Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros.

Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance. 

Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh and the Houston Astros, emphasizing the importance of communication within multidisciplinary teams and the challenges of managing training and recovery in a demanding Major League Baseball schedule. 

The discussion highlights the need for adaptability in training approaches and the significance of fostering a culture of collaboration and problem-solving in sports performance. 

Stephanie discusses her insights as a strength & conditioning coach in professional baseball, focusing on the importance of adaptability in training routines, the integration of technology in training and recovery, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and the evolving landscape of recovery strategies. 

Episode Summary

• Houston Astros forward-thinking approach in sports science.
• The importance of relationships in performance teams.
• Transitioning from a generalist to a specialist role.
• Balancing adaptation and fatigue in training.
• Shared facilities can enhance athlete motivation.
• Systemizing training across multiple sports.
• Every day is game day in professional sports.
• Recovery strategies are crucial for athlete performance.
• Adaptability is crucial in training; having multiple plans is essential.
• Data analytics in MLB helps inform training and recovery decisions.
• Recovery strategies must be tailored to individual athlete needs.
• Education and communication with athletes enhances buy-in for recovery methods.
• Utilizing technology can enhance training effectiveness and recovery monitoring.

🔗 Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn HERE

🎙️ Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

In this episode of VALDCAST, host Dylan Carmody chats with Dr. Stacie Barber who shares her journey as a physical therapist and the unique approach she takes in her practice, The Physio Fix. 

We discuss the evolution of her social media presence, how she amassed nearly 1 million followers (Check out her instagram HERE), her personal experience with injuries, particularly her achilles and how technology has transformed rehabilitation practices. 

Stacie emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, the value of personal experience in treatment, and her innovative practice model that combines physical therapy with strength & conditioning. 

We get some great advice for future clinicians, with Stacie encouraging them to follow their instincts and create their own paths in the field.

Episode Summary

• Dr. Stacie Barber owns a unique physical therapy facility that blends traditional rehab with sstrength & conditioning.
• Social media has played a significant role in her practice growth and patient engagement.
• Personal experience with injury informs her approach as a clinician.
• Advancements in technology have revolutionized rehabilitation practices, including the use of blood flow restriction.
• Patient-centered care is crucial for building trust and improving outcomes.
• Stacie's approach to rehab is informed by ongoing research and evidence-based practices.
• She emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans over cookie-cutter protocols.
• Stacie's practice model offers one-on-one care, which is often lacking in traditional settings.

Her journey highlights the importance of following one's passion and instincts in the healthcare field.

🔗 Connect with Stacie on INSTAGRAM

🌐 Check out The Physio Fix in Phoenix HERE

🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody

🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH website

If you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH Click Here

In this conversation with Dylan, Nicol van Dyk shares his extensive journey in sports medicine, highlighting his experiences at Aspetar and the evolution of technology in the field.

He discusses the importance of injury prevention, the role of normative data, and how to build comprehensive player profiles. 

Nicol emphasizes the need for context in data interpretation and the significance of communication and collaboration among sports medicine professionals. 

We also cover off insights on the future of data in sports medicine and the importance of curiosity and adaptability in the field.

🔗 Connect with Nicol van Dyk on LinkedIn

🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody

🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH website

If you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH click here

In this episode, Shaun Owen shares his journey from South Africa to Boston, discussing his transition from rugby to baseball and the key differences in athlete training and recovery. 

He emphasizes the importance of individualization in recovery strategies, the role of technology in sports science, and the understanding of fatigue in athletes.

Shaun also highlights the significance of building a multidisciplinary team and the future of innovation in sports science. Ryan hits Shaun with some quickfire questions at the end of the podcasts revealing his insights on the industry.

🔗Connect with Shaun on LinkedIn HERE

🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

The growth journey of ORKA Performance is something special. In today's VALDCAST Ryan covers off the transition from practitioners to business owners and the importance of building a feedback culture.

The guys have navigated the complexities of rehab to performance transitions, And focus on the key components of building and maintaining a strong culture at ORKA, a performance-based rehab facility. 

Taylor and Travis share their experiences, challenges, and insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the significance of athlete outcomes in their practice. 

We cover off the importance of creating an environment where athletes can connect and grow, the role of leadership in shaping culture, and the necessity of being selective about clients and staff to preserve that culture.

