Shane McClinton, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS

Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Clinic in the RecPlex

Additional Roles
Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Areas of Expertise

Biomechanics, Chronic Pain, Clinical, Cycling, Exercise, Heel Pain, Injury Prevention, Movement Science, Physical Therapy, Plantar Fasciitis, Running

About

Dr. Shane McClinton is a physical therapist and associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Des Moines University. His clinical emphasis is on the management of runners, cyclists and triathletes, foot and ankle disorders, and individuals with persisting pain problems. Dr. McClinton earned a master of science degree in physical therapy at DMU in 2001 and his doctor of physical therapy degree in 2007. He completed a fellowship in orthopedic manual physical therapy at Regis University in 2009 and a Ph.D. in orthopedic and sports science at Rocky Mountain University in 2017. He is the governance services team leader for the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy and an Associate Editor and international editorial review board member of the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. His current research is focused on analyzing characteristics of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders and the outcomes of physical therapy interventions. He has multiple publications on management of lower limb conditions.

Education:
Doctor of Philosophy in Orthopaedic and Sports Science – Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
Fellowship in Manual Physical Therapy, Regis University, Denver, CO
Post Professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
Masters of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT), Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN

Certifications:
Certified in personalized blood flow restriction rehabilitation. Owens Recovery Science
Certified dry needling provider. Myopain Seminars
Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT)
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS)
Advanced Certified Clinical Instructor. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Physical therapy license. State of Iowa
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Basic Life Saving (BLS) for Healthcare Providers

Research

Integration of evidence into patient management is a crucial and evolving component to clinical practice. My research is focused on analyzing characteristics of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders in addition to the outcomes of physical therapy interventions.

My current research is focused on clinical research that is focused on 2 populations 1) individuals with plantar heel pain (aka, plantar fasciitis), and 2) individuals with running-related injuries. Research is directed at assessment of characteristics associated with each condition and clinical outcomes (including use and cost of healthcare resources) of specific management approaches. My current research involves the use of video and 3D motion analysis to assess biomechanical characteristics, and clinical tests/measures to assess for functional impairments and treatment outcomes, and existing data sets to analyze healthcare use and costs.

Grant Activity:

McClinton SM. Long term follow-up of treatments for plantar heel pain (aka, plantar fasciitis). Awarded $3,020 by Iowa Osteopathic Education and Research (IOER). 2016-2018.

McClinton SM, Flynn TW, Heiderscheit, BC. Comparison of usual podiatric care and early physical therapy for plantar heel pain. Awarded $15,000 by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA. 2013-2017.

McClinton SM, Vardaxis VG. Lower leg and foot muscle performance in individuals with plantar heel pain. Awarded $4,900 by 2011.

McClinton SM, Vardaxis VG, Heiderscheit, BC. Gasctrocnemius and soleus flexibility of individuals with plantar fasciitis. Awarded $8,000 by Iowa Osteopathic Education and Research (IOER). 2006.

