Mettle Minds Podcast

In episode 54 of Mettle Minds Podcast Sport psychologist Dr. John Heil and Sport Psychology professor Dr. Les Podlog discuss Simone Biles decision to withdraw from the Olympics, and its impact on the world of sport. They examine the underlying issues in away that is sensitive to the everyday reality of sport but informed by sport science.   They discuss athlete mental health, injury risk and psychological readiness, athletes’ rights and organizational culture, and cumulative stress and critical incidents. They also touch on remarkable feats and traumatic growth, the enduring impact of the ideals of the Greek Olympics on the culture of contemporary sport, and lastly, advocacy and the importance of seizing the moment as an opportunity for change.

In Episode 53 of Mettle Minds, I speak with Kevin Luhrs, an Associate Principal Scientist at Gatorade Sport Science Institute. Kevin was also a former defensive lineman for the Nebraska Cornhuskers as well as the team dietician and assistant strength coach for 9 years at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his time as a Cornhusker, Kevin experienced a serious knee injury that became a debilitating source of chronic pain -- one that eventually impacted his work with the Bucs, quality of life, and mental health.   In this “deep dive” conversation, Kevin discusses the negative impact of injury and chronic pain on his personal and professional identity and feelings of self-worth. He candidly discusses the “high-testosterone” environment and masculine culture of football led him to try and expedite his return to the field after injury. Kevin also highlights the importance of his support network in helping him experience personal change, growth, and a new perspective on life.

Episode 52 of Mettle Minds, features Jocelyn Bonney, an NCAA champion and professional triathlete who represents the U.S. at international competitions. Bonney discusses her recent trials and tribulations dealing with a severe concussion.   She provides a highly personal account of the physical and psychological impact of concussion on her mental well-being and training. Bonney highlights her use of self-talk as well as the role of hope, gratitude, and social support in facilitating concussion recovery. She suggests that adopting the mindset that injury is something that “happens for you, rather than to you” can be highly beneficial.

Episode 51 of Mettle Minds features Dr. John Heil and Dr. Les Podlog, who reflect on the “state of the art” psychological research and practical management of sport injury. Dr. Podlog highlights the need for more multidisciplinary, theory-based research, while Dr. Heil advocates a team approach to rehabilitation.  Both Heil and Podlog encourage scholars to share their research findings with injury practitioners and to disseminate their work beyond traditional academic outlets.

Episode 50 of Mettle Minds features Dr. Dale Forsdyke, a Senior Lecturer in Sport injury Management at York St. John University, UK. Dr. Forsdyke is a leading sport injury researcher and head of Science and Medicine at York City Tier 1 Regional Talent Club where he oversees the athletic development of elite female soccer players.   Dale discusses the role of acute and chronic stress in injury risk, the importance of athletes’ taking ownership of their recovery, and the need for athletes’ to be physically and psychologically ready to return to sport. Dr. Forsdyke discusses ways to assess psychological readiness including use of psychological assessment tools, clinical judgements of athletes’ capabilities, and informal conversations with the athlete.

In episode 49 of Mettle Minds Podcast, Dr. Rod Havriluk, a world- renown expert on swimming biomechanics, discusses prevention of shoulder injuries. Dr. Havriluk applies the latest biomechanics research and technology (e.g. force analysis and underwater video) to help athletes improve their technique, enhance performance times and reduce injury risk.   Dr. Havriluk discusses the importance of performance cues and deliberate-practice training principles in optimizing performance and reducing injury risk. In his work with coaches and athletes, he attempts to overcome conventional wisdom that higher training loads equate to better performance.

In episode 48 of Mettle Minds, Dr. Les Podlog speaks with Samantha Glynn, a sport physiotherapist who runs and owns the SG Injury Clinic in Galway Ireland. She holds a masters degree and is pursuing a Ph.D in sport, exercise and performance psychology from the University of Limerick, Ireland. Samantha highlights the mind-body challenges of injury as well as the importance of patient education, managing athlete expectations, and fostering patient-practitioner rapport.  Glynn also discuss the value of listening to injured athlete concerns, the role of athlete motivation, and the benefits of psychological skills in facilitating successful recovery.

