In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by Steve Short, the VP of Sports Medicine at the Denver Nuggets. With a wealth of experience in sports medicine, Steve delves into the complex world of assessing and rehabilitating hip and groin injuries in athletes.

Steve begins by sharing his journey in sports medicine and the challenges he's faced, particularly in dealing with hip and groin injuries common in court-based sports like basketball. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the morphological and functional changes that occur in athletes and how these contribute to injury risks.

The discussion then explores the differences in susceptibility to hip and groin injuries between males and females, with Steve providing insights into the nuances of diagnosis and rehabilitation for positive long-term outcomes. He stresses the importance of a thorough assessment process, including understanding pain referral patterns and considering anatomical and training statuses.

Steve highlights the individualized approach needed in treating such injuries, focusing on a conservative treatment plan and the importance of continuous communication and monitoring. He shares valuable strategies on how to handle these injuries, from the initial examination to the final stages of rehabilitation, ensuring athletes return to their peak performance safely.

The episode also covers practical aspects of rehabilitation, such as the use of reliable measures and tools like handheld dynamometers for regular assessment, and the importance of understanding muscle balance and force generation.

Steve concludes by emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of the athlete's needs, incorporating rest and various modalities into the rehab process, and maintaining objective measures and strength exercises. He advocates for a focus on what athletes can do, rather than what they can't, to facilitate effective recovery.

Main talking points:

• Challenges in diagnosing hip and groin pain • Groin strength assessments • A groin injury case study • Surgical vs non-surgical routes • Using reliable tools for injury assessment