Dr Colin Griffin discusses optimal achilles tendinopathy rehab

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Sep 10, 2024

In this conversation with Colin Griffin, a strength and conditioning coach specializing in lower limb injuries, the focus is on innovative rehabilitation for Achilles tendinopathy. Colin critiques traditional tendon loading programs, advocating for a more engaging and performance-focused approach. He explains the balance of loading and recovery, highlights the vital role of strength training in rehabilitation, and discusses optimizing plyometric landing mechanics. Personalization is key, whether it’s through tailored exercises or understanding individual anatomical differences.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Performance in Race Walking and Running

02:04 • 2min

Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy Rehabilitation

03:50 • 17min

Rehab Realities: Calf Strength and Running Performance

20:42 • 14min

Optimizing Landing Mechanics in Plyometrics

35:10 • 6min

Optimizing Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies

40:52 • 2min

Exploring Ankle Capacity and Its Impact on Running Injuries

42:30 • 2min

We had Colin on today to primarily talk about the pragmatic aspects of rehabbing an Achilles tendon in the sporting population.

Part of Colin's PhD thesis was looking at this specific topic. In my opinion, a lot of the researched tendon loading programs aren't pragmatic, are boring, are hard to stick to and just don't seem like they would contribute to performance. Colin's program is NOT like that.

His simple, progressive, performance based and pragmatic tendon and lower extremity program should be used as your "recipe" for care.

Have a look at his paper here that outlines the full rehab program. More about Dr Colin Griffin

Colin is a strength and conditioning coach at the UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic with a role that includes the rehabilitation of lower-limb injuries and the delivery running performance services.

He completed a degree in Strength and Conditioning with Setanta College in 2015 and completed Masters Degree in Coaching and Exercise Science in University College Dublin in 2016. He is an IAAF Level 4 certified endurance coach, coach eduaction tutor with Athletics Ireland and an accredited professional member of the Sport Ireland Institute in High Performance Sport Strength and Conditioning.

He has over 15 years experience in high performance sport having represented Ireland at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games in the 50km walk as well as a number of top 12 perofrmances at world and european level. He has also coached other Irish athletes to Olympic level.

In 2011 he founded The Altitude Centre Ireland and pioneered the development of Irelands first residential altitude training centre at the University of Limerick.

His main areas of interest include the rehabilitation of tendinopathies and muscle overload injuries, biomechanics, physiology and athletic development.

Colin is undertaking a PhD on the biomechanics of muscle-tendon interaction at the achilles during exercise, working under JB Morin at the University of Côte d’Azur and in collaboration with SSC Sports Medicine.