KIMEcast

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla, DPT and Russ Dunning, MPT dive into the ever-popular world of recovery—separating hype from science on cold plunges, saunas, red-light therapy, shockwave treatments, orthotics, and more. They unpack recent research showing how post-workout cold exposure may actually blunt muscle growth and protein absorption, discuss when cold therapy is useful (hint: short-term recovery for competition, not long-term adaptation), and explore the nuances of light therapy and sauna use.The conversation then shifts to training fundamentals, with a deep dive into KIME’s Kettlebell Resilience Certification. Tony and Russ highlight why kettlebell work bridges the gap between rehab and performance, share the origins of their certification standards, and explain how resilience training builds true strength, conditioning, and long-term durability.This episode blends research, clinical insight, and practical tools for athletes, clinicians, and anyone serious about high-performance health.

In Episode 55 of KIMEcast, Russ Dunning, MPT and Evan Hauger, DPT take you inside the real-life process of injury, recovery, and performance evolution. When Evan suffers a back injury playing pickleball, it sparks a powerful and honest discussion about how clinicians navigate their own rehab and what it teaches them.They break down:The healing timeline from acute inflammation to tissue regenerationSupplements that actually help (collagen, vitamin C, magnesium, fish oil, peptides)Why blunting inflammation with Advil may delay recoveryDynamic stability and why it’s the missing link in injury preventionHow real-life injuries fuel clinical learning and innovationLessons from kettlebell training, peptide injections, and blood flow restrictionPlus, Russ shares a compelling case of a young athlete with elite strength and power—who still suffered a preventable ACL tear due to a stability deficit.This episode is packed with practical insights, personal stories, and game-changing concepts for clinicians, athletes, and anyone navigating pain or performance.🎧 Whether you’re a rehab professional, coach, or simply curious about what really works—you don’t want to miss this one.

AI is changing everything—even sports medicine. In this episode, Tony Mikla, DPT and Russ Dunning, MPT dive into how artificial intelligence is influencing the future of physical therapy, performance training, and patient care.From ChatGPT to custom-built AI agents, patients are showing up more informed (and sometimes misinformed) than ever. So what’s the real role of a PT in an AI-enhanced world? The KIME team breaks it all down—from the power of expert movement analysis to the importance of intelligent prompting and the future of personalized rehab protocols.You’ll learn:✅ Why AI can't replace movement experts—yet✅ How KIME is training its own AI agent✅ What makes a great PT irreplaceable✅ The soft science of motor control and biomechanics✅ Why nutrition, sleep, and stress matter more than you think👉 Don’t miss this forward-looking episode about tech-enhanced care, professional evolution, and what every clinician needs to stay ahead.

Why do some D1 athletes come back slower and weaker after a season? In this episode, Dr. Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning break down the critical trade-offs between human performance metrics (like strength, speed, and power) and sport-specific performance (like IQ, conditioning, and durability).They discuss:The “performance seesaw” between raw athleticism and game readinessHow youth sports development often sacrifices long-term gains for short-term winsThe importance of multi-sport participation vs. early specializationWhy strength declines in-season—and what to do about itKIME’s philosophy on balancing protocols with principle-based coachingWhether you’re a coach, clinician, parent, or athlete, this episode challenges how we define success in training and competition.📌 Subscribe for more insights on performance, rehab, and movement science.

In Episode 51 of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla, DPT, and Nikos Contos, DPT, welcome special guest Dr. Brian Gilmer, a leading orthopedic surgeon based in Reno, NV and Mammoth, CA. This insightful conversation dives deep into ACL reconstruction techniques, surgical decision-making, and modern rehabilitation strategies. Dr. Gilmer shares candid thoughts on meniscal root tears, the evolution of ACL repair protocols, and his experience with the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) technique.The episode challenges conventional post-op care models, advocating for earlier mobilization and individualized protocols. The trio also discusses patient psychology, biologic augmentations, and how surgical innovation and rehabilitation need to evolve together. With analogies like “Porsche vs. Camry” and “wine barrel hoops,” Dr. Gilmer brings both humor and clarity to complex concepts in sports medicine.🎧 Key Topics:Surgical strategies for ACL reconstruction vs. BEARMeniscus root tears and rehab challengesAdvances in biologics and graft selection (e.g., quad allografts)The power of accelerated protocols and patient engagementBuilding trust through shared decision-making and rehab collaboration

In this episode of KIMecast, we sit down with Chris Rounds, Associate Director of Performance Enhancement for Arizona Men’s Basketball, to explore his philosophy behind athlete durability, return-to-play protocols, and building elite basketball players from the inside out. Chris shares insights from over two decades in elite collegiate programs—from his early days at Kentucky to leading performance in the Pac-12 and Big 12. With a focus on injury prevention, load management, and smart strength programming, Chris challenges conventional lifting norms and emphasizes the value of consistency, simplicity, and relationship-based coaching. A must-listen for anyone working in high-performance sport.

Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning use a return-to-sprint case to do more than coach movement—they deliver a powerful critique of both the performance industry and the healthcare system that supports (and often limits) it.In this episode, they cover:Real-time coaching breakdowns for athletes returning to sprintingWhy so much current rehab misses the mark on real-world performanceWhat separates a great coach from a technicianThe failure of overused protocols and systems that lack contextThe real consequences of Medicare cuts and outdated insurance modelsHow clinicians can lead change instead of waiting on itIt’s part sprint mechanics, part coaching masterclass, and part wake-up call to a healthcare and performance system that desperately needs to evolve.

In this episode, Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning tackle one of the most important challenges in physical therapy and sports performance: the disconnect between academic research and what actually works in the clinic.They break down:Why research can feel outdated or irrelevant by the time it reaches clinical practiceThe challenges of applying rigid protocols to highly variable human bodiesHow real-world testing, athlete feedback, and pattern recognition fill the gapsThe role of AI and data in customizing care and predicting adaptationThe importance of identifying limiting factors and training the athlete in front of you—not the one in a textbookPlus, they explore how PTs and coaches can work with universities (instead of waiting on them) and why the future of rehab may depend on clinician-led research rooted in real movement.Whether you're a clinician, student, or coach, this episode will challenge how you think about evidence, testing, and what truly drives better outcomes.

In Episode 47 of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla and Russ Duncan dive deep into the art and science of movement—exploring how understanding shapes and identifying limiting factors is the key to unlocking athletic performance, preventing injuries, and creating bulletproof programming.From sprint mechanics and ballistic movement to orthopedic interventions and joint health, they break down:Why owning the shape is the foundation of performanceHow to identify the true limiting factor in athletes (and why it's not always what you think)The crucial role of the CNS as the body’s “governor” of movement safetyHow to balance power, control, and tissue tolerance in program designWhen it’s time to shift from rehab to injections, surgery, or lifestyle changesPlus: the underrated daily practice of expressing movement genes and why your clients should think of joint health like brushing their teethThis episode bridges the gap between biomechanics, clinical PT, and elite sports performance—making complex systems actionable for any coach or clinician who wants to level up their approach.🎧 Whether you work with youth athletes, aging pros, or weekend warriors—this episode will change the way you assess, program, and coach movement.

In this solo episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla sits down for a freestyle Q&A—answering the most important questions aspiring and early-career physical therapists should be asking.From what separates standout new grads, to what clinical excellence actually looks like in practice, Tony shares the mindset, habits, and strategies that define success at the highest level of sports physical therapy.He covers:Why curiosity and communication beat raw knowledgeWhat mentorship really looks like at KIMEThe difference between treating symptoms vs. optimizing performanceHow to build a long-term career around coaching, not protocolsWhy now is the moment for private leaders to shape the future of the PT professionIf you're a student, a new clinician, or just trying to level up in sports performance PT—this is a masterclass in how to think, grow, and lead.

In this episode, Tony sits down with athlete, author, and performance coach Brad Kearns to talk about everything from professional triathlon to mindset, recovery, and redefining success in sport and life.Brad shares stories from his nine-year pro career, the mindset that helped him go from accountant to elite triathlete, and how a process-driven approach helped him outperform more experienced competitors. They dive into the value of training for personal bests, not ego-driven outcomes, and why the best athletes—like Steph Curry, Tiger Woods, and Lance Armstrong—back their confidence with relentless preparation.The episode also explores:The downsides of early specialization and overtrainingWhy recovery is as important as training (especially for high achievers)The truth about sports nutrition, metabolic health, and Brad’s "Two Meals a Day" philosophyWhy most athletes (and professionals) carry more cumulative stress than they realizeHow mental clarity and emotional discipline make the difference at the top levelWhether you're a clinician, coach, or competitor, this episode is packed with real stories and insights on how to think, train, and recover like a true high performer.

