Sports Medicine Broadcast

Jeremy Jackson

- a Podcast to Promote and Improve YOUR practice of Athletic Training

  1. 4d ago

    Bridging the Gap Between Rehab & Reconditioning

    Explore Matthew Hutton’s insights on bridging rehab & reconditioning, chronic vs. acute loads, strength, FMS, and preventing reinjury. Q: What inspired your journey to become an Athletic Trainer (AT) and specifically led you to work with soccer, particularly the Dynamo? A: My interest began in high school, where I excelled in science and math. After unsatisfying experiences shadowing a dentist and a physical therapist (who didn’t involve athletics), tearing my MCL introduced me to my high school AT, who became my inspiration. My path to soccer and the Dynamo was less direct, stemming from an Iowa soccer team connection that led to the Dynamo academy and eventually the main team. Q: What was the inspiration behind the topic “Bridging the Gap Between Rehab & Reconditioning”? A: The topic was inspired by a lifelong focus on performance and experience in various competitive athletic gym settings. It emphasizes the crucial collaboration among professionals for optimal return to play, especially evident at the professional soccer level, and highlights a passion for continuous learning in this field. Q: Can you explain chronic versus acute load ratios in athletic training? A: Chronic vs. acute load ratios involve monitoring an athlete’s training load over the past 3-5 weeks and comparing its average to the current training week. While there’s no single “gold standard,” a ratio of 1.4-1.6 is considered ideal, whereas anything above 2.0 suggests an increased risk of injury. Without GPS, metrics like mileage and manual counting of accelerations and decelerations are important. For example, high-speed running is typically above 5.5 m/s, and a sprint is above 7 m/s. Q: Between strength and power, which is more critical for injury prevention and performance? A: Research indicates that strength is more crucial for injury prevention, particularly focusing on strength and fascial length. While power is often overlooked, incorporating speed variables is essential. There’s a significant gap between heavy Nordic hamstring exercises and sprinting, underscoring the importance of bridging this divide. Q: Are you Functional Movement Screen (FMS) certified, and how has this influenced your approach? A: Yes, I am FMS certified, though I rarely use the actual testing. Instead, I heavily utilize the FMS framework and its progression principles. This framework proved highly beneficial, especially when working with large groups of 35-40 athletes at the JUCO level without dedicated strength staff. It allowed me to create reproducible corrective exercise PDFs for efficient widespread application. Q: How do you address the decrease in confidence experienced by athletes with recurrent injuries? A: While not an expert in this specific area, my approach involves understanding the athlete as an individual. I engage with them to comprehend their personal experiences and struggles, believing that this empathy is key to providing effective support and boosting their morale during challenging recovery periods. Q: What is the most significant complication you’ve observed with hamstring strains? A: The most significant complication with hamstring strains is the lack of a clear understanding of all the risk variables involved. For instance, an athlete might demonstrate exceptional hamstring strength on a NordBord, yet still experience recurrent injuries. This suggests that factors beyond isolated strength, such as the nervous system and fatigue, play a substantial role, making the absence of definitive risk factor evidence the primary challenge. Q: What is your foremost tip for preventing reinjury? A: My biggest tip for preventing reinjury is to employ a “smooth approach,” akin to art shading. This means gradually and consistently progressing exercises without sudden spikes in any variables. The key is to manipulate training variables appropriately and avoid abrupt changes to ensure a smooth and safe rehabilitation journey. Q: Where did the concept of “working backward” when creating a rehab plan originate for you? A: The concept of working backward in rehab planning originated from my experience with the Dynamo. Early on, I made the mistake of progressing athletes day by day based on their immediate feeling, which led to an expedited progression and a subsequent contralateral injury setback. This experience highlighted the importance of understanding the overall timeline and setting larger goals in advance to prevent moving too quickly through the rehabilitation process. Q: What is curvilinear running? A: Curvilinear running involves having athletes run along a uniform curve, like a half-circle, often marked by the edge of a box. This practice helps identify that the fastest linear sprinters may not necessarily be the fastest curvilinear sprinters, emphasizing the distinct biomechanical demands of curved running. Contact Us Jeremy Jackson Benjamin Stephenson Layci Harrison Mark Knoblauch Ashlyne Elliott Leslie Bennett Sponsor List Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products. Xothrm – Best heating pad available – Use “SMB” or email info@xothrm.com and mention the Sports Medicine Broadcast. Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school) HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration, DRINK HOIST MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some money, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast. Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better. Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

