The Real Science of Sport Podcast The Role of the Modern Physio: Lessons from the Royal Marines
Jan 17, 2025
Richard Hales, Clinical Lead at the Royal Marines' Exercise Rehabilitation Centre and author of 'The NOD Fixer,' shares insights from over two decades of fixing the toughest troops. He dives into the evolution of physiotherapy, emphasizing injury prevention over treatment. Discussion highlights include data-driven strategies for avoiding musculoskeletal injuries, the importance of tailored recovery plans, and the role of biomechanics in performance. Hales also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, filled with both serious insights and humorous tales from the battlefield.
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Ankle Injuries
- Ankle injuries are the most common, often occurring in challenging terrain during Royal Marine training.
- Recruits navigate Dartmoor at night, carrying heavy packs in wet conditions, increasing the risk.
Balance Training
- Treat balance as a trainable aspect of fitness, just like any other fitness component.
- Implement balance exercises like single-leg stands with eyes closed to improve stability and proprioception.
Shift to Injury Prevention
- Physiotherapy has shifted from solely treatment to prevention of injuries.
- Preventing injuries is easier than treating them, as many injuries are preventable with proper conditioning.