Episode 47 of Mettle Minds features Jesse Phillips, an actor, coach, and former world-class sprint kayaker. Jesse was a multiple Australian National Champion in the K2-200 meter event and a 6th place finisher in the London 2012 Olympic Games. In this candid discussion, Jesse shares his perspective on the qualities that allow athletes to achieve at the highest level. He discusses some of his personal experiences with adversity having missed out on qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Mettle Minds episdode 46 features, Roger Jackucewicz, a track and field coach, who for many years coached his kids and now works with his grandkids. In 2004, his 13-year old daughter Briana ran the 5-thousand meters in a record 16:53:09 and the 10-thousand meters in 35:53:39. Roger discusses how his coaching philosophy evolved from an emphasis on performance to one focused on keeping running fun, the value of sport as a vehicle for developing life skills, and the importance of rest and recovery.   He also suggests that sport can be used to help athletes learn about themselves. Roger highlights the importance of composure, focus and confidence, as key factors facilitating competitive success. He suggests that sporting success is individual and can be defined in different ways. His take on “game plans” is interesting for any coach trying to optimize athletes’ pre-game mindset.

Episode 45 of Mettle Minds features injury expert, Dr. Adam Gledhill, Course Director for Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Dr. Gledhill is also a Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), a Chartered Scientist and a BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist. He discusses factors influencing female soccer players’ progression to elite levels of the sport. He also describes the impact of injury on the career trajectory of athletes and the doubts and questions that injuries typically create. Dr. Gledhill sheds light on the importance of moderating athletes’ recovery expectations, the value of an athlete-centered approach to rehabilitation, and the importance of education, communication and social support. He highlights key considerations for the return to competition after injury rehabilitation.

Dr. Cristiana Conti is an Italian sport psychologist working with youth and Olympic level athletes. Cristiana discusses her approach to enhancing athletes’ and coaches’ self-awareness and autonomy. She highlights challenges facing athletes during the pandemic as well as strategies to enhance sport performance and overcome injury. In particular, she emphasizes the value of imagery, cognitive restructuring, communication and education.

Sydney Masters is a mental skills coach at the Major League baseball club, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sydney works with baseball players, coaches and sport medicine staff to help athletes optimize their performance and deal with challenges such as injury. Sydney discusses strategies such as mindfulness that she uses to help athletes enhance their attentional focus and to gain greater awareness of how their thoughts, emotions and physical sensations impact their performance. She provides excellent strategies for enhancing athlete confidence in their injury rehabilitation and return to play. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

James Austin competed at the 2012 London Olympics in Judo in the 100kg weight class. He talks about his experience competing at the Olympics in his home country and discusses his personal challenges with injury in the latter part of his career. Austin describes his adversity surrounding an ACL/MCL tear that forced him to miss his final international competition, the Commonwealth Games. The injury also meant that he was unable to leave the sport on his own terms. Austin suggests that having new avenues to pursue in life facilitated his transition out of sport.

