PSATS Podcast

In this episode, the panel takes a deep dive into the rehabilitation of rectus femoris injuries in soccer, using a recent Aspetar publication as the foundation for a practical, clinician-focused discussion. The conversation explores why quad injuries, while less common than other muscle injuries, remain challenging due to the unique demands of kicking, sprinting, and rotational movements that are difficult to replicate during rehabilitation. The group examines key return-to-play principles, objective testing strategies, and the shift away from traditional timeline-based rehabilitation toward an individualized, milestone-driven approach. Along the way, they share clinical pearls on strength testing, kicking progressions, running protocols, and injury prevention strategies, while debating how aggressive clinicians should be when progressing athletes back to sport. Packed with real-world experiences, evidence-based insights, and practical exercise recommendations, this episode offers athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals valuable takeaways for reducing re-injury risk and optimizing outcomes following quadriceps injuries in soccer players.

Aspetar - The Aspetar Rectus Femoris Injury Rehabilitation Pathway 

In Episode 35, "The Exit Interview," the PSATS Podcast welcomes back Derek Lawrance for an inside look at the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup journey through the lens of sports medicine and performance. Derek shares the emotional highs and lows of tournament life, the realities of transitioning back to everyday work after competing on soccer's biggest stage, and the lessons learned from managing player health in a high-pressure international environment. The conversation explores tournament logistics, recovery technologies, injury management, player rotation strategies, and the importance of an integrated medical and performance team in maintaining exceptional player availability throughout the competition. Reflecting on both successes and challenges, Derek provides candid insights into the clinical decision-making, communication, and preparation that helped support the team's World Cup campaign while highlighting the lasting impact of the experience on his professional growth and the broader U.S. soccer community.

Dereks other episodes:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psats-podcast/id1702780388?i=1000768964676

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psats-podcast/id1702780388?i=1000674936170

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psats-podcast/id1702780388?i=1000675388957

In this episode, we explore the continuum of Control → Chaos → Complexity and how it shapes modern rehabilitation and performance in elite sport. From early-stage tissue loading and motor control strategies to the unpredictable realities of competition, we break down how athletic trainers can intentionally progress athletes through each phase to better prepare them for return to play. The conversation highlights practical frameworks, common pitfalls, and real-world applications in professional soccer, emphasizing how embracing variability and decision-making demands ultimately bridges the gap between clinic and competition. Whether you're managing acute injury, reconditioning an athlete, or refining your RTP model, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your approach.

https://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2025.13158 Part 1

https://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2025.13159 Part 2

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466853X26000593

Optics Trainer - Vision Training Platform for Home/Office

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/psats-podcast/id1702780388?i=1000732677486 Episode 29

In this episode of the PSATS Podcast, Paul Lombardo sits down with Derek Lawrence, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the U.S. Men’s National Team, to explore what it takes to medically prepare for a World Cup. Derek shares a behind-the-scenes look at managing player arrivals from across the globe, conducting essential screenings, and implementing recovery and performance strategies in a high-stakes tournament environment. From balancing fitness levels of fully match-fit players to those returning from injury, the conversation highlights the constant challenge of aligning individual readiness with team demands. Derek also discusses the importance of collaboration with clubs, the integration of recovery technology, and the nuanced decision-making required for return-to-play. This episode offers a practical, inside look at the complexities of elite international tournament preparation from a medical perspective.

In this episode, Scott and Paul challenge the idea that load is the primary problem in rehabilitation. Instead, they explore how sequencing, progression, and timing drive rehab success—especially for tendons and muscle injuries. From strength versus plyometrics to tendon loading, confidence, and return‑to‑play decisions, this conversation focuses on preparing athletes for real game demands rather than chasing symptom resolution alone.

Papers referenced in the recording:

• https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/2/72 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10293561/ 
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5609374/

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2184599/episodes/14137925 (BAMIC episode)

In this episode, the hosts dive into key topics in sports medicine, starting with U.S.-Europe healthcare differences and why surgical options for soft tissue injuries aren’t always prioritized. They share personal updates and holiday plans before exploring unique throat injury case studies from a recent PSG conference, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluations. The discussion then shifts to athletic pubalgia, PLAC, and the complexities of diagnosing groin injuries. Finally, the team analyzes treatment decisions for hamstring and muscle injuries, comparing surgical versus conservative approaches, success rates, and the financial and emotional impact on athletes.

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing challenge of work-life balance for athletic trainers. We discuss the unique demands of the profession — long hours, travel, and the constant pull between personal well-being and professional commitment. Our conversation highlights the struggles many ATs face in managing time, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout. We also share practical strategies to become more effective, including prioritization techniques, communication skills, and ways to make recovery and personal time a consistent part of your routine. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers insight and actionable tips to help you find more balance and fulfillment in both your work and life.

In this episode, Mitch, Eric, and Scott welcome Bryan to explore cutting-edge insights into hamstring injury research and rehabilitation. Bryan shares findings from a large-scale NFL-funded study, revealing why traditional rehab methods often fall short and how eccentric loading and early running can accelerate recovery. The conversation dives into athlete pain perception, diagnostic imaging, sciatic nerve inflammation, and the complexities of T-junction injuries. Bryan also discusses the role of PRP, the importance of fascicle length, and progressive training strategies to prevent injury. Wrapping up, Bryan offers gold-standard rehab guidelines and practical tips for return-to-play success.

On this episode, we're joined by Seattle Sounders athletic trainer Scott Armistead, who fills in for Eric. Scott shares his journey and insights on translating complex sports medicine research into practical advice.

We dive into the importance of career longevity in professional football, discussing a study on career lengths in the UK and how that data can be applied to player management. We also explore hamstring injury prevention, specifically looking at the Nordic hamstring test and its potential correlations with sprint speed and agility. Finally, we touch on the importance of holistic player care, individualized rehab programs, and the work-life balance challenges faced by professionals in the field.

“Normal” Career: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392625092_Establishing_%27normal%27_career_longevity_in_professional_footballers_allows_comparison_to_that_of_players_with_injuries_and_surgery?enrichId=rgreq-8aaf224a5fba66b94ecef327f549a2a7-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM5MjYyNTA5MjtBUzoxMTQzMTI4MTUwMTkzNDk3M0AxNzUwMDYxMTg0NjE0&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

Nordic Hamstring: https://peerj.com/articles/19275/

Athletic Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2935360/2021/11/15/what-age-do-players-in-different-positions-peak/

Heiderscheit Webinar: https://webinars.vald.com/sessions/advancements-in-the-management-of-hamstring-strain-injuries

Go behind the scenes of professional hockey with Thomas Alva, the Head of Performance and Health for the Philadelphia Flyers. In this episode, Thomas shares his incredible journey from the Dallas Stars to a 1,500-game veteran, giving a rare look into the world of elite athletic training.

You’ll hear about the intensive strategies used to keep players healthy through a grueling 82-game season, from hyperbaric oxygen therapy to targeted mobility work. Thomas reveals how he balances medical expertise with coach demands, the challenges of treating common injuries like hip pathologies, and the essential role his staff plays in bringing fresh ideas to the rink.

Whether you're an aspiring athletic trainer or just a die-hard hockey fan, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and invaluable insights into the science behind player performance and safety. Don't miss it!