete in track and field competing at the division 1 level in college at Eastern Washington University in the triple jump. Cameron became interested in the profession of physical therapy after having knee surgery in high school and seeing the inter-workings of the profession. He pursued his bachelors degree in Exercise Science before moving to Phoenix to earn his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Franklin Pierce University.

He then began specialization courses for spinal manipulation (Spinal Manipulation Institute) and dry needling (Dry Needling Institute). This lead Cameron in to becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT) through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) and earned a Diploma of Osteopractic®, a distinction and training that only a small percentage of physical therapist have completed.

Dr. Moore continues to be very involved with motocross riding, Crossfit®, Olympic weight lifting, running and an overall active lifestyle with his Wife (Michelle) and their Vizsla (Parker).

Dr. Cameron Moore’s Credentials

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Certified in Dry Needling (Cert DN)
  • Certified in Spinal Manipulation (Cert SMT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip Osteopractic)
  • Fellow Of The American Academy Of Manual Physical Therapist (FAAOMPT)
  • American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellow (AAMT)
  • Crossfit® Level 1 Certified (CF-L1)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified
  • USA Track and Field Level 1 Coach

Dr. Michelle Moore, PT, DPT FAAOMPT, Dip. Osteopractic

weightlifting in physical therapy

Dr. Michelle Moore, physical therapist and co-owner, grew up as a competitive gymnast and developed a passion for healthy living from a young age. Her collegiate studies in Health Education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and athletic background influenced her to combine her passions and pursue a career in physical therapy. She earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Franklin Pierce University in 2013.

Dr. Moore continued her educational pathway through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy where she earned her Diploma Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic) and became Certified in Dry Needling (Cert. DN), and Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT). From 2016-2017 Dr. Moore completed the rigorous coursework to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (FAAOMPT), a distinction held by only a fraction of the profession.

Dr. Moore’s special interests include treating active individuals and returning them to the activities that they love. In her spare time she enjoys Crossfit®, Olympic Weightlifting, mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband, Cameron, and dog, Parker.

Dr. Michelle Moore’s Credentials:

  • ​Physical Therapist (PT)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
  • Diploma in Osteopractic® (Dip. Osteopractic)
  • Certified Dry Needling (Cert. DN)
  • Certified Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Cert. SMT)
  • Crossfit® Mobility Certified