Sports Medicine Project

Blake Withers
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Oct 19, 2025 • 14min

Relative energy deficiency in sport: What Every Athlete & Clinician Must Know #127

Breakdown of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), what it is, why clinicians and athletes should care, key stats/facts that often get missed, and practical screening you can use tomorrow in clinic or with your squad.What you’ll learnWhat RED-S actually is (beyond “under-fuelling”)Why it matters for health, performance, and injury riskPrevalence, red flags, and common pitfallsHow to screen in real life: which tools, when to use them, and how to interpret resultsWhen to refer and build a multidisciplinary planLEAF-Q (Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire) https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/suppl/2014/02/21/bjsports-2013-093240.DC1/bjsports-2013-093240supp1.pdfLEAF-Q Scoring Guide:https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/suppl/2014/02/21/bjsports-2013-093240.DC1/bjsports-2013-093240supp2.pdf• LEAM-Q (Low Energy Availability in Males Questionnaire) 6https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/9/1873 (see supplementary material)• RST (RED-S Specific Screening Tool) 7https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/30734/1612430181-1612430175-20210204-18268-i9k6n7.pdf(Questionnaire in appendix C, scoring guide in appendix B)• SEAQ-I (Sport-Specific Energy Availability Questionnaire andInterview) 8https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000424(see supplementary material)• EDE-Q (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire) 9https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/continuing-education/documents/Eating-Questionairre-EDE-Q.pdf• SCOFF (Sick, Control, One (stone), Fat, and Food Questionnaire) 10https://www.nutritionhealth.com.au/site/assets/files/1064/scoff-questionnaire.pdf• EAI (Exercise Addiction Inventory) 11https://doi.org/10.1080/16066350310001637363 (see appendix 1)• EDS (Exercise Dependence Scale) 12https://www.personal.psu.edu/dsd11/EDS/EDS21Manual.pdf
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Oct 6, 2025 • 11min

Stress Fractures in Runners | What They Are and Why They Matter #126

Stress fractures are a major concern for runners, affecting up to 20%. The discussion delves into how stress fractures develop and the importance of taking time off for proper healing. Recovery varies by injury location and severity. Insights on biomechanics highlight the role of terrain and foot posture in injury risk, while under-fueling and genetics play crucial roles in bone health. Strategies for recovery and prevention emphasize gradual loading and the mental aspects of returning to the sport.
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Sep 28, 2025 • 1h 36min

