The Physical Performance Show

In episode 373 of The Physical Performance Show, sports medicine expert Dr Jay Hertel shares an in-depth exploration of chronic ankle instability in athletes. Drawing on his extensive clinical and research experience, Dr Hertel discusses the prevalence, consequences, and complex rehabilitation of ankle sprains. The conversation covers the patho-mechanical, sensory-perceptual, and motor-behavioral impacts of repeated ankle injuries, including early onset osteoarthritis, proprioceptive deficits, and the psychological hurdles faced by patients—such as loss of confidence and fear of re-injury. Dr Hertel explains the evolution of clinical models for assessing and treating chronic ankle instability, emphasising individualised care that considers not just the structural and neuromuscular factors, but also personal and environmental influences on recovery. The episode includes practical wisdom and a holistic approach and leaves athletes, clinicians, and listeners with a greater appreciation for the complexity of ankle injuries and a roadmap for improving outcomes both physically and mentally.   Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. -- POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In episode 372 of the Physical Performance Show, Brad Beer and Huw Darnell host a live event featuring dual Olympic triathlon medallist Hayden Wilde. Hayden shares his athletic journey, from his early days in multi-sport and the influence of family and personal adversity, through his path to Olympic success. He details the highs and lows of elite sport, including the physical and mental challenges of coming back from a significant injury sustained in a cycling accident, with unique insights into his rehabilitation, mindset, and the role of his multi-disciplinary support team. Hayden discusses his training philosophies, coaching changes, and the importance of maintaining humility amid professional success. The episode explores balancing ambition with self-care, adapting to setbacks, and the power of community in sport.  Show Sponsor: The Rehab Mechanics offers Simple Tools and Real Results. Easy fixes for your feet with a massive impact. For 20% off all The Rehab Mechanics products. Go to www.therehabmechanics.com.au Enter discount code TPPS20 at checkout. -- POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In episode 371 of the Physical Performance Show, Charlie Clements, a first contact physiotherapist and specialist in musculoskeletal care based in the UK shares his expertise on the topic of sciatica, particularly as it affects athletes, discussing the prevalence, causes, and different types of leg pain associated with the condition. Charlie explains the role of disc injuries, inflammation, and nerve root irritation, and provides practical advice on when imaging and interventions like nerve root blocks may be appropriate. Charlie emphasises the importance of patience, staying active through alternative forms of exercise, and seeking qualified healthcare support when needed. This episode also offers guidance for clinicians on managing sciatica and highlights the value of reassurance and a holistic approach to care.  Show Sponsor: POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In episode 370 of The Physical Performance Show, Dr. Jen Hamer—researcher, consultant, and former elite athlete—delivers a powerful exploration of physique considerations, body image, and the risks of low energy availability in sport. Drawing from her own journey as a high-performing endurance runner who battled an eating disorder, Dr. Hamer shares both personal and professional insights into the complex interplay between athletic culture, health, and performance. This episode delves into Dr. Hamer’s PhD research on supporting coaches to manage the risks of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) among developing athletes. She discusses the challenges of shifting deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours in sports environments, the impact of coach and practitioner language on athlete well-being, and the importance of systemic education that goes beyond awareness to drive real change. You will hear practical examples from Dr. Hamer’s work with national sports organizations, including Swimming Australia and Triathlon Australia, and learn actionable strategies for coaches, parents, and practitioners.  Show Sponsor: POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In episode 369 of The Physical Performance Show, sports physiotherapist Victor Popov shares insights from his four-decade career working with elite athletes across Olympic Games, Tour de France cycling, AFL premiership teams, and international swimming. He recounts his journey from early days in Sydney’s top sports medicine clinics to supporting champions like Robbie McEwen, Susie O’Neill, and Shane Watson, emphasising the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning. This episode delves into the critical role of the nervous system in athletic performance, with Victor Popov explaining how heart rate variability, sleep, nutrition, and even ice baths can be used to assess and optimise recovery and resilience. He introduces his Neural Engagement Therapy and Training (NET) program, designed to help clinicians and athletes better understand and improve nervous system function. Victor Popov also offers practical advice for both aspiring professionals and athletes, highlighting the importance of self-belief, teamwork, and the ability to train consistently without injury.  Special High Performance Seminar Event with Victor Popov on 30th August - register here.   Show Sponsor: POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In episode 368 of The Physical Performance Show, the podcast enters a new era as accredited exercise physiologist Huw Darnell joins as co-host alongside Brad Beer. With over a decade of experience in the endurance sports industry, Huw brings a fresh perspective to the show, sharing his journey from a sport-obsessed youth through injury setbacks to becoming a leading strength and conditioning coach for runners and triathletes. This episode explores Huw’s personal and professional evolution, including the pivotal injuries that shaped his approach to athlete rehabilitation and performance. Huw and Brad discuss the importance of psychological support for injured athletes, the barriers endurance athletes face in adopting strength and conditioning, and practical strategies for integrating effective training into busy schedules. Listeners are introduced to a new show format, Uncovering Injuries, which will feature deep dives into common endurance sports injuries from both physiotherapy and exercise physiology perspectives. The episode is rich with actionable advice, including Huw’s “four pillars of performance”—movement, recovery, mindset, and nutrition—and a weekly physical challenge encouraging barefoot training to build foot strength. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au Follow Huw on Instagram: @huwdarnell   Show Sponsor: POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services. Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best.  Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter Huw Darnell — Exercise Physiologist & Performance Coach Helping athletes move from pain and injury to peak performance. Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au and follow on Instagram @huwdarnell. The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

In this engaging discussion, sports physiotherapist Sue Mayes shares over 30 years of expertise in managing foot and ankle injuries. Former lead physiotherapist at the Australian Ballet, she revolutionizes injury prevention with innovative research on strength training and calf raises tailored for dancers and athletes. Sue challenges traditional stretching practices, advocates for strategic rehabilitation approaches, and emphasizes the significance of building trust in recovery. Her insights provide valuable lessons for both clinicians and athletes.

Olympic triathlete Hayden Wilde shares his incredible journey following a severe cycling crash in Tokyo that left him with multiple injuries. He bravely discusses his emotional rollercoaster during recovery, including the vital support from sponsors and his medical team. Hayden reflects on his recent personal best in a 10K race, the significance of small wins in rehab, and the importance of a strong mindset for returning to competition. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of teamwork in overcoming adversity.

Professor Peter Malliaras, a leading tendinopathy expert and director at Monash University’s Musculoskeletal Research Unit, shares invaluable insights into tendon rehabilitation. He discusses cutting-edge treatment strategies and highlights the importance of personalized loading techniques. The conversation delves into how biopsychosocial factors affect outcomes, the role of muscle activation, and the nuances of pain management. With a focus on recent research and evolving strategies, this is a must-listen for athletes and practitioners alike on the path to recovery.

Dr. Rich Willy, an expert in running injuries and Associate Professor at the University of Montana, joins Sarah Yule to delve into injury management for runners. They discuss the critical role of education and load management in treatment, as well as the fascinating impact of footwear, including insights on 'super shoes.' The conversation also highlights strategies for handling bone stress injuries and the challenges of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Expect valuable tips tailored for endurance athletes!