PSATS Podcast

In this episode, Scott and Paul challenge the idea that load is the primary problem in rehabilitation. Instead, they explore how sequencing, progression, and timing drive rehab success—especially for tendons and muscle injuries. From strength versus plyometrics to tendon loading, confidence, and return‑to‑play decisions, this conversation focuses on preparing athletes for real game demands rather than chasing symptom resolution alone.Papers referenced in the recording:https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/2/72 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10293561/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5609374/https://www.buzzsprout.com/2184599/episodes/14137925 (BAMIC episode)

In this episode, the hosts dive into key topics in sports medicine, starting with U.S.-Europe healthcare differences and why surgical options for soft tissue injuries aren’t always prioritized. They share personal updates and holiday plans before exploring unique throat injury case studies from a recent PSG conference, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluations. The discussion then shifts to athletic pubalgia, PLAC, and the complexities of diagnosing groin injuries. Finally, the team analyzes treatment decisions for hamstring and muscle injuries, comparing surgical versus conservative approaches, success rates, and the financial and emotional impact on athletes.

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing challenge of work-life balance for athletic trainers. We discuss the unique demands of the profession — long hours, travel, and the constant pull between personal well-being and professional commitment. Our conversation highlights the struggles many ATs face in managing time, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout. We also share practical strategies to become more effective, including prioritization techniques, communication skills, and ways to make recovery and personal time a consistent part of your routine. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers insight and actionable tips to help you find more balance and fulfillment in both your work and life.

In this episode, Mitch, Eric, and Scott welcome Bryan to explore cutting-edge insights into hamstring injury research and rehabilitation. Bryan shares findings from a large-scale NFL-funded study, revealing why traditional rehab methods often fall short and how eccentric loading and early running can accelerate recovery. The conversation dives into athlete pain perception, diagnostic imaging, sciatic nerve inflammation, and the complexities of T-junction injuries. Bryan also discusses the role of PRP, the importance of fascicle length, and progressive training strategies to prevent injury. Wrapping up, Bryan offers gold-standard rehab guidelines and practical tips for return-to-play success.

On this episode, we're joined by Seattle Sounders athletic trainer Scott Armistead, who fills in for Eric. Scott shares his journey and insights on translating complex sports medicine research into practical advice.We dive into the importance of career longevity in professional football, discussing a study on career lengths in the UK and how that data can be applied to player management. We also explore hamstring injury prevention, specifically looking at the Nordic hamstring test and its potential correlations with sprint speed and agility. Finally, we touch on the importance of holistic player care, individualized rehab programs, and the work-life balance challenges faced by professionals in the field.“Normal” Career: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392625092_Establishing_%27normal%27_career_longevity_in_professional_footballers_allows_comparison_to_that_of_players_with_injuries_and_surgery?enrichId=rgreq-8aaf224a5fba66b94ecef327f549a2a7-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM5MjYyNTA5MjtBUzoxMTQzMTI4MTUwMTkzNDk3M0AxNzUwMDYxMTg0NjE0&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdfNordic Hamstring: https://peerj.com/articles/19275/ Athletic Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2935360/2021/11/15/what-age-do-players-in-different-positions-peak/Heiderscheit Webinar: https://webinars.vald.com/sessions/advancements-in-the-management-of-hamstring-strain-injuries

Go behind the scenes of professional hockey with Thomas Alva, the Head of Performance and Health for the Philadelphia Flyers. In this episode, Thomas shares his incredible journey from the Dallas Stars to a 1,500-game veteran, giving a rare look into the world of elite athletic training.You’ll hear about the intensive strategies used to keep players healthy through a grueling 82-game season, from hyperbaric oxygen therapy to targeted mobility work. Thomas reveals how he balances medical expertise with coach demands, the challenges of treating common injuries like hip pathologies, and the essential role his staff plays in bringing fresh ideas to the rink.Whether you're an aspiring athletic trainer or just a die-hard hockey fan, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and invaluable insights into the science behind player performance and safety. Don't miss it!

Join us as we talk to Sean Cropper, Head ATC at Atlanta United about his experience with three Achilles tendon ruptures in one season. We dive into the physical and mental toll of such a debilitating injury, and Sean shares his insights on why this might have happened and what warning signs to look for.In this episode, we'll cover the general timeline for Achilles rehabilitation, key milestones, and benchmarks for recovery. We'll also discuss rehab techniques, from jump tests to plyometric progressions. Sean shares the most valuable lessons he learned during his recovery, including what he would do differently now and the "pearls" he picked up along the way.Whether you're an athlete, a physical therapist, or someone who's gone through a similar injury, this episode offers a comprehensive look at Achilles tears, recovery, and strategies to prevent future injuries. 

