

Jacked Athlete Podcast
Jake Tuura
Jake Tuura interviews those in the field of Athletic Performance, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Tendinopathy Rehab. You'll hear guests talk about Strength & Conditioning, Tendon Health, Anterior Knee Pain, and Muscle Gain. Website: http://jackedathlete.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Knee Tendon Rehab with Erik Meira
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erik Meira and His Background 02:39 The Journey into Physical Therapy 05:51 Transitioning from Hip to ACL Focus 08:50 Understanding ACL Rehabilitation Challenges 12:01 The Role of the Quadriceps in Recovery 14:49 Pain Management and the Nervous System 17:40 Graft Types and Their Impact on Recovery 20:47 Exploring Force Output and Pain Inhibition 23:57 Warm-Up Strategies and Moment Arm Mechanics 26:39 Practical Applications in Rehabilitation 31:52 Phases of Rehabilitation 36:52 Understanding Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training 45:42 The Role of Pain and Function in Recovery 51:25 The Importance of the Quadriceps in ACL Recovery 55:35 The Role of the Soleus in Knee Extension 59:56 Simplifying Rehabilitation: The Focus on Force Production Takeaways Eric Meira has decades of experience in physical therapy, focusing on sports rehabilitation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind rehabilitation. Long-term rehab is crucial for athletes, especially with chronic injuries. Pain management is often more about the nervous system than actual tissue damage. The quadriceps play a vital role in ACL recovery and overall knee function. Soleus muscle strength can compensate for quadriceps weakness in some cases. Nervous system calibration is essential for restoring function post-injury. BFR training can help maintain muscle strength when traditional loading is not possible. Restoring force production is key to successful rehabilitation. Rehabilitation should focus on the athlete's capacity to perform their sport. Website: https://thesciencept.com Courses: https://thesciencept.com/courses/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikmeirapt/ Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-164-knee-tendon-rehab-with-erik-meira/

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
Lateral Gastrocnemius in Achilles Tendinopathy with Gabriel Fernandes
In this talk, physiotherapist Gabriel Fernandes delves into his pioneering research on the lateral gastrocnemius and its surprising role in Achilles tendinopathy. He reveals how cortical inhibition affects muscle endurance, painting a vivid picture of altered muscle coordination under fatigue. Practical insights such as specific rehabilitation strategies, foot positioning for optimal muscle activation, and the nuances of calf muscle atrophy provide listeners with actionable takeaways. Gabriel also explores innovative methods like neuromuscular stimulation to bolster muscle activation.

