Professor Gordon Bloom vividly describes the debilitating impact of concussion on athlete’s quality of life. He suggests that the uncertain nature of recovery timelines makes concussion particularly difficult for injured athletes who are typically focused on returning to play as quickly as possible. Based on his research and applied practice, Dr. Bloom notes that the fear of not knowing if, or when, one’s quality of life will ever return, makes concussion a particularly insidious injury. He advocates for concussed athletes’ seeking social support from individuals who listen to their concerns in a non-judgmental manner, and the need to remain patient and positive.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Renowned sport medicine physician, Dr. Stuart Willick, describes how the “unknowns” of injury can take a heavy psychological toll on athletes. Drawing parallels between the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic and those facing injured athletes, Dr. Willick speaks about the importance of providing injured athletes with clarity through accurate diagnosis and articulation of recovery progressions.  The master communicator, suggests that, to the extent possible, he tries to provide injured athletes transparent information and progressive, reasonable, attainable goals and expectations. Dr. Willick suggests that injured athletes can help themselves by attempting to remain calm, patient and relaxed, in the face of injury uncertainties and challenges. He highlights the individual nature of athlete responses to injury and their resilience in bouncing back.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Steve Bird, a dominant Kayaker from Australia who competed in two Olympic games, discusses his dogged determination to recover from injuries and to earn a spot on the Australian Olympic team. He highlights the value of choosing to view injury as a powerful tool and using it to one’s advantage. Bird describes how injury was an invaluable experience for helping him address weaknesses in his body; the need to adopt alternative training methods to maintain health and fitness; and to retrain his paddling technique to improve efficiency and avoid future injury.   Bird also articulates the importance of taking ownership over one's recovery, having clarity on why one chooses to return, and using injury as chance to rekindle one's fire for their sport.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Description: Parramatta Eels Strength and Conditioning coach, Scott Johnson discusses the importance of communication between stakeholders to ensure everyone is “on the same page” regarding recovery timelines and progressions. Johnson highlights the value of educating athletes about the nature of their injury, the rationale for performing particular exercises, and the steps needed to achieve effective recovery.   He suggests that such information is crucial for generating “buy-in” to the rehabilitation program and athlete ownership over their recovery. He also touches on issues such as injury reporting behaviors and the impact of environmental factors such as the contractual obligations or being needed for important competitions. Johnson discusses the value of educating coaches and athletes on the dangers of a pre-mature return such as re-injury or potentially prolonged time-loss.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Chris Felgate, a 2x Olympian in triathlon, details his journey in making an Olympic Games. After selling all of his personal belongings, Chris traveled the world to gain world ranking points needed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he represented his native country of Zimbabwe. He describes navigating the challenges of moving to France, training isolation and injury to qualify for and represent his native Zimbabwe in the 2008 Olympics. Felgate describes the impact of a second injury prior to the Games on his Olympic preparations and his ability to compete at his full potential. Felgate’s story is a testimonial to the power of individual resourcefulness, problem solving, and self-belief.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Ramon Andersson, a dual Olympic Kayaker, bronze medalist at the 1996 Atlanta games and coach at the Western Australian Institute of Sport, talks about the importance of developing transferable life skills through sport. Guided by a thoughtful, holistic approach to coaching, he discusses his work in helping athletes achieve their potential and deal with injury obstacles.   Andersson suggests that creating a mutual respect between athletes and coaches can foster open communication and can be of great service in facilitating injury recovery. He also shares strategies for overcoming his personal battle with chronic fatigue syndrome to return to the highest echelons of the kayaking world.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Chris Hammer is a two-time Paralympian who competed in the 2012, London and 2016 Rio Games. He has a doctorate in sport psychology   and coaches the women’s triathlon team at Davis and Elkins College. In discussing his research on individuals with acquired disabilities, Chris describes the feelings of incompetence and lack control that traumatic injuries induce.   Using the analogy of reconstructing a house in the aftermath of a natural disaster, Chris suggests that individuals who grow following their injuries are those who reconstruct a “bigger, better and stronger house”. He talks about the importance of coping with pain, the motivational role of hope, and ensuring athletes have opportunities to experience successful performance accomplishment.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Jonathon Charlesworth, a former Australian national team field hockey player and sports medicine physician discusses the importance of practitioner communication in managing athlete expectations and fostering trust in rehabilitation providers.   He suggests that injury recovery is rarely a linear process and that athletes should avoid being disheartened when things do not go according to plan. He advocates the value of maintaining injury recovery and prevention measures and suggests that injury can be an educational resource where athletes learn how to build resilience.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

5X National Championship coach of the University of Windsor’s women’s basketball team, Chantal Vallee speaks about the elements of effective coaching and the value of a caring approach in fostering athlete recovery and mental well-being. Coach Vallee suggests that when athletes feel cared about as a whole person rather than just “a number” it helps them feel as though they are part of the team “family”.   Given her interest in athletes’ long-term health and well-being, she takes a very conservative approach in allowing athlete’s to return to competition after injury.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com

Dr. Ted Polglaze competed in the 1998 Nagano winter Olympics in the 4-man bobsled event. As a sport scientist, he formerly worked at various high-performance institutes throughout Australia where he applied scientific principles to facilitate the recovery of injured athletes. Ted discusses his own experiences trying to rehabilitate a torn hamstring only months prior to the Australian Olympic selection trials.   He describes his good fortune in meeting a leading physiotherapist who helped him redress various muscle imbalances and who taught him to “listen to his body” and understand how to use it properly. He also discusses his work with a sport psychologist who gave him strategies to recognize and reframe negative and counterproductive thoughts after being diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Polglaze provides a wealth of informative suggestions for adopting a pro-active approach to taking charge of one’s injury recovery and overcoming illness.  For further assistance dealing with the challenges of injury or for performance enhancement consulting visit: podlogconsulting.com