Publications and Presentations

Weber CF, McClinton SM. Validity and reliability of video-based analysis of upper trunk rotation during running. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020:15(6):910-919.
McClinton SM, Cobian DG, Heiderscheit BC. Physical therapist management of anterior knee pain. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. Published online October 30, 2020. https://doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09678-0
McClinton SM, Heiderscheit B, McPoil TG, Flynn TW. Physical therapist decision-making in managing plantar heel pain: cases from a pragmatic randomized clinical trial 2020;36(5):638-662. Physiother Theory Pract.https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1490941
McClinton SM, Heiderscheit BC, McPoil TG, Flynn TW. Effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in addition to usual podiatry management of plantar heel pain: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2019;20(1):630. https://doi:10.1186/s12891-019-3009-y
McClinton SM, Weber C, Heiderscheit B. Low back pain and disability in individuals with plantar heel pain. The Foot. 2018;34:18-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2017.09.003
Phillips A, McClinton S. Gait Deviations Associated with Plantar Heel Pain: A Systematic Review. Clin Biomech. 2017;42:55-64. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2016.12.012.
McClinton S, Luedke, L, Clewley D. Nonsurgical Management of Midsubstance Achilles Tendinopathy [published online December 2, 2016]. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cpm.2016.10.004.
McClinton S, Collazo C, Vincent E, Vardaxis V. Impaired Foot Plantar Flexor Muscle Performance in Individuals With Plantar Heel Pain and Association With Foot Orthosis Use. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016;46(8):681-688. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6482.
Heiderscheit B, McClinton SM. Evaluation and Management of Hip and Pelvis Injuries. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2016;27(1):1-29. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.003.
McClinton SM, Cleland JC, Flynn TW. Predictors of Response to Physical Therapy Intervention for Plantar Heel Pain: A Secondary Analysis of Data from a Randomized Clinical Trial. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(4):408-416. doi:10.1177/1071100714558508.
McClinton SM, Flynn TW, Heiderscheit BC, McPoil TG, Pinto D, Duffy PA, Bennett JD. Comparison of usual podiatric care and early physical therapy intervention for plantar heel pain: study protocol for a parallel-group randomized clinical trial. Trials. 2013;14:414. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-14-414.
McClinton SM, Heiderscheit B. Diagnosis of primary task-specific dystonia in a runner. J Orthop Sport Phys Ther. 2012;42(8):688-697. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3892.
McClinton SM, Davenport TE, Petersen SM. Physical therapist management of complicated bilateral ankle sprain: case study and description of clinical reasoning [abstract]. J Orthop Sport Phys Ther. 2011;41(1):A66.
Grove CG, McClinton SM, Heiderscheit B. Recognizing runner’s dystonia [abstract]. J Orthop Sport Phys Ther. 2010;40(1):A20-A21.
McClinton SM. Cervicothoracic manual physical therapy and exercise in lateral epicondylalgia [abstract]. J Man Manip Ther. 2009;17(3):E98.
McClinton SM, Tilton J, Wettstein MD, Vardaxis VG, Heiderscheit BC. Foot position affects weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion measures in individuals with plantar fasciitis [abstract]. J Orthop Sport Phys Ther. 2008;38(1):A34-A35.

Platform Presentations

Vining T, McClinton SM. Asymmetries in Runners with Unilateral Valgus-Related Conditions. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Closing Program. July 2021.
McClinton SM, Heiderscheit BC, McPoil TG, Flynn TW. Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Treatment in Addition to Usual Podiatry Management of Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. January 2019.
Barton E, McClinton SM. The Role of patient expectations in plantar heel pain treatment outcomes. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Program. July 2015.
McClinton SM, Vincent E, Cleland JC, Flynn TW, Heiderscheit BC. Prevalence of low back pain in individuals with plantar heel pain: A retrospective case-control analysis. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2015.
McClinton SM, Cleland JC, Flynn TW. Investigation of age, body mass index, and symptom duration as predictors of response to physical therapy intervention for plantar heel pain: A retrospective cohort analysis. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2015.
McCarthy T, McClinton SM. Comparison of arch height index in individuals with and without plantar heel pain. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Program. July 2014.
Grove C, McClinton SM, Heiderscheit BC. Recognizing runner’s dystonia. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2010.
McClinton SM, Tilton J, Wettstein MD, Vardaxis VG, Heiderscheit BC. Foot position affects weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion measures in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Accepted for presentation at IPTA Fall Conference (October 2007) and APTA Combined Sections Meeting (February 2008).

