Episode 45 - Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation with Melissa Healy

From The First Chair Podcast

In this episode, Frank & Thierry welcome Team Canada Medical Coordinator and Athletic Therapist Melissa Healy to discuss the role of an athletic therapist, common injuries, prevention strategies and more. (1:23) - Which teams from the national men's program was Melissa overseeing this past summer? (3:10) - What were some of the major challenges Melissa had to deal with this past summer? (4:31) - Is dealing with injured athletes a challenge or a stressful situation? (5:45) - What are some differences between summer programs and the National Excellence Program in regards to athletic therapy? (7:55) - Did Melissa play volleyball growing up? (8:50) - How did Melissa's passion for athletic therapy develop? (12:25) - What are some of the main differences between physiotherapy and athletic therapy? (14:15) - How do an athletic therapist and a physiotherapist collaborate with national team athletes? (16:00) - What are some of Melissa's guiding principles when it comes to treating a condition? (18:20) - How does Melissa deal with some of the national team athletes that have practically no off-season? (23:20) - What are some common injuries that an athletic therapist must deal with? (25:45) - What are some of Dan Lewis' tips in terms of prevention and maintenance to extend an athlete's career? (28:20) - How long should a pre-practice routine be for a club athlete? (33:22) - Should it be integrated within the practice time with younger teams or if time before or after practice is limited? (34:00) - Any other general prevention tips? (36:30) - What are some ways to accelerate the rehabilitation process or to work around some injuries? (44:00) - Should an athlete that is dealing with a chronic injury still be involved with a summer program or should healing the injury properly with rest and rehabilitation be the priority? (47:15) - How should a coach handle an injury situation during a critical match? (50:10) - What are a few exercises or stretches that athletes should do in regards to the shoulder? (53:00) - What are a few exercises or stretches that athletes should do in regards to the knee? (54:05) - What are a few exercises or stretches that athletes should do in regards to the ankle? (56:10) - Is having an athlete lead the pre-practice protocol a good strategy? (57:15) - Any final general tips for coaches to consider?