Sports Medicine Project

Blake Withers
  • 4.8 (4)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Join Blake as he dives into the world of Sports Medicine — from injuries and injections to running and performance. Perfect for clinicians and healthcare enthusiasts, this fortnightly podcast blends real-life clinical insights with evidence-based discussions to help you treat smarter and work better. With a background in research, biomechanics, and podiatry, Blake shares practical tips you can actually use to improve patient outcomes and stay up to date. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in conflicting advice on how to manage injuries — this podcast will cut through the noise.

  1. 1d ago

    Understanding Osteoarthritis w/ Ben Steele-Turner

    Every major osteoarthritis guideline in the world lists weight management as core care. Ben Steele-Turner's scoping review pulled together 79 records on what physiotherapists do, and the picture is messy. Clinician surveys have 60 to 94 per cent of physios saying they include weight management. Notes audits and patient interviews put it closer to 8 to 22 per cent. Ben is a physiotherapist and PhD candidate at the University of Portsmouth, and he joins me to talk through why that gap exists and what to do about it. We get into scope of practice and why so many clinicians find the conversation awkward. We also cover the part I've always struggled with. Osteoarthritis is a whole system condition, inflammatory, metabolic, psychological, and yet the mechanical side is the bit I know how to do. Sets, reps, load, progression.. Ben and I dig into whether the lifestyle side actually outperforms what we're already doing, what someone can be offered for faster relief in the first few weeks, and where taping, footwear, orthoses and injections sit. Then there's the steroid question. If a knee is angry and inflamed we know what that environment does to cartilage, but the drug that settles it is itself chondrotoxic. Do we steer people away from it or put it on the table and let them decide? And can we really blame someone for wanting the pain gone now, when most of us wouldn't accept "just live with it" for our own injuries either. Ben finishes with how he selects exercise for someone with knee OA, whether he starts local or zooms out, and the one thing he wants every patient to walk away understanding about their knee. Papers discussed: Steele-Turner B, Gonçalves AC, Shepherd AI, Drummond H, Allison K, Bennell KL, Exell TA. Physiotherapist-led weight management for people with osteoarthritis: A scoping review. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2026;34:121-138. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41276008/ Moseng T, Vliet Vlieland TPM, Battista S, et al. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2024;83:730-740. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38212040/

    Understanding Osteoarthritis w/ Ben Steele-Turner

  2. Jul 6

    Muscle Injuries: Diagnosis, Rehabilitation & Return to Play w/

    Muscle injuries remain one of the most challenging conditions in sport. In this episode, sports physiotherapist Murray Leyland joins us to discuss the latest evidence on muscle injury diagnosis, rehabilitation, and return to play. We cover muscle injury classification, the role of MRI, load management, eccentric training, calf and hamstring injuries, and how clinicians can make more informed return to play decisions. This episode is packed with practical, evidence-based insights for clinicians working with athletes and active individuals. Murray's Practice Below: https://www.valleyphysiotherapy.au/

    Muscle Injuries: Diagnosis, Rehabilitation & Return to Play w/

  3. Jun 26

    Strengthening vs Stretching for FAI Syndrome: Which Works Best?

    Paper: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2026/05/03/bjsports-2025-110986 In this episode, Professor Joanne Kemp discusses the latest evidence on femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome and challenges common assumptions about hip pain. We explore why structural findings such as cam morphology are often seen in pain-free individuals, how imaging should be interpreted alongside the clinical picture, and what the new PhysioFIRST randomised controlled trial tells us about strengthening versus stretching. Joanne also shares practical advice for clinicians on patient education, treatment decision making, and translating research into everyday practice. Whether you're a clinician, student, or interested patient, this episode provides an evidence-based perspective on the assessment and management of hip pain. Professor Joanne Kemp is a physiotherapist, researcher, and Professor at La Trobe University. She leads internationally recognised research in hip pain and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome, with a focus on improving non-surgical management through high quality clinical trials. Joanne has authored more than 150 peer reviewed publications and is the lead author of the recent PhysioFIRST randomised controlled trial published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

    Strengthening vs Stretching for FAI Syndrome: Which Works Best?

