And we’re back… from the NFL in Houston!
It makes sense that the speed with which you seek and receive treatment for an injury will have a bearing on how quickly you’re back on track, in the weights room, on the court or field of play, doing what you love. But getting treatment quickly doesn’t help if it’s the wrong type of treatment for you and your injury. There’s a science to getting it right every time and as we know, good science is based on observation, experience and expertise.
As regular readers and/or people that know me, you’d be aware that I am regularly invited to Houston, Texas during the NFL (National Football League) season to observe and learn from some of the best sports physiotherapy units in the land. My hosts, some of whom are now lifelong friends, are part of the super high-performance team, at The Houston Texans. They spend huge amounts of time looking after some of the very best athletes in the world. In turn, I get to learn from them and bring ideas, techniques and technology back home to Sydney to ensure that our patients are benefitting from world-class treatment and care.
Speaking of observations, my observation of our patients over the years has convinced me that they are committed to getting the most out of their lifestyle and they see us here at Evoker as a part of that. I say that to explain why, I willingly go the extra mile(s), to bring them the support and care that they need to keep doing what they do. So for me, this sprint Houston trip is not a stretch or an imposition, or even an expense – it’s an investment and an opportunity to keep bringing you the right treatment, and fast.
How your treatment at Evoker measures up on the world stage?
Offering the very best treatment in Australia is probably an ambition shared by a number of healthcare providers, and rightly so. But it’s hard to make progress towards that ambition unless you know what’s out there. As I’ve said, the NFL is a great place to get a gauge on where we are in the world of high-level treatment and care.
Now, my first visit to Houston was in 2018 and I’ve been invited back three times since then. Each trip has been an absolute eye-opener, as I got to see the very latest technology put into practice. Not only that, whilst there I’m able to ask questions, and in most cases physically trial aspects of the tech, and even help to introduce this technology to Australia – as I did with Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) therapy (which I have previously written extensively about… right up to the time that it finally got TGA approval for use here in Aus).
But, it’s not all about the tech. Did you know that we, here in Australia, are highly regarded for our hands-on technique in treating patients – the spine and spinal joints, in particular. In fact, it’s fair to say that we are widely admired for our expertise in this area and, most importantly, our results. That sort of feedback is music to my ears, and to our patients too.
So, in short, our team is measuring up very well on the world stage. My ambition for us is to be regarded as one of the best ACL rehabilitation facilities here in Australia. As many of you know, damage or rupture to the ACL is rather traumatic and the road back can be scary because of the perceived unknowns, especially for athletes.
Having begun my career at The Brisbane Broncos, I’ve seen my fair share of injuries and how staff have responded in these scenarios. But the NFL seems to be a good 5 years ahead of the game, in terms of treatment and the way that something new like PEMF is used is an example of that. I’ve never a been a huge advocate of electrotherapy, my staff will attest to that, but this new Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field therapy did really surprise me. Yes, I had to test it. It was incredibly effective when I trialled this new kit during my recent visit stateside, so we may yet introduce these new methods into our treatment repertoire. I’ll check in at the end of the season, and if the guys in Houston are very happy with the results from PEMF, you might just see this machine in the halls of Evoker.
Speaking of fields of energy, the final piece that I bring home with me after a visit with The Texans is a renewed spirit of enthusiasm, optimism and curiosity that permeates our whole team. It’s a positive and adventurous outlook that translates to how we treat our patients, and many of you have already shared and enjoyed the results, on and off the track, so to speak.
It’s your feedback and our results that confirm to me that we are on the right track and so long as The Texans keep welcoming me back with open arms, I’ll continue to leverage our relationship to keep Evoker at the forefront of treatment for our patients.
The Hamstring injury and how the pro’s work to avoid them
As you can imagine, a world class team like The Houston Texans works incredibly hard to keep their players in peak physical condition. Now, obviously I can’t go into all of the details, as to how players are prepped and looked after but I can tell you that during the preseason, there are around 90 players and 45 staff focused on peak performance.
A day in the life of a player or member of staff can begin as early as 5am and everything from nutrition, physical activity and mental prep and wellbeing is programmed and monitored.
One of the most feared and hated injuries during any preseason period (for anyone in sports regardless of level) is the hamstring injury. Whether you are playing in front of thousands of fans live, and millions around the world, or quietly working towards a personal best in Sydney, “doing a hammy” is frustrating to say the least.
To help avoid these occurrences you need to know that:
- Heat and dehydration are the natural enemy of the hamstrings.
- Working through a period of 30-45 minutes of active mobilisation makes sense and will help prevent injury
- Activating your internal cooling mechanism is key.
It’s lunchtime – no sudden moves!
A late start to early morning runs or leg sessions, and hurried lunchtime bursts of energy can be problematic given the three points above. To engage your internal cooling mechanism, you’ll need to engage in low tax (low impact) activity until you’ve begun to sweat to the point where you can flick perspiration from your brow. Then you’re ready and so are your hamstrings. Know your time to sweat!
Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’ve stepped out of your air conditioned work environment and felt the warm spring or summer sun on your face. Just because the sun on your skin is warm, it doesn’t mean to say that ‘you’re ready’. Know your time to sweat in low tax work.
My big tip is to warm up properly focusing on active mobilisation of the muscles and structures involved, and then continue your journey towards your personal best with whatever time you have left.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
ADAM MONTEITH | FOUNDER & APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
MHlth Sc (Manip Phty) BPhty BExSc
Connect with Adam Monteith on LinkedIn
After completing a rather unique double degree – a Bachelor of Physiotherapy & Exercise Science in 2003, & a Masters of Manipulative Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 2010 (a voluntary, yet brutal, undertaking for a physiotherapist who wants to be better), Adam established Evoker in 2011. A physiotherapy practice with a difference. & that difference, or ‘niche’, was absolute excellence. 100% of the time. Attention to customer service detail, & excellence in physiotherapy.
Adam’s career in physiotherapy began in the ‘elite’ sporting arena at the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club. The lessons learned in this ‘sink or swim’, high pressure environment of the 03/04/05 seasons, created a platform for Adam to really excel in this profession. Adam has accepted invitations to look after the physical health of other Physiotherapists, Doctors, Specialists, Surgeons & none other than a former Prime Minister of this country.
Adam Monteith is a highly skilled musculoskeletal physiotherapist. You can be assured that when you see Adam, your complaint will be thoroughly assessed, and he will use the most appropriate and up to date techniques to treat your problem. Adam’s treatment will always be governed by research. He is constantly analysing the results of the most recent clinical trials so that you can receive the most up to date treatment, helping you to get better sooner. Adam only ever uses evidenced based and clinically proven treatment techniques. Adam Monteith is also a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Adam is very time aware and prides himself on seeing his patients on time. With a greater than 10 year history of treating and servicing the busy professional in Sydney city, he respects your time and does his best not to keep you waiting.
Adam has:
25 years combined study & clinical experience in physiotherapy/physical therapy
Worked in the heart of Sydney city for more than 15 years
Worked with both the elite athlete & ‘weekend warrior’
Had great success in treating:
– Acute sporting injuries
– Overuse running, cycling & swimming injuries
– Post operative shoulders, hips, knees and ankles
– Complex neck & back cases.
– Adam is often called on for 2nd and 3rd opinions in these complex scenarios.
Expect: A good listener, time spent in assessment phase, plenty of ‘hands on’ physio and exercise.
