👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ The Missing Link in Rehab You’re Probably IgnoringPain isn’t always just about tissues, load, or biomechanics.In this episode, Brodie explores one of the most overlooked contributors to prolonged running injuries: the psychosocial side of pain. Drawing from both research and years of working with chronic injury cases, he introduces a 20-question “Pain & Wellness Score” designed to uncover the emotional, cognitive, and social factors that may be quietly influencing your recovery. You’ll learn why some runners continue to struggle despite doing all the “right” rehab exercises, how hypervigilance and fear can amplify symptoms, and why recovery should be approached through a biopsychosocial lens rather than purely mechanical thinking. Brodie also breaks down the science behind chronic pain, nervous system hypersensitivity, catastrophisation, fear of movement, and the powerful role attention plays in symptom intensity. Throughout the episode, Brodie walks listeners through the full questionnaire so they can assess themselves in real time. He explains how low scores may reveal missing pieces in recovery and shares practical interventions that can help calm the nervous system, reduce fear, and improve recovery outcomes. Topics include: Hypervigilance and constantly monitoring symptoms  Fear of movement (kinesiophobia)  Catastrophisation and emotional amplification of pain  The role of social support in recovery  How stress, trauma, anxiety, and perfectionist tendencies influence chronic pain  Why distraction, enjoyable movement, and positive coping strategies can help  The importance of resilience, optimism, and confidence in movement  Why scans and conflicting diagnoses can sometimes worsen recovery outcomes Brodie also discusses research on chronic pain neuroplasticity and highlights therapies shown to help regulate the nervous system, including: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  Mindfulness practices  Guided meditations and breathing exercises  Gradual exposure to feared movements  Active coping strategies versus passive coping behaviours If you’ve been stuck in an injury cycle, feel emotionally exhausted by pain, or feel like your rehab is missing something despite doing the exercises correctly, this episode may provide an entirely new perspective on recovery.Resources & Links:Click here to learn about Brodie's Chronic Pain Reset Course

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ Latest Research: Tendon Healing, Shockwave Therapy & Hamstring Injury PreventionIn this episode, Brodie dives into three recently published research papers that help answer some of the biggest questions surrounding proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) and tendon rehabilitation. From understanding what’s really happening inside a painful tendon, to whether shockwave therapy lives up to the hype, and what we can learn from hamstring injury prevention research, this episode translates the latest science into practical takeaways you can apply to your own recovery. In this episode, you'll learn: Why tendinopathy is far more complex than simple "wear and tear"  The emerging role of inflammation, ageing, recovery, sleep and metabolic health in tendon healing  Why progressive loading continues to be the cornerstone of successful PHT rehab  What the latest evidence says about shockwave therapy and whether it's worth the cost  Why exercise-based rehabilitation still outperforms most passive treatment options  The surprising findings on ice, cryotherapy and tendon recovery  Key lessons from hamstring injury prevention research that can help reduce setbacks and recurrence  Why strength, capacity and consistency matter more than stretching alone Whether you're currently struggling with PHT, returning from a hamstring injury, or simply want to stay up to date with the latest tendon research, this episode provides evidence-based insights without the scientific jargon.Key Takeaway:Successful tendon recovery rarely comes down to a single treatment. The strongest evidence continues to support a combination of sensible load management, progressive strengthening, patience, and addressing the broader factors that influence healing—including sleep, stress, recovery, and overall health. There is hope, and understanding the science can help you make better decisions throughout your rehab journey.

