Second Opinion Sports Medicine Podcast

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Second Opinion Sports Medicine Podcast is hosted by the Pro Sports Docs, Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass. Dr. Dhokal & Dr. Glass are Chiropractors who have sports medicine practices in San Diego and Los Angeles. They have treated some of the worlds most famous and elite athletes including those from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and US Olympic teams. They have been the personal Doctors to legends in the game for over a decade and bring you helpful educational information and interesting, entertaining stories  weekly!

  1. 17h ago

    Episode #90 What NFL Injuries Reveal About How Teams Actually Train Why it works

    Joint practices, preseason injuries, and why football is more violent than the box score ever shows—Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass break down the latest NFL injury news and the real sports medicine decisions behind it.What looks like a simple “day-to-day” report is often anything but. From a torn ACL in a Chargers center to a severe ankle injury for a top rookie, they unpack how preseason reps, heat policies, and non-contact drills can change a season before Week 1 even arrives. If you’ve ever wondered why some teams practice full speed while others shut things down after a heat index threshold, this episode gives you the behind-the-scenes logic.You’ll discover:   Why joint practices can help teams get real reps—and why they also raise the risk of fights and freak injuries  How heat index and wet bulb globe temperature rules change practice length, equipment, and conditioning  What different injuries mean in plain English, including ACLs, ankle fractures, oblique strains, and leg collisions  Why some athletes look healthy on game day but are quietly managing bracing, soreness, or restricted motion  What coaches, trainers, and doctors actually think when the injury report doesn’t tell the full story  Dr. Dhokal and Dr. Glass also go deeper on the human side of coaching and care, including what it means when a coach like Jim Harbaugh shows raw emotion after losing a key player. That conversation opens into a bigger point about team culture, trust, and why players run harder when they feel genuinely protected.Then the episode shifts into something every parent, coach, and athlete should hear: how early to start teaching mobility, stretching, nutrition, and tissue care. Dr. Glass shares how he built those habits with his daughters from a young age, why education matters more than restriction, and how simple routines at home can shape a child’s long-term health.Essential listening if you care about football, injury prevention, sports performance, or raising healthier athletes. This one blends NFL-level insight with practical takeaways you can use on the field, in the gym, or at home. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  2. Sep 18

    Episode #89 What Mahomes’ Fast Return Reveals About Recovery Expectations

    Patrick Mahomes’ return is impressive but the real story is what his comeback reveals about ACL recovery, return-to-play timing, and why rushing back can cost athletes everything. If you’re a parent, athlete, trainer, or coach, this episode gives you the research-backed reasons to slow down before you speed back up.Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass open with a quick check-in from the road, then jump straight into the playoff-level questions everyone is asking: how does an elite athlete come back so fast, and what actually lowers reinjury risk? They break down Mahomes’ nine-month timeline, the role of expectation and mindset, and why the “average” recovery window may not apply to high-performing athletes.You’ll discover:   Why each month delayed before return to sport can cut ACL reinjury risk by 51%  Why young athletes returning to pivoting sports face dramatically higher reinjury rates  How simple return-to-sport criteria can reduce reinjury by up to 84%  Why NIL pressure and parental urgency can push athletes back too soon  The difference between what “feels ready” and what the data says is truly ready  The conversation then shifts to Achilles injuries, including what it really means when only 76% of pro athletes return after an Achilles rupture. The doctors explain why this injury is so difficult to overcome, why it can unravel an athlete’s foundation, and why current recovery stories deserve a lot more respect than they usually get. They also dig into the post-COVID spike in Achilles issues and what may have contributed to it.To finish, Dr. Glass shares practical ways to protect and lengthen the calf and foot, from towel stretches and lacrosse ball work to simple at-home routines that can help older or less active listeners reduce tension and keep moving well. Essential listening if you want the latest sports medicine insight without the hype — and the kind of advice that helps you make smarter decisions for your body, your kid, or your team. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  3. Sep 15

