Adjusting The Game

The Springboks vs All Blacks rivalry is back in full force and what better time to talk about what it actually takes to survive and perform in one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet?

In this episode we kick things off by catching up on the latest chapter of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the Springboks and All Blacks battling it out once again in a historic Test series. 

From there, we dive into the medical and performance side of the game. We break down what a concussion actually is, what happens to the brain following a concussion, how it should be identified, managed and what a safe, progressive return to rugby should look like.

We also unpack one of the most common injuries seen in rugby, why it happens, and what players, coaches and practitioners can do to reduce their risk.

Finally, we tackle one of the biggest weapons in injury prevention: strength training. Rugby is a collision sport, and while you can’t remove contact from the game, you can build an athlete who is better prepared to tolerate it. 

From brain health to building bodies capable of handling collisions, this episode is all about what it really means to be built for contact.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

What does it really take to keep an elite competition running when the cameras aren’t rolling?

In this episode of Adjusting the Game, we step behind the scenes of the Reebok Rebel Renegade Games to uncover the side of competition most people never get to see. From the medical team’s perspective, we discuss the fast-paced reality of assessing injuries, making return-to-play decisions under pressure, managing athlete care throughout the weekend, and working alongside coaches, organisers, and support staff to keep the event moving.

We also share the moments that don’t make the highlight reels: the difficult calls, the unexpected challenges, the teamwork behind the scenes, and the immense effort required to support athletes at their best when every second counts.

Because while champions are made on the competition floor, there’s an entire team working relentlessly behind it.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Jacqui Bunge, to explore the world of pediatric chiropractic and what it really means to care for the next generation from the very beginning.

We unpack how pediatric chiropractic differs from traditional chiropractic care, why a gentle and specific approach matters for infants and children and how early intervention can influence movement, development and overall well-being.

From newborn assessments to supporting growing bodies through key developmental stages, this conversation breaks down the role chiropractic care can play in helping kids move, adapt and thrive in a modern environment.

Whether you’re a parent, athlete or clinician, this episode offers insight into how small adjustments can make a big impact over time.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

Most people train hard. Fewer train smart. That’s where things quietly fall apart.

In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening under the hood when you train. The three main energy systems, how they each contribute to performance and why ignoring one while overloading another is a fast track to stagnation, fatigue and eventually injury.

We connect the dots between physiology and real-world training. You’ll also get a clear look at overtraining. What it really is, how it creeps in and how to avoid digging yourself into a hole you can’t recover from.

If your training feels inconsistent, plateaued or just unnecessarily exhausting, this is the episode that explains why.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

Many people hear “chiropractic” and immediately picture cracked bones, viral horror stories and worst-case scenarios. In this episode, we cut through the noise and actually look at what the evidence says.

We break down the most common fears surrounding chiropractic care, from stroke myths to injury concerns, and compare them with real-world data, clinical experience and risk profiles seen across healthcare. 

More importantly, we explore why these fears exist in the first place, how misinformation spreads and what patients should actually be paying attention to when choosing care. This episode isn’t about dismissing risk, every intervention has one. It’s about understanding it properly, putting it into context and making informed decisions instead of emotional ones.

If you’ve ever been unsure, skeptical or just curious about the safety of chiropractic treatment, this is the conversation that will hopefully bring you clarity. 

Some of the studies referred to in the podcast: 

• Thiel HW, Bolton JE, Docherty S, Portlock JC. Safety of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine: a prospective national survey. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2007 Oct 1;32(21):2375-8; discussion 2379. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181557bb1. PMID: 17906581. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17906581/H
• Rothwell DM, Bondy SJ, Williams JI. Chiropractic manipulation and stroke: a population-based case-control study. Stroke. 2001 May;32(5):1054-60. doi: 10.1161/01.str.32.5.1054. PMID: 11340209. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11340209/
• Church EW, Sieg EP, Zalatimo O, Hussain NS, Glantz M, Harbaugh RE. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Chiropractic Care and Cervical Artery Dissection: No Evidence for Causation. Cureus. 2016 Feb 16;8(2):e498. doi: 10.7759/cureus.498. PMID: 27014532; PMCID: PMC4794386. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4794386/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

In this episode, we break down the real difference between motivation and discipline, and why relying on motivation alone is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck. Motivation is temporary, emotional and unreliable. Discipline, on the other hand, is built through consistent action, especially when you don’t feel like it.

We also take a deep dive into four key pillars that drive sustainable discipline. Whether you’re in healthcare practice, an athlete or working on personal growth, these principles form the foundation for long-term success.

This episode is about shifting from short bursts of inspiration to building repeatable habits that actually move the needle. Day after day, regardless of how you feel.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at: 

• https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• https://www.youtube.com/@adjustingthegame/shorts

Send us a message!

Carbon-plated shoes have taken the running world by storm, but are they right for everyone? In this episode, we break down the science behind carbon plates, their benefits and potential risks. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a hybrid athlete or just curious about the hype, we’ll help you decide if they belong in your training arsenal.

Then, we dive into the growing sport of Hyrox and explore how carbon shoes fit (or don’t fit) into this demanding event. Are they a game-changer or a liability? Tune in as we analyze performance, injury risk and whether carbon-plated shoes are the best choice for tackling Hyrox’s unique challenges.

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Send us a message!

You’ve passed your exams, earned your degree, survived internship and you are officially a chiro or practitioner...So what’s next? 

In this episode, we break down your career options after qualifying. Should you start as an associate to gain experience, explore the flexibility of locum work, or dive straight into running your own practice? Maybe a hybrid model is the way to go! We’ll explore the pros and cons of each path, financial considerations, work-life balance and long-term career growth to help you make an informed decision. 

Whether you're a new grad or rethinking your current path, this episode is packed with insights to guide your next move. 

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Send us a message!

In this episode, we look to answer the age old question...What is stress?

We take a deep dive into the true nature of stress, unraveling its physiological and psychological components. From understanding the body’s fight-or-flight response to uncovering the mental toll of chronic stress. We look to help you identify the different types of stress, as well as how each impacts your overall well-being. 

Most importantly, we’ll share practical strategies to manage stress more effectively, so you can turn it into a tool for growth instead of letting it hold you back. Whether you're facing work pressure, life challenges or personal growth hurdles, this episode is your guide to finding calm within the chaos. 

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Send us a message!

In this episode, we dive into the world of golf, breaking down the key mechanics that can elevate your game. We’ll explore the intense rivalries dominating the pro tours and how they impact the sport’s landscape. 

Plus, get expert insights on injury prevention strategies to keep you swinging strong season after season. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting started, this episode has something for everyone passionate about the game!

Hosts:

• Dr Andre Graca https://www.instagram.com/dr_andregraca?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Dr Tristan Koekemoer https://www.instagram.com/thecapetownchiro?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/adjustingthegame?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Send us a message!