🔗Connect with ORKA HERE

🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

Derek Hansen shares his extensive experience in sports science, where he focusses on timing systems, coaching methodologies, and the differences in athletic training between Canada and the USA. 

We discusses the evolution of timing technology, the importance of understanding athlete performance metrics, and the challenges faced in professional sports, including injury prevention and management.  

They also explore the differences in training environments between Canada and America, the work ethic of elite athletes, and the rise of Achilles injuries in the NFL.

🔗Connect with Derek Hansen on LinkedIn

🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

VALD technology is used and trusted in high performance organizations around the world to measure, manage and improve teams’ and athletes’ strength, power, movement, balance, asymmetry and more.

Matt Jordan, a pioneer in the adoption and implementation of force plate technology discusses his journey with force plates, emphasizing their significance in strength and conditioning. 

He shares insights on how he transitioned from traditional training methods to a more scientific approach, utilizing force metrics to inform training decisions, especially in injury recovery. 

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding biomechanics, the value of measuring performance, and the need for adaptability in training programs.

🔗Connect with Matt Jordan on LinkedIn

🎙️Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE

In this episode of VALDCAST, we chat with Mick Hughes about his extensive experience in ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the evolution of management practices over the years.

He emphasizes the importance of data-informed decision-making in clinical practice, particularly in assessing quadricep strength and its impact on rehabilitation outcomes.

Mick and Dylan delve into the intricacies of ACL rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of tailored exercise programs, the role of calf strength and the impact of misinformation in the field.

They discuss the evolving landscape of rehabilitation practices, including the potential of virtual reality in enhancing recovery and much more.

• Mick Hughes has a rich background in physiotherapy and ACL management.
• The approach to ACL rehabilitation has evolved significantly over the past 15 years.
• Data-driven decision-making is essential for effective rehabilitation.
• Quadricep strength is a key factor in determining readiness to run post-surgery.
• Early phases of rehab set the foundation for future success.
• The calf muscle plays a crucial role in knee rehabilitation.
• Objective measures should guide clinical decisions in rehab.
• A comprehensive approach includes assessing accessory muscle groups.
• Rehabilitation should focus on both strength and functional movement.
• Communication with patients about their rehab process is vital. It's essential to prioritize exercises based on the individual's needs.
• Calf strength is a critical component of ACL rehabilitation.
• Misinformation can significantly impact patient care and clinician confidence.
• Virtual reality may play a pivotal role in future rehabilitation practices.
• Engaging with experienced clinicians can enhance learning and referral opportunities.
• Understanding the cognitive aspects of rehabilitation is crucial for recovery.
• Tailoring programs to fit the client's lifestyle is vital for adherence.
• Open chain exercises are safe and beneficial when used appropriately.
• Professional development and continuous learning are key for early career clinicians.
• Building a network with orthopedic surgeons can lead to more referrals.

🔗 Connect with Mick Hughes on LinkedIn
🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody
🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Health website

Creator of Run-Specific Isometrics and Manager of Sports Science at NSWIS, Alexander Natera discusses the evolution of isometrics and overall strength in athletic testing and training. He shares insights on how his techniques originated, their effectiveness across various sports, and the nuances of implementing them for different athletic needs. Natera also reflects on the influence of technology and AI in sports science, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human body in training methodologies.

Key Takeaways

• Run-specific isometrics originated from a need to train athletes who were resistant to traditional gym workouts.
• The application of isometrics varies significantly across different sports and athletic needs.
• Isometrics can enhance tendon stiffness, which is crucial for performance but requires careful management.
• Understanding the muscle actions involved in sports is key to effective training.
• There is a growing trend of using technology and AI in sports science, which presents both opportunities and challenges.
• The importance of individualized training programs based on athlete needs cannot be overstated.
• Bilateral isometric assessments provide valuable data but should not replace run-specific assessments.
• The relationship between isometric strength and traditional lifts is complex and not directly comparable.
• Coaches must adapt training principles to fit their specific environments and athlete profiles.
• Future innovations in sports science will likely focus on wearable technology and data integration.

🔗 Connect with Alex Natera on LinkedIn
🎙️ Hosted by Ryan McLaughlin
🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website

What is VALDCAST?

Join hosts Dylan and Ryan as they introduce VALDCAST—where leading health and performance experts share real-world insights, transformative stories and how technology is shaping their practices.

🎙️ Connect with our hosts Ryan McLaughlin and Dylan Carmody
🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD Performance website