Dec 3, 2025 • 2h 22min
Peroneal and Tibialis Posterior Tendons with Blake Withers
Chapters 00:00 The Role of Podiatry in Rehabilitation 01:19 Exploring the Peroneal and Tibialis Posterior Tendons 04:25 Phases of Tendon Rehabilitation 07:14 Differentiating Tendon Injuries 10:30 The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis 24:12 Exploring Treatment Options for Tendon Pain 32:36 Understanding Orthotics and Their Role in Recovery 41:43 The Importance of Taping Techniques 44:29 Footwear Considerations for Pain Management 51:49 Differential Diagnosis in Tendon Pain 57:06 Understanding Insertional Pain and Loading Programs 58:14 The Role of Training Load in Running Injuries 01:00:03 Conservative Care for Tears and Injuries 01:02:04 Managing Detraining Effects During Recovery 01:05:35 Exploring Plantar Fasciitis and Treatment Options 01:07:06 Differentiating Types of Plantar Fasciitis 01:11:34 The Importance of Diagnosis in Treatment 01:15:15 Understanding Pain with Weight Bearing 01:18:37 Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis: Compression vs. Strain 01:25:24 Rehabilitation Strategies for Tendon Injuries 01:26:43 Rehabilitation Techniques for Tendons 01:33:20 Understanding the Capacity Phase in Rehabilitation 01:36:27 The Role of Resistance Training in Injury Prevention 01:47:25 Dynamic Function of the Foot and Ankle 01:58:24 Insights on Shin Splints and MTSS 01:58:42 Understanding Shin Splints and Their Treatment 02:02:25 The Role of Loading Cycles in Rehabilitation 02:04:40 Specificity in Rehabilitation: Running vs. Traditional Exercises 02:07:35 The Complexity of Tendon Healing and Rehabilitation 02:17:31 Future Directions in Tendon Research and Rehabilitation Takeaways Podiatry often misunderstood; it's more than just inserts. Tendons like peroneals and tibialis posterior require specific rehabilitation. Phases of rehab include pain management and capacity building. Differentiating between tendon injuries is crucial for effective treatment. Orthotics can significantly aid in unloading painful tendons. Load modification is key in managing chronic pain conditions. Footwear plays a vital role in recovery from injuries. Plantar fasciitis treatment requires understanding of compressive vs tensile pain. Education is essential for patients to understand their conditions. Effective communication with patients enhances treatment outcomes. Imaging is crucial for ruling out serious conditions in tendon injuries. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of tendon pain. Rehabilitation should focus on the specific needs of the tendon involved. Ankle stiffness can significantly affect athletic performance. The minimum effective dose of exercise is important for maintaining tendon health. Tendon injuries require a combination of loading and unloading strategies for recovery. Nutrition plays a vital role in tendon healing and overall performance. Understanding the biomechanics of the foot is key to preventing injuries. The body adapts to loading cycles, which can influence recovery from injuries. Long-term monitoring of tendon health is necessary for athletes. Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blake.sportspodiatrist/ Blake's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn0B8PgJSRp-qaCYmqC4yGv8Xy0YmTk8VSIzUffdN9odCfz2j08OrOYFQH2ek_aem_ovO72KqzHk4lxDHBBRo0XA Blake's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqw1DRZlUIcGL7rr0CHo9g Blake's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6s99soNsAnzEKd0OyPBR8P?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn9H8fpNukw1oIy4S-X-Y-A2iUVw-kzQN31uq6oRV-ZwVbccCHH0SgPy6Zdj8_aem_bagi5CYH-BipjAbACUQDiw Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-162-peroneal-and-tibialis-posterior-tendons-with-blake-withers/

Nov 29, 2025 • 56min
Rectus Femoris and Soleus Aponeurosis Injuries with Filippo Tilli
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Myotendinous Junction Injuries 00:08 Pain Perception in Soleus Injuries 21:28 Rehabilitation Protocols for Soleus Injuries Takeaways Misdiagnosis is a significant issue in myotendinous injuries. Education is crucial for effective injury management. The rectus femoris has a complex three-layer structure. Proximal muscle action is like a whip, while distal action generates force. MRI is the gold standard for assessing injuries. Pain often manifests after activity, not during. Aponeurotic tissue requires longer healing times than muscle injuries. Tendon and aponeurosis have different mechanical properties. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for injury management. Continuous improvement in clinical practice is necessary. Filippo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filippo_tilli_fisioterapista/ Filippo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippo-tilli-429aa51a7/ Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-161-rectus-femoris-and-soleus-aponeurosis-injuries-with-filippo-tilli/

Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 10min
Patellar and Quadriceps Tendons with Jonas Riess
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tendinopathy and Personal Journeys 02:58 Exploring Treatment Approaches and Personal Experiences 05:42 Understanding the Science Behind Tendon Rehabilitation 08:52 The Role of Warm-Up Phenomenon in Tendon Health 11:34 Diving into the Berlin Method and Its Applications 14:54 Managing Tendinopathy in Professional Athletes 17:38 Innovative Exercises for Tendon Strengthening 20:40 Balancing Performance and Tendon Health 23:21 The Impact of Deep Knee Angles on Tendon Health 26:39 Utilizing Flywheel Training and K-Box for Rehabilitation 37:00 Understanding Tendon Overload and Training Methods 38:52 Managing Tendinopathy in High-Performance Athletes 41:52 The Impact of Surface on Tendon Health 45:05 Biomechanics of Jumping and Landing in Beach Volleyball 49:39 Exploring Adjunct Treatments for Tendinopathy Takeaways Jonas Riess shares his journey with patellar tendinopathy and how it shaped his career. The importance of understanding tendon loading and biomechanics in rehabilitation. Research from influential figures like Keith Barr and Jill Cook has shaped current practices. Warm-up phenomena can temporarily alleviate pain in tendinopathy cases. The Berlin method and decline squats are effective for treating patellar tendinopathy. Managing tendon pain requires a balance between loading and recovery. Innovative training methods can enhance performance while protecting the tendon. Beach volleyball presents unique challenges for tendon health due to surface dynamics. Adjunct therapies like collagen supplementation and shockwave therapy have mixed results. Effective communication and collaboration with athletes are crucial for successful rehabilitation. Jonas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kukfrankfurt/ Jumper's Kneehab Programm: https://myablefy.com/s/kukfrankfurt/jumpers-kneehab Jonas on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyoRiUmk1MBqwxwEfthS2Q/featured Jonas's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kukfrankfurt?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnlEHgKh5AvX1xlo8utZkT83nxIYy09BNt3nN1P2tp8w8pdwLtIU2oSX1URA0_aem_PfHsdRbewB32IDrS3D2xKw Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-160-patellar-and-quad-tendons-with-jonas-riess/

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 11min
Patellar and Quadriceps Tendons with Rodrigo Scattone
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Patellar Tendinopathy and Research Background 02:59 Understanding Kinetic Chain and Loading Tiers 05:59 The Role of Ankle Dorsiflexion in Knee Stress 08:46 Biomechanics of Landing and Patellar Tendon Load 11:40 Rehabilitation Strategies for Patellar Tendinopathy 14:34 The Importance of Calf Strengthening 17:59 Electrical Stimulation in Rehabilitation 21:01 Comparing Strain and Load in Tendon Rehabilitation 23:45 BFR and Its Implications for Tendon Health 35:39 Understanding Tendon Pathologies: Quad vs. Patellar Tendon 39:24 Compression vs. Tension: The Key to Tendon Health 42:06 Loading Strategies for Quad and Patellar Tendon Rehabilitation 45:12 The Role of Muscle Strength in Tendon Health 49:36 Osgood Schlatter and Its Management 52:28 The Importance of Load Management in Young Athletes 54:55 Research Insights: Loading Index and Tendon Rehabilitation 01:01:36 Plyometrics and Kinetic Chain in Rehabilitation 01:05:10 Balancing Sports Participation and Rehabilitation 01:08:38 Current Research and Future Directions Takeaways Rodrigo Scatone specializes in sports physical therapy and patellar tendinopathy. Dorsiflexion restriction can lead to increased knee stress and patellar tendon issues. Landing mechanics significantly affect patellar tendon load during activities. Rehabilitation should focus on the entire kinetic chain, not just the affected tendon. Calf strengthening is crucial for offloading the patellar tendon during rehab. Electrical stimulation can enhance quad activation and reduce pain during rehab. Long-duration isometrics may not be suitable for all patients due to pain responses. BFR training is controversial for lower limb rehabilitation due to potential tendon strain imbalances. The quadriceps tendon may require different loading strategies compared to the patellar tendon. Young athletes with Osgood Schlatter's should avoid excessive stretching and focus on load management. Rodrigo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rscattone/ Rodrigo on Twitter: https://x.com/scattonesilva Rodrigo's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/rscattone?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn_JYxepL7fCxUs2WEpEqJn2n6_pzuA9JJ1ieYRSf-JXqQ94mjf23DD5qRAuU_aem_wWPO4ZJf6VeuoXe52GDTHA Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-159-patellar-and-quadriceps-tendons-with-rodrigo-scattone/

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
Achilles Tendons and CrossFit: Injury Prevention Strategies with Brent Fikowski
Brent Fikowski, an elite CrossFit competitor with 12 years in the sport, shares invaluable insights on Achilles health and injury prevention. He discusses the prevalence of Achilles injuries, especially related to rebounding box jumps, and emphasizes the need for proper warm-up routines. Brent highlights the often-neglected importance of calf training and structured loading practices to maintain tendon resilience. Additionally, he covers effective strategies for scaling plyometrics safely and the long-term benefits of consistent loading for tendon adaptation.

