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  • Orthobiologics fill the gap between conservative treatments and surgery in sports medicine.

    Understanding the difference between inflammation and degeneration is crucial in determining the appropriate use of orthobiologics.

    Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and microvascular tubules are some of the orthobiologics used in sports medicine.

    Stem cell injections have variability and potential risks, especially when seeking treatment abroad.

    Orthobiologics can help slow down the degenerative process in musculoskeletal injuries. Understanding the difference between curative processes and treatments is important in orthobiologics.

    Patient selection and setting realistic expectations are crucial in orthobiologic treatments.

    Individualized treatment plans should consider factors such as cost, efficacy, and the specific injury or condition being treated.

    Future advancements in orthobiologics may include regenerating cartilage and creating bioidentical knees.

  • Proper nutrition is crucial in the rehabilitation process for athletes.

    Adjusting caloric intake, protein, and carbohydrate levels can support healing and prevent unnecessary weight gain.

    Antioxidants play a role in managing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.

    Supplementation with fish oil (EPA and DHA) and curcumin can provide additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

    Including more fruits and vegetables in the diet can increase antioxidant intake. SPMs and curcumin can help manage inflammation in acute injuries

    HMB may be beneficial for preserving muscle mass during periods of inactivity

    Collagen supplementation may support tendon and ligament health

    Hydration is important for tissue recovery and overall health

    Calcium, magnesium, and copper play a role in bone health

    Nutrition and supplementation may support brain health and recovery from concussions Nutrition plays a crucial role in the rehab process and can optimize healing and performance.

    Finding a balanced approach and what works best for each individual is key.

    Supplements such as creatine, leucine, beets, glutamine, and fish oil can be beneficial for rehab and overall performance.

    The use of NSAIDs should be carefully considered due to potential negative effects on gut health.

    Favorite sporting events include the World Series and the World Cup.

    Favorite cities for travel include New York, New Orleans, and Miami.

    Small wins along the rehab process can provide motivation and progress towards larger goals.

    Finding the right balance between nutrition and other interventions is essential for long-term success.

    Engaging in outdoor activities and exploring cities can enhance the overall experience of working in professional sports.

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    Setting goals and tailoring treatment plans are essential in physical therapy to meet the individual needs of each client.

    Understanding shoe wear in the fitness world is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.

    The design of a shoe should consider factors such as heel drop, cushioning, and stability to match the specific activity or sport.

    Simplifying anatomy and physiology can help a broader audience understand the science behind stretching and movement. Flexibility and instruction have often been misunderstood and taken a bad rap, but they can be effective when approached with the right knowledge and understanding.

    Writing a book on stretching allowed Leada to address common questions and misconceptions about stretching and provide a comprehensive guide for readers.

    Injury risk reduction is a more accurate term than injury prevention, as it acknowledges that injuries can still occur but can be minimized through various factors.

    Understanding load management and individualized approaches are key in injury risk reduction and optimizing performance.

    Small wins, such as inspiring someone to try physical therapy or completing a project, can be meaningful and motivating in the journey of healthcare and entrepreneurship.

  • KEY TOPICS

    Managing anxiety and performance anxiety is crucial for athletes' mental well-being and performance.

    Breathing exercises and visualization can help athletes reduce anxiety and improve focus.

    Athletes often struggle with their identity when they are removed from their sport, and it is important to support them during this transition.

    Periodizing psychological skills, such as breathing and visualization, can help athletes manage pressure and enhance performance.

    Creating protocols and plans can help reduce pressure and ensure consistent and effective care for athletes. Integrating visualization and skills training can enhance performance in sports.

    Quantifying the impact of psychological skills in a game-like situation is challenging, but research shows the benefits.

    Motivation in athletes can be fostered by addressing their intrinsic desires and needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.

    Listening to athletes and understanding their individual experiences is crucial for their development and building trust.

    Small wins in sports include winning championships and creating a culture of vulnerability and support.

  • Head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com for exclusive podcast content!

    Data has revolutionized the fields of nutrition, training, and rehabilitation, providing a more holistic and individualized approach to health and performance.