Poster Presentations

Ferguson A, McClinton SM. Cost effectiveness of physical therapy in addition to podiatric management of plantar heel pain.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium [virtual]. December 2020.
    - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2019.
Ferguson A, McClinton SM. Correlation between duration of plantar heel pain and recovery expectations in individuals with plantar heel pain: A secondary, exploratory analysis. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Closing Program. July 2019.
Fisher A, McClinton SM. Ultrasound Measurement of Plantar Fascia Thickness: Reliability and a Case Report of Changes Associated with Weekly Running Volume. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2018.
McDonald DT, McClinton SM. Cost-effectiveness of Treatment for Plantar Heel Pain. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2018.
Weber C, Heinz J, McDonald DT, McClinton SM. Transverse Plane Trunk Rotation in Runners: Concurrent Validity, Reliability, and Clinical Application of Video-based Measurements.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2018. *Winner of the best poster award in the movement science category.
    - APTA Combined Sections Meeting. January 2019.
McClinton SM, Heiderscheit B, McPoil TG, Flynn TW. Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Treatment in Addition to Usual Podiatry Management of Plantar Heel Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Commencement. August 2018.
Weber C, McDonald D, McClinton SM. A top down view on running: relationships between trunk and arm kinematics and established risk factors for lower extremity injuries. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2017.
McDonald D, Weber C, McClinton SM. Biomechanical Indicators Related to Pronation: A Bottom-up Perspective of Running Gait Analysis. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2017.
McDonald D, McClinton SM. Predictors of Response to Treatment for Plantar Heel Pain.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2017.
    - Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Heartland Foot and Ankle Conference. October 2017.
Weber C, McClinton SM. Prevalence of low back pain among individuals with plantar heel pain: A retrospective case control analysis. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2016. *Winner of the best poster award in the movement science category.
Barton E, McClinton SM. The role of patient expectations and adherence on plantar heel pain treatment outcomes.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2016.
    - Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Heartland Foot and Ankle Conference. September 2016.
Standiford A, Weber C, McClinton SM. The effect of prior history of plantar heel pain on treatment outcomes.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2016.
    - Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Heartland Foot and Ankle Conference. September 2016.
Barton E, McClinton SM. The role of patient expectation on plantar heel pain treatment outcomes. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2015.
Wolf J, Rivera J, McClinton SM, Vardaxis V. Differences in the kinematic breakdown of foot support pattern in patients with plantar fasciitis. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2014.
Kindred K, Gardner J, Feilmeier M, McClinton SM. Inter-rater reliability of ankle plantar flexor isokinetic testing. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2014.
Phillips A, McClinton SM. Gait deviations association with plantar heel pain: A systematic review.
- - - Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2014.
    - Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Heartland Podiatry Conference. October 2014.
Vincent E, Collazo C, McClinton SM. Comparison of the modified paper grip test and rocker board test in individuals with and without plantar heel pain. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2013. *Winner of the best poster award in the movement science category.
Collazo C, Vincent E, McClinton SM. Reliability and minimal detectable difference of the modified paper grip test and rocker board test for clinical assessment of foot and lower leg muscle performance. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2013.
McClinton SM, Duffy PA. Practice patterns and costs of physical therapy and podiatry management of plantar heel pain. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2012.
Whelan J, McClinton SM, Vardaxis V. Altered patterns of pelvic motion associated with individuals with plantar pain. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2011.
McClinton SM, Davenport TE, Petersen SM. Physical therapist management of complicated bilateral ankle sprain: case study and description of clinical reasoning. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2011.
McClinton SM. Cervicothoracic manual physical therapy and exercise in lateral epicondylalgia. AAOMPT Annual Conference. October 2009.
Thompson J, Vardaxis VG, McClinton SM. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the arch height index. Iowa Podiatric Medical Society’s Heartland Podiatry Conference. October 2008. Also presented at: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference. March 2009.
Thompson J, Tilton J, Wettstein MD, McClinton SM, Vardaxis VG. Ankle joint stiffness in plantar fasciitis subjects versus controls. Iowa Podiatric Medical Society’s Heartland Podiatry Conference. October 2008. Also presented at: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference. March 2009.
McClinton SM, Vardaxis VG. Weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion measures in plantar fasciitis. Des Moines University College of Health Sciences Research Day. December 2008. *Winner of the best clinician poster award.