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of an outgoing MLS athletic trainer and dive into a Q&A session covering everything from podcasting to career advice for aspiring ATs. We'll equip you with essential tips for sports internship success, explore cutting-edge athletic training tools for performance and recovery, and discuss the future of GPS tracking and injury assessment. Plus, we touch on the critical area of women's health in sports. Get ready for an episode packed with insights for anyone passionate about athletic training!

In this episode of the PSATS podcast, we discuss the critical topic of cardiac emergency response in sports. We start with a recent incident during an NWSL soccer match where Angel City's medical staff successfully responded to a player's cardiac emergency, stabilizing her after a heart procedure.We then explore emergency preparedness and cardiac screening protocols in Major League Soccer (MLS), emphasizing the importance of pre-game medical meetings and practicing emergency action plans. The discussion includes the use of heart monitoring devices and the distinctions between heart attacks and cardiac arrests.We also cover cardiac care in athletes, techniques for managing SVT, and the differences between athlete's hearts and the general population. The importance of tailored emergency action plans and future trends in athlete testing, including wearable technology, are highlighted.Join us for this insightful episode as we emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness and cardiac care in sports to ensure athlete safety.

In this episode, we explore the shift in football performance analysis away from traditional running metrics as key performance indicators. Drawing from the article “Time to Drop Running as a KPI in Football” by Mandorino et al., we discuss how total distance covered during matches often reflects tactical context rather than player readiness or fitness. The authors propose a Sport Science 3.0 approach, using machine learning and embedded monitoring to better assess a player’s physiological and neuromuscular status. We examine how these insights reshape medical decision-making for keeping athletes healthy and optimizing return-to-play strategies, emphasizing that the quality of football actions—not the quantity of running—ultimately drives match success.Join us as we unpack these groundbreaking insights and their implications for football performance and athlete health.SPSR254_Mandorino.pdf

Welcome to the PSATS Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Brett Holmertz join us. Brett is the Athletic Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the FC Cincinnati Academy, where he plays a crucial role in developing young soccer talent. With extensive experience working with the U-16 and U-18 academy groups, as well as the Super 20’s and PDL teams, Brett's dedication to athlete health and performance has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of soccer professionals.Episode Highlights:Brett shares his journey and experiences leading up to his current role.A day in the life of an MLS Academy Athletic Trainer, providing insights into the demands of the role.Discussion on the number of players under Brett's care in the FCC academy setup, including age groups and staff.Brett's favorite aspects of working with young elite athletes.Unique challenges faced when working with aspiring professional soccer players.Most rewarding moments and memories from Brett's career.Advice for students and young professionals aspiring to follow in Brett's footsteps.Join us as we dive into the world of athletic training and strength & conditioning with Brett Holmertz. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!Tune in to the PSATS Podcast and learn more about the journey of an MLS Academy Athletic Trainer!

Ever wondered if hamstring mapping can really predict RTP? Or if your athletes are truly ready for high-speed sprints post-injury? Join us as we break down two fascinating research articles, debating the pros and cons, sharing our own clinical experiences, and questioning the practical implications. We'll tackle inter-rater reliability, the fear of pushing athletes too hard, and the importance of tailored training. Plus, Paul throws a curveball article into the mix for some unscripted discussion. Get ready for a lively conversation about the science and art of sports rehab!Mapping Tenderness to Palapation Predicts Return to Play Following Acute Hamstring Strain.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7297001/pdf/ijspt-15-421.pdfThe effect of speed and influence of individual muscles on hamstring mechanics during the swing phase of sprintinghttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2007.05.026Rehabilitation After Hamstring-Strain Injury EmphasizingEccentric Strengthening at Long Muscle Lengths:Results of Long-Term Follow-Uphttps://mstt.hu/hirujsag/201701/Hamstring_Strain_Injury.pdf

Dive deep into the world of athletic training with our latest episode! We're recapping our recent symposium, from the buzz of a sold-out crowd and cutting-edge vendor show to the crucial discussions on ACL injury assessments, along with remarkable resilience from athletes. Get insights into Matt Taberner's evolving framework and congratulate LA Galaxy's recent MLS Cup victory.Join us as we congratulate Mitch on his new role as Head Athletic Trainer for the North Carolina Courage and hear his candid reflections on the challenges and joys of this transition. We'll explore athlete resilience, the importance of accurate ACL diagnoses—including techniques like Lachman's test and the value of video analysis—and the significance of seeking second opinions.Plus, we're celebrating the success of the PSATS event, praising the DEI and PR committees, and discussing the impact of vendor relationships and case studies from Houston, Orlando, and New England. We'll also look ahead to future podcast plans, including peer research discussions, webinars, and even a mailbag episode to answer your burning questions.Tune in for expert insights, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of athletic training, all while navigating the challenges of balancing professional and personal life. Don't miss Mitch's upcoming NATA Convention appearance and our plans for future episodes exploring leadership and cutting-edge research.Evolving the Control-Chaos Continuum: Part 1 – Translating Knowledge to Enhance On-Pitch RehabilitationEvolving the Control-Chaos Continuum: Part 2—Shifting “Attention” to Progress On-Pitch Rehabilitation