    18 min
  2. Jun 2

    Managing the Asthmatic Athlete

    Understand asthma in athletes, including environmental triggers, gender disparities, and symptom differentiation. Q: Is there a correlation between working in an area with chemical plants and developing asthma? A: Living near chemical plants, such as Pasadena High School, can lead to a higher incidence of asthma due to pollutants. These pollutants can damage tissues and cause respiratory issues, mimicking asthma symptoms. It’s not typically an age-related development but rather an environmental factor. Q: Why do boys seem to have a higher incidence of asthma and injuries in athletics compared to girls? A: It is possible that the higher incidence of asthma and injuries in boys is due to a greater number of boys participating in athletics. We often diagnose asthma in children who are going to be athletes, and this demographic tends to be more boys than girls. A true genetic cause for this difference is not currently known. Q: Is there a reason why Black individuals have a higher incidence of asthma? A: A 2008 study indicated that Black individuals have higher incidences of asthma, followed by White individuals, and then Hispanic individuals. The specific reason for this disparity is not fully understood at this point. Q: Among triggers like exercise, allergens, and pollution, does one impact asthma more significantly than others? A: The impact of asthma triggers varies by individual. All of these factors can trigger asthma. For example, some individuals with allergic asthma may experience more severe reactions in rural areas due to pollen, while others may be more affected by industrial air quality problems in urban settings. Allergen tests can help determine an individual’s specific triggers. Q: How often are upper respiratory infections (URIs) confused with asthma? A: URIs are likely to be confused with asthma, especially in younger patients who have not been tested for asthma. In emergency room settings, albuterol is often administered due to its low risk and typical effectiveness. If a patient improves with albuterol, it can lead to a presumption of asthma or bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Q: How would you encourage an athletic trainer (AT) if they are unsure whether an athlete truly has asthma or is just out of shape? A: It is challenging to differentiate between an athlete being out of shape and having asthma, as the symptoms can be very similar. Increased access to medical professionals for diagnosis is encouraged. Athletic trainers should promote education about asthma. It can be a difficult situation, particularly if a coach suggests a student is feigning asthma to avoid participation. Q: How much does an asthmatic baseline cost, and how beneficial is it for an athletic trainer? A: An asthmatic baseline device can be beneficial, especially for younger athletic populations, and can be purchased from retailers like Amazon. These devices can be reused if properly cleaned between athletes. Establishing a baseline helps athletic trainers objectively assess an athlete’s lung function, determining if intervention or rest is needed before play. Q: When establishing a baseline for an athlete, should it be tested daily, or only when the athlete feels slowed down? A: An asthmatic baseline should be established out of season, before the season starts when the athlete is having a normal day and not experiencing symptoms. It should be retested approximately once a year to account for changes in fitness levels and lung capacity as the athlete grows and develops. It is not necessary to test daily, only at the beginning of the season to gauge their baseline. Q: How does acid reflux mimic asthma symptoms? A: Acid reflux can mimic asthma, especially in younger individuals who may not be able to articulate their symptoms precisely. They might point to their chest, similar to how they would for cardiac issues, instead of explaining the burning sensation associated with acid reflux. This can lead to a misinterpretation of their discomfort as asthma. Contact Us Jeremy Jackson Benjamin Stephenson Layci Harrison Mark Knoblauch Ashlyne Elliott Leslie Bennett Sponsor List Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products. Xothrm – Best heating pad available – Use “SMB” or email info@xothrm.com and mention the Sports Medicine Broadcast. Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school) HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration, DRINK HOIST MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some money, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast. Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better. Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

    13 min
  3. Apr 1

    Preceptor Reflections with Leslie Bennett

    Discover Leslie Bennett’s insights on being an exceptional athletic training preceptor, her passion for the profession, and advice for aspiring ATCs. Q: What makes you an exceptional preceptor, and why do students consistently choose to learn from you? A: I’ve been practicing since 2009, having graduated from TXST and then joining MHH. I became a preceptor in 2016 when I joined UST, where I now serve as the Director of Sports Medicine and Senior Woman Administrator. This allows students to experience both the hospital and university aspects of my work. I aim to teach them how to advocate for the athletic training profession. Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a preceptor? A: My favorite part is the daily interaction with students. I enjoy watching them grow throughout their athletic training careers, from start to finish. It keeps me active and engaged, always moving and lifting equipment alongside them. Q: What inspired you to become an athletic trainer (AT)? A: My journey began in high school; I was a student seeking an activity before basketball season. I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare as a “giver at heart,” specifically with an active and motivated population. What truly drives me is the opportunity to inspire athletes to become their best selves. I also focus on imparting life lessons and common sense, helping them mature into adults. Q: Amanii, what made Leslie a good preceptor for you? A: Amanii stated that my personality made me a good preceptor. I am very welcoming and provide a safe space for students to be hands-on and make mistakes. I added that I aim to give students ample opportunities to practice and learn before they are on their own, without overwhelming them. Q: Amanii, is there anything Leslie could have done better to help you? A: Amanii reflected that she is quiet and reserved and needs more one-on-one discussions to talk through things. She also acknowledged that she needs to be more verbal and proactive in asking for help when she needs it. Q: What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a preceptor from students? A: Teaching and conducting skills checks with students is the best thing I’ve learned as a preceptor. This process keeps me fresh, on my toes, and ensures I stay current with the latest practices and information in the field. Q: Jackson, what are the differences in expectations between your first and second-year students? A: As Jackson, I believes in a hands-on approach from the start, as students might not get such opportunities at other sites. First-year students receive more guided practice; for example, I’d bring them along for a concussion evaluation to observe and ask questions. By their second year, I expect them to lead first-year students and attempt any evaluation, acting as mentors. Q: What are your general expectations for first-year and second-year students? A: For first-year students, my main expectation is willingness to work. If you’re comfortable with ankle evaluations, I’ll provide those opportunities, and we’ll build from there. For second-year students, I expect them to mentor first-years and be ready to attempt any evaluation. I added three expectations: be ready for anything, be a sponge, and be flexible. I also stressed not to complain about menial tasks, as students are paying to be prepared. Q: How do you balance your professional and personal life as an athletic trainer? A: As a single AT, my life is simpler, though my lifestyle might be a reason I’m single. Initially, it was challenging to advocate for myself, but now I set strict boundaries with athletes and coaches. My Athletic Director is supportive and helps enforce these boundaries. Jackson emphasizes communication with all parties, especially his wife, using a shared calendar to manage busier seasons and ensure understanding. Q: What are the unique aspects of navigating the athletic training profession as a Black woman? A: As a female AT, I must be prepared to stand my ground against those who doubt my capabilities. It’s important to demonstrate competence in all aspects of the job. Being a Black female AT also means representing diversity and understanding the unique challenges some athletes face, allowing me to advocate for those who cannot. A downside is that my directness can sometimes be perceived as abrasive. It was tougher initially, and challenging moments still occur, but it’s crucial to document incidents as perception is key. Q: What advice would you give to aspiring athletic trainers starting their first year as ATCs? A: I advise networking extensively, as your current professional pool is small. Seek out mentors and build relationships with people at different levels and settings. Attend medical timeouts and district meetings to connect with others. Never assume you know everything; it’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but I will find out.” Contact Us Jeremy Jackson Benjamin Stephenson Layci Harrison Mark Knoblauch Ashlyne Elliott Leslie Bennett Sponsor List Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products. Xothrm – Best heating pad available – Use “SMB” or email info@xothrm.com and mention the Sports Medicine Broadcast. Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school) HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration, DRINK HOIST MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some money, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast. Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better. Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