In this episode, Tony and Russ unpack some of sports science's most uncomfortable truths—straight from a viral list circulating the field. From debunking the magic of foam rolling and GPS trackers to calling out the misuse of "functional training," they give no-nonsense takes on why many common practices in sports medicine fall flat.They also discuss how their unique two-year fellowship is shaping the next generation of clinicians to value clarity, decisive problem-solving, and structured progression over trendy hacks. Whether it's how to actually prevent injuries (spoiler: you can't fully), why most performance tests miss the mark, or the real role of strength, this episode delivers valuable insights for PTs, coaches, and performance pros aiming for better outcomes.

Think you need to stretch more? Think again.In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony and Russ break down the real reason you feel tight—and it’s not because your muscles are short. From hamstrings to hip flexors, we explore why traditional stretching often fails, and what to do instead.Learn:✅ Why most “tightness” is a stability issue, not a flexibility one✅ Quick neuromuscular hacks to instantly improve mobility✅ When static stretching actually helps (and when it hurts)✅ What overpowered athletes are—and why they’re prone to injury✅ How to train smarter based on YOUR body’s needsStop wasting time with stretches that don’t work. Let’s stretch your understanding instead.

In this episode of KIMEcast, the team dives deep into the systemic challenges plaguing healthcare today—from insurance red tape to the shortage of primary care providers. With real-world examples, Tony Mikla, DPT & Russ Dunning, MPT explore the inefficiencies caused by bureaucratic hurdles and discuss how the evolving healthcare landscape, including tech-driven solutions, concierge medicine, and patient-focused care models, could offer a way forward. The conversation highlights how insurance companies often dictate care, why many providers are moving away from Medicare, and what the future may hold for healthcare consumers looking for quality, efficiency, and affordability. If you're frustrated with long wait times, denied coverage, and a system that prioritizes paperwork over patient care, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla, DPT, and Russ Dunning, MPT, sit down with Dr. Sean Robinson, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint replacements. Dr. Robinson shares his journey from residency at the world-renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic to building his successful practice in Sacramento.🔹 Key Topics Covered:✔️ The importance of relationships in sports medicine—why great outcomes depend on collaboration between surgeons, physical therapists, and trainers.✔️ Advancements in joint replacement surgery—how minimally invasive techniques are reducing pain and improving recovery times.✔️ The debate on ACL reconstruction techniques—BTB vs. hamstring vs. quad tendon grafts.✔️ Why conservative treatment can work for Achilles injuries—and when surgery is necessary.✔️ The power of movement in recovery—how early mobilization speeds up healing.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, therapist, or just passionate about human performance, this episode offers expert insights into modern orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla, DPT, and Russ Dunning, MPT explore the fundamental principles of coaching, injury recovery, and athlete development. Whether you're working with youth athletes, elite performers, or recovering patients, understanding how to apply first principles thinking in training and rehabilitation is essential for long-term success.Key Topics in This Episode: The Role of Confidence in Athletic Success – How belief influences skill acquisition and resilience Coaching Philosophy & Team Dynamics – Why understanding team culture is as important as skill Strength & Recovery Strategies – The impact of progressive loading and movement quality on performance Injury Management in Real Time – Case studies on ankle sprains, ACL recovery, and reactive training post-injury Gene Expression & Adaptation – How movement and controlled stress drive healing and performance gainsCoaching is more than just drills—it’s about developing strong, resilient athletes who can perform at their best over time. Whether you're a coach, clinician, or athlete, this episode will help you rethink how you approach training, recovery, and performance optimization.

As young athletes improve, they face a paradox: the better they get, the more they play, and the higher their injury risk becomes. In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla, DPT, and Russ Dunning, MPT, experts in sports performance, explore how skill development, training loads, and recovery impact an athlete’s long-term success and health.Key Topics in This Episode:The Athlete Paradox: Why better athletes play more and risk overuse injuriesBuilding Resilience: Strength and conditioning as a foundation for long-term success.Recovery Strategies: The importance of nutrition, sleep, and recovery as exposure increasesSport Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Training: What is the best path for youth athletes?Private Training: Helpful or Harmful? How to balance skill work with overall athletic development.Developing elite athletes is not just about increasing repetitions—it is about training smart. Whether you are a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode dives into the real challenges of youth sports and offers strategies to build stronger, more resilient athletes.

In this episode of KIMEcast, Tony Mikla and Russ Dunning explore how technology, data, and daily habits influence health, performance, and recovery. From heart rate monitors to sleep trackers, they discuss the power of wearables and apps in guiding better decisions for fitness, stress management, and longevity. They dive into:✅ How tracking heart rate, sleep, and glucose levels can optimize performance✅ The role of apps in behavior change, accountability, and skill acquisition✅ Why resilience, movement, and exposure are crucial for long-term health✅ The difference between general fitness and sport-specific conditioning✅ How mental resilience and stress management impact recovery and wellness Listen in as they discuss philosophical insights on how tracking health data can be both empowering and overwhelming, and how to balance technology with intuition. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply looking to improve your habits, this episode will challenge how you think about health, performance, and the role of data in daily life.