    Language plays a critical role in shaping our perception and understanding of health and performance, and it is important to use language that empowers athletes and promotes a growth mindset.

    Data integration involves collecting and integrating various data streams into a single platform, while data optimization focuses on curating and organizing the data for analysis and decision-making.

    Early adoption of data optimization and integration can provide a significant advantage in improving outcomes and facilitating more efficient and effective decision-making.

    Athlete management systems, such as Kitman Labs, offer comprehensive platforms that integrate and optimize data to support performance improvement and injury prevention. Adaptation is key in sports partnerships, as it allows for meeting the evolving needs of athletes and teams.

    Curiosity and constant learning are essential for growth and improvement in the field of sports performance.

    Data plays a crucial role in making informed coaching decisions and optimizing performance.

    Setting goals, having a clear process, and celebrating small wins are important for sustained success.

    Success and its significance vary from person to person, and it's important to recognize and respect that.

    Setting micro-intentions can help improve focus and productivity in daily tasks.

    Helping others achieve their goals is a rewarding experience that brings joy and fulfillment.

  • Mental wellness and health are critical for high-performance athletes.

    Talent identification and character assessment are important in hiring personnel and acquiring players.

    The 11th to 15th players on a team play a crucial role in building culture and supporting leadership.

    Toxic positivity undermines the validity of positive messages, while good vibes involve honest feedback and a balance between positive and constructive criticism. Focusing on both positive and constructive feedback is essential for improving performance.

    Analyzing interviews and conversations can provide objective information about a person's character traits.

    Words are data and can offer insights into a person's thoughts and feelings.

    Artificial intelligence and natural language processing can be used to analyze interviews more efficiently.

    Balancing intuition and expertise is crucial in decision-making.

    Embracing ambiguity is necessary for making thorough and accurate assessments.

  • Creating a high performance environment requires clearly defined priorities, measured success, cooperation, and shared leadership responsibility.

    High performance personnel should possess expert knowledge, communication skills, empathy, collaboration, attention to detail, motivation, and a cultural fit.

    Challenges that can lead to unsuccessful environments include internal communication issues and unclear expectations. Effective communication and relationships are crucial in high-performance environments.

    Translating rationality into emotion is essential for successful communication.

    Trust and clear, direct communication are key to resolving issues and achieving success.

    Simplifying the high-performance environment and focusing on high-impact innovations is the future.

    Celebrating small wins and creating a sense of belonging within the team are important for motivation and success.

  • For more episode information and other content, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com

    In this conversation, Adam interviews Brook Choulet, a sports and performance psychiatrist, about mental health in sports. They discuss the different credentials in the mental health field, the challenges athletes face in terms of isolation and mental well-being, and the integration of mental health and physical performance. They also explore the concepts of mental health, mental wellness, mental illness, and mental performance. Brook emphasizes the importance of education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable. She also shares advice for achieving high performance and finding small wins.

    Takeaways

    There are various credentials in the mental health field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and certified mental performance consultants.

    Athletes often face isolation and struggle with mental well-being despite the perception of a glamorous life.

    Integration of mental health and physical performance is crucial in sports, and it requires education, collaboration, and creating a safe space for athletes to be vulnerable.

    Mental health refers to overall psychological well-being, while mental wellness is multidimensional and includes physical, emotional, social, and occupational dimensions.

    Mental skills training takes mental health to the next level and focuses on building resilience, confidence, and enhancing mental and physical performance.

    To achieve high performance, it is important to have a clear vision, set realistic goals, and focus on small wins.

    Finding a balance between vulnerability and oversharing is essential in building genuine connections and trust.

    Acknowledging and celebrating small wins can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

    00:00 Introduction and Credentials

    06:44 Understanding Mental Health, Wellness, Illness, and Performance

    12:14 Psychological Readiness and Return to Play

    26:43 Optimizing Integration of Mental Health in Team Environments

  • For complete episode information and more content, head on over to AdamLoiacono.com

    In this conversation, Adam and Trevor discuss the return to sport process and the principles that guide their approach. They talk about the importance of balancing biology and criteria, with a focus on understanding healing timelines and the specific criteria needed for each sport. They emphasize the need for athletes to meet certain benchmarks, such as quad strength, acceleration, max velocity, change of direction, and jumping ability. They also highlight the significance of strength training in the return to sport process and the potential pitfalls of not getting athletes strong enough. Overall, their approach is rooted in respecting biology while working towards specific criteria and goals.