Presentations

McClinton SM. Gait Analysis and Retraining. Des Moines University Sports Medicine Club. April 2022.
McClinton SM. What is the Value of Physical Therapy Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis? Preliminary Evidence from a RCT. Des Moines University Friday Research Seminar Series. April 2022.
McClinton SM. A Physical Therapists Perspective on Athletic Footwear and Foot Orthoses. Des Moines University Sports Medicine Club. November 2021.
McClinton SM, Mach L. Rehabilitation of the Overhead Athlete: “Underneath” Factors Relevant to Overhead Function. Des Moines University Grand Rounds. April 2021.
McClinton SM, Johnson W, Pollard C, Ridge S. From Walking to Running – What Can Your Foot, and Your Shoe Do for You? APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2021.
McClinton SM. Footwear and Foot Orthoses in the Female Athlete. American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy Team Concept Conference. December 2020.
McClinton SM. My Research Journey. Des Moines University Mentored Research Program Breakfast Meeting Presentation. June 2020.
McClinton SM, Neville C, Pettineo, S. What Assessment and Intervention Strategies Are Essential for Great Foot and Ankle Care? APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2020.
Essential Physical Therapy Interventions to Manage Plantar Heel Pain. North Iowa Area Community College PTA Club Educational Series. June 2019.
Facts & Myths About Squatting and Impact Exercise on Knee Health. Des Moines University Mini Medical School Series. February 2019.
Integrating Current Evidence and Clinical Practice Guidelines to oPTimize Management of Plantar Fasciitis.
- - - IPTA Fall Conference. October 2018.
    - Arkansas Physical Therapy Association oPTimize Conference. September 2018.
McClinton SM, Reischl S, Ridge S. Integrating New Evidence into Plantar Heel Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2018.
To PT or Not to PT: When to Add Physical Therapy (PT) Treatment to Usual Care For Plantar Fasciitis. Des Moines University Office of Research Friday Seminar Series. October 2017.
Plantar Fasciitis Research: Past, Present, and the Future. Des Moines University Mentored Research Program Brown Bag Breakfast Presentation. June 2017.
Management of Running-Related Injuries. Des Moines University Sports Medicine Club. April 2017.
Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging. IPTA Southwest district meeting. February 2017.
Retraining of Running Gait. Mountain Land Running Medicine Podcast with Host Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit. October 2016.
Rationale for Manual Therapy Amidst Trending Techniques. Mountain Land Running Summit. September 2016.
Exercise Design for the Distance Runner. Mountain Land Running Summit. September 2016.
Practical Gait Retraining for the Injured Runner. Mountain Land Running Summit. September 2016.
McClinton SM, Wille CM, Gallow A. Practical Gait Analysis and Retraining Methods for the Injured Runner. Combined Sections Meeting. February 2016
Interventions for the foot and ankle that don’t stink: Evidence and hands-on application. IPTA Fall Conference. November 2015.
Fundamental manual physical therapy interventions. Des Moines University Continuing Medical Education. October 2015.
Physical therapy considerations in low back-related leg pain. Des Moines University Clinic Grand Rounds; Low back pain: The primary care doctor’s scourge! November 2015 and November 2013.
In search of the ideal walking/running Form: Considerations for the everyday walker and endurance athlete. Wells Fargo. June 2015.
Trigger point dry needling. Central Iowa Chapter of Certified Medical Assistants. March 2015.
Demystifying the Pieces of the Plantar Fasciitis Puzzle. IPTA Fall Conference. November 2014.
Running from injury: How to avoid common running-related injuries. Des Moines University Lunch and Learn. October 2014.
Self soft tissue mobilization for runners. IMT Des Moines Marathon Run Club. June 2014.
How to deal with plantar fasciitis that disrupts your exercise plans. Des Moines University Clinic Power Hour Series. April 2014.
Plantar heel pain: Physical therapist management considerations. Rural Medicine Educational Pathway; Friday night lights. March 2014.
Physical therapy considerations in low back-related leg pain. Des Moines University Clinic Grand Rounds; Low back pain: The primary care doctor’s scourge! November 2013.
Evidence and applications of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in physical therapy.
- - - IPTA Southwest District Meeting. September 2013.
    - Webinar, PTsource.com (now PhysicalTherapy.com). February 2012.
    - Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium in March 2012.
Plantar heel pain: The low back pain of the lower extremity. Des Moines University Mentored Research Program Lunch n’ Learn. July 2013.
The way you walk: Considerations for analysis and implications on health, pain, and rehabilitation. Mercy Orthopedics, Excellence in Orthopedics seminar. April 2013.
Evidence and applications of manual physical therapy for running-related injuries. Webinar, physicaltherapy.com. May 2012.
Foot health: Functional considerations. Wells Fargo Foot Specialist Presentation. May 2012.
Current concepts of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Keynote, Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium. March 2012.
Selected applications of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in the lower extremity. Laboratory session (4 hours), Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium. March 2012.
Injury rehabilitation: Manual therapy techniques. In: Running Injury Prevention and Management: Pre-, Mid-, and Post-race Considerations. Pre-conference course, APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2012. This presentation was also given as a Webinar for PTsource.com (now PhysicalTherapy.com) in May 2012.
Opportunity toward a more universal management guideline for plantar heel pain. Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Research Forum. December 2011.
Footbones, footwear, and the stuff in-between. Des Moines University Summer Research Program: Off the bench and out of the box. July 2011.
Walking from a Physical Therapist’s perspective and Foot and footwear assessment. American Volkssport Association Convention. June 2011.
Cycling injuries: prevention and treatment. Des Moines University Clinic Power Hour Series. April 2011.
Running injuries: prevention and treatment. Des Moines University Clinic Power Hour Series. February 2011.
The pursuit of clinical excellence and research via interdisciplinary musculoskeletal clinical outcome management. Presented to Des Moines University Health Science, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and Osteopathic Medicine Colleges. December 2010.
Walking: how to’s your shoes and you. Wesley Acres Living Well Series. August 2010.
Treatment Based Classification and Clinical Prediction (Decision) Rules in Physical Therapy.
- - - IPTA Southwest district meeting. September 2009.
    - Des Moines University Post Professional Doctoral of Physical Therapy Program, Clinical Decision Making class. August 2009.
Relationship of the research lab to the patient: lower extremity injuries. Summer Research Internship Program Lunch and Learn Series. July 2009.
Selected examples of motion analysis in athletics. Iowa Athletic Trainers Society Annual Meeting. May 2009.
Management of running related injuries. Des Moines University Sports Medicine Club. April 2008.

