On Q Performance Therapy Podcast

In this episode of the On Q podcast, host Mike Quintans, DPT engages in an exciting discussion with Rob Rabena, director of strength and conditioning at Ivy Rehab in Newtown Square. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to physical therapy, strength coaching, and program design. Together, Mike and Rob shed light on the role of physical therapists and strength coaches in providing comprehensive care for athletes and patients, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and guidance beyond the clinic.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:01:42 - Arm Care - Importance and Best Practices
00:07:42 - Arm Care - Common Mistakes and Overloading Issues
00:10:25 - ACL Injuries and Return to Performance
00:12:32 - Importance of Home Exercise Program after PT
00:13:32 - Importance of Strength Training Post-Rehab
00:15:02 - Programming Design and Exercise Variation
00:23:31 - Changing Perspectives in Professional Career
00:24:18 - Changing Perspectives on Exercise
00:25:14 - Reevaluating Manual Therapy
00:26:28 - Career Advice for Aspiring Physical Therapists
00:28:01 - Importance of Coaching Skills for PTs

In this episode of On Q, hosts Mike Quintans and Rob Rabena chat with Dr. Steven Cohen, a leading sports medicine specialist and head physician for the Philadelphia Phillies, about UCL injuries in baseball players. Dr. Cohen dives into the details of UCL tears, discussing the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, including primary repair and reconstruction. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire kinetic chain and tailoring treatment to individual circumstances, shedding light on the changing demographics of UCL tears and the impact of intense year-round throwing.

The conversation also delves into the rehabilitation process post-Tommy John surgery, debunking misconceptions and highlighting the critical role of education in injury prevention.

Dr. Cohen's expertise and insights offer valuable guidance for athletes, parents, and coaches in safeguarding arm health and optimizing performance. If you're a concerned parent or a dedicated coach aiming to protect your young athlete's arm health while enhancing their pitching performance, this episode is a must listen.

Contact Dr. Cohen via Rothman Orthopaedics

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:01:22 - Dr. Steven Cohen's Background
00:03:08 - Mechanism of UCL Tear
00:05:26 - Diagnosis of UCL Tear
00:10:26 - Surgical Treatment of UCL Tear
00:11:21 - UCL Injury Management and Recovery
00:12:52 - UCL Tears in Young Athletes
00:16:26 - Recovery Differences by Position
00:17:33 - Timing and Season Considerations
00:22:01 - Early Rehab and Strength Training
00:23:20 - Importance of Rehab and Training after Elbow Surgery
00:25:48 - Revisions in UCL Reconstruction
00:28:29 - Success Rates and Risk Factors of UCL Injuries
00:30:29 - Mitigating UCL Injury Risks
00:34:54 - Navigating the Goals of Young Athletes and Their Parents
00:38:14 - Developing Pitchers with a Well-Structured Throwing Program
00:39:30 - Age-Appropriate Strength and Conditioning Training
00:40:03 - Assessing Risk Factors in Young Athletes
00:43:12 - Key Component of Throwing Programs
00:46:05 - Importance of Educating Athletes
00:47:27 - Rest and Recovery Timeline
00:48:37 - Relevance of Sports Medicine
00:49:40 - Importance of Rehabilitation

In this episode of On Q, you'll dive into a captivating conversation between hosts Mike Quintans and Rob Rabena and guest Mark Jesse, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach who was formerly with the Philadelphia Phillies' single A affiliate Blue Claws. Mark shares his journey from starting as an intern to becoming an integral part of the coaching team, offering valuable insights into individualized programming, managing training on the road, and integrating technology for performance tracking.

His expertise in adapting training strategies for players based on their position and recent game performance, as well as his emphasis on utilizing technology to enhance player performance, makes this episode a must-listen for strength coaches and trainers in baseball.

Mark's experiences and wisdom provide a wealth of knowledge that can significantly impact player performance and injury prevention.

Learn more about Mark and Landshark Performance: https://landsharkperformance.co/about/mark-jesse

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:04 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:02:29 - Training Differences for Pitchers vs. Position Players

00:07:18 - Implementation of Technology in the Weight Room

00:09:41 - Individualized Programming and Data Analysis

00:11:07 - Advantages of Using Data-Driven Training

00:11:19 - Importance of Pitch Velocity and VBT in Training

00:12:17 - Offseason Training and Building Aerobic Base

00:13:47 - Incorporating Speed Training in Season

00:16:29 - Emphasis on Player Health and Injury Prevention

00:17:27 - Joint Range of Motion and Flexibility

00:22:55 - Importance of Range of Motion in Shoulder Health

00:23:59 - Use of Technology in Offseason Training

00:27:13 - Collaborative Player Development Strategies

00:29:54 - Addressing the Rise of Tommy John Surgeries

00:33:36 - Challenges in Pro Ball vs. Private Sector

00:35:04 - Building a Competitive Environment

00:37:41 - Importance of Customer Service

00:39:51 - Cultural Adaptation in Pro Baseball

00:42:15 - Building a Successful Training Facility

00:45:02 - Exercise Selection for Baseball Players

In the podcast episode of On Q, you'll dive into sports nutrition and performance with guest Cat Hammer, the Head Sports Dietitian at the University of Pennsylvania. Cat shares valuable insights on structuring meals, the importance of hydration, and the impact of supplements on athletic performance.