    In this conversation, Adam and Trevor discuss the challenges and considerations in return to play and rehabilitation. They highlight the importance of focusing on strength and building a solid foundation before progressing to more advanced activities. They also discuss the role of capacity and fitness in the rehab process and the need for better communication and collaboration between practitioners. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the current state of the industry and the hope for improved standards and criteria for return to play. Small wins and the importance of individualized programming are also emphasized.

    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

    07:10 Trevor's Journey to Dunking

    15:09 Balancing Biology and Criteria

    34:03 The Role of Capacity and Fitness

    45:49 Celebrating Small Wins

  • For complete episode info and more content, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com

    In this conversation, Adam and Jarryd discuss Jarryd's journey in the soccer world, particularly his experience with an expansion team and the challenges they face. They also talk about the integration of performance and coaching, managing expectations, and the importance of self-improvement. Jarryd emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to player development and the importance of teamwork and attitude. They also touch on the growth of soccer in America and its potential for the future.

    The challenges of starting with an expansion team include building everything from scratch and growing at an appropriate speed.

    Success in soccer comes down to attitude and teamwork requires selflessness.

    A holistic approach to player development, integrating performance and coaching, is crucial for building resilient athletes.

    Small wins each day, such as focusing on self-improvement and embracing the journey, contribute to sustained success.

    Soccer in America is evolving and becoming more ubiquitous, with potential for further growth in the future.

    00:00 Jarryd's Journey and Challenges of an Expansion Team

    08:40 The Difference Between an Expansion Team and an Established Club

    27:29 Starting Where You Are and Self-Improvement

  • For full episode details and content, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com for more!

    Chad Kolarcik shares his journey into professional sports and his transition out of it. He discusses the return to play process and the balance between maintaining performance qualities and allowing the injury to recover. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the performance and medical teams, as well as putting the athlete at the center of the decision-making process. Chad also highlights the challenges of working in sports, including the sacrifices required in terms of personal and family life. Chad Kolarcik shares his insights on achieving work-life balance in the sports industry and the importance of clarity and acceptance in professional sports.

    He emphasizes the need for clear communication and setting expectations in organizations. Chad also discusses the impact of competition on the sports industry and the emotional toll it can take on individuals. He shares techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being. Chad reflects on his own journey of self-discovery and the realization that his identity is not solely defined by his work in sports. He offers advice on how to judge success in the sports industry and highlights the importance of foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness. Chad concludes by discussing the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from winning championships and his favorite cities and stadiums in the sports world.

    Collaboration between the performance and medical teams is crucial in the return to play process.

    The athlete should be at the center of the decision-making process, with the final say in their own care.

    Managing external pressures and helping athletes navigate them is an important aspect of the job.

    The end stage rehab process involves replicating the intensities and demands of the sport to prepare the athlete for competition.

    Working in sports can be fun and rewarding, but it also requires sacrifices in terms of personal and family life. Clear communication and setting expectations are crucial in achieving work-life balance in the sports industry.

    Competition is a fundamental aspect of sports, and the emotional toll it can take on individuals should be acknowledged and managed.

    Techniques such as accessing the heart's energetic center can help manage emotional situations and prevent emotional depletion.

    Self-discovery and recognizing one's identity beyond their work in sports is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

    Success in the sports industry should be judged based on individual roles and responsibilities, with consideration for the work done outside of team results.

    Foundational principles such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and moments of stillness are key to improving health and performance.

    Choosing moments of discomfort and embracing change can lead to personal growth and success.

    Winning championships brings a sense of joy and accomplishment in the sports industry.

    Favorite cities include Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, and favorite stadiums include Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and soccer-specific stadiums like Providence Park in Portland and Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.