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ Stem cells are one of the most talked-about frontiers in medicine—but how much of it actually applies to runners dealing with tendon pain?In this episode, I’m joined by orthopaedic surgeon and researcher Chukwuweike Gwam to break down the latest evidence on stem cells and tendon healing. We unpack what stem cells actually are, how they work in the body, and whether they live up to the hype when it comes to treating tendinopathy.We also explore the real-world limitations, risks, and costs—alongside what the future might hold for regenerative medicine in running injuries.If you’ve ever considered injections, biologics, or wondered if stem cells are “the next big thing”… this episode will bring you up to speed.About Chukwuweike Gwam MD: Orthopaedic surgeon (USA) specialising in hip & knee reconstruction  MD (Howard University), PhD in Molecular Medicine (Wake Forest), MBA  Research focus: regenerative medicine, stem cells, and translational science  Passion for improving healthcare access and bringing lab discoveries into real-world treatment Follow him on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chukwuweike_g/Key Topics & InsightsWhat Are Stem Cells (In Simple Terms)? Think of stem cells as the body’s “repair reserve” They help regenerate tissue by:  Creating new cells  Regulating inflammation  We all have them—but: Quantity decreases with ageQuality declines significantlyWhy Do We Heal Slower As We Age?It’s not just one factor—it’s a combination: Reduced stem cell quality and number  Slower blood vessel formation  Reduced cellular signalling  Increased “senescent” (non-functioning) cells In other words: your repair system is still there… just less efficient.Stem Cells & Tendon Healing — The TheoryThe idea is simple: Harvest stem cells (fat, bone marrow, etc.)  Process them  Inject them into the injured tendon The goal: Improve collagen structure  Enhance healing response  Accelerate recovery But here’s the key point…👉 They are NOT a magic bullet—they’re an adjunct.What the Research Actually ShowsFrom their literature review (2015–2025): ~1,800 papers screened  ~150 relevant studies included Findings: Improved collagen alignment (under a microscope)  Increased tensile strength (in animal models)  No consistent improvement in long-term human outcomes 👉 Especially beyond 6–12 months, results tend to equalise.The Most Interesting FindingIn rotator cuff studies: Stem cells improved early recovery (first ~6 months) But no long-term difference compared to standard treatment Why? Stem cells likely help regulate early inflammation  The body eventually “catches up” on its own Why Results Are So InconsistentThis is the biggest limitation:No standardisation. Different sources (fat, bone marrow, skin)  Different processing methods  Different patient health profiles 👉 Your stem cells ≠ someone else’s stem cellsRisks & Limitations Potential for tumour formation (teratomas) with certain stem cell types  High variability in outcomes  Mostly animal-based evidence Difficult to control how cells behave once injected Cost vs Benefit (Reality Check) Stem cell injections: ~$3,000–$5,000+  Cortisone: ~$200  Rehab: far cheaper, highly effective In most cases: You’re paying a premium for uncertain benefit.What About PRP? Some benefit for:  Tennis elbow  Chronic tendinopathy  But:  Highly variable  Not clearly superior to rehab Again, works best alongside loading—not instead of it.Practical Takeaways (For Runners) Stem cells are promising—but not ready for prime time (yet) They may:  Speed up early recovery  Improve tissue quality (in theory)  But:  Don’t outperform rehab long-term  Are expensive and inconsistent The fundamentals still win: Progressive loading  Smart training  Patience  📲 Follow Dr. Gwam: https://www.instagram.com/chukwuweike_g/

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ In this episode, Brodie breaks down a brand-new 2026 systematic review investigating whether collagen supplementation truly improves tendon health, recovery, and performance. With conflicting advice from experts and unclear evidence in the past, this paper helps clarify what actually works—and more importantly, how to apply it to your training.Paper: Collagen Supplementation on Tendon-Related Structural and Performance Outcomes: A Systematic Review Key Takeaways Collagen can improve tendon structure and stiffness—but only when combined with proper strength training Dosage matters: 15–30g appears more effective than lower doses Timing matters: ~60 minutes before training aligns with peak amino acid availability Vitamin C enhances the process, helping collagen synthesis and cross-linking  Collagen does NOT improve muscle strength beyond what training alone achievesBottom line: collagen seems tendon-specific, not a general performance enhancerTraining Requirements Must include structured resistance training Target 70–90% of 1RM (heavy loading) Tendons need a strong mechanical stimulus to adaptCollagen without loading = minimal benefitFinal ThoughtsThis paper helps move us from confusion to clarity.Collagen isn’t a magic fix—but when used strategically alongside heavy strength training, it may: Improve tendon structure  Increase stiffness  Enhance long-term resilience In other words, it’s a potential amplifier—not a replacement—for good rehab and training principles.

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ Tendon pain is often treated as a purely physical problem. Strengthen the tendon, adjust the load, and eventually things should improve.But what happens when the pain persists for months… or even years?In this episode, Brodie speaks with physiotherapist and PhD researcher Jack Mest about a recent systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the psychological profile of people with persistent tendinopathy. The research compared people with chronic tendon pain to healthy controls and uncovered something surprising: fear of movement wasn’t the main psychological factor.Instead, the research found that pain catastrophizing — a negative outlook toward pain and recovery — appeared more common in people with persistent tendinopathy.This episode explores how psychological factors may influence tendon pain, why lower limb injuries may carry a greater psychological burden, and why clinicians need to treat the person behind the injury — not just the tendon itself.If you’re a runner struggling with Achilles pain, plantar fasciopathy, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, or another persistent tendon injury, this conversation will help you understand why recovery can feel so frustrating — and what might help.In This EpisodeBrodie and Jack discuss:Why tendinopathy often becomes a chronic conditionWhat the biopsychosocial model means for tendon rehabThe difference between kinesiophobia (fear of movement) and pain catastrophizingWhy catastrophizing appears more common in persistent tendon painWhy lower limb tendinopathies may have greater psychological impact than upper limb injuriesThe role of beliefs, expectations, and past experiences in shaping painWhy clinicians should ask about patients’ thoughts and fears about their injuryWhether psychological traits are pre-existing or develop after chronic pain beginsPractical advice for runners dealing with long-term tendon painAbout the GuestJack Mest is a physiotherapist and PhD researcher whose work focuses on understanding why tendinopathy becomes chronic and how psychological factors influence tendon pain.His research aims to improve the way clinicians approach tendon rehabilitation by integrating biological, psychological, and social factors into treatment.Follow Jack's research and updates: X (Twitter): @Mest_JackFacebook: Jack Mest PhysioPaper summary: https://www.jospt.org/do/10.2519/jospt.blog.2026017/full/ 

