The Rethinking Rehab Podcast

On this episode, I sit down with Lisa Pataky, a sports physical therapist whose career has spanned pro tennis, Overtime Elite, and now the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. We dive into what it takes to build trust with athletes, bridge the gap between medical and performance teams, and reconsider long-term rehab as a training macrocycle rather than a checklist. If you’re curious about life as a PT in both the individual and team sport settings, give this a listen. Clinical Athlete FB Community Group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AmNkgtLS2/ 

Today is a special episode as I welcome back my very FIRST guest and good mentor, Jarred Boyd!  Jarred is the Director of Rehab for the Memphis Grizzlies and embodies what it means to think deeply and reflectively. In this episode we talk about how he builds trust with athletes through offseason reflection, storytelling, and clear education. Jared also shares the four core values that shape his high-performance team. We wrap up with a thoughtful discussion on false steps, injury risk, and why context—not fear—should drive how we coach and rehab movement. Clinical Athlete Community FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19DSfdvXLi/

In this episode, I sit down with Trevor Rappa from Resilient Performance PT to talk all things return to sport, especially in the mid to end stages of rehab. We get into the weeds on movement strategies and change of direction.  Trevor breaks down how he builds progressions, why most athletes are underprepared, and how reactive drills may lead to better outcomes than pre-planned ones. We also touch on the realities of the cash-based model, the value of mentorship, and the importance of developing a movement model to guide your coaching eye. If you work with athletes, this one’s packed with gems.   Clinical Athlete Community FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EhEyjThTU/

Welcome back, friends!   In this episode, I'm joined by Kelsey Fuller and Hannah Dvorak, two PTs that I met as students and walked alongside as they searched for their first job and ultimately walked away from those jobs. They share about their journey, from being diligent in their initial job search to being patient in the middle of their first job when things got hard to finally finding the courage to quit.   Knowing when to walk away is incredibly hard, but I know you’ll be encouraged by both of their stories.     Enjoy!   Clinical Athlete FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18P7Rokmmt/

Welcome back, friends! In this episode, I'm joined by Matt McInnes Watson, the founder of PlusPlyos, to dive deep into all things plyometrics.  Matt is a high jumper turned coach and now educator, where he aims to make plyometrics more approachable by providing simple, scalable frameworks for athletes and clinicians.  He shares his ideas behind plyometric progressions, as well as misconceptions he's experienced in the rehab space.  Whether you’re a clinician or coach, this episode will give you something to chew on this week!   Clinical Athlete FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16KdKx62Ne/

Welcome back friends! In this episode, I sit down with Erin Kelly-Sullivan, who began her career as a physical therapist and then pivoted into the world of branding and design. Erin shares her journey of realizing early in her PT career that clinical practice wasn’t the right fit and how she navigated the uncertainty of what to do next. We dive into her transition to branding, the struggles of leaving an identity behind, and the lessons she’s learned about building a business that aligns with who she is. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career or just love hearing stories of reinvention, this episode is full of honest insights and encouragement to rethink traditional career paths. Enjoy!!   Clinical Athlete Community FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18m1sb85Bd/

In this discussion, Rich Willy, a leading expert in running-related injuries and an associate professor at the University of Montana, delves into bone loading mechanics and their impact on athletes. He shares insights on the evolution of injury treatments, highlighting the advantages of plyometrics over traditional strength training. Rich also emphasizes the significance of mentorship in professional growth and shares valuable tips for building effective mentor-mentee relationships, making it a must-listen for sports professionals and enthusiasts.

On this episode, I sit down with Natasha Barnes, a chiropractor who specializes in working with climbing athletes. Natasha shares her journey from being an elite climber to navigating chiropractic school, where she was motivated to develop a more evidence-based, exercise-focused approach to rehab as an independent practitioner. We dive into how her treatment philosophy has evolved, the challenges of shifting patient expectations, and the unique considerations of working with climbers—especially around strength training and injury management. Natasha also talks about her transition to a fully remote practice, the power of communication in rehab, and why sometimes the best intervention is simply reassurance.   Clinical Athlete Community FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BUtQPAyBT/

In this episode I chat with Abby Gordon, a sports physical therapist at Seattle Children’s, about her career journey from working with the WNBA’s Seattle Storm to treating pediatric sports injuries and chronic pain. She reflects on how her approach to patient care has changed, the unique challenges of professional sports medicine, and the critical role of addressing holistic factors like sleep, nutrition, and mental health in treatment.  Abby also discusses her transition into teaching and shares valuable insights on supporting women’s sports and fostering resilience in patients.   Clinical Athlete FB Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/N4aVRrUSx8cNnEjw/

In this episode, I sit down with Missy Mitchell-Mcbeth, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with a wealth of experience in both coaching and consulting. We dive into how her thought process has changed in relation to plyometrics, conditioning, and the art of coaching. Missy shares insightful perspectives on building relationships with sport coaches, shaping athletes’ long-term development, and navigating the challenges of modern sports demands. Whether you're a coach or PT, there's so much to take away from this conversation.   Clinical Athlete FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/NcXkxAfDRU7chP6d/