In this two part episode, we dive deep into the world of elite athlete care. Our guests, a team of highly skilled professionals, share their personal journeys, the intricacies of their collaborative approach, and the challenges and triumphs of working with the best athletes in the world.From managing communication with coaching staff to ensuring seamless player care during high-stakes tournaments, our experts provide unique insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into supporting top-level athletes.Hear firsthand about the gold medal winning run and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped their careers. And don't miss their valuable advice for aspiring clinicians looking to make a difference in the field of sports medicine.

In this two part episode, we dive deep into the world of elite athlete care. Our guests, a team of highly skilled professionals, share their personal journeys, the intricacies of their collaborative approach, and the challenges and triumphs of working with the best athletes in the world.From managing communication with coaching staff to ensuring seamless player care during high-stakes tournaments, our experts provide unique insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into supporting top-level athletes.Hear firsthand about the gold medal winning run and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped their careers. And don't miss their valuable advice for aspiring clinicians looking to make a difference in the field of sports medicine.

In this episode, we sit down with Kenta, last year’s recipient of the PSATS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship. This prestigious award provided him the opportunity to attend the MLS Medical Symposium in December 2023.Kenta shares more about his life and the experiences that shaped him. Discover what or who inspired Kenta to move to Kentucky to pursue a career in athletic training. Hear about Kenta’s experience at the MLS Medical Symposium and the key takeaways from this incredible opportunity. Kenta offers valuable tips and advice for current athletic training students planning to apply for the PSATS DEI Scholarship. Learn how the scholarship has influenced Kenta’s early career and his goals for his first season with the Philadelphia Union. Kenta shares his vision for his career over the next five years.Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for aspiring athletic trainers. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Kenta’s remarkable journey!

On this episode of the PSATS Podcast, our special guest Mauricio Elizondo, the Director of Sports Medicine at Austin FC. With an impressive career spanning nearly 14 years in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox, LA Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, as well as almost 6 years in ATP Tennis, our guest brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. He also owned and operated a high-performance physical therapy clinic for over five years.In this episode, we explore: Comparative Medical Care: Compare types of care across multiple sports throughout his career.Advancements and Improvements: Discover which areas within sports medicine, performance, and sports science are more advanced in soccer compared to other sports, and where there's the most room for improvement.Physical Demands and Care: Compare the physical output demands of athletes across different sports and how this knowledge translates into providing top-notch care for soccer players.Global Standards: How do medical care standards in MLS compare to those in Europe, Latin America, and South America?Multidisciplinary Team Dynamics: Insights into leading successful multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and the collaborative efforts within professional sports organizations.Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that bridges the gap between different sports and sheds light on the evolving field of sports medicine. Whether you're a sports professional, a medical practitioner, or student in the field of athletic training, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.DEI Scholarship Link:https://www.psats.net/news-insights/posts/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-committee-scholarship/

In this episode of “Going Global,” we spotlight two PSAT members, Sergio Martin Acuna and Andres Calleja Blanco. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys and explore how they have made a significant impact with their respected teams and profession.Sergio and Andres share their experiences of working with athletes across different countries and cultures, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of their profession. We’ll discuss:Their paths to becoming athletic trainersHow they adapted to the United States and its diverse athletesWhat does it take to “make it” in America as an international athletic trainerWhether you’re an aspiring athletic trainer or someone interested in global careers, this episode offers valuable insights and engaging stories. Tune in to hear from Sergio and Andres as they take us on a journey through their experiences that lead them to where they are today!

In this episode, the group tackles a controversial topic; heat vs ice and give their recommendations and personal opinions around the two therapy strategies. The complex nature of injury recovery and training have various approaches but the group discusses an array of strategies to help player recovery from injury or recovery from activity. We are excited to have this podcast driven by listener engagement and we look forward to continuing these types of episodes in the future!

In this episode, the group sits down with the “God Father” of MLS athletic trainers. Brian Goodstein or better known as “Goody”. Goody is one of the founding members of PSATS and the longest standing tenure with one club, D.C. United, 20 years. Brian has had an extensive career around soccer and was willing to sit down with the group to share his experiences that soccer has provided him on and off the field.  We greatly appreciate Brian taking the time to speak with us!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZcg0fujvCk

In this episode of the PSATS Podcast, the group sits down with Kelly Turney. We recorded this episode in 2023, though we are publishing this episode now. There are some great take-aways from this interview. Kelly shares with us her journey from the collegiate setting to the professional level. She shares her trials and tribulations of starting a new job from day one, at a new level and what lessons she has learned in the position. Kelly was a pleasure to talk to and has an enormous heart and knowledge to share with the listeners.