Fact Or Myth? Flat Feet & Foot Orthosis w/ Dr Gabriel Moisan #125

Find Gabriel:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gabriel-Moisanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-moisan-a382aaa7/In this conversation, Blake Withers interviews Gabriel Moisan, a podiatrist and researcher, about his journey in the field of podiatry, the evolution of foot orthoses, and the ongoing debates surrounding their use. They discuss the challenges of research in podiatry, the mechanisms of foot orthoses, and the differences between custom and prefabricated devices. Moisan shares insights on how to determine the appropriate dosage of foot orthoses for patients and critiques the terminology used in describing conditions like adult acquired flatfoot. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding both the mechanical and psychosocial effects of foot orthoses in patient care. In this conversation, Blake Withers and Gabriel Moisan delve into the advancements in podiatry, particularly focusing on foot orthosis, 3D printing technology, and the importance of clinical outcomes. They discuss the role of footwear in treatment, the evolution of materials used in orthotics, and the integration of technology to enhance patient care. The conversation also highlights the significance of teaching and learning in podiatry, the challenges of research, and the future directions of the field, including the potential of AI in predicting treatment outcomes.takeawaysGabriel Moisan's journey in podiatry began with a desire to understand foot orthoses.Research often leads to more questions than answers in podiatry.The traditional view of pronation as 'evil' is being challenged.Alignment theories in podiatry are being replaced by a focus on function.Research needs to control for biases to accurately assess treatment outcomes.Foot orthoses work through mechanical, somatosensory, and psychosocial effects.Comfort in foot orthoses is not always the priority for effective treatment.The debate between custom and prefabricated foot orthoses continues.Determining the appropriate dosage of foot orthoses is crucial for patient outcomes.Terminology in podiatry needs to evolve to better reflect current understanding. 3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing of orthotics.Clinical outcomes are prioritized over biomechanical outcomes.Footwear plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of orthotic devices.Material science is evolving, but significant changes are still needed.Technology integration in orthotics could improve patient outcomes.Patient feedback is essential for effective treatment.Teaching students about orthotic modifications is vital.Research in podiatry is often limited by funding and resources.The evolution of foot orthosis has been slow but necessary.Future research may focus on AI to predict treatment success.Exploring the World of PodiatryThe Journey of a Podiatrist: Gabriel Moisan"Pronation is evil.""I just want to see it.""We should think outside the box."titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction and Name Pronunciation00:32Gabriel Moisan's Journey in Podiatry04:33The Evolution of Foot Orthosis Understanding10:33Research Challenges in Foot Orthosis16:40The Mechanisms of Foot Orthosis20:15Clinical Applications and Effectiveness of Foot Orthosis32:49Understanding Foot Orthosis for Adult Acquired Flatfoot39:44The Debate on Terminology in Podiatry46:54Long-Term Use of Foot Orthosis: A Patient-Centric Approach51:35Advancements in Foot Orthosis Manufacturing56:15Customizing Foot Orthosis for Specific Conditions01:04:08The Future of Foot Orthosis: Technology and Innovation01:09:29The Role of Technology in Podiatry01:12:25Understanding Foot Orthosis and Patient Outcomes01:15:29Predicting Biomechanical Effects of Orthoses01:18:26The Impact of 3D Printing on Orthotic Modifications01:22:36Future of Foot Orthosis: Research and Innovations01:26:05The Need for Comprehensive Resources in Podiatry01:26:41Influential Figures in Podiatry and Research Aspirations
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Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 29min

Running Injuries w/ Luke Nelson #124

Luke Nelson, a renowned Sports & Exercise Chiropractor and running coach with over 20 years of experience, dives deep into running injuries. He shares insights on the evolution of chiropractic care towards active rehabilitation, emphasizing strength training for injury prevention. Luke discusses the use of plyometrics and isometrics for tendon rehab, effective communication with injured runners, and personalized training programs. He also highlights the importance of objective strength testing and shares his shoe preferences for optimal performance.
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Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 4min

Getting Paid In HealthCare: The Good, the Bad & the Awkward. Can Employee make 200k? #123

Get some help with Jack: https://www.clinicmastery.comFind Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jackdobrien/SummaryIn this episode, Blake Withers and Jack O'Brien discuss the often-overlooked aspects of business and finance in healthcare. They explore the importance of sustainability, negotiation strategies for new graduates, and the realities of income potential in allied health professions. Jack shares his journey from clinician to business owner and emphasizes the need for effective communication and understanding of financial literacy in the healthcare field. The conversation also touches on the challenges of starting a private practice, the significance of KPIs, and the value of patient-centered care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:29 The Importance of Business in Allied Health01:41 Jack O'Brien's Journey in Healthcare03:36 Sustainability in Healthcare Practices07:42 Negotiating Your First Job10:48 Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Tension12:49 Understanding Income Potential in Healthcare16:06 The Reality of Business Expenses19:47 Profit Sharing and Employee Satisfaction20:55 Effective Communication in Negotiations25:00 Increasing Your Income Potential27:51 Ethical Revenue Generation in Healthcare32:55 The Challenges of Starting Your Own Practice33:46 The Reality of Starting a Clinic37:29 Exploring Career Progression in Healthcare41:24 Financial Strategies for Clinicians41:58 Contractor vs Employee: Weighing the Risks45:18 Creating a Reward Structure in Clinics48:20 The Value of Patient Care and Communication58:12 Believing in the Value of Every Patient Interaction
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5 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 11min