Dr. Ina Harizanova is a former elite modern pentathalete, a long-time fencing and swimming coach, and a doctor of clinical psychology. She suggests that young athletes may be reluctant to communicate pain and injury given fears about the implications of doing so. She highlights the importance of building high quality coach-athlete relationships in fostering trust and maintaining open lines of communication.  Dr. Harizanova discusses numerous strategies for coping with injury adversity including: seeking social support, listening to body signals indicating further injury damage, maintaining a daily routine, and trying to optimize sleep hygiene and eating habits to promote healing. She also emphasizes the value of trying to remain focused on the present and challenging potentially irrational forms of thinking. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. James Dimmock (James Cook University) and Dr. Ben Jackson (University of Western Australia) are two world-leading health, sport and exercise psychology researchers. They co-lead the Psychology of Active, Healthy Living (PAHL, www.jcu.edu.au/pahl) Research group. Their research focuses on community-based programs that foster resilience, health and physically active lifestyles. Our discussion focuses on one particular program, the Growth and Resilience in Teacher Training (GRIT) program. GRIT is designed to inoculate teachers against the many stressors they face in their work. Dr. Jackson and Dimmock highlight the value of teachers connecting with one another in an effort to actual as mutual support systems.   Within the GRIT program, teachers who adopt effective coping strategies such as communicating concerns with leadership, looking for productive solutions, and seeking appropriate resources, are encouraged to act as role-models for others. To help teachers integrate effective coping strategies into their daily work, Dr. Dimmock and Jackson implement a “resilience roadmap” technique. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Lydia Bell is an Associate Director of Research for Academic Performance at the NCAA. Lydia discusses research demonstrating the adverse implications of Covid-19 on student-athlete mental health and well-being. She indicates that relative to pre-pandemic levels, student-athletes are showing elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. She also suggests that rates of mental health concerns appear higher among Latino and African American athletes than their Caucasian peers, among athletes whose families are experiencing economic distress as a result of the pandemic, and among varsity seniors.   Dr. Bell also highlights NCAA initiatives and research focused on athlete retention, political activism, and racial justice. Dr. Bell discusses how data informs policy discussions and NCAA decisions. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Ross Wadey is an Associate Professor in sport psychology at Saint Mary’s University in London, England. He talks about his recent work on the topic of growth after adversity in sport. Wadey highlights some of his research focused on the meaning of growth and interventions aimed at helping athletes experience personal growth after an injury.   He suggests that growth is not only something that can occur on an individual level, but also on an interpersonal, team or organizational level. Wadey comments that the aftermath of traumatic injuries can highlight the need for positive change, policy updates or adaptations to sporting cultures and governing bodies. Wadey also discusses criticisms of popular sporting narratives promoting the idea that growth is something everyone should expect to achieve following adversity. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Marco Cuniberti is a physical therapist working at Aspire Academy in Doha Qatar. Based on his substantial experience working with elite youth athletes, he talks about a range of developmental issues impacting athlete recovery. He highlights the importance of having parents “on-board” with treatment decisions; helping young athletes develop resilience and independent decision making; and education and communication that is honest and age-appropriate.   He discusses techniques he uses to facilitate athlete trust and promote rehabilitation engagement, such as athlete input in decision-making processes, use of metaphors for explaining difficult concepts, and incorporation of different games to keep rehabilitation fun and interesting. Marco suggests that the ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to help athletes acquire the skills to self-manage and cope with rehabilitation and future sport-related challenges. He encourages injured athletes to adopt the mindset that they are still “in training”. Doing so, can help maintain one’s identity as an athlete and promote a structure and routine that is comparable to non-injured athletes. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Heidi Armstrong was a former NCAA Division I swimmer and professional mountain bike racer. After life-changing knee injuries  ̶  one of which required six separate operations over a multi-year period  ̶   Heidi became interested in understanding the challenges experienced by other injured athletes.    Her curiosity led her to speak with many athletes about their experiences and provided the impetus for her current work, coaching and providing support services for injured athletes. Heidi discusses her personal injury experiences, the trials and tribulations associated with injury, and the importance of athletes receiving tailored support from trusted individuals.   Heidi talks about the threat injuries pose for athletes’ sense of “self” and the importance of addressing issues related to athletic identity. She also highlights indicators of poor athlete adjustment such as unrealistic expectations, perseverating thoughts, and under- or excessive engagement in rehabilitation exercises. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Ulrika Tranaeus is a physiotherapist who worked with various Swedish national team athletes and Olympians competing in a variety of winter sports such as skiing, speed-skating, and ice-hockey. Helping athletes with their physical recovery, she realized that psychological factors had a huge impact on sport performance.   Recognition of the importance of mental factors, led her to do her PhD at the world-renowned, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Her research has focused on the psychological factors associated with injury risk. Dr. Tranaeus highlights the role of psychological factors such as stress in increasing injury risk. She also discusses the importance of various strategies to manage stress – both before and after injury – such as breathing techniques, goal-setting, and relaxation and imagery. Dr. Tranaeus talks about the value of internal motivation for athlete recovery, the long-term benefits of injury, and the fact that overdoing rehabilitation exercises can delay, rather than expedite, injury recovery. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Roddy McGee is a world-class orthopedic surgeon who is the head team physician for the College of Southern Nevada and a consultant for the UFC. Dr. McGee speaks about the nature of injured athlete concerns and apprehensions and how he addresses them with clear and transparent information about recovery and healing progressions.   Dr. McGee highlights a shift away from trying to get athletes back to training and competition in certain time frames to a rehabilitation program focused on ensuring athletes’ meet certain clinical and functional criteria. He suggests that return to play decisions are multi-faceted and complex. Dr. McGee describes the value of bringing a psychologically-minded approach to rehabilitation in which athletes receive  holistic support. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Hakan Loob, one of only three Swedish players to win a Stanley cup, world championship and Olympic gold medal, shares details of the injuries he experienced while a member of the Calgary Flames. Loob discusses the power of imagery (visualization), a tool he used to help him in his recovery after shoulder surgery, concussion, and throughout his legendary NHL career. He also encourages injured athletes to maintain positive relationships with teammates and to stay integrated in the team during injury rehabilitation. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

