The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track

In this episode, Luke sits down with Chris Johnson, physical therapist, coach, and founder of Zeren PT and Performance, to break down the art and science of safely returning runners to the sport after injury.

They explore what it truly means to “earn the right to run again,” the key criteria for reintroducing running, the common pitfalls made by both clinicians and athletes, and how to balance tissue healing with confidence, psychology, and performance. Chris also dives into load management, decision making, and the subtle nuances that often determine whether a return-to-run plan succeeds or stalls.

Whether you’re a clinician helping runners get back on their feet or an athlete navigating your own comeback, this conversation is packed with clear, practical, evidence-based insights from one of the most respected minds in running rehabilitation.

🎙️ Topics discussed:

• The philosophy behind safe return-to-run protocols

• When and how to resume speed work

• Whether pain free running is necessary

• Practical load management strategies

• Common mistakes to avoid during return to sport

• Building confidence and psychological readiness post-injury

Find Chris:📸 Instagram: @chrisjohnsonthept🌐 Website: chrisjohnsonpt.com

🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.

Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke

Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠

Crossing the finish line is an incredible achievement, but what happens next is just as important. In this episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson dives into the science and psychology of marathon recovery, unpacking what really happens to your body and mind after 42.2 kilometres.

Discover:

• 🏃‍♂️ The physiological toll of marathon running
• muscle damage, inflammation, cardiac stress, and immune changes.
• 🍒 Evidence-based recovery strategies for refuelling, hydration, and inflammation management.
• 🧠 The mental side of recovery: from post-marathon blues to goal resetting and motivation.
• 💤 How sleep, nutrition, and gradual loading accelerate recovery.
• 🩺 Practical guidance for health professionals on tissue timelines, readiness markers, and psychological support.

Whether you’ve just finished your first marathon or you’re guiding athletes through recovery, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to return smarter, stronger, and healthier.

🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson : Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.

Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke

Learn more at www.healthhp.com.au

Want help putting this into practice in your own training? I offer personalised run coaching, with a plan built around your goals, training history and how you respond. Learn more or apply: https://www.healthhp.com.au/run-coaching

Is running bad for your knees and hips? 🦵🏃‍♂️

Luke Nelson (@sportschiroluke) breaks down the science showing running protects rather than damages your joints. Learn the truth about osteoarthritis, joint health, and why “clicking knees” aren’t a cause for panic.

💻 Read full show notes & references: https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/episode-1-running-arthritis

🎙️ Hosted by Luke Nelson — Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.

Follow on Instagram @sportschiroluke

Learn more at⁠ www.healthhp.com.au⁠