Running for a PhD: Can Changing Your Gait Instantly Reduce Knee Pain? #122

study link :https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9884822/pdf/fspor-04-1048655.pdfKey takeaways: Gait modifications can immediately reduce patellofemoral pain in some runners.The most effective strategies were increasing step rate by 10% and adopting a forefoot strike pattern.Runners with a rearfoot strike benefitted more from forefoot strike and “running softer,” while non-RFS mainly improved with a higher step rate.Reductions in patellofemoral joint force were linked to pain decreases, but not always — suggesting other mechanisms (psychological/central factors) may also contribute.Increasing step rate is likely the safest first option; forefoot strike may work but carries higher Achilles tendon load, so requires caution.
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Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 34min

Online Running Influencers: Coaches, Con Artists & Evidence Informed? with Issac Heyne #121

Issac instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaacheyne/Substack: https://substack.com/@isaacheyne?r=jxf68&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadhAnzfZo7PbmOOABf-9MoarClQRKfYUPEdbOD-PgKY6y7d1bBdYhSKAcUV1A_aem_2VWcJabI4cL4gvFebIjangSkip to 8mins to get started!What way to evaluate information is:Applying the CRAAP testCRAAP frameworkCurrency: Is the information up‑to‑date?Relevance: Does it directly address your question or topic?Authority: Who is the author? What are their credentials and affiliations?Accuracy: Is the content supported by verifiable evidence and citations?Purpose: What is the reason behind the content—informative, persuasive, commercial, or satiricalkeywords: running, influencers, training load, misinformation, social media, sports medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition, community, injury prevention, running culture, injury prevention, running community, evidence-based practice, footwear innovation, personal experience, inclusivity, social media, athlete support, training methodssummaryIn this conversation, Blake Withers and Isaac Hain discuss the influence of running influencers on the sport, the importance of understanding training load, and the challenges of navigating misinformation in the running community. They explore the evolution of running knowledge, the impact of social media, and the necessity of critique in professional development. The discussion also touches on the role of nutrition in injury prevention and the positive aspects of running communities. In this conversation, the speakers explore the evolution of running culture, the impact of increased participation in the sport, and the importance of inclusivity within the running community. They discuss the challenges of traditional running paths and the role of evidence in running practices, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches to running injuries. The conversation also touches on the balance between tradition and innovation in running, the emotional connection to the sport, and the significance of engaging with the running community online. Ultimately, the speakers reflect on their personal experiences and the purpose they find in helping others navigate their running journeys.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Running and Physiotherapy10:18 Isaac's Journey: Runner and Clinician13:34 The Evolution of Running Knowledge16:15 The Impact of Misinformation in Running19:25 Navigating Social Media and Running Advice22:30 The Role of Critique in Professional Growth25:33 Finding Truth in Running Information28:22 The Balance of Sharing Knowledge31:25 Conclusion: The Future of Running and Health Information37:54 Understanding Knowledge Gaps in Physiotherapy41:34 Navigating Scope of Practice and Online Influence43:45 The Role of Nutrition in Physiotherapy46:58 The Impact of Social Media on Running Culture52:34 The Evolution of Running and Its Community58:36 Challenging Traditional Paths in Running01:03:27 Balancing Old and New Practices in Training01:08:25 Understanding Individualized Treatment in Healthcare01:11:28 The Complexity of Physiotherapy and Patient Care01:14:22 The Role of Social Media in Running and Community Engagement01:17:21 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Passion01:20:36 Navigating Online Presence and Telehealth in Physiotherapy01:22:38 The Evolution of Running Footwear and Personal Preferences
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Aug 18, 2025 • 31min

Foot Orthoses Explained: What Every Health Professional Should Know #120

Foot orthoses are crucial for effective patient care, moving beyond just basic materials. Their role in treating conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and tibialis posterior pain is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of foot biomechanics. Listeners gain insights into proper assessment and clinical reasoning, helping health professionals make informed decisions. The discussion encourages collaboration among podiatrists, physiotherapists, and other allied health experts, fostering a clearer understanding of orthotic prescriptions.
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Aug 3, 2025 • 50min

