Inside with Brett Hawke cover image

Inside with Brett Hawke

#416 The Swimmer's Doc: Injury Prevention Strategies and Performance Enhancement

Jan 15, 2025
Dr. Sandra Harrell, an expert in swimmer's injuries and performance enhancement, dives deep into the world of injury prevention for athletes. She reveals common shoulder issues and the importance of individualized strength training and mobility work. Dr. Harrell emphasizes hydration, nutrition, and recovery strategies to support long, healthy swimming careers. She also discusses how understanding your body can optimize performance, highlighting the unique anatomical needs of both hypermobile and hypomobile athletes. Discover insights to enhance your swimming journey!
54:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Harrell emphasizes that personalized strength training and understanding individual biomechanics are essential for preventing shoulder injuries among swimmers.
  • The importance of proper nutrition and hydration is highlighted as a critical factor in enhancing performance and supporting recovery in swimming.

Deep dives

The Journey from Competitor to Expert

Dr. Sandra Harrell shares her journey as a swimmer who began training at a young age but faced numerous injuries throughout her competitive career. Despite being a five-time NCAA All-American and holding pool records, her relationship with swimming became strained due to severe shoulder issues, a torn labrum, and inadequate dietary and diagnostic support. This experience motivated her to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy and a master’s in exercise science, leading her to combine her expertise in both rehabilitation and swimming. Now, she helps others navigate injuries, improve performance, and achieve longevity in the sport.

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