  4. Jun 8

    Does Comfort Beat Biomechanics? Footwear & Calf Science with Dr Kim Hébert-Losier

    Follow Kim https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-hebert-losier/ Summary Dr. Kim Hebert-Loser shares insights on calf muscle function, footwear technology, injury prevention, and the future of personalized shoe design. Discover how research, biomechanics, and individual preferences shape optimal running and rehabilitation strategies.

  5. May 1

    The Stress Fracture Epidemic That Isn't

    Stress fractures feel like they're everywhere lately but I don't think its changing disproportionately. I dig into why, what's really going on, and which bits of the "epidemic" narrative I think hold up. Refs: Bennell KL, Malcolm SA, Thomas SA, Reid SJ, Brukner PD, Ebeling PR, Wark JD. Risk factors for stress fractures in track and field athletes: a twelve-month prospective study. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1996;24(6):810–818. Knapik J, Montain SJ, McGraw S, Grier T, Ely M, Jones BH. Stress fracture risk factors in basic combat training. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2012;33(11):940–946. Changstrom BG, Brou L, Khodaee M, Braund C, Comstock RD. Epidemiology of stress fracture injuries among US high school athletes, 2005–2006 through 2012–2013. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2015;43(1):26–33. Rizzone KH, Ackerman KE, Roos KG, Dompier TP, Kerr ZY. The epidemiology of stress fractures in collegiate student-athletes, 2004–2005 through 2013–2014 academic years. Journal of Athletic Training. 2017;52(10):966–975. Shi BY, Castaneda C, Sriram V, Yamasaki S, Wu SY, Kremen TJ. Changes in the incidence of stress reactions and fractures among intercollegiate athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2023;18(1):788. Bergman AG, Fredericson M, Ho C, Matheson GO. Asymptomatic tibial stress reactions: MRI detection and clinical follow-up in distance runners. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2004;183(3):635–638. Kiuru MJ, Niva M, Reponen A, Pihlajamäki HK. Bone stress injuries in asymptomatic elite recruits: a clinical and magnetic resonance imaging study. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2005;33(2):272–276. Hoenig T, Ackerman KE, Beck BR, Bouxsein ML, Burr DB, Hollander K, Popp KL, Rolvien T, Tenforde AS, Warden SJ. Bone stress injuries. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2022;8(1):26. AusPlay (Australian Sports Commission). National participation data on running and jogging, 2015–present. https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/research/ausplay

    The Stress Fracture Epidemic That Isn't

  6. Mar 30

    What Better Persistent Pain Care Actually Looks Like | Dr Nardia Klem

    In this episode, we explore questions such as: Why does pain persist despite multiple high-quality treatments? What does it actually mean to say pain is multifaceted, and how should that change clinical decision making? How should clinicians communicate about pain in a way that is accurate, validating, and actionable? What should clinics stop doing, start doing, and measure if they want to improve care? In this episode, we speak with Dr Nardia-Rose Klem, a physiotherapist and research academic at Curtin University whose work focuses on young people living with persisting pain, particularly the relationship between pain, mental wellbeing, and access to appropriate care. She is involved in several important clinical translation and public education initiatives, including young painHEALTH, painHEALTH, and the Musculoskeletal Clinical Translation Framework, all of which aim to improve the way pain and musculoskeletal conditions are understood, communicated, and managed. Her research spans young people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, co-existing mental health conditions, pain care experiences, and qualitative work exploring patient experiences across musculoskeletal healthcare contexts.  Links mentioned Profile and socials Curtin University staff profile Instagram: @physio_nardia Websites and resources young painHEALTH painHEALTH Musculoskeletal Clinical Translation Framework Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire, short form Publications Characterizing phenotypes and clinical and health utilization associations of young people with chronic pain: latent class analysis using the electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration database  “It’s kind of just like a never-ending cycle”: Young people’s experiences of co-existing chronic musculoskeletal pain and mental health conditions  Lived and care experiences of young people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and mental health conditions: a systematic review with qualitative evidence synthesis  A Prospective Qualitative Inquiry of Patient Experiences of Cognitive Functional Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain During the RESTORE Trial  What Influences Patient Satisfaction after TKA? A Qualitative Investigation