In this episode of KIMEcast, the Tony and Russ take a first principles approach to sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance—breaking down complex ideas into fundamental truths that guide better decision-making in patient care, training, and recovery. The discussion starts with a deep dive into mitochondrial health, the foundation of energy production, adaptation, and resilience. The hosts explore how conditioning isn’t just about fitness but about preparing the body to meet the specific demands of movement—whether in sports or daily life. They highlight how movement is the driving force behind recovery, tissue health, and long-term performance, debunking common misconceptions about rest and injury management. Key first principles emerge throughout the episode: The body is made to move—stagnation leads to dysfunction, while strategic movement fuels healing. Muscles control the skeleton—coordination and stability, not just strength, determine joint health. Adaptation is constant—you’re either getting stronger or losing capacity; the body responds to what it’s exposed to. Stress is necessary for growth—proper loading builds stronger bones, resilient tendons, and lasting durability. Rest isn’t recovery—true recovery happens through engagement, not avoidance. From biomechanics and injury prevention to energy systems and longevity, this episode re-centers performance and rehabilitation around the core principles that actually drive results. If you’re an athlete, coach, or healthcare professional, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach training, movement, and recovery at the most fundamental level.

In this episode of KIMEcast, hosts Tony, Mikayla, and Russ tackle the perennial challenge of New Year's resolutions focused on health and fitness. They dive deep into the psychology of goal-setting, the pitfalls of unsustainable habits, and the power of understanding your "why" behind health ambitions. The discussion spans key health pillars—stress management, sleep, nutrition, and movement—providing practical strategies for success. Listeners will learn about: The importance of setting behavior-based goals over vague outcomes. Why identity and long-term vision are crucial for habit formation. How stress, sleep, and nutrition interplay with exercise to influence overall wellness. Common mistakes with extreme dieting and workout regimens—and how to avoid them. Strategies to overcome setbacks and sustain motivation. Packed with actionable insights and candid reflections, this episode offers a no-nonsense guide to building lasting health and fitness habits for 2025 and beyond. Whether you're struggling to maintain your resolutions or seeking a more balanced approach, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal what really works.

In the special edition of KIMEcast we are joined by Dr. Hunter Hunter Greene Dr. Greene is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and a member of the California Orthopaedic Association and the Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine. As part of Dr. Greene's practice, he serves on the board of Positive Coaching Alliance, an organization dedicated to teaching young athletes life lessons through sports. In his role with Positive Coaching Alliance, Dr. Greene emphasizes injury prevention with the athletes. Dr. Greene is also a reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Training youth athletes is both an exciting opportunity and a significant responsibility. During adolescence, young athletes experience critical growth and development phases that shape their physical abilities, coordination, and long-term health. This episode of KIMEcast explores key strategies to support youth athletes through their formative years, focusing on movement mastery, injury prevention, and the long-term benefits of tailored strength and functional training programs.

In this episode of KIMEcast Tony & Russ discuss how our daily nutrition influences how our bodies function, recover, and perform. Beyond fueling energy, the right dietary choices can alleviate chronic pain, bolster recovery, and optimize physical and mental performance. Listen in as we explore insights drawn from emerging research and evidence-backed practices.

Here's a replay of Episode 21 of KIMEcast, where we host Johnny Owens. Johnny has been applying Blood Flow Restriction Technology clinically since 2012 and credits the modality with significant strength recovery in more than 300 patients. He has been published extensively in peer-reviewed literature explaining the science behind this technology. He studied blood flow restriction and worked in the military for 10 years, treating service members suffering severe musculoskeletal trauma. Johnny is the expert we turn to for up-to-date information on Blood Flow Restriction. On this episode, we discuss the benefits and science of blood flow restriction, what injuries you can use this with, and the future of virtual reality in both physical and mental rehabilitation. Thanks for listening! Follow the KIMEcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform, where we cut the BS in the rehab and sports performance worlds and let you know how it really works. Follow KIME on social media @kimehpi and contact us with questions or topics you would like us to cover.

Tony and Russ are joined by special guest Ian Book, longtime friend and winningest Quarter Back in Notre Dame history shares his arm care routines along with the workouts that keep him NFL ready.