    00:00 Chad's Journey into Professional Sports

    09:59 Collaboration and Athlete-Led Care

    16:26 Balancing Performance and Injury Recovery

    31:06 The Joys and Challenges of Working in Sports

    37:04 Achieving Work-Life Balance in the Sports Industry

    43:18 Techniques for Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being

    50:49 Judging Success in the Sports Industry

    56:07 Embracing Discomfort and Personal Growth

    01:00:29 The Joy and Accomplishment of Winning Championships

  • For complete episode information, head on over to www.AdamLoiacono.com

    In this conversation, Jordan Webb, a sports scientist at U.S. Soccer, discusses the challenges of managing international soccer players and the integration of data in decision-making. He shares his experience in using GPS data to evaluate player performance and training load, as well as the importance of building relationships with clubs and players. Webb also emphasizes the limitations of injury prediction and the need to focus on making informed decisions rather than relying solely on data. He highlights the challenges of outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience in a data-driven world.

    In this conversation, Jordan Webb shares insights on decision-making in high-performance sports and the importance of building relationships and prioritizing wellness. He emphasizes the need for practitioners to understand power dynamics and influence tactics in order to navigate complex environments. Webb also discusses his pursuit of a PhD in decision-making and his research on improving decision-making processes in high-performance organizations. He highlights the value of being present and mindful in both personal and professional settings. Webb shares his favorite cities and stadiums he has traveled to and recounts memorable moments in the locker room.

    KEY TAKEWAYS

    Managing international soccer players requires building relationships with clubs and players and integrating data from various sources.

    GPS data is used to evaluate player performance and training load, but injury prediction remains challenging.

    The focus should be on making informed decisions based on the quality of judgment and process, rather than relying solely on data.

    Outcome bias and the pressure to prove the value of experience can impact decision-making in sports.

    Evaluating the quality of judgment and process requires aligning heuristics and experience with data and managing expectations. Build relationships and prioritize wellness to show up for the people you work with and care about

    Understand power dynamics and influence tactics to navigate complex environments

    Be present and mindful in both personal and professional settings

    Improve decision-making processes in high-performance organizations

    Enjoy the perks of traveling to different cities and experiencing different stadiums

    Create memorable moments in the locker room that foster camaraderie and celebration

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    10:02 Integrating Data in Decision-Making

    34:12 Making Informed Decisions Based on Judgment and Process

    41:51 Building Relationships and Prioritizing Wellness

    50:49 Preparing Athletes with Different Starting Points

    01:00:46 Prioritizing Wellness for Personal and Professional Success

    01:08:20 Experiencing the Perks of Traveling and Representing the US

    01:19:04 Creating Memorable Moments in the Locker Room

  • For complete episode details, go to www.AdamLoiacono.com

    Mike Young shares his journey from opening Athletic Lab to working with the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL. He discusses his background in track and field and the success he had as a coach in that sport. Mike also talks about his transition to working in soccer and the growth of the NWSL. He shares memorable moments with the Courage and defines the culture of the team. Finally, he explains the philosophy and training standards that have earned the Courage a reputation for fitness and excellence.

    In this conversation, Mike Young discusses the importance of training control and progression in team sports. He explains how he determines the bend point, or the point at which athletes are pushed to their limits without breaking. Mike also shares his experience in developing a load management system and bringing structure to team sports training. He emphasizes the need for individualization and the use of machine learning in monitoring and adjusting workload. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of ACL injuries in female athletes and the impact of tournaments and games on player health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding small wins for high performance.