Nov 13, 2025 • 43min
Bilateral Quad Tendon Rupture Story with Jalen Shabazz
Video of the bilateral quad tendon rupture Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jalen Shabazz 01:01 The Day of the Injury 02:29 Immediate Aftermath and Surgery 04:59 Post-Surgery Recovery and Physical Therapy 07:30 Rehabilitation Journey Begins 10:06 Returning to Strength Training 14:06 Gradual Return to Olympic Lifts 17:45 Relearning to Walk and Running Again 20:07 Getting Back to Jumping and Advanced Movements 22:21 Navigating Pain and Adjustments in Training 23:33 Athletic Background and Early Injuries 26:22 Transition to Weightlifting and Knee Issues 30:22 Understanding the Causes of Tendon Ruptures 34:52 The Impact of Pain Ignorance 37:56 Recovery Journey and Coaching Insights 39:43 Community and Shared Experiences of Injuries Takeaways Jalen Shabazz is a strength and conditioning coach and former Olympic weightlifter. He experienced a bilateral quad tendon rupture during a lifting session. The injury occurred unexpectedly without prior pain or warning. Immediate medical attention was crucial, leading to surgery the next day. Post-surgery, Jalen faced significant challenges in mobility and daily activities. Physical therapy focused on regaining range of motion and strength. He utilized online resources to guide his rehabilitation process. Jalen gradually returned to strength training and Olympic lifts after recovery. Mental resilience played a key role in overcoming the fear of re-injury. He continues to adapt his training to accommodate his recovery and current capabilities. Jalen played multiple sports growing up, which contributed to his athletic development. He experienced a significant injury during the Junior Olympics due to a stress fracture. Transitioning to weightlifting initially alleviated his knee pain. Ignoring pain over the years led to inevitable injuries. He believes that many athletes push through pain, thinking it will resolve later. Jalen's recovery journey has made him more aware of the importance of addressing injuries promptly. He emphasizes the need for athletes to prioritize their long-term health over short-term gains. Jalen connects with others who have experienced similar injuries, creating a community of shared experiences. He maintains a conservative approach in coaching others, advocating for injury prevention. Jalen's story highlights the importance of listening to one's body and recognizing the signs of overuse. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quicktempa/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quicktempa Website: https://tempateam.com Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-157-bilateral-quad-tendon-rupture-story-with-jalen-shabazz/

Nov 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
Calf & Achilles with Dylan Carmody
In this insightful discussion, Dylan Carmody, a physical therapist and strength coach from Bend, OR, dives deep into calf and Achilles biomechanics. He reveals that strong calves don’t always equate to injury prevention and explores the surprising ways athletes compensate during movement. Dylan emphasizes the critical role of biomechanics in athletic performance and shares practical training strategies, including the importance of both dorsiflexion and specific loading techniques for tendon health. His expertise is a must-listen for athletes seeking to enhance their performance and prevent injuries.

9 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 43min
Tendon & Cartilage with Jess Ellis
Jess Ellis, a skilled physiotherapist with a PhD focused on wearable tech ethics, shares her expertise in tendon and cartilage management. She discusses the complexities of patellofemoral pain and its management, emphasizing the role of fluid dynamics in joint health. Jess explains the mechanics behind Achilles ruptures and the unique challenges they present. Rehabilitation strategies, such as graded exposure and eccentric training, are highlighted, along with the importance of individualized approaches for athletes managing pain.