Cat's practical tips and balanced approach to nutrition underscore how eating for athletes can be both simple and very complex, making this episode a must-listen for college athletes prioritizing performance and health. From discussing the use of supplements to providing guidance on meal timing and composition, Cat shares her expertise on the essential role of nutrition and hydration in optimizing athletic performance.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What you should consider when buying supplements and protein powders.

Since starting at Penn in 2020, Hammer has overseen the nutritional strategies and approaches for Penn’s intercollegiate teams, meeting individually with student-athletes as well as providing team and small group presentations. She also serves on multiple interdisciplinary committees with other members of Penn’s Sports Performance unit to better serve the Division’s nearly 1,000 student-athletes.
  
The Philadelphia native is also the owner of Hammer Fuel Sports Nutrition, a virtual sports nutrition counseling and consulting business for middle school, high school, collegiate and professional athletes. She is also a consultant with Ascent Athlete, formerly Maplezone Sports Institute, and began her career as the sports nutrition assistant with the Bradenton Marauders, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
 
Hammer earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from West Chester University in 2018, where she was a three-time all-region and two-time all-conference softball player for the Golden Rams. She received a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science from the University of Tampa in 2019. 

Contact Cat:

Penn Website

Hammer Fuel Website

Hammer Fuel Sports Nutrition Instagram

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:04 - Introduction to Performance Therapy Podcast
00:02:08 - Building Relationships and Growth
00:05:05 - Planning Nutrition and Workouts
00:07:46 - A Day in the Life of a Registered Dietician in College Athletics
00:10:16 - Confidentiality and Collaboration
00:11:36 - Balancing Clinical and Sports Performance Nutrition
00:12:44 - Putting Together a Dietary Plan
00:14:03 - Caloric Intake for Athletes
00:15:47 - Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
00:20:56 - Modifying Nutrient Intake Based on Activity
00:22:37 - Carb Cycling for Athletes
00:23:40 - Tracking Calories and Macros
00:25:18 - Meal Timing and Nutrient Intake
00:27:44 - Pitfalls of Excessive Protein Intake
00:31:52 - Thoughts on Intermittent Fasting
00:33:22 - Importance of Eating for Muscle Building
00:34:49 - Hydration for Athletes
00:37:28 - Impact of Dehydration on Performance
00:41:28 - Protein, Supplements, and Third-Party Testing
00:44:27 - Importance of Researching Supplements
00:46:09 - Creatine and Nutrition
00:48:31 - Casein Protein and Energy Drinks
00:53:51 - Simplifying Nutrition

In this episode of On Q, Dr. Stephen S. Soondar, a podiatrist at Healthmark Foot and Ankle, discusses the complexities of ankle injuries and Achilles tendon ruptures with hosts Mike Quintans and Rob Rabena. Dr. Soondar highlights the importance of setting realistic recovery expectations for patients, and dives into the best bracing protocols. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking insights into preventing injuries and promoting long-term foot and ankle health.

In this episode you'll hear:

"I think a lot of it is shoe gear. Making sure you're wearing the appropriate stuff for what you're playing. You're not going for a run in Chuck Taylor's, right? You're not playing basketball with a pair of crocs," - Dr. Stephen Soondar

Dr. Stephen S. Soondar, D.P.M is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He is Board Certified in Foot Surgery, Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. He graduated from Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine and has been published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. Dr. Soondar specializes in Lower Extremity Trauma, Charcot Foot Reconstruction, Limb Salvage, and Ankle Arthroscopy as well as the comprehensive scope of Forefoot and Rearfoot medicine. He is a member of the Visitor’s and Founder’s boards at Temple University’s School of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more about Dr.Soondar here.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:04 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:00:28 - Introduction of Dr. Stephen Sundar

00:04:20 - Mechanism of High Ankle Sprains

00:09:30 - Treatment and Recovery

00:10:18 - Ankle Braces and Orthosis

00:11:44 - The Ineffectiveness of Ankle Braces and Wraps

00:12:30 - The Benefits of Taping and Bracing

00:15:21 - Common Sports Prone to Ankle Injuries

00:16:10 - Post-injury Brace Recommendation

00:20:59 - Preventative Measures for Ankle Injuries

00:23:03 - Preventing Re-injury and Using Braces

00:25:04 - Mechanism of Achilles Tendon Rupture

00:27:37 - Surgery and Non-weight Bearing Period

00:29:23 - Managing Injuries in Higher-Level Athletes

00:32:58 - Conservative Management and Healing Process

00:34:36 - Surgical Intervention for Achilles Injuries

00:35:00 - Aaron Rogers' Recovery

00:36:01 - Different Repair Techniques

00:37:21 - Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Effects

00:43:01 - Preventative Measures and Strength Training

00:45:50 - Understanding the Causes of Injuries

00:46:50 - Mitigating the Risk of Injuries

00:47:52 - Importance of Stretching

00:48:12 - How to Connect

SEASON 4, EPISODE 14 WITH DOUG DAVIDSON OF THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

In this episode, we sit down with Doug Davidson, Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning for Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. we discuss common sports injuries amongst hockey players and Davidson's training philosophies for elite-level hockey players during both in-season and off-season programming.

