March 26, 2025

Ep234 'Lower Limb Amputees: Stepping Through Adversity' - with Rich Potter, Rich Davies, Carla Bickerstaffe, Jenny Lane

1 hour 2 minutes

We reach the final part of this month’s four part series on Working with Athletes with Disabilities, in which we are joined by special guests Rich Potter and Rich 'Dickie' Davies – armed forces veterans and single below leg amputees who set world records at the end of last year on their ‘Limb-itless Expedition: Conquering The Himalayas' as the first ever amputees to achieve the half and full length of The Snowman Trek in Bhutan. With them are Sports Therapist Carla Bickerstaffe and Massage Therapist Jenny Lane, both of whom have considerable experience of working with athletes with disabilities.

While discussing the physically and mentally demanding trek, the guests share insights into the rigorous preparations, the role of sports therapy & sports massage, and the importance of self-care in their endeavor. The discussion also touches on the emotional hurdles faced, especially when unforeseen challenges forced Dickie to withdraw, underscoring the human aspect and the relentless spirit of perseverance.

Rich and Dickie’s journey is a testament to human resilience and teamwork, with valuable takeaways for anyone working with or aiming to better understand athletes with disabilities.

Chapter Markers:

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast

00:04:38 - Introducing Our Guests

00:06:22 - Rich 'Dickie' Davies shares his history

00:07:32 - Rich Potter shares his history

00:08:28 - Not all amputations in military are combat related

00:10:26 - Carla Bickerstaffe and Jenny Lane at the Invictus Games

00:12:44 - Preparing for the Limbitless Expedition - Soft Tissue Therapy

00:18:20 - The Physiology of a Stump

00:25:54 - Equipping Clients for Self Care

00:30:50 - Phantom Limb Pain

00:39:15 - The Limitless Expedition Challenges

00:43:11 - Facing Adversity and Withdrawal

00:50:55 - Reflections on Support and Funding

01:03:00 - New 'Reflection Series' on The Sports Therapy Association Podcast

Useful Links

Invictus Games Webpage

Blesma Armed Forces Charity Webpage

Rich Potter on Instagram - @amputee_rich

Rich Davies Instagram - @rightfootrich

The Limbitless Expedition on Instagram @the_limbitless_expedition

Carla Bickerstaffe on Instagram @sportstherapybycarla

Jenny Lane on Instagram @jennylane.sportsmassage

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By Sports Therapy Association