James Gibson, a world-champion breast-stroker and cutting-edge coach, highlights the importance of coach-athlete communication, particularly during stressful or vulnerable periods such as injury recovery. He discusses his personal challenges in the aftermath of a back operation and emphasizes the importance of injury prevention measures.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

3X world champion rower, dual Olympian, and professional cyclist, Dr. Amber Halliday discusses how she managed to overcome injury prior to the Athens, 2004 Olympic Games. Amber also highlights her personal struggles and triumphs in the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury incurred during a professional cycling event. Her candid comments about her sporting and injury experiences provide a treasure-trove of information and inspiration for any recovering athlete. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Las Vegas Golden Knights, Performance Specialist, Dr. Jordan Troester shares invaluable insights on keys to effective injury rehabilitation. He highlights the importance of hope, focusing on controllable factors, and celebrating "micro-wins" during the recovery process. His practical comments and recommendations are useful for any injured athlete, coach or rehabilitation specialist. For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Olympic sailing champion (Sydney, 2000 games), Belinda Stowell talks about the demands of high-performance sailing and the importance of injured athletes finding treatment providers they trust. She recalls details of how she worked through multiple shoulder dislocations to make an Olympic team. Stowell also addresses the importance of having a clear, "stepped-out" approach to get back on track after injury; remaining diligent with practitioner-recommended exercises; and staying connected with one's sport.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Tom Farden, is head coach of the University of Utah women's gymnastics team, one of the top college programs in the United States. Tom has coached numerous NCAA champions and All-Americans. Coach Farden provides invaluable insights into the mindset of athletes' who make a remarkable injury recovery. He also describes the value of a caring coach-athlete relationship and the importance of injured athletes seeking out the support they need.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Michael Rennie, a strength and conditioning coach at the Sydney Swans football club discusses the art and science of helping the top Australian Rules Football players recover from injury. Dr. Rennie describes the value of connecting injured athletes with role models, the importance of "variety" and options in the rehabilitation program, and integrating athlete preferences into the recovery regimen. He also emphasizes the merits of a team-approach to recovery in which injured athletes are encouraged to ask questions and where constant feedback and communication occurs between athletes and sport medicine providers.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

World champion and Olympic Silver medal winning diver, Mathew Helm, highlights the challenges he faced dealing with persistent joint and neurological pain over the course of a storied career spanning three Olympic campaigns. Helm discusses how he managed to win a world championship in the 10m platform, despite breaking his hand only days prior to the competition. He suggests that part of the reason for his ability to experience “flow” in winning his world title, may have been due to the fact that the injury helped remove some of the high expectations he had placed on himself. Helm also reflects on whether his personal qualities of perfectionism and high expectations were a "double-edged" sword ̶ on the one hand, heightening the frustrations he endured trying to cope with injuries, and on the other hand, enabling him to manage injury demands and achieve the ultimate heights of his sport.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