    Episode #88 The Diagnostic Trick That Separates Muscle Pain From Tendon Pain

    Most athletes train the muscle and ignore the tendon until something snaps. Dr. Dustin Glass and Dr. Pawen Dhokal break down the difference between muscle belly work and true tendon loading, and why the fix is not just “more reps.”If you work with athletes, lift regularly, rehab injuries, or coach anyone who keeps pulling the same hamstring, this conversation will change how you think about strength, recovery, and injury prevention. Dustin and Pawen get practical fast, moving from football-season hamstring issues to the overlooked loading strategies that actually build tendon capacity.You’ll discover:   Why tendon problems are often the real weak link behind “muscle pulls”  The difference between muscle loading and tendon loading  How isometrics, eccentrics, and heavy slow resistance each play a different role  Why 30 seconds is not the same as 60 to 120 seconds when it comes to tendon work  How Nordic hamstring curls, calf eccentrics, glute bridges, and controlled progressions fit into a smarter warm-up and rehab plan  How to spot tendon involvement versus muscle belly pain, and why hamstring pain can also involve bursa irritation or specific fiber patterns  The guys also get into how diagnostic thinking sharpens treatment. Dustin explains the value of precise orthopedic testing and differentials, while Pawen walks through how he tests angle changes, resistance, and movement patterns to figure out whether the issue is muscle, tendon, or something else entirely.This episode also touches on real-world performance takeaways from football training, force testing, asymmetry, and why even elite athletes can be far from balanced. If you want better movement, stronger tendons, and fewer soft tissue surprises, this one is packed with actionable insight.Essential listening for athletes, trainers, chiropractors, PTs, and anyone tired of treating the same “pulled muscle” over and over. Dr. Dustin Glass, DC, CCSP, brings deep sports medicine and diagnostic expertise, with a strong focus on orthopedic testing, biomechanics, and athlete care.  Dr. Pawen Dhokal, D.C., contributes hands-on rehab insight from the field, including practical strength progressions and performance testing strategies used with real athletes. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  4. Sep 12

    Episode #87 The IV in a Bottle: How BioLyte Was Built for Real Dehydration

    The hydration advice most athletes still follow is incomplete. In this conversation, Dr. Pawen Dhokal and co-host Dr. Dustin Glass sit down with Dylan Bledsoe of BioLyte to unpack why a product built from an IV-style formula is becoming a go-to for cramps, recovery, illness, and everyday dehydration. Dylan shares how BioLight began when Dr. Rollins created an oral version of the IV fluids that helped his wife through breast cancer treatment. What started as a solution for severe dehydration has grown into a medical-strength hydration product used by high school programs, athletes, busy parents, and people dealing with everything from stomach bugs to POTS. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why BioLyte includes dextrose and why a sugar-free version is not the goal. The electrolyte profile behind the formula, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium How BioLyte differs from Gatorade, Powerade, BodyArmor, and pickle juice Why flavor matters as much as function Real-world stories involving muscle cramps, postpartum recovery, morning sickness, and more. How BioLyte is being used by high school football programs and athletes The story behind the unforgettable Thirst Responder mobile sampling ambulance Who should be cautious with high-sodium hydration products If you want to try BioLyte, visit drinkbiolyte.com and use code SECONDOPINION for 30% off your first order. Disclaimer: This discussion is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician before using electrolyte products, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, or another medical condition. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  5. Sep 7

    Episode #86 Why "Feels Good" Is Not Enough for Return-to-Play Decisions

    A hamstring pull can be the difference between a green light and a season derailed - and the real mistake is thinking pain-free means game-ready. Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass break down what actually has to happen before an athlete can return with confidence, and why the body is never as simple as "it feels good, so go."They start with a surprisingly useful lens on performance and recovery, then turn the conversation into a practical return-to-play masterclass for runners, receivers, sprinters, and field athletes. Dr. Glass explains why he works from the ground up, checking ankle stability, foot mechanics, tib-fib motion, glute function, and balance before ever trusting straight-line running. From there, the progression builds from double-leg jumps to single-leg work, 20-yard jogs, 45-degree cuts, 90-degree cuts, figure eights, and finally burpees to test both the body and the mind.You'll discover:   Why a hamstring injury often lives upstream or downstream from the actual painful spot  The balance tests and 90-90-90 work Dr. Glass uses before field work  How ankle and foot mobility can quietly affect hamstring recovery  Why deceleration, cutting, and landing mechanics matter as much as top-speed running  The difference between a muscle that is weak and one that is simply tired, tight, or under-recovered  The episode also gets real about confidence, communication, and the pressure that surrounds athletes when playing time, scholarships, NIL money, and reputations are on the line. Dhokal and Glass discuss how to avoid the trap of overpromising a green light, why athletes need clear ownership of the decision, and how bad communication can turn a routine rehab into a blame game.If you work with athletes, have a pulled hamstring, or just want to understand why return-to-play is far more complex than "no pain, no problem," this conversation is packed with practical takeaways. It's a sharp, honest look at what it really takes to get back on the field safely - and stay there. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  6. Aug 31

    Episode #85 The NFL Story That Changed How We Think About Pressure and Perspective