In this episode, we cover:

Doug Davidson on LinkedIn

Doug Davidson is the Associate Director of Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning for the Vegas Golden Knights, where he is responsible for maximizing the athletic potential of players through the development, instruction, progression, oversight and documentation of individual and group performance enhancements and recovery training activities.

Prior to joining the Golden Knights, he spent two seasons as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins where he oversaw all aspects of off-ice training, assisted in rehab and oversaw team meals, supplement use, and nutrition. Before joining the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Hockey Club, Davidson served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Gary Roberts High-Performance Centre from 2013-15, where he worked with a variety of male and female athletes, including elite hockey players ranging from NHL players to aspiring youths to improve their performance while also correcting posture, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns. Davidson was a Strength and Conditioning Intern at Queen's University from 2010-13. In 2013 he received the Varsity Service Award for his contributions to Queen's University Varsity Athletics as a strength and conditioning intern. He also completed a strength and conditioning internship at Cressey Performance in 2012. Doug Davidson attended Queen's University, where he graduated with honors in 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in Physical and Health Education. He has a dual Masters's Degree in Sports Conditioning and Exercise & Sport Psychology from A.T. Still University and is a certified strength and conditioning coach through NSCA.

PART 2 WITH GEORGE ZIRKEL | SEASON 4, EPISODE 13

Part 2 with George Zirkel discusses how his throwing program has been impacted by new philosophies and technology, along with major takeaways and lessons he has learned during his time as a pitching and throwing coach.

In this episode, we cover:

George is the Director of Pitching and Associate Director of Operations at On Deck George and was the Director of Pitching at Ascent Athlete for nearly 4 years where he coached hundreds of pitchers including MLB, MiLB, college, high school, and youth pitchers. He also created an internship program in which aspiring coaches received educational training and gained hands-on experience working with athletes. George has spent years coordinating throwing plans with strength and conditioning coaches and physical therapists to ensure his pitchers are getting the best care possible.

PART 1 WITH GEORGE ZIRKEL | SEASON 4, EPISODE 12

Part 1 with George Zirkel discusses the topic of rehabilitating pitchers, including the importance of proper throwing programs, measuring intensity and feedback mechanisms, and conducting assessments to understand the individual's background and goals.

In this episode, we cover:

George is the Director of Pitching and Associate Director of Operations at On Deck George and was the Director of Pitching at Ascent Athlete for nearly 4 years, where he coached hundreds of pitchers, including MLB, MiLB, college, high school, and youth pitchers. He also created an internship program in which aspiring coaches received educational training and gained hands-on experience working with athletes. George has spent years coordinating throwing plans with strength and conditioning coaches and physical therapists to ensure his pitchers are getting the best care possible.

In 2022, George completed his Master of Arts in Motor Learning and Control from Columbia University. In 2017 he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Susquehanna University. George played collegiately at Susquehanna University.

PART 2 WITH DR. AMBER MACFARLANE, DO | SEASON 4, EPISODE 11

Part 2 with Dr. Amber MacFarlane, DO discusses Tenex and TenJet procedures for the treatment of tendinopathies and scar tissue removal.

In this episode, we cover:

Amber MacFarlane, DO, a native of Southampton, Pennsylvania is a Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician and completed her residency and fellowship at Crozer Health. She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine after obtaining a degree in Biology from Widener University. She has been the team physician for the Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Union 2, University of Delaware, Garnet Valley High School, Strath Haven High School, and Upper Darby High School. Dr. MacFarlane is a former Division III NCAA pole vaulter. She continues to be very active in weight lifting, running, and hiking. She lives in Bucks County, PA, with her husband.

PART 1 WITH DR.AMBER MACFARLANE, DO | SEASON 4 EPISODE 10

Part 1 with Dr. Amber MacFarlane DO is focused on low back pain evaluation, treatment, and prevention in young athlete populations.

We cover:

Amber MacFarlane, DO, a native of Southampton, Pennsylvania is a Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician and completed her residency and fellowship at Crozer Health.

She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine after obtaining a degree in Biology from Widener University. She has been the team physician for the Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Union 2, University of Delaware, Garnet Valley High School, Strath Haven High School, and Upper Darby High School. Dr. MacFarlane is a former Division III NCAA pole vaulter. She continues to be very active in weight lifting, running, and hiking. She lives in Bucks County, PA, with her husband.