The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track

Luke Nelson
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

"The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track" is your go-to podcast for injury recovery and running performance. Hosted by Luke Nelson, Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach, it helps runners recover smarter and perform stronger, while giving health pros practical, evidence-based insights. From Achilles tendinopathy to return-to-run protocols, Luke shares strategies to get athletes moving well and performing their best.

Episodes

  1. Achilles Tendinopathy: What Actually Matters with Prof Peter Malliaras

    JAN 29

    Achilles Tendinopathy: What Actually Matters with Prof Peter Malliaras

    🎙️ Achilles Tendinopathy: What Actually Matters Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common and frustrating injuries in runners and one of the most challenging conditions clinicians manage. In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson is joined by Peter Malliaras, world-renowned physiotherapist and tendon researcher, to cut through the confusion around Achilles tendon pain. Together, they unpack what actually matters in Achilles tendinopathy, including tendon structure versus symptoms, subtendons, plantaris involvement, assessment frameworks, and the influence of stress, sleep, and overall health. The conversation also dives into management strategies, from pain relief and region-specific rehab through to isometrics, the Berlin approach, collagen supplementation, imaging, injections, and anti-inflammatories. Whether you are a runner dealing with persistent Achilles pain or a health professional looking to sharpen your clinical reasoning, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based insights you can apply immediately. 📚 References: for a full list, head to the episode website https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/episode-6-achilles-tendinopathy-what-actually-matters Connect with Peter: Instagram: @Tendinopathyrehab Education, courses, and blogs: https://www.tendinopathyrehab.com/ 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson- Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke

    1h 5m
  2. Masters Runners: Stronger, Smarter & Still Getting Faster

    JAN 14

    Masters Runners: Stronger, Smarter & Still Getting Faster

    Masters runners make up the fastest-growing group in distance running, yet they are also more likely to struggle with recurring injuries, late-race fade, and inconsistent training. Why does this happen, and more importantly, what can be done about it? In this episode of The Rehab Runway Podcast, we take a deep dive into the science and practice of masters running. We unpack how ageing changes muscle strength, power, tendon behaviour, hormones, recovery, and durability, and why aerobic fitness is often preserved while tissues struggle to keep up. You will learn: What defines a masters runner and why participation has exploded globally How sarcopenia, power loss, and distal muscle decline affect running performance Why durability, not VO₂max, is often the limiting factor after 40 How running biomechanics change with age The role of hormonal changes, energy availability, and bone health in injury risk Why recovery and sleep matter more than ever for masters runners Practical training strategies including strength training, density management, cross-training, and durability-focused long runs This episode is designed for runners who want to keep improving beyond 40, and for health professionals working with masters athletes who want to move beyond a wear-and-tear narrative 🔗 Related Blogs https://www.healthhp.com.au/post/age-is-just-a-number-the-power-of-exercise https://www.healthhp.com.au/post/changes-in-the-master-runner https://www.healthhp.com.au/post/our-number-one-tip-for-masters-runners 📚 References: for a full list, head to the episode website https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/episode-5-masters-runners 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson- Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke

    1h 1m
  3. Runner Rehab Q&A with Tom Goom

    12/27/2025 · BONUS

    Runner Rehab Q&A with Tom Goom

    In this bonus Q&A episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke is joined again by Tom Goom (The Running Physio) to answer real-world questions from runners dealing with common and often frustrating injuries. Tom shares practical, evidence-informed advice on managing femoroacetabular impingement while training for a marathon, navigating long-standing iliotibial band pain, and understanding the role of pain hypersensitivity in persistent tendon issues. The conversation also covers when and how to safely reintroduce speed work after injury, helping runners balance confidence, load, and performance. Short, focused, and packed with clinical insight, this episode is ideal for runners and health professionals looking for clear guidance they can apply immediately. 🔗 Follow Tom Goom: Instagram: @running.physio Website:⁠ https://www.running-physio.com/ 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠

    21 min
  4. Gamechangers in Running Rehab: Lessons from The Running Physio, Tom Goom

