RGU Physiotherapy Society Podcast

Captain Michelle Jilek (USAF): Keeping fighter pilots airborne.


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*The views expressed in this episode are those of Captain Michelle Jilek and do not represent those of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defence* 

Captain Michelle “Twitch” Jilek is an embedded Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) within the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, USA. Captain Jilek developed one of the first-ever unique active duty embedded DPT position in the United States Air Force to offer services specifically for fighter pilots within their own squadrons on the flightline. She has been working closely with Air Combat Command in developing the Optimizing Human Weapon System (OWHS) program for fighter pilots, and works closely with contract personnel including Athletic Trainers, Strength Coaches, and Licensed Massage Therapists.  Captain Jilek specializes in treating high G-induced spine injuries in fighter pilots, and is currently developing research projects to reduce the chance of high G injuries sustained in F-22s and other fighter aircraft. Captain Jilek graduated from University of New Mexico School of Medicine with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017, completed an orthopedic residency in 2019, and became a board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 2020. She has conducted award-winning research in spine and shoulder, and has been using her special skills for the United States Air Force since 2018 when she commissioned.


In this episode we talk about:


  • Common Injuries within fighter pilots.

    • Setting up an embedded performance programme within a fighter pilot squadron.

      • Her prehab and rehab process.

        • How she is tracking performance.

        • Resources discussed:


          High G flight by David Newman

          Movement Impingement syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann

          McGill Method

          McKenzie Method

          Career detail about becoming a PT in the USAF

          Current Concepts Physical Therapy Courses


          You can contact Michelle Directly via email at [email protected] or via social media on Linkedin.

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          RGU Physiotherapy Society PodcastBy RGU PHYSIO