Movement Optimism

Dr. Gerard McMahon, a sports scientist from Ulster University, specializes in tendon adaptations to resistance training. He dives into the debate of partial versus full range squats for enhancing vertical jumps and discusses optimal tendon loading ranges. The podcast also highlights the importance of knowing tendon strain for better strength prescriptions and explores various training techniques, including single leg exercises. McMahon emphasizes tailored training approaches to boost tendon health and performance while minimizing injury risks.

Dr. Falk Mersmann, head of a research group at Humboldt University, specializes in muscle and tendon biomechanics. He reveals the crucial balance between tendon stiffness and muscle strength to prevent injuries. Personalized tendon loading strategies can enhance adaptations, while simplistic activities like running alone aren't enough for tendon health. He dispels myths about stretching reducing stiffness and argues that plyometrics might not boost tendon strength. Mersmann emphasizes understanding mechanical stiffness for effective injury prevention in athletes.

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.

Guillaume Deville, a physiotherapist specializing in shoulder pathologies and co-founder of l'Agence EBP, dives into the transformative power of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in rehabilitation. He highlights how MI fosters patient engagement and behavioral change, discussing effective communication techniques that build strong therapeutic relationships. Guillaume also examines the challenges of using MI in pain management and the integration of cognitive therapy approaches. Lastly, he shares insights on training bilingual physiotherapists and the launch of an accessible online course.

Dr Stu Phillips, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health, shares his expertise on the importance of strength, power and muscle hypertrophy for healthy aging. As is often the case Stu discusses how simple exercise programming can achieve the physical attributes that help us all age well.   The fast recap is: - something is better than nothing strength train 2x/week, 2-4 sets, 5-20 repetitions with an effort of 8/10.   progress this over time train power but moving a much lighter faster! eat a little bit of protein within 24 hours of your workout. easy peasy

Clifton is a Canadian Power Lifter and Chiropractor.  I worked with a Clifton a few years ago to help him with his concussion symptoms, low back and hip pain.  Working with health care professionals is often interesting.  You will feel the pressure to "fix them" but when you get to listening to them you often realize that they have the answers and the knowledge.  They just need help and sometimes coaching.  I think (IIRC) I was once told that I can't comment on low back pain and lifting until I "fix" elite level powerlifters.  Besides this being an absolutely silly and anti-science statement I guess by this standard I can never talk about low back pain again.  Because it's true.  I don't "fix" anyone.  No one does. We work with people where they are and problem solve solutions together.  Working with people is often about coaching, reassurance and being there for that person.   Clifton shares his experience with pain, his recovery, how he helps his own patients and his fundamentals of rehab.

Rachel Hannah talks about her own experience as a runner dealing with Relative Energy Deficiency (REDs) and her recovery from bone stress injuries (BSIs).  And Greg (Rachel's former Physiotherapist)  talks about his professional failings as a therapist helping Rachel with her first Bone Stress Injury.   If you want help with all things diet, healthy weight and REDs then you can work with Rachel here: https://rachel-hannah-registered-dietitian.ca1.cliniko.com/bookings   Or See Rachel on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelhannahrd/

Dr Anneleen Malfliet discusses pain neuroscience, graded exposure, and managing adiposity for pain relief. Topics include time contingent exercise, reframing motor control exercises, and the challenges of weight loss in pain management. The podcast dives into the integration of cognitive training for chronic spinal pain, gradual introduction of feared movements, and lifestyle modifications for better patient outcomes.

We have Erik Meira (The Science PT) talking ACL injury, the importance or not of strength, whether valgus is a true risk factor for injury or a sign of something else and who technique matters for primary or secondary injury prevention. Please go to Erik's website not just for his links to what he offers but excellent blogs and resources that really explain complicated topics in clinically applicable ways. Erik's website is here