#12 Is Stretching Worth the Effort?

Summary:
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicole Surdyka about current misconceptions in ACL rehab, return to sport treatment, and injury prevention strategies. We kick off by discussing clinical debates on social media and in person. We discuss issues around one-size-fits-all treatment approaches in any stage of treating athletes (prehab, in-clinic rehab, return to sport). Nicole also shares her experiences of mentorship and entrepreneurship.

Topics:
0:00 – Intro
2:52 – Nicole Introduction
4:00 – Heavy loading versus blood flow restriction training
5:50 – Arguing against our biases and beliefs
7:25 – Social media clinical debates and changing viewpoints
10:10 – In-person clinical debates and disagreements with medical doctors
14:05 – Misconception in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation
16:50 – Stretching and foam rolling
19:55 – Insurance versus self-pay
21:25 – Showing our value and using modalities
22:15 – Injury prevention
26:15 – Return to sport criteria issues
29:35 – Developing return to sport decisions
36:10 – Differences between in-clinic and on-field rehab
37:15 – Return to sport expectations
40:10 – Programming vs. home exercise programs
50:50 – Injury prevention programs
54:10 – What is a functional activity?
55:25 – The largest clinical gap from school to clinic
1:01:05 – Pursuing Entrepreneurship
1:02:25 – Finding Mentorship
1:07:10 – Connecting with Nicole
1:09:02 – Zach’s closing thoughts

Quotes:
“I think everyone should have to create an argument that is against their biases”

“I don’t care what exercises someone chooses as long as we are achieving the adaptations we are looking for.”

“You’re never going to prevent all injuries. The only way to prevent an injury is to have someone stop playing a sport.”

“A stitch in time saves nine”

Connect with Nicole:
Website, Podcast, Youtube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Resources Mentioned:
The Science PT Course
Clinical Athlete Forum

Music by Quentin Walston