Sports Medicine Project

Blake Withers and Kelly Kortick
  • 4.7 (3)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Sports Medicine Project

Join Blake & Kelly 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. How To Diagnose Metatarsal Stress Fractures #116

    APR 21

    How To Diagnose Metatarsal Stress Fractures #116

    Takeaways Metatarsal stress fractures are common injuries in athletes. Understanding the remodeling process of bones is crucial for recovery. Subjective questioning can reveal important clues about the injury. Palpation techniques are essential for accurate diagnosis. Systemic factors like energy availability can influence bone health. Imaging, particularly MRI, is vital for diagnosing bone stress injuries. Treatment should focus on offloading the affected area. Recovery time varies significantly between individuals and injuries. Communication with patients about their condition is key to effective treatment. Injury prevention strategies should include monitoring training loads. ** You should always see a medical professional for diagnoses and assessment. This is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Summary In this episode of the Sports Medicine Project, hosts Blake and Kelly delve into the complexities of diagnosing metatarsal stress fractures and bone stress injuries. They discuss the importance of understanding the clinical assessment process, including subjective questioning, palpation techniques, and the role of imaging in diagnosis. The conversation emphasizes the significance of systemic factors and adequate recovery in preventing these injuries, as well as the need for effective treatment strategies. The hosts share insights from their clinical experiences, making the discussion both informative and engaging for listeners interested in sports medicine and injury management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Metatarsal Injuries 03:01 Understanding Bone Stress Injuries 05:46 Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment 09:04 The Role of Training Load and Recovery 12:06 Systemic Factors Influencing Bone Health 14:49 Imaging and Diagnostics for Metatarsal Injuries 18:01 Palpation Techniques and Patient History 20:53 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 25:35 Palpation Techniques for Metatarsal Assessment 32:06 Clinical Decision-Making in Bone Stress Injuries 37:54 Differentiating Between Tendon and Bone Injuries 48:02 Imaging and Diagnosis of Bone Stress Injuries Keywords metatarsal stress fracture, bone stress injury, diagnosis, clinical assessment, imaging, treatment, sports medicine, recovery, palpation techniques, systemic factors

    47 min

  2. MAR 16

    Tendon Rehab, Stress Fractures, Running & Pain w/ Greg Lehman #115

    Gregs social: https://www.instagram.com/greglehman/ Pro version Heidi AI Scribe (time saver) Link: ⁠https://scribe.heidihealth.com/?via=SMP⁠ Support the show: ⁠https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Gregs Website: https://www.greglehman.ca/ Chapters 00:00 Evaluating Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathy 00:44 The Role of Exercise in Rehabilitation 03:43 Understanding Patient Ecosystems and Health 06:23 Case Studies: Practical Applications in Treatment 08:49 The Complexity of Pain Management 11:43 Research Critique: Shockwave Therapy and Evidence 14:10 Psychological Factors in Pain Perception 17:02 Clinical Decision-Making in Patient Care 26:00 Trusting Experts and Knowledge Translation 27:21 Challenging Established Beliefs 28:30 Comparing Treatment Philosophies 31:03 The Role of Patient Understanding 33:35 Exercise vs. Alternative Treatments 34:26 Load Management in Rehabilitation 35:54 Creative Approaches to Running Rehabilitation 37:06 Resistance Training for Runners 40:12 Skepticism Towards New Research 42:50 Understanding Bone Stress Injuries 54:53 Understanding Pain and Structural Changes 58:59 Navigating Risks in Running Injuries 01:04:20 The Role of Social Media in Health Information 01:09:39 Strength Training and Recovery Insights 01:12:24 Research Aspirations and Future Directions Keywords: shockwave therapy, tendon rehabilitation, exercise, pain management, sports medicine, patient education, metabolic health, case studies, research appraisal, individualized treatment, training protocols, bone health, stress fractures, plyometric training, rehabilitation, pain management, social media, health information, research ethics, performance. Summary: This conversation delves into the complexities of sports medicine, focusing on shockwave therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and the importance of understanding patient ecosystems. The speakers discuss recent research findings, the role of exercise in pain management, and the need for individualized treatment approaches. They also explore the psychological factors influencing pain and the critical appraisal of existing research in the field. In this conversation, Blake Withers and Greg delve into various aspects of training protocols, bone health, and the complexities of rehabilitation. They discuss the importance of flexibility in training, the role of frequency in plyometric exercises, and the nuances of managing pain in relation to structural changes. The dialogue also touches on the ethical considerations of pain in research, the impact of social media on health information, and future directions in rehabilitation research.takeaways Shockwave therapy may not provide additional benefits compared to exercise.Exercise should be critically evaluated just like other treatments.Improving a patient's overall health ecosystem is challenging but essential.Patient motivation is crucial for successful rehabilitation.Understanding the mechanisms of pain can enhance treatment outcomes.Research in sports medicine often lacks strong evidence for certain treatments.Individualized treatment plans are necessary for effective rehabilitation.Psychological factors play a significant role in pain perception.Exercise can positively influence peripheral nociception.Critical appraisal of research is vital for informed clinical practice. People can improve despite not following traditional protocols.Flexibility in training is crucial for optimal results.Frequency of training may be more important than intensity.Understanding bone health is essential for preventing stress fractures.Pain is not always a reliable indicator of injury severity.Social media can be a double-edged sword for health information.Research ethics play a significant role in studying pain management.The relationship between structure and pain is complex and often misunderstood.