U.S. Army Veteran, Melissa Stockwell, lost her left leg after being struck by a road-side bomb during her deployment in Iraq. Melissa discusses her road to recovery beginning with her rehabilitation at the Walter Reed Army Medical center where she encountered fellow soldiers who had lost multiple limbs. Such encounters helped Melissa to “see how lucky she was.”   She also recounts instances where she witnessed disabled individuals perform high-levels sport skills, something that opened her eyes to the possibility that injury could lead to new and exciting experiences and opportunities. Melissa’s story is a powerful testament to the value of optimism, shifting one’s perspective in the face of unexpected circumstances, and the importance of camaraderie and support in the healing process.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Professor Gordon Bloom vividly describes the debilitating impact of concussion on athlete’s quality of life. He suggests that the uncertain nature of recovery timelines makes concussion particularly difficult for injured athletes who are typically focused on returning to play as quickly as possible. Based on his research and applied practice, Dr. Bloom notes that the fear of not knowing if, or when, one’s quality of life will ever return, makes concussion a particularly insidious injury. He advocates for concussed athletes’ seeking social support from individuals who listen to their concerns in a non-judgmental manner, and the need to remain patient and positive.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Renowned sport medicine physician, Dr. Stuart Willick, describes how the “unknowns” of injury can take a heavy psychological toll on athletes. Drawing parallels between the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic and those facing injured athletes, Dr. Willick speaks about the importance of providing injured athletes with clarity through accurate diagnosis and articulation of recovery progressions.  The master communicator, suggests that, to the extent possible, he tries to provide injured athletes transparent information and progressive, reasonable, attainable goals and expectations. Dr. Willick suggests that injured athletes can help themselves by attempting to remain calm, patient and relaxed, in the face of injury uncertainties and challenges. He highlights the individual nature of athlete responses to injury and their resilience in bouncing back.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Steve Bird, a dominant Kayaker from Australia who competed in two Olympic games, discusses his dogged determination to recover from injuries and to earn a spot on the Australian Olympic team. He highlights the value of choosing to view injury as a powerful tool and using it to one’s advantage. Bird describes how injury was an invaluable experience for helping him address weaknesses in his body; the need to adopt alternative training methods to maintain health and fitness; and to retrain his paddling technique to improve efficiency and avoid future injury.   Bird also articulates the importance of taking ownership over one's recovery, having clarity on why one chooses to return, and using injury as chance to rekindle one's fire for their sport.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Description: Parramatta Eels Strength and Conditioning coach, Scott Johnson discusses the importance of communication between stakeholders to ensure everyone is “on the same page” regarding recovery timelines and progressions. Johnson highlights the value of educating athletes about the nature of their injury, the rationale for performing particular exercises, and the steps needed to achieve effective recovery.   He suggests that such information is crucial for generating “buy-in” to the rehabilitation program and athlete ownership over their recovery. He also touches on issues such as injury reporting behaviors and the impact of environmental factors such as the contractual obligations or being needed for important competitions. Johnson discusses the value of educating coaches and athletes on the dangers of a pre-mature return such as re-injury or potentially prolonged time-loss.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Chris Felgate, a 2x Olympian in triathlon, details his journey in making an Olympic Games. After selling all of his personal belongings, Chris traveled the world to gain world ranking points needed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he represented his native country of Zimbabwe. He describes navigating the challenges of moving to France, training isolation and injury to qualify for and represent his native Zimbabwe in the 2008 Olympics. Felgate describes the impact of a second injury prior to the Games on his Olympic preparations and his ability to compete at his full potential. Felgate’s story is a testimonial to the power of individual resourcefulness, problem solving, and self-belief.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Ramon Andersson, a dual Olympic Kayaker, bronze medalist at the 1996 Atlanta games and coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, talks about the importance of developing transferable life skills through sport. Guided by a thoughtful, holistic approach to coaching, he discusses his work in helping athletes achieve their potential and deal with injury obstacles.   Andersson suggests that creating a mutual respect between athletes and coaches can foster open communication and can be of great service in facilitating injury recovery. He also shares strategies for overcoming his personal battle with chronic fatigue syndrome to return to the highest echelons of the kayaking world.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Chris Hammer is a two-time Paralympian who competed in the 2012, London and 2016 Rio Games. He has a doctorate in sport psychology   and coaches the women’s triathlon team at Davis and Elkins College. In discussing his research on individuals with acquired disabilities, Chris describes the feelings of incompetence and lack control that traumatic injuries induce.   Using the analogy of reconstructing a house in the aftermath of a natural disaster, Chris suggests that individuals who grow following their injuries are those who reconstruct a “bigger, better and stronger house”. He talks about the importance of coping with pain, the motivational role of hope, and ensuring athletes have opportunities to experience successful performance accomplishment.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Jonathon Charlesworth, a former Australian national team field hockey player and sports medicine physician discusses the importance of practitioner communication in managing athlete expectations and fostering trust in rehabilitation providers.   He suggests that injury recovery is rarely a linear process and that athletes should avoid being disheartened when things do not go according to plan. He advocates the value of maintaining injury recovery and prevention measures and suggests that injury can be an educational resource where athletes learn how to build resilience.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