Super Shoes or Super Risk? Are Super Shoes really the best race shoe? Jack Crago #119

 Blake Withers and Jack Craigo discuss the nuances of running shoes, particularly focusing on super shoes and their suitability for different runners. They explore the importance of shoe fit, the role of retail in guiding shoe selection, and the potential injury risks associated with performance footwear. The discussion also highlights the significance of comfort and the impact of shoe technology on running performance, concluding with recommendations for runners on choosing the right shoes for their needs.Jack Crago youtube and instagram: @jog.on.cragosuper shoes, running shoes, injury prevention, shoe fit, marathon training, footwear technology, running performance, retail experience, shoe selection, running communitySuper shoes, also known as advanced footwear technology (AFT), are designed to enhance running performance by incorporating features like aggressive rocker geometry, high stack heights (often ≥35–50 mm), lightweight and compliant foams, carbon or composite plates, and minimal weight. These features aim to improve running economy and propulsion. However, their widespread use has prompted questions about whether they are the best option for all runners—especially when it comes to injury risk and biomechanical stability.Running participation continues to grow, with events like marathons selling out rapidly (Barrons et al., 2023). Many runners get their footwear advice from online sources or retail staff. Research suggests that both runners and retailers prioritise comfort, with super shoes often perceived as more comfortable than generic alternatives (Malisoux et al., 2020). While footwear is known to influence both performance and injury risk (Nigg et al., 2023), the assumption that super shoes are universally superior oversimplifies a complex trade-off.One of the major proposed performance benefits of high stack height is an increase in effective leg length, which may lengthen stride and improve running economy (Burns & Tam, 2020). However, these gains may come at the cost of reduced frontal plane ankle stability, particularly at higher speeds (Hoogkamer, 2020; Barrons et al., 2023). This potential drawback becomes even more important in longer races when fatigue sets in and motor control becomes more challenged.Recent studies have begun to test these assumptions more rigorously. Garofolini et al. (2024) and Möhler et al. (2022) hypothesised that high-stack shoes increase instability in the control of the centre of mass (CoM), and that these effects are exacerbated at higher speeds due to the added demands on motor coordination. Their findings suggest that super shoes may impose additional coordination demands that not all runners can accommodate.In one of the most comprehensive studies to date, Kettner et al. (2025) tested runners using shoes with low (27 mm), medium (35 mm), and high (50 mm) stack heights. The high stack shoes caused measurable changes in running style: increased vertical oscillation of the centre of mass (COMosc), lower step frequency, and higher duty factor (i.e., more time spent on the ground). These shoes also altered ankle mechanics, especially increasing time in eversion and eversion angles. Critically, they found lower local dynamic stability at the hip—measured using Maximum Lyapunov Exponent (MLE)—with the high stack shoes, suggesting impaired control of the centre of mass. These changes were largely independent of running speed, appearing consistently at both 10 and 15 km/h.From a clinical perspective, this evidence indicates that super shoes are not one-size-fits-all. Runners with a history of injury, reduced neuromuscular coordination, or poor fatigue resistance may be better served by lower stack, more stable footwear. Coordination and stability may be just as critical as cushioning and propulsion—especially in long races or for less experienced runners.
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Jul 27, 2025 • 58min

Achilles and lower limb tendonopathy - Dr Myles Murphy #118

Dr Myles Murphy is a clinical physiotherapist and early-career clinician researcher from the Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute at Edith Cowan University. Myles’ works clinically at SportsMed Subiaco and has worked with or consulted for a variety of elite sporting teams. While working clinically, Myles’ completed his PhD part-time at The University of Notre Dame Australia investigating the different mechanisms related to pain and dysfunction in people with lower-limb tendinopathy. Myles’ research involves investigating the drivers of pain and impairment in people with lower-limb musculoskeletal injury and disa

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