  7. Jan 28

    Clinical Considerations in Achilles Tendon and Navicular Stress Fracture Surgery | Dr Gerald Yeo

    In this episode of the Sports Medicine Project, Blake Withers is joined by Dr. Gerald Yeo, a renowned foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon, to discuss the intricacies of foot and ankle surgeries, particularly focusing on Achilles tendon and navicular stress fractures. Dr. Yeo shares insights from his extensive experience, discussing the challenges and advancements in surgical techniques, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treatment. Dr. Gerald Yeo emphasizes the complexity of foot and ankle surgeries compared to other orthopedic procedures.The discussion highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving physiotherapists and podiatrists.Dr. Yeo explains the traditional and modern approaches to treating Achilles tendonitis.The episode explores the challenges of measuring surgical outcomes for foot and ankle procedures.Dr. Yeo shares insights on the use of Richie braces in managing foot conditions.The conversation covers the role of imaging in diagnosing and planning surgeries.Dr. Yeo discusses the potential of minimally invasive techniques in foot and ankle surgery.The episode addresses the common misconceptions about Haglund's deformity and its treatment.Dr. Yeo talks about the importance of patient education in managing expectations post-surgery.The discussion includes the future of orthopedic surgery and potential advancements in treatment options.Keywords: Achilles tendon, navicular stress fractures, orthopedic surgery, foot and ankle, multidisciplinary approachTakeaways: Dr Gerald Yeo is a Queensland trained orthopaedic surgeon (BMedSci, FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA) with subspecialist fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery. His clinical interests include minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques, total ankle replacement, and lower-limb trauma, with a focus on supporting recovery through early, functional rehabilitation and multidisciplinary care. He consults and operates in Brisbane, including at Brisbane Orthopaedic Specialist Services and St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, and also consults at North Lakes and operates at North West Private Hospital. (drgeraldyeo.com.au)

    Clinical Considerations in Achilles Tendon and Navicular Stress Fracture Surgery | Dr Gerald Yeo

  8. 12/07/2025

    Selecting the Right ASICS Blast Shoe for Your Patient: Superblast, Novablast, Sonicblast, Megablast and Dynablast

    Confused by all the ASICS “Blast” shoes? In this video I break down the entire Blast family and help you match the right shoe to your running.Megablast – max stack, FF TURBO SQUARED, ultra-bouncy long run and easy day optionSonicblast – dual-foam midsole with Pebax plate, built for tempo and faster long runs Superblast 2 – the super trainer sweet spot for daily training, long runs and some workouts Novablast 5 – the classic bouncy daily trainer, 8 mm drop, big stack without feeling unstable  Dynablast – more affordable, lower stack, flexible Blast option that still feels fun underfoot Which models suit higher weekly mileage and long runsWhen I might lean towards Megablast or Superblast?Where Dynablast and Novablast fit for newer runners or those not used to very high stack shoes?

    Selecting the Right ASICS Blast Shoe for Your Patient: Superblast, Novablast, Sonicblast, Megablast and Dynablast
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join Blake as he dives into the world of Sports Medicine — from injuries and injections to running and performance. Perfect for clinicians and healthcare enthusiasts, this fortnightly podcast blends real-life clinical insights with evidence-based discussions to help you treat smarter and work better. With a background in research, biomechanics, and podiatry, Blake shares practical tips you can actually use to improve patient outcomes and stay up to date. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in conflicting advice on how to manage injuries — this podcast will cut through the noise.

Information

  • Creator
    Blake Withers
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Blake Withers
  • Show Website
    Sports Medicine Project

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