Episode 039 - Sarah Martin on Rethinking Pain, Movement & Performance

In this episode of the Athletic Performance Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Martin — a neurobiologist-turned-physical therapist who went from publishing research to helping athletes reclaim their movement and eliminate chronic pain.Sarah breaks down how rigid movement patterns develop, why most mobility drills miss the point, and how we can use tension release, neurological awareness, and coaching language to unlock long-term performance gains.Whether you're a coach, athlete, or clinician, Sarah’s framework will challenge your assumptions — and give you the tools to spot the real movement problems hiding in plain sight.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Why “try harder” is often the wrong cue for athletes in painHow tension release works neurologically — and why it’s harder than contractingThe critical role of support and propping in restoring motionHow high-performing athletes mask poor strategies with strengthWhen stiffness is needed... and when it’s compensatingHow to build movement options so you don’t wear out your go-to patternThe one thing most kids — and their nervous systems — are missing in modern training🔗 Resources & Mentions:Find Sarah at Move+Smart Physical TherapyKatie Sinclair episode on the pelvic floor: Listen here (Apple podcasts)Coach Ryan Patrick on IGCHAPTERS00:00 – Intro & Sarah’s Unconventional Journey 01:00 – From Neurobiology to Powerlifting to PT 06:00 – Mentorship, PRI, and Learning Through Struggle 09:00 – The Neurology of Tension & Why Relaxing Is Harder 13:00 – Breaking Free from the “Try Harder” Mindset 17:00 – Teaching Clients to Release, Not Just Contract 21:00 – Laying New Motor Patterns (and Killing Old Ones) 24:00 – How to Rewire Painful Patterns for Performance 27:00 – Producing Force: Ground vs. Internal Bracing 30:00 – Why Movement Variability Is the Real Goal 34:00 – Rigid Youth Athletes & the Cost of Over-Coaching 37:00 – Giving Kids Permission to Mess Up & Play Again 41:00 – Coaching with Vibes: How to Actually Unlock Movement 44:00 – Play, Laughter & the Lost Art of Letting Go 46:00 – Experience vs. Expertise: Knowing What to Do When 49:00 – Language, Permission & Autonomy in Coaching 52:00 – Building Self-Reliant Athletes Who Own Their Patterns 55:00 – The Hidden Art of Coaching High-Level Performers 59:00 – Helping Pro Athletes Tune Out the Noise