In this episode of KIMEcast Tony & Russ discuss the importance of regulating the mind and body. Finding strategies to manage stress in a chaotic world.

Physical therapists play a critical role in sports medicine, helping athletes recover from injuries and return to play as safely and quickly as possible. In this episode of KIMEcast Tony and Russ discuss KIME strategies for reducing injury recurrence and improving rehabilitation outcomes, with insights into professional practice challenges, such as delayed rehabilitation and resource accessibility. They also discuss Navigating Professional Challenges in Physical Therapy and share their thoughts on the APTA and services in the profession.

In this episode of KIMEcast Tony & Russ take us through rehab for a throwing shoulder, return to fitness (hyper-mobile) back and a patella issue with some real return to sport concerns.

In this episode of KIMEcast Tony & Russ review injuries in professional sports news and discuss what it will take for the athletes to return to sport. They reflect on their own injuries and Tony makes a stunning announcement for 2025!

Tony & Russ take the team to a cadaver lab and discuss the importance for physical therapists to understand the surgical tools, techniques and equipment involved in surgery today. Therapists should read surgical reports, be informed on surgical procedures and stay abreast of surgical advancements to prepare for their clients.

Tony & Russ review three challenging cases in the clinic and work through the decision making process in each one.

Tony & Russ unveil the research project under KIME HPI - To track injury rates, performance metrics, and bio-psychosocial factors in youth athletes. Find out how KIME's High Performance Sports Medicine Directors will test and guide youth athletes and teams. If you would like to engage with us in this project please email us at [email protected]

KIME is excited to introduce our non profit organization, KIME Human Performance Institute. This is 20 years in the making and a longtime goal of KIME to give back to the profession and the community, KIME HPI will support the development of youth sports and injury prevention through dedicated research and education. Impact level.....LEGACY!

Sports Medicine at KIME Performance, what is it? Listen to Tony & Russ discuss the principals we believe are fundamental to practicing sports medicine at elite levels and the mindset needed to deliver excellence.

Tony & Russ discuss the importance of athletic testing and how the data can be used to prevent injury, strengthen the individual and improving the team.

In this action packed episode Tony & Russ share their thoughts on the power of a good team, how the recent SCOTUS decision on the Chevron Doctrine can change the healthcare industry and the exciting opening of KIME Las Vegas!

Tony & Russ discuss how posture plays a role in health, athletic ability, personality and attitude.

Tony and Russ discuss the steps, education and recommended resources to become a sports medicine physical therapist. KIME has created four phases of training designed to elevate therapists to elite levels of practice.

One of our favorite episodes from Season 1 of KIMEcast. Robert James Turbin is an NFL running back. He played college football for the Utah State Aggies, and was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seahawks. With the Seahawks, he won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos. In this episode, we talk about his journey to football, how he's overcome adversity along the way, what he's learned in his years of training and rehab, and what separates the good and the great. We hope everyone has a happy and safe July 4th!

Tony & Russ discuss philosophical razors and how they guide reasoning and simplify explanations in sports medicine and business. The term "razor" suggests cutting away complexities and assumptions to get to the simplest truth.

In this Episode of KIMEcast Tony and Russ discuss their practical approach to training and programming. Whether a corporate environment, team, tactical community or sports community find out how they take the concept of training and build custom programs.

Tony & Russ discuss emotional and environmental stressors on the journey to becoming resilient. Exploring the drivers behind KIME's "Bulletproof Optimal Health Series" and the "Kettlebell Resilience" courses they discuss the approach KIME takes to adaptation and the impact on saving lives.

Tony & Russ discuss the benefits of multi-sport play.

In this episode Tony & Russ join friends Jake & Nolan from the 2A Procast to discuss the physical needs of the tactical athlete and answer questions to programming, intermittent fasting and other random things to improve the bodies response in a variety of situations.

Tony and Russ discuss the decades where we physically change the most along with corresponding life priorities that impact our time.

In this episode Tony and Russ talk about education and what it takes to be a high performance sports physical therapist treating elite athletes.

In this episode Tony & Russ discuss the origins of KIME. Bringing elite level of care to the general customer, the recreational athlete, the high school athlete. To bring something at the pro level to the rest of the population and to have a career doing it.

In this episode Tony and Russ discuss bringing the right people into the organization and people management, or rather, when you have the right people there is no need for micro management.

In this episode Russ and Tony discuss the importance of programming for the individual athlete.

In this episode Tony and Russ discuss the importance of effective communication with clients and building buy in to the rehab process.