5X National Championship coach of the University of Windsor’s women’s basketball team, Chantal Vallee speaks about the elements of effective coaching and the value of a caring approach in fostering athlete recovery and mental well-being. Coach Vallee suggests that when athletes feel cared about as a whole person rather than just “a number” it helps them feel as though they are part of the team “family”.   Given her interest in athletes’ long-term health and well-being, she takes a very conservative approach in allowing athlete’s to return to competition after injury.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Ted Polglaze competed in the 1998 Nagano winter Olympics in the 4-man bobsled event. As a sport scientist, he formerly worked at various high-performance institutes throughout Australia where he applied scientific principles to facilitate the recovery of injured athletes. Ted discusses his own experiences trying to rehabilitate a torn hamstring only months prior to the Australian Olympic selection trials.   He describes his good fortune in meeting a leading physiotherapist who helped him redress various muscle imbalances and who taught him to “listen to his body” and understand how to use it properly. He also discusses his work with a sport psychologist who gave him strategies to recognize and reframe negative and counterproductive thoughts after being diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Polglaze provides a wealth of informative suggestions for adopting a pro-active approach to taking charge of one’s injury recovery and overcoming illness.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Raphael Rinaldi is a world-class physiotherapist and lecturer in sports physiotherapy at the University of Sienna, Italy. He works with international caliber athletes and patients with persistent pain in Australia, the U.K. and across Europe. Raphael provides a visual illustration of injury rehabilitation challenges as well as the tools he employs to help athletes gain control over their recovery path and peace of mind in handling injury uncertainties. He highlights the value of soliciting athletes’ understanding and perspectives so that he can fill in knowledge gaps and help injured performers anticipate and manage various recovery scenarios. His discussion of factors to consider in determining athletes’ readiness to return to play is invaluable.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Gabriel Herrera, one of the top youth soccer players in Nevada describes his experiences tearing two anterior cruciate ligaments. Gabe paints a vivid picture of the “mental drain” of recovery from long-term injury. He discusses his challenges in coming to terms with missed opportunities and how he copes with the motivational hurdles and uncertainties of trying to regain his form and earn a spot on a Division I college soccer team. His reflections on regaining confidence in being game-ready and taking re-injury prevention measures are useful for any athlete returning to sport after injury.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Associate Professor in Sport Science, and former Swedish national team runner, Dr. Stefan Wagnsson describes how he transitioned from soccer to an elite 1500-meter runner at the relatively late age of 19 years old. Despite his late entry into the sport, Dr. Wagnsson managed to win a bronze medal in his first Senior Swedish national championship. His early success fueled his intense desire to win and his mentality of running to exhaustion.   These ingredients fairly quickly led his body to start breaking down and to ruminative thoughts about injury that were constantly on his mind. In response, Wagnsson used coping methods such as alternative training methods (e.g., water running) and a continual focus on what he could be doing. Based on his injury experiences and his research on optimal motivational climates, he suggests that athletes and coaches should temper their focus on winning with a focus on mastery of skills and self-improvement.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Paul Oberman competed in the 1992 Olympics as a member of the Australian National Water Polo team. He describes an unfortunate accident in which he severed his ulner nerve on his throwing arm. After several surgical procedures and rigorous rehabilitation efforts, Paul made it back to the national team, only to experience a shoulder dislocation that required a shoulder reconstruction only 2 months prior to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Unfortunately, the shoulder operation precluded his participation in the games, a conclusion to his career that carried with it the disappointment and frustration of an unfulfilled dream. Oberman describes how he quickly came to terms with his injury and how the transition to coaching enabled him to give back to the sport. He suggests that injury is a test of what the athlete wants out of their sport and that if an athlete gets “knocked down” it’s helpful to reflect on: “how, ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘who’ are going to help you get back up?”  