    1h 24m
  3. Is Shockwave A Sham? w/ Dr Peter Malliaras #114

    FEB 16

    Is Shockwave A Sham? w/ Dr Peter Malliaras #114

    We discuss the latest review PMID: 39704142 with Prof Peter Malliaras ✅ Identifying early responders – Can we predict who will benefit? ✅ Effect – Does it work? ✅ Diminishing returns – When does adding SWT to exercise stop being beneficial? ✅ Types of shockwave therapy – Why radial shockwave was chosen in this study ✅ Sham treatments – Do they still have a therapeutic effect? ✅ Mechanisms of action – Neuromodulation, therapeutic alliance, and tendon adaptation ✅ The ‘Big Machine Effect’ – Is patient belief in SWT part of its effectiveness? ✅ Comparisons to exercise – Would fewer appointments with exercise yield similar outcomes? We also discuss clinical implications—will these findings change how shockwave therapy is used in practice? 🔗 References & Studies Discussed: • Alsulaimani et al. (2024) - Achilles tendinopathy & shockwave RCT • Benli et al. - SWT vs. exercise alone • Heide et al. - Shockwave therapy for plantar heel pain Find out about Peter and upcoming course: https://www.tendinopathyrehab.com/home Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tendinopathyrehab/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/petermalliaras_my-new-tendinopathy-rehabilitation-framework-activity-7296743926009368576-GNRW/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAexDmkBlV5e4jGTX2E4X9J6s8ZitO8yX0M&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabnnAaDDYH_S3We7eJaZZbOHWHxrtGYC_5AiRO-rDUtmh29GdmHqrWh9fI_aem_FLbCehDnORljxK3cgMA8fQ

    1h 6m
  4. #113 - Never do these 10 Things as a Runner with Achilles Tendinopathy

    FEB 2

    #113 - Never do these 10 Things as a Runner with Achilles Tendinopathy

    Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 1. Keep Intensity the Same This is the biggest and easiest mistake. If your Achilles is sore, what will aggravate it most is higher rates of loading—formally, this happens more when you run faster. Yes, it might warm up during the run, but you’ll pay for it 24 hours later. You need to stress it just a little, see how it responds, and build from there. 2. Rest, Then Go Straight Back to Full Load You shouldn’t completely rest and then jump straight back to the same training load. If you usually do speed work on Tuesdays, and you’ve had a week or two off, that first run back shouldn’t be the same session. Don’t do that. Start gradually—try something like 6 x 1-minute efforts and progress from there. 3. Wear Flat Shoes Heel pitch helps Achilles tendon pain. A higher heel reduces both tensile and compressive forces by limiting dorsiflexion. Achilles pain isn’t just about the run—it’s about everything you do throughout the week. If you’re on your feet all day, even if it’s not sore at the time, that will contribute to your pain during training. 4. Not Question the Diagnosis Sometimes, it’s not Achilles tendinopathy. Yes, if you’ve had it before, you can get it again—but not always. Other things mimic Achilles pain. Be sure. 5. Keep Training Load the Same If you’re dealing with Achilles pain, take something away. Reduce intensity or volume—adjust something. If you’re not sure how, see someone who can help you make it graded. 6. Think the Adjuncts Are the Answer They can help, but they’re not the solution. Shockwave, massage, needling—useful, sure. But if you’re not loading appropriately, nothing else will fix it. 7. Not Load It Properly You have to load it. Strength, plyometrics, progressing appropriately—it all matters. 8. Smash the Anti-Inflammatories and Think That’s Enough Anti-inflammatories aren’t bad, but if that’s all you’re doing, you’re missing the point. This isn’t an inflammatory condition—it’s a load issue. 9. Think Injections Are the Quick Fix Too many people jump to injections too early. They can have a role in specific cases, but they’re not a cure. 10. Ignore the Psychology Behind Injury This is huge. Achilles pain isn’t just about the tendon—it’s about the mental load of not running, the frustration, the identity shift. Understanding this can change everything. Achilles tendinopathy, injury management, running injuries, health professionals, rehabilitation, load management, resistance training, anti-inflammatories, psychological impact, running performance