    Football season is here, but this conversation goes far beyond Xs and Os. Dr. Dustin Glass and Dr. Pawen Dhokal break down what every parent, athlete, and coach needs to know about training camp, concussion risk, helmet tech, and the small decisions that can change a season - or a life. Dr. Glass shares hard-earned lessons from his own playing days, including the reality of first-contact football, the jarring jump from high school to college, and why today's young athletes need to prepare their necks and brains before the pads come on. Dr. Dhokal adds real-world perspective from working with athletes, parents, and sports families, including why the Q Collar is getting renewed attention as a preventative tool and why some injuries deserve a lot more respect than they get. You'll discover:   Why wearing a helmet around the house can help freshman players avoid brutal early-season neck strain  How helmet and equipment technology has changed from the old pump-up days to today's custom-fit systems  What the Q Collar is, how it works, and why some NFL players swear by it  The difference between youth, college, and pro-level speed, contact, and conditioning  Why "welcome to the NFL" moments reveal so much about the demands of elite sports  How one serious car accident involving 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan became a wake-up call about concussion recovery, brain health, and the fragility of everyday life  The discussion also turns deeply personal as both doctors reflect on perspective, gratitude, and the pressure that comes with caring for people in high-stakes environments. From old football war stories to a sobering reminder that life can change in a second, this episode hits the rare balance of practical sports medicine and real human insight. If you work with athletes, have a kid entering contact sports, or just want a smarter, more honest take on performance, injury prevention, and staying grounded under pressure, this one is essential listening. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  7. Aug 24

    Episode #84 Stop Taking Health Advice From People Who Never Studied It

    The sleep advice everyone treats as gospel might be wrong - and it could be costing you more focus, better recovery, and even a healthier brain. Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass break down why some people may thrive on split sleep, why your late-night phone habit is probably working against you, and how tiny changes in light, habits, and mindset can compound into major performance gains. They unpack the history behind segmented sleep, the weirdly productive quiet of the 2 AM to 5 AM window, and why the best athletes often know how to power down instead of simply staying wired. Along the way, they challenge the modern obsession with constant stimulation and make a strong case for simple bio hacks like light therapy lamps, better bedtime routines, and getting your eyes off a screen before you go to sleep. You'll discover:   Why segmented sleep may be more natural than the one-size-fits-all 8-hour model  How light exposure, indoor work, and fluorescent environments can affect mood and sleep  Why your last five minutes before bed matter more than you think  How microhabits and visualization can create long-term gains in sports, health, and life  Why being more intentional with your attention might be the real edge  Dr. Pawen Dhokal is a sports medicine chiropractor and host of Second Opinion, known for turning practical health ideas into real-world advice you can actually use. Dr. Dustin Glass, DC, CCSP, brings the clinical perspective, the research curiosity, and the athlete-first mindset that keeps the conversation grounded. This episode also digs into how to spot biased research, why self-advocacy matters in health decisions, and why doing less scrolling and more living may be one of the simplest upgrades available. If you care about sleep, recovery, performance, or just getting your brain back, this one is worth your time. Perfect for athletes, high performers, busy parents, and anyone who wants to feel sharper, sleep better, and make more intentional choices every day. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

  8. Aug 17

    Episode #83 Why Most People Wait Too Long to Take Their Health Seriously

    Your brain can be "fine" on a standard scan and still be underperforming. That is the hidden problem Dr. Dustin Glass uncovers with SPECT imaging - and it changes how you think about concussions, brain fog, memory issues, and even why a student can suddenly lose their math skills after head trauma. Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass go far beyond the usual sports medicine conversation and break down how brain blood flow reveals what MRI and CT scans can miss. If you have ever wondered whether lingering symptoms after a concussion, stress, poor sleep, or chronic inflammation are actually telling a bigger story, this episode gives you a new way to look at the brain. You'll discover:   Why a cheerleader's concussion showed up in an unexpected way  How SPECT scans identify areas of too little or too much brain blood flow  Why math trouble after a head injury can point to a specific region of the brain  Which supplements and therapies may support brain health and circulation  Why omega-3 quality, ginkgo biloba, L-arginine, and L-citrulline come up in the discussion  How hyperbaric oxygen, red light, PEMF, and lifestyle changes fit into a real treatment plan  Dr. Glass also explains why so many people wait until symptoms get bad before they act, and why that reactive model is failing patients. The conversation turns personal fast, with both doctors talking candidly about sleep, stress, aging, prevention, and the frustration of a healthcare system that often makes people feel like they have to "push back" just to advocate for their own health.   If you want a smarter, more proactive approach to wellness, brain optimization, and long-term health, this is an episode worth your attention. Perfect for anyone dealing with concussion symptoms, parents who want answers, or listeners who suspect there is more to healing than just waiting and hoping. Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.  Follow and watch us on Instagram, Tik Tok, & You Tube!  IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed

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About

Second Opinion Sports Medicine Podcast is hosted by the Pro Sports Docs, Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass. Dr. Dhokal & Dr. Glass are Chiropractors who have sports medicine practices in San Diego and Los Angeles. They have treated some of the worlds most famous and elite athletes including those from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and US Olympic teams. They have been the personal Doctors to legends in the game for over a decade and bring you helpful educational information and interesting, entertaining stories  weekly!

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