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    02:16 Opening Athletic Lab and Working with Track and Field Athletes

    03:14 Opportunity in Soccer and Joining a Pro Club

    06:06 Transition to Vancouver Whitecaps and Return to Athletic Lab

    08:29 Working with the North Carolina Courage

    14:30 Memorable Moments with the Courage

    26:23 Philosophy and Training Standards of the Courage

    32:17 Training Control and Progression

    33:12 Determining the Bend Point

    34:18 Developing a Load Management System

    35:42 Bringing Structure to Team Sports Training

    36:37 Individualization and Machine Learning

    38:05 Positional Demands and Fitness Levels

    38:29 Monitoring and Adjusting Workload

    41:32 Overlooking Training Intensity

    41:57 Educating and Getting Buy-In

    46:28 ACL Injuries in Female Athletes

    47:30 The Impact of Tournaments and Games

    54:11 Finding Small Wins for High Performance

  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Origin Story

    05:04 Joining the US Men's National Team

    08:19 Experience at the World Cup in Qatar

    23:16 Managing Health and Performance of Players

    28:46 Role in Managing Day-to-Day Training and Therapy

    31:42 Limitations and Small Wins

    34:56 Transition to Running a Performance Practice

    35:08 Redefining Commercial Healthcare

    37:55 Consistency and Small Wins

    43:20 Upgrading Health and Performance

    45:43 Winning the Day

    47:13 Reflecting on Small Wins

    52:36 Favorite American City

    53:40 Favorite International City

    54:18 Most Memorable Locker Room Moment

    55:22 Advice for Young Coaches and Therapists

    57:51 Connecting with Professionals

    58:05 Contact Information

  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    10:42 The Evolution of Training over 30 Years

    36:15 Posture, Movement, and Constraints

    39:05 The Relationship Between Posture, Movement, and Injury

    42:18 The Importance of Mechanical Precision in Sports

    45:13 Generalization vs. Specialization in Youth Athletes

    49:47 Applying the Framework to Generalization and Specialization

    56:18 The Role of Ground in Training

    59:35 Different Body Types in Different Sports

    01:08:04 Transition from Strongman to Bodybuilding

    01:17:41 Approaching Muscle Growth in Bodybuilding

    01:18:48 The Specificity of Hypertrophy and Muscle Growth

    01:31:28 The Importance of Mechanical Overload in Hypertrophy

    01:32:37 Sensitivity to Training and Hypertrophy

    01:35:05 Deloading and Sensitization

    01:39:10 Frequency of Deloading

    01:44:23 Patrick's Training Approach

    01:46:38 The Simple Model of Bodybuilding

    01:51:43 Timelines for Adaptations

    01:53:43 Small Wins and Priorities

    01:59:14 Making Small Changes

    02:04:20 Teaching and Programming

    02:10:57 Rethinking the Big Patterns

    02:15:46 Writing Workshop for Professionals

  • Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:00 The Importance of Manual Therapy Fellowship

    06:00 Differences Between NBA and MLS/NWSL

    10:00 The Influence of Collective Bargaining Agreements

    15:00 Managing High Stakes Pressure and Emotional Toll

    20:00 Finding Balance and Identity Outside of Sports

    25:00 Defining Load Management and Stress

    30:00 The Role of Technology in Load Management

    38:00 PhD Work on Load Management in the NBA

    45:09 Understanding and Applying Workload Data

    47:04 What We've Gotten Right and Wrong About Load Management

    50:25 Advancements in Technology and Accuracy of Measurement

    53:47 The Future of Basketball Research and Data Analysis

    57:24 The Importance of Communication and Organizational Structure

    01:03:13 The Need for Actionable Data and Tangible Outcomes

    01:06:57 Finding Small Wins and Being a Good Team Player

    01:09:38 The Importance of Persistence and the Grind

    01:11:16 Favorite Hotels and What Defines a Good Hotel

    01:14:30 The Best Book Read in the Last Two Years

    01:15:37 Eye-Opening Experiences in Sports

  • For further episode details, head on over to https://adamloiacono.com

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    Building trust and effective communication are crucial for successful collaboration between performance specialists and coaches.

    Sports science and technology can provide valuable data, but it should be used in conjunction with other subjective and objective measures.

    Early specialization and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the rise in injuries among young athletes.

    A diverse and holistic approach to long-term athletic development, including exposure to a variety of sports and activities, can help prevent injuries and promote overall development. Specialization may be beneficial for certain sports that require specific skills, but for long-term health and development, generalization is a better strategy.