    53 min
  4. Mar 25

    AJ Duffy – The Future of Athletic Training

    Care You Can Count On is the theme for National Athletic Training Month (NATM). AJ Duffy joins my UH MAT students to discuss the future of Athletic Training. This episode of the Sports Medicine Broadcast, hosted by Jeremy Jackson and joined by student medics Ben Stephenson, Caroline Hayes, and Katie Gibson, features NATA President AJ Duffy discussing the future of the Athletic Trainer profession and leadership. AJ Duffy‘s treasured memories from his Athletic Trainer career are not specific injury recoveries, but rather the lasting relationships built over 42 years with student-athletes, coaches, and colleagues. He stresses that these connections enhance the medical care provided, especially in embedded settings like military, performing arts, and athletic environments, where professionals may work with individuals for long periods. The Path to Leadership and NATA Membership Career Start: AJ Duffy‘s interest in becoming an Athletic Trainer began in high school and was cemented on a recruiting trip to the University of Michigan, where he was mentored by figures like Lindsey McLean, the “father of the certification exam”. First Leadership Role: His leadership journey started as a state liaison officer, where he initiated the creation of the first national directory of leaders in the profession due to the lack of an easy way to connect before the internet. He describes volunteerism and leadership in the NATA as a “vortex” that moves the profession forward. Value of NATA: Duffy explains that NATA membership is crucial for continuing education and, more importantly, professional advocacy. As an example of advocacy, he cited the NATA’s successful federal effort to prevent the suspension and eventually expand the Army’s holistic health program, which utilizes embedded Athletic Trainers. Additionally, the NATA establishes guidelines to enhance compensation and positions across all career sectors. Advice for Future Athletic Trainers International Career Pathways: For those seeking international opportunities, AJ Duffy noted that international athletic therapy is a growing field. Opportunities exist in places like Britain, Ireland, and Spain (which has two CAATE-approved programs). He advises new professionals to put in the “legwork” to find openings in various international sports and secondary schools. Focus and Communication: Duffy’s primary advice for young Athletic Trainers is to be a sponge, be unafraid, and put the phone down to stay focused on the conversation or the injured individual. He emphasized the critical nature of communication and having “conversations that matter,” noting two quotes: “Are you prepared to have a conversation that matters?” and “Buried feelings Never Die”. He encourages students to ask questions, but only at appropriate times, not during a critical moment like an injury evaluation. Contact Us AJ Duffy – President@NATA.org Jeremy Jackson – SportsMedicineBroadcast.com Benjamin Stephenson Carolin Hayes Katie Gibson These people LOVE Athletic Trainers and help support the podcast: Frio Hydration – Superior Hydration products. Xothrm – Best heating pad available – Use “SMB” or email info@xothrm.com and mention the Sports Medicine Broadcast Donate and get some swag (like Patreon but for the school) HOIST – No matter your reason for dehydration DRINK HOIST MedBridge Education – Use “TheSMB” to save some money, be entered in a drawing for a second year free, and support the podcast. Marc Pro – Use “THESMB” to recover better. Athletic Dry Needling – Save up to $100 when registering through our link.

    35 min
4.7
out of 5
46 Ratings

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- a Podcast to Promote and Improve YOUR practice of Athletic Training

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