Cue The Burn

There's a line Mark Lusk says in the clinic almost every week that usually gets a laugh — and then a very uncomfortable silence. "You're not injured because you turned 42. You're injured because you're still training like you're 27." Because deep down, most athletes over 40 already know it's true. They've felt it. They're just not sure what to do about it. In this episode, Mark breaks down the fiv...

You signed up for a running race with some lifting in between. Your shoulders signed up for something else entirely. Over 60 to 90 minutes of continuous stabilizing, pulling, pressing, catching, and absorbing — just when the body is at its most depleted, 100 wall balls. The one the research flags as the highest rate of perceived exertion and lactate response in the entire race. In this episode, Ma...

Every Broadway performer knows 8 shows a week is demanding. But what most don't realize is that it's not the show itself that breaks them — it's the moment something unexpected gets stacked on top of an already maxed-out body. A swing track. A press event. A nine-show week. A put-in rehearsal on your day off. That extra 5% is where injuries are born. In this episode, Mark Lusk introduces a concept...

It's 6 p.m. on a Tuesday. You've spent nine hours hunched over a laptop, and now you're sprinting to a 50-minute HIIT class. Your brain is ready. Your body? Still in office mode. That gap — between sedentary work and high-intensity training — is where injuries are born. And a two-minute warm-up isn't going to save you. In this episode, Mark Lusk breaks down exactly what prolonged sitting does to t...

What happens when life gets in the way of your rehab plan — and suddenly doing none of it feels easier than doing some of it? For most athletes, gym-goers, and people navigating injury, that moment is where progress quietly dies. Not because they're lazy. Not because they don't care. But because no one ever told them that rehab isn't pass/fail. In this episode, Mark Lusk introduces the most powerf...

What separates athletes who are still strong and moving well in their 60s and 70s from those who burn out, break down, or quietly stop training altogether? It's not genetics. It's not talent. It's athletic resilience — and it's completely buildable. In this episode, Mark Lusk, DPT draws from his own journey as a former professional dancer who survived a major injury and surgery in his early 20s, a...

Ever wonder why you can touch your toes lying down but not standing up? Or why those dancers with incredible splits still complain about tight hamstrings? In this episode, Mark Lusk breaks down the mobility-stability trap that keeps athletes, dancers, and CrossFitters spinning their wheels with endless stretching routines. Mark reveals why that "tightness" you feel isn't actually a flexibility pro...

Summary In this episode, Mark Lusk discusses the common issue of knee pain associated with squatting, exploring the underlying causes and providing actionable solutions. He emphasizes the importance of proper movement mechanics, self-assessment techniques, and targeted exercises to alleviate pain and improve squatting performance. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding indiv...

Summary In this conversation, Mark Lusk, DPT discusses the importance of scaling and modifying movements in training, emphasizing that these practices are essential for sustainable success and longevity in fitness. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how scaling is not a sign of weakness but a strategic approach to ensure continued progress and prevent injury. The discussion highlights th...

Summary In this episode, Mark M Lusk shares his journey from a dancer to a physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of strength training for dancers. He discusses how strength training complements artistry, debunks myths about getting bulky, and provides actionable takeaways for integrating strength training into a dancer's routine. Mark encourages listeners to embrace both their artistic an...

Summary In this episode, Mark Lusk explores the complex nature of pain, emphasizing that it is not always an indicator of injury. He discusses the difference between performance pain and pathological pain, the importance of understanding acute versus chronic pain, and the role of manual therapy and movement retraining in recovery. Mark provides practical tips for managing pain and encourages liste...

Summary In this episode, Mark M Lusk, a manual physical therapist and former professional dancer, discusses the importance of understanding medical terminology for performers and athletes. He breaks down common injuries, their meanings, and how to manage them effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear communication between healthcare providers and patients, empowering individuals...

In this episode of Cue the Burn, Mark M Lusk discusses the importance of recovery between performances for performers. He introduces a Burn Toolkit that includes breathing techniques, mobility exercises, nutrition, hydration, and time management strategies to help performers reset their bodies and minds. The episode emphasizes the significance of consistency in recovery routines to maintain perfor...

Summary Mark M Lusk shares his journey from a dancer to a physical therapist after suffering a significant knee injury. He discusses the emotional and physical challenges he faced during recovery, the identity crisis that came with transitioning careers, and how he ultimately found purpose in helping others as a physical therapist. Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience and embracing change...