    12/10/2025

    Gamechangers in Running Rehab: Lessons from The Running Physio, Tom Goom

    This week on The Rehab Runway, Luke sits down with one of the most influential voices in running rehab, Tom Goom, better known as The Running Physio. Tom has inspired clinicians and runners around the world with his evidence-based yet practical approach to treating running injuries. In this episode, Luke and Tom unpack the real gamechangers that have shaped how they both work with runners, from modern load management to the art of communication and the evolution of running rehab itself. They explore: 🏃‍♂️ How Tom’s approach to treating runners has evolved ⚙️ The key shifts and “aha moments” that changed his clinical practice 💪 Why strength training remains a cornerstone of injury prevention and rehab 📈 How to approach load management and return-to-run progressions 🚫 The biggest myths and mistakes still seen in running rehab 🧠 The importance of communication, behavioural change, and understanding the runner’s mindset 🔮 What excites Tom most about the future of running rehab Plus, Tom shares his top three recovery tips for runners and three key lessons for clinicians helping runners return from injury, before jumping into a rapid-fire round that reveals his favourite strength exercise, most underrated rehab tool, and one myth he wishes would disappear for good. Whether you’re a clinician, coach, or runner, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately in the clinic or on the run. 🔗 Follow Tom Goom: Instagram: @running.physio Website: https://www.running-physio.com/ 📝 Show Notes Mentioned in This Episode: Personal Energy Availability Questionnaire (PEAQ): https://mypeaq.streamlit.app/ 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠

    1h 19m
  5. From Setback to Start Line: Returning the Runner to Running with Chris Johnson

    11/19/2025

    From Setback to Start Line: Returning the Runner to Running with Chris Johnson

    In this episode, Luke sits down with Chris Johnson, physical therapist, coach, and founder of Zeren PT and Performance, to break down the art and science of safely returning runners to the sport after injury. They explore what it truly means to “earn the right to run again,” the key criteria for reintroducing running, the common pitfalls made by both clinicians and athletes, and how to balance tissue healing with confidence, psychology, and performance. Chris also dives into load management, decision making, and the subtle nuances that often determine whether a return-to-run plan succeeds or stalls. Whether you’re a clinician helping runners get back on their feet or an athlete navigating your own comeback, this conversation is packed with clear, practical, evidence-based insights from one of the most respected minds in running rehabilitation. 🎙️ Topics discussed: The philosophy behind safe return-to-run protocols When and how to resume speed work Whether pain free running is necessary Practical load management strategies Common mistakes to avoid during return to sport Building confidence and psychological readiness post-injury Find Chris:📸 Instagram: @chrisjohnsonthept🌐 Website: chrisjohnsonpt.com 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠

    1h 21m
  6. Beyond the Finish Line: The Science of Marathon Recovery

    10/19/2025

    Beyond the Finish Line: The Science of Marathon Recovery

    Crossing the finish line is an incredible achievement — but what happens next is just as important. In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson dives into the science and psychology of marathon recovery, unpacking what really happens to your body and mind after 42.2 kilometres. Discover: 🏃‍♂️ The physiological toll of marathon running — muscle damage, inflammation, cardiac stress, and immune changes. 🍒 Evidence-based recovery strategies for refuelling, hydration, and inflammation management. 🧠 The mental side of recovery — from post-marathon blues to goal resetting and motivation. 💤 How sleep, nutrition, and gradual loading accelerate recovery. 🩺 Practical guidance for health professionals on tissue timelines, readiness markers, and psychological support. Whether you’ve just finished your first marathon or you’re guiding athletes through recovery, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface — and how to return smarter, stronger, and healthier. 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke Learn more at www.healthhp.com.au

    34 min
  7. The Truth About Running, Arthritis, and Clicking Knees

    10/14/2025

    The Truth About Running, Arthritis, and Clicking Knees

    Is running bad for your knees and hips? 🦵🏃‍♂️ Luke Nelson (@sportschiroluke) breaks down the science showing running protects rather than damages your joints. Learn the truth about osteoarthritis, joint health, and why “clicking knees” aren’t a cause for panic. 💻 Read full show notes & references: https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/episode-1-running-arthritis 🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach. Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠

    20 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

"The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track" is your go-to podcast for injury recovery and running performance. Hosted by Luke Nelson, Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach, it helps runners recover smarter and perform stronger, while giving health pros practical, evidence-based insights. From Achilles tendinopathy to return-to-run protocols, Luke shares strategies to get athletes moving well and performing their best.

Information

You Might Also Like