    39 min
  5. Dr. Ian Reilly – Injections, Forefoot Assessment, Orthotics, Osteoarthritis, Morton’s Neuroma, and Biomechanics – #112

    JAN 27

    Dr. Ian Reilly – Injections, Forefoot Assessment, Orthotics, Osteoarthritis, Morton’s Neuroma, and Biomechanics – #112

    Mr. Ian Reilly qualified as a Podiatrist in 1988 and became a Podiatric Surgeon in 1996. Over his career, he has performed more than 11,000 surgical procedures under various anaesthesia types, showcasing his extensive expertise. You can out more below by clicking the link on his website. From 2001 to 2024, he led Podiatric Surgery at Northamptonshire Trust, significantly advancing podiatric care. Now retired from NHS practice, he focuses on private care, operating weekly at Three Shires Hospital in Northampton and treating patients across self-pay, insured, and NHS pathways. Mr. Reilly specializes in: Injection Therapy: • Cortisone Injections Podiatric Surgery: • Cyst and ganglion excision (soft tissue lumps and bumps) • Morton’s neuroma surgery (trapped nerves) • Subungual and other bony exostectomies (bony bumps) • Lesser toe correction (hammer toes) • Metatarsal surgery for forefoot pain • Surgery for hallux limitus (arthritis of the great toe) • Surgery for hallux valgus (bunions) • Haglund’s deformity (heel bumps) • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) • Flatfoot surgery Minor Surgery: • Verrucae, corn, and skin surgery • Nail surgery Dr Ian Reilly website: https://podsurgeon.co.uk/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ianreillypodsurgeon?si=rDK6BHAwRGBu4L3F What it takes to become a Podiatric surgeon? file:///Users/blakewithers/Desktop/ian%20pod/The%20Royal%20College%20of%20Podiatry.html Mary PoppinsProbably Needed Orthotics article https://podiatrym.com/Highlights2.cfm?id=3286 Patreon: https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink 00:00Introduction to Dr. Ian Riley02:07Career Progression in Podiatry05:53Surgical Experience and Case Studies07:24Injection Therapy in Podiatry13:55Managing Neuritis and Injection Guidelines18:43Understanding Osteoarthritis and Injection Therapy23:41Patient Case Study and Emotional Impact26:50The Role of Podiatry Post-Surgery32:22The Evolving Perspective on Orthotics35:12International Standards in Podiatry37:06The Importance of Imaging in Diagnosis39:42The Forefoot Examination Process42:28Understanding Morton's Neuroma46:02The Role of Imaging in Treatment Decisions48:31Surgical Indicators for Forefoot Conditions01:03:10Understanding Patient Concerns and Predictions01:05:14The Role of Orthotics in Treatment01:06:53The Importance of Communication in Healthcare01:08:57Navigating Conflicting Opinions Among Clinicians01:11:18Injection Therapy and Its Efficacy01:15:29Challenges in Treating Mid-Foot Osteoarthritis01:22:33Research Aspirations in Injection Therapy01:24:45Interviewing Historical Figures for Insight01:26:24Future Teaching and Learning Opportunities

    1h 38m
  6. A Physio & Podiatrist walk into a Bar - #1

    JAN 12

    A Physio & Podiatrist walk into a Bar - #1

    We get so many questions each week that need more then a voice note or instagram post to answer so we're doing it here. Casual yarn about what it is being a health professional with questions we get asked over the week. Support the shoe - new content out on Patreon. How to assess the 1st MPJ (30 min how-to video) + how weekly video realises on the treatment of those common big toe pathologies, joint/sesamoid/adventitialbursa/met stress/FHL, PF. https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Cheers, Blake and Kelly (sub 20 parkrunners)

    41 min
  7. Building Strong Bones: The Essential Guide #111

    JAN 5

    Building Strong Bones: The Essential Guide #111

    Pro version Heidi AI Scribe (time saver) Link: ⁠https://scribe.heidihealth.com/?via=SMP⁠ Support the show: ⁠https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Takeaways Bone health is crucial for injury prevention. Resistance training is essential for building strong bones. High strain rates and magnitudes are key for bone loading. In this episode, you will hear me talk about moving quickly to increase strain rate. I briefly touch on you can try to move the weight quickly (despite it moving slowly) and still a fast loading rate. Bones adapt better to varied and dynamic movements. Short bouts of loading can effectively stimulate bone health. Recovery and nutrition are vital for bone remodeling. Consult professionals for personalized rehabilitation plans. Incorporate plyometrics for better bone stimulus. Regular strength training benefits overall health. Understanding bone mechanics can enhance athletic performance. In this episode, we discuss the importance of understanding bone health, particularly in relation to stress injuries and rehabilitation. We explore the role of resistance training in building stronger bones and break down key principles for effective bone loading. You'll also hear why keeping exercises dynamic is crucial to prevent bones from adapting to repetitive movements. Backed by research insights, this conversation offers practical applications for improving bone health and preventing injuries—essential listening for athletes, clinicians, and anyone passionate about optimizing physical performance. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Bone Health and Injury Recovery 04:21 The Importance of Resistance Training for Bone Strength 08:45 Key Principles for Building Strong Bones 16:21 The Role of Variability in Bone Loading 23:48 Recap and Research Insights on Bone Adaptation