    Trust and communication are crucial in sports performance, and being a technical expert is not enough.

    Finding small wins is important to maintain optimism and motivation in the face of emotional highs and lows in sports.

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    07:11 Responsibilities as a Performance Specialist

    13:43 The Influence of Sports Science and Technology

    19:26 Building Trust and Collaboration with Coaches

    32:33 Long-Term Athletic Development and Specialization

    43:36 Creating a Curriculum for Youth Activities and Sports

    47:54 Specialization in Sports

    50:01 Importance of Trust and Communication

    50:46 Finding Small Wins

  • Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

    Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.

    In this episode, Adam is joined by Andrew Hauser to discuss the new tendency of incorporating breath work and respiration into training. They unpack best practices and how to incorporate these into rehab and training programs without scaring clients.

    Andrew graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Athletic Training in 2008 and obtained a Masters degree in Performance Psychology in 2020. He has worked in a variety of roles in his 14 years of experience as an athletic trainer and strength coach, with his most recent role being the Director of Performance Rehab with the Los Angeles Dodgers, during which time he was a part of their 2020 World Series team.

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:29] How did Andrew enter the scene of pro sports?

    [5:45] What was Andrew’s vision while he was exercising a leadership position?

    [8:48] Andrew talks about his participation in the World Series.

    [13:16] Andrew shares memorable Dodgers stories.

    [16:45] Broadly speaking, what is Andrew’s approach to rehab?

    [20:15] Why are spirometers and barometers meaningful? How can you make them practical?

    [23:31] Andrew addresses the research on breathing for longevity purposes.

    [25:43] Heart and breath work in frequency and volume.

    [30:01] Andrew often confesses using Moxy (Muscle Oxygen Monitor) in breath training.

    [32:31] What does Moxy measure, and why is it important?

    [38:13] Andrew uses passive blood flow restriction for recovery.

    [43:40] Andrew shares a big eye-opener for him with a group called Evolve from Austin, Texas.

    [46:52] What does Andy mean by ‘getting deeper into what can be done from the private side’?

    [52:46] Andrew studied psychology and became a CMPC (Certified Mental Performance Coach).

    [53:06] How does Andrew define a small win?

    [56:10] Every athlete needs to be heard.

    [58:31] Andrew answers a series of fun questions.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more about Finding Small Wins

    Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube

  • Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

    Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.

    In this episode, Adam is joined by Shireen Mansoori, former NFL Director Rehab and current owner of Seattle Sport Institute and Physical Therapy, who helps us navigate the dilemma regarding what is meaningful and how to incorporate the information from Sports Science and Integrating Technology in modern physical therapist and performance training.

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:15] Shireen shares how she started working with professional athletes.

    [3:26] Shireen shares the best advice she received while working for the NFL.

    [4:17] What is a fellowship? What value did it bring to Shireen's career?

    [6:53] Shireen talks about the role she used to have at the NFL.

    [8:15] What are the differences between Shireen’s time working in basketball versus the time she worked in football?

    [9:43] How does Shireen balance her expectation of 100% recovery of an athlete and the reality of them playing even if they are not?

    [10:32] How can a physical therapist help athletes who don’t know what is best for their bodies?

    [11:12] Was there any situation when Shireen needed to manage her and her team’s expectations with the available resources?

    [12:44] What are some of the main foundations that helped Shireen work with football players during rehab?

    [15:30] How does Shireen integrate the different means of physical therapy?

    [17:40] How does Shireen illustrate the rehab journey for all to make sense?

    [19:43] There is so much more that Physical Therapists do than just physical therapy.

    [21:44] Shireen defines sports science.

    [22:54] What are the first steps to incorporate sports science into PT practice?

    [24:30] Shireen explains how she makes sure she has accurate information.

    [26:29] Once Shireen has the information she needs, How does she make it actionable?

    [29:14] The key is always to compare the athlete to themselves, not to another player in the same position.

    [29:55] What is the value of load management? What are its downfalls?

    [31:30] How to approach load management in the season?

    [32:17] What are the most valuable resources or tools to help mitigate risk or enhance recovery strategies?