In this episode, the group discusses the use of the Control-Chaos Continuum (CCC). Today, the group focuses on the work of Matt Taberner and colleagues in the application of the CCC for return to performance/sport. We talk about how we utilize the CCC in our settings along with our general thoughts and application to short- or long-term injuries. The discussion may have some tangents but in all a very good discussion is had with a few laughs in between. https://journal.aspetar.com/en/journals/volume-9-targeted-topic-return-to-performance-after-acl-reconstruction/from-control-to-chaos-to-competitionhttps://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/6/1/e000898https://sportperfsci.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/SPSR111_Taberner.pdfhttps://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/18/1132

In this episode, the group interviews the newly elected PSATS president; Ron Shinault.  Ron is starting his second stint as PSATS president and the group gets to know how Ron started his journey in Athletic Training to his current role of Director of Health and Performance with San Jose Earthquakes. Ron also shares some of his experiences being in a role of leadership and how that previous positions have helped mold his leadership style today.

Episode 9: In this Special Edition Episode, Mitch Toda was able to sit down with the US Soccer Men’s National Team Sports Medicine staff during their January camp. Mitch was able to get insight to what it takes to be a part of a medical staff at the national team level.

The group gets back together to start off 2024 with a recap episode. We discuss the offseason, MLS Medical Symposium, PSATS education workshop with a very special guest, and a quick rundown of what goes into a MLS Preseason. 

In this episode of the PSATS podcast the group tackles their first journal article review, the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC). The group shares their insights to using BAMIC, some of its challenges and obstacles. We dive into some discussion on how BAMIC may or may not influence return to play and rehabilitation protocols. Also, the group answers a few questions from the listeners.Articles Referenced in Podcast:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264008315_British_athletics_muscle_injury_classification_A_new_grading_system?enrichId=rgreq-1a6b234f841873375a35c6783727c6ea-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzI2NDAwODMxNTtBUzo1NDYwODk3MzY4NTE0NTlAMTUwNzIwOTM0NzU2Mg%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdfScholarly articles for Hamstring rehabilitation in elite track and field athletes: applying the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification in clinical practiceEarly introduction of high-intensity eccentric loading into ...ScienceDirecthttps://www.sciencedirect.com › science › article › pii

In the 6th episode of the PSATS podcast the group recaps its interview with Theron Enns. The group shares their takeaways from the interview, how Theron builds his team in Salt Lake to his humble beginnings as an ATC in MLS.  Also, the group dives into the application process and explains what each of us are looking for when reviewing for open student internship positions. “Liquid gold”. 

For our second guest interview on the PSATS podcast, the group interviews current PSATS Treasurer Theron Enns. Follow along as we get to know Theron and his role as Senior Director of Athlete Health and Performance at Real Salt Lake. Discover how Theron’s 25 years in MLS has shaped him not only as an athletic trainer but as a person. Theron also explains how he continues to grow his craft along with giving back to the athletic training community.  

The recap show; the group shares their takeaways from the interview with Sean Kupiec. Eric shares a small insight to a memorable experience he was a part of with a player who returned to the field after a lengthy rehabilitation process.  Also, the group chats about their experiences attending the past MLS Medical Symposiums. Lastly, the group “teases” some news of future PSATS podcast episodes.Link to website:PSATS | Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers' SocietyLink to MLS Medical Symposium:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-major-league-soccer-medical-symposium-tickets-700531417327?aff=MLSInvites Links to videos:Path Back: Willy Agada | Sporting Kansas City (sportingkc.com)Eric Schwartz Helps Lead Return to Play for Sporting Kansas City | Professional Soccer Athletic Trainers' Society (PSATS)

In part 2, we continue our conversation with PSATS President Sean Kupiec, getting to know what it takes to be President of PSATS and the challenges of the position. Secondly, we hear Sean’s most memorable achievements throughout his professional career. Lastly, we get to know Sean on a more personal level through what he does outside of soccer and what he would be doing if not an ATC.  

For our first guest interview on the PSATS podcast, the group interviews current PSATS president Sean Kupiec. Discover how Sean’s journey from undergraduate studies have led him to hold the position of Head Athletic Trainer at Los Angeles Football Club, LAFC. Sean takes us through how much growth has been since 2008 till present day when dealing with MLS medical. Discover what it’s like to be a part of two expansion teams in MLS. Also, hear a few good stories as well. 

Join us for our inaugural podcast brought to you by the PSATS Education Committee. Hosts Paul Lombardo, Eric Schwartz and Mitch Toda talk about all things Athletic Training in and out of the soccer world. In the inaugural episode the group introduces themselves and discuss starting this new adventure for PSATS and what we can bring to the listeners. 

Trailer episode