Physio to the Stars; Andrew Fooks- Episode 6

Who is Andrew Fooks?Andrew Fooks is the Director and Sports Physiotherapist at Renew Physiotherapy.  Andrew has been a physio with the Australian Rowing team since 2012,  Kookaburras Men’s Hockey Team since 2008 as well as the Victorian Institute of Sport from 2006.Andrew’s philosophy in treating athletes is to carefully understand the mechanics of the sport and gain greater speed for less effort.  He seeks to improve the mechanics to make the athlete go faster and enjoys solving mechanical problems to assist athletes and coaches.Why does this conversation matter?Andrew Fooks has treated around 300 Australian Rowers, a few hundred school athletes in rowing and international athletes visiting Melbourne.  He has a strong desire to educate athletes and coaches.  In this conversation Drew and Andrew talk through the simple things to do in rowing to improve performance and advice for coaches. They talk through:Pain thresholds and when to seek medical attention, which pain is ok and what pain isn’t ok. School age rowers; loading and progression, fluctuation in load and consistency of trainingSimple things to do coming into the sportLoading and the percentage of increase in the loading in training programs to minimise injuryThe importance of recovery, sleep and nutrition as the easy things to support athletes in their readiness for the next dayWhen to seek medical supportThis conversation is important for athletes, coaches, parents and support crew in Rowing.Most common rowing injury – Low back injuryHow to avoid a lower back injury-Flexibility around your hips and pelvisFavourite rowing course- Bosbahn, AmsterdamFavourite international Event- Bosbahn International Regatta, Amsterdam (2014) & Paris OlympicsSponsored by 776BCHosted by Drew GinnGuest Andrew FooksPublished by Nicholas Productions