    26 min

  8. 12/14/2024

    Dr Brad Neal - What We’re Getting Wrong About Patellofemoral Pain & How to Get It Right with Clinically Relevant Solutions #110

    Pro version Heidi AI Scribe (time saver) Link: https://scribe.heidihealth.com/?via=SMP Support the show: https://patreon.com/SportsMedicineProject?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Follow Dr Bradley Neal, Ph.D. & Dr Simon Lack, Ph.D. and their upcoming education. It is well worth it. https://linktr.ee/teampfp?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabq-xxjXZLjaBghdw5ljiKbvKlw7yoHNqJVS3UoeWtqVhyEhsEsCjpPPUk_aem_NyxdN3NoW2Jz8S6V2LppPA Agenda. Chapters available. Clinical recap - Foot orthosis and PFP, Surgical case rehab & PRP for chondromalacia patella - good or bad? Understanding patellofemoral pain biomechanics Evidence-based interventions Strategies for long-term management Impact of anatomical variations Effective patient education Optimizing foot orthoses and footwear Gait retraining for pain relief Developing return-to-running protocols Exercise programming for symptom management Tailoring rehabilitation dosages Advancing sports medicine practice Breaking down myths about patellofemoral pain Exploring cutting-edge research in rehabilitation Learnings: Takeaways: Patellofemoral pain is prevalent among recreational athletes. Orthoses can be effective for patellofemoral pain management. Loading strategies are crucial for rehabilitation. Patient education is key in managing expectations and outcomes. Biomechanics play a significant role in understanding knee pain. Research is evolving, and clinicians must stay updated. The relationship between pain and tissue capacity is complex. Effective treatment requires a personalized approach. Understanding pain mechanisms can improve treatment outcomes. Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is essential for progress. Patient symptoms should guide treatment strategies. Long-term pain is common in patellofemoral pain cases. Expectations for recovery should be realistic and based on evidence. Anatomical variations can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Resistance training is crucial for joint and muscle health. Education is a key component of effective patient care. Research is needed to establish long-term treatment efficacy. Individualized return-to-run programs can enhance recovery. Understanding biomechanics is important for treatment planning. Effective communication with patients can improve treatment adherence. PMID: 39401870 PMID: 25716151 PMID: 29793124 PMID: 25558288  PMID: 26884223  PMID: 31475628 PMID: 25569281 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Brad Neal 02:56 The Journey into Patellofemoral Pain Research 05:20 Collaboration in Research and Clinical Practice 06:11 Case 1: Foot orthosis & PFP - Do or Don't? 07:39 Orthoses in Patellofemoral Pain Management 08:42 Evidence for orthosis and PFP 10:14 Loading Strategies for Patellofemoral Pain 11:25 Foot orthosis and different feet 17:06 case study 2: PFP need surgery? 25:29 Explaining chondromalacia patelli 30:12 Diagnosing PFP 32:14 Understanding Pain: Kneecap vs. Back Pain 33:21 Nociceptive Tissue and Treatment Tailoring 35:35 The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis 37:22 The Role of Physiological Changes in Pain 38:46 Prognosis and Long-Term Pain Management 45:09 Factors Influencing Pain Duration 48:45 The Impact of Structural Variations on Pain 52:01 The Role of Resistance Training in Joint Health 54:34 mindfulness and recreational runners with patellofemoral pain. 56:06 Dosing Activity vs. Traditional Exercise 01:03:49 Pain Neuroscience Education and Its Application 01:04:52 The Impact of Exercise on Osteoarthritis 01:05:18 The Role of Education in Patient Care 01:06:09 Innovative Approaches to Patient Education 01:07:23 Navigating NHS Waiting Lists 01:08:01 The Importance of Accessible Information 01:10:05 The Future of Patient Education 01:11:26 The Balance of Information and Clinical Guidance 01:12:53 Running Rehabilitation Strategies 01:13:34 The Mechanics of Running Retraining 01:17:00 Research Aspirations in Physiotherapy 01:21:35 Personal Insights and Future Directions

    1h 31m
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    Ratings & Reviews

    4.7
    out of 5
    3 Ratings

    About

    Join Blake & Kelly 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 and Kelly Kortick
    • Years Active
      2022 - 2025
    • Episodes
      122
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Blake Withers and Kelly Kortick
    • Show Website
      Sports Medicine Project

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