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Sebastiano Cencini is a physiotherapist for the Italian men’s National volleyball team, a squad that won a silver medal in the Rio Olympics. He describes how he tailors his communication to the information needs of individual athletes, the importance of empathy in developing a trusting relationship with injured athletes, and the value of conveying the benefits and risks of trying to push recovery timelines. Cencini notes that injured athletes with high levels of worry and anxiety also seem to experience high levels of pain, which in turn, inhibit their recovery progressions.   He indicates that effective injury recovery is a function of three factors, including, individual healing responses to anatomical damage, psychological responses to the injury, and environmental support and conditions. Cencini suggests that athletes seeking to make a remarkable recovery need all three factors working in their favor. He discusses assessments to determine athletes’ readiness to return to competition.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Marc See, an expert physiotherapist and elite runner in Perth, Western Australia has conducted thousands of clinical gait assessments on runners. Marc encourages injured athletes to find modified training methods that don’t exacerbate their injuries, to ask questions to ensure they understand the nature of their injury, and to assume different helping roles that keep the athlete involved in their sport. He cautions athletes against trying to return to sport too quickly or focusing on the shortest return to sport time frames given by practitioners. Marc distinguishes “readiness to return to training” versus “readiness to return to performance”, suggesting the latter requires additional physical and psychological work, preparation and sport-specific training. Marc discusses the value of simulation training in bridging the gap between return to training and return to performance.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Christian Zepp, an Assistant Professor in sport psychology at the   University in Cologne, Germany has a wealth of experience working with athletes and high-performance individuals across a range of sports. Dr. Zepp discusses the three major pillars of the framework he uses to help athletes cope with injury vulnerabilities. These include issues or questions of comprehensibility (“Do I understand the nature of my injury and what will occur during my rehabilitation”?), manageability (“What can I do right now to manage or improve the situation”?), and meaningfulness (“What is the potential value, use or benefit of this experience for you at this moment”?). Reflection on these questions can facilitate injured athlete self-reflection, exploration and coping.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Disclaimer: We apologize for the audio quality but still wanted to post this interview.  Thank you for your understanding.  Head of Sport Science at Cricket NSW highlights the role of support staff in explaining the injury recovery process, in particular for younger athletes who may lack experience dealing with injury setbacks. Tom suggests that when athletes understand why certain recommendations are being prescribed it promotes their engagement and “buy-in” of the rehabilitation plan. Tom advocates a partnership-approach in which injury support staff are there to facilitate recovery and athlete’s assume ownership over their rehabilitation. He encourages athletes to seek out the support they need and to use the injury experience as an opportunity to develop sport skills and personal qualities.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Shayla Archer was a former NCAA Division I swimmer at the University of Utah. A series of unfortunate concussions left Shayla with debilitating long-term symptoms that eventually forced her to retire from the sport. Shayla describes her efforts to continue her academic and sporting commitments, despite the emotional and cognitive impairments of her concussions. She also describes the physical and psychological relief that came with her decision to finish her swimming career. Shayla’s discussion touches on issues surrounding concussion reporting behaviors and potential difficulties determining concussed athletes’ readiness to return to sport.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Lori Olsen, a highly skilled and long-standing Physical Therapist at Utah State University talks about the holistic approach she uses to address the physical and psychological components of injury. Lori articulates the motivational value of outlining functional progressions as well as the benefits of demonstrating care for athletes’ needs and overall well-being. She describes valuable strategies for demonstrating care and alleviating athlete anxieties such as listening to their concerns and frustrations, walking them through the rehabilitation process, and incorporating athletes’ goals and interests into an individualized rehab program. Lori highlights numerous athlete-specific and environmental factors that influence the quality and effectiveness of athletes’ rehabilitation.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com