Book Chapter/Home Study Course Publication

Heiderscheit B, McClinton SM, Nelson E. Chapter 3: Evaluation and Management of Lumbopelvic, Hip and Knee Running-Related Injuries. In: Heiderscheit B, Rauh M, eds. Running Course. Sports Physical Therapy Section Home Study Course; 2012. https://www.spts.org/education/home-study-courses/course-list/running-course.

Awards and Honors

Personal honors/awards

Des Moines University College of Health Sciences 2017. Alumnus of the year.
Invited to be an Associate Editor for the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. August 2017.
Spotlight award winner for Des Moines University Pride. December 2016.
Invited to the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy International Editorial Review Board. October 2015.
Voted one of the top 3 physical therapists for endurance athletes. Iowa Momentum Readers’ Choice Awards. February 2015.
President’s Recognition Award. Des Moines University. June 2014.
Keynote. Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium.
Best clinician poster. Des Moines University College of Health Sciences.

Mentored Student’s Awards

Weber C. Best poster presentation in the movement science category. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2018.
Weber C. Best poster presentation in the movement science category. Des Moines University Research Symposium. December 2016.
Barton E. Student keynote. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Program. July 2015.
McCarthy T. Student keynote. Des Moines University Mentored Student Research Program. July 2014.
Vincent E. Best oral presentation in the movement science category. Des Moines University Research Symposium.
Vincent E. Best poster presentation in the movement science category. Des Moines University Research Symposium.