    [33:48] Which are the most valuable technologies for data collection, sports science, and load management?

    [35:44] How does Shireen address asymmetry?

    [37:21] How did Shireen transition from what she was doing in the NFL to what she’s been able to implement in the private sector? How does she shape rehab differently?

    [39:50] How did Shireen create a training room outside of the training room?

    [40:48] Adam and Shireen discuss privacy.

    [42:17] How does Shireen help her clients find the small wins so they can continue to progress forward?

    [44:46] Shireen advises empowering the athletes to do what they can to recover their bodies and care for their health.

    [46:36] If someone is looking to change their lifestyle or training positively, Shireen suggests that consistency is the most crucial aspect under consideration.

    [48:11] Shireen answers a series of fun questions regarding her career experience.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Learn more about Finding Small Wins

    Follow Adam Loiacono on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube

  • Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

    Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.

    In this episode, Adam is joined by Jess Elis, NBA Physical therapist, to teach us how to integrate technology best to upgrade your health and performance.

    Key Takeaways:

    [2:45] Jess and Adam are NBA guys, Jess shares how they met.

    [3:45] Jess described how ‘the bubble’ felt for him.

    [5:37] Was Portland Trailblazers Jess’ first entry point working with athletes?

    [6:59] Jess shares one of the greatest opportunities he got to experience from working with professional sports.

    [9:24] What insights does Jess have towards effective leadership when managing multiple departments?

    [11:52] Jess shares his perspective regarding two approaches, one that considers we operate in silos and another that is a more integrative approach.

    [13:40] How to create an environment that promotes positive communication among departments?

    [15:55] Jess describes the most important aspect of a leader: Everybody needs to feel heard.

    [17:36] How does Jess address each athlete’s own agenda?

    [20:10] Why and how should we consider incorporating technology in sports performance or rehab?

    [21:07] Jess made an acronym regarding the use of technology: PACE Practicality, Applicability, Conceptual, and Effectiveness.

    [23:06] What is the difference between isokinetic and isometric?

    [26:04] What is the actual process of utilizing isokinetic versus isometric, for example, in assessing quad strength?

    [27:50] What is missing from isokinetic that isometrics could help better understand?

    [31:32] Jess shares information about his thesis on the bioethics of wearable tech in the NBA.

    [32:32] Plantiga is a valuable tool for asymmetry.

    [33:37] What other information does Plantiga provide besides asymmetry?

    [34:25] How does the Plantiga fit with a custom orthotic?

    [35:03] What is IMU? What is it used for?

    [35:50] Jess describes a scenario where he would look at all three pieces of tech: HUMAC, RSI, and IMU, and shares how he would utilize that in a return to play for a knee injury.

    [39:25] How does Jess help the next generation of practitioners manage the return to play space?

    [41:06] Jess discusses the many ways to get to work in professional sports and the 3 C’s required: competence, connections, and charisma

    [45:16] Where has Jess seen people fail in pro sports?

    [46:36] Where have people been successful in pro sports?

    [48:52] What was something Jess didn’t truly appreciate about sports until he started to work in this field?

    [50:34] Working in sports, what was one thing Jess enjoyed the most?

    [50:47] What was one thing Jess did not enjoy about the NBA?

    [53:32] Jess shares one of his dad’s life lessons.

    [55:01] Looking back at his time in sports and NBA, if there was one thing Jess could go back and do differently, for better or for worse, what would that be?

    [56:03] How did Jess find his small wins throughout the season to keep pushing forward?

    [57:31] Could Jess create an encouraging environment for athletes to find their small wins?

    [58:12] Jess calls his rehabs: the Small F-bomb Wins, SFW.

    [1:01:24] Jess advises those who want to improve their health but are not in sports.

    [1:03:17] How can people find the balance between what they love to do and what they need to do to improve their health?

    [1:04:46] Jess talks about the education piece.

    [1:06:14] What is next for Jess?

    [1:07:30] Jess talks about what he loves about Thr Rehab Code.

    [1:08:25] Fun questions with Jess!

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    The Rehab Code