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/  In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten—Melbourne local, personal trainer, and someone who knows her way around the gym—yet still found herself stuck in a long and frustrating battle with proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT). Like many runners and active individuals, Kirsten spent months going in circles. Despite doing all the “right” things—rest, isometrics, backing off training—her symptoms kept returning. Sitting became unbearable, training was inconsistent, and the mental toll started to build. But everything changed when she shifted her approach. This conversation dives into the exact turning point in her rehab—what worked, what didn’t, and the key mindset shifts that helped her go from constant pain… to full confidence in her training again. Instagram mentions: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWHlIU8jffK/https://www.instagram.com/itsdrglutes?igsh=aXZodW5wYzE5a2h0https://www.instagram.com/nunzicoaching?igsh=bGFqdzZ1b2llZXZnPodcast mention:Tim Ferriss Show episode with Dr. Keith Baar (episode #797). The episode covers:Tendon loading and repairThe "Anti-RICE Protocol" (i.e., don't rest — use load as an anti-inflammatory)Isometrics vs. eccentrics for tendon rehabSimple exercises that can repair tendons (tennis elbow, etc.)

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ Contact Dr. Alex Hardy and his team at [email protected] this episode, Brodie is joined by hamstring surgeon Dr. Alex Hardy to break down exactly what to do before and after hamstring surgery. They cover the key differences between acute and chronic injuries, and what that means for your behaviour leading into surgery. For acute avulsions, the priority is speed—getting an MRI quickly and avoiding unnecessary delays—while keeping activity minimal. In contrast, chronic cases and tendinopathies benefit from staying active, maintaining strength and cardio, and avoiding unnecessary deconditioning. A key takeaway: there’s very little you can do pre-surgery to “make things worse,” but there’s a lot you can do to set yourself up for a smoother recovery.The conversation then shifts to post-operative rehab, where patience is critical. Dr. Hardy explains why the first 6 weeks are highly protective (often involving a brace and minimal hamstring loading), followed by a gradual return to movement, strength, and eventually running around the 3–4 month mark. They discuss exercise progressions (starting with closed-chain work, then progressing to open-chain and eccentric loading), common pitfalls like premature overload or slips during early recovery, and when to be concerned about symptoms like persistent pain or sciatic irritation. If you’re considering surgery or currently navigating recovery, this episode gives you a clear, realistic roadmap—what matters most, what to avoid, and how to maximise your outcome

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/  In this Q&A episode, Brodie continues answering listener questions about proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT), covering topics ranging from long-term maintenance to returning to running after rehab. He explains why the same exercises used in rehabilitation—especially deadlifts—often remain the best way to keep symptoms at bay by maintaining tendon capacity. Depending on a runner’s goals, he also discusses when to add exercises like prone hamstring curls or Nordic curls to support endurance running versus speed work. The key message: keeping the tendon strong and progressively loaded helps reduce the likelihood of symptoms returning. The episode also addresses common frustrations during recovery, such as lingering sensations during a return-to-run program, setbacks from activities like rowing, and uncertainty about whether PHT ever truly “goes away.” Brodie outlines practical pain-monitoring rules, strategies for adjusting running variables (distance, pace, frequency), and how to identify training factors that may be slowing recovery. He also discusses scenarios such as young athletes with persistent sitting pain, older individuals starting rehab without gym access, and runners balancing rehab with race goals—emphasising that the key to long-term success is gradually building tendon capacity while carefully managing training load and recovery.

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ In this Q&A episode, Brodie answers a flood of listener questions on proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT), starting with one of the most common concerns: how to load the tendon without flaring it up. He breaks down why deadlifts are one of the most effective strengthening tools for the upper hamstring, how to manipulate range of motion, weight and frequency, and why “dosage” is the difference between progress and a setback. You’ll learn how to systematically find your sweet spot, adjust frequency as loads get heavier, and avoid the common mistake of jumping in too hard, too soon.The episode also explores more complex cases, including persistent morning pain, uncertainty around diagnosis, and radiating symptoms that may point to something beyond classic PHT. Brodie discusses how to use loading as both a treatment and a diagnostic tool, when to consider alternative causes like lower back involvement, and how nervous system sensitisation and hypervigilance can amplify pain. He finishes with rapid-fire answers on rehab frequency, maintenance loading, and how to modify exercises when other injuries (like low back pain) enter the picture. If you’ve been struggling to balance strengthening with symptom control, this episode offers practical, measured guidance to help you regain confidence and move forward with clarity.

👉 Complete the 30 Sec Survey & Find Your Best PHT Recovery Plan🎉 Sign up for the FREE PHT 5-Day Course HERE 🎉For all other PHT resources, go to: https://proximalhamstringtendinopathy.info/ Check out Loopi's Website here: https://www.athletetransitionlab.com/ When proximal hamstring pain just won’t settle, the conversation often turns to surgery — and that’s where confusion, fear, and mixed advice really begin.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Luise Weinrich (known as Loopi), an orthopedic and trauma surgeon with extensive experience in hamstring avulsions, surgical repair, and post-operative rehabilitation. With a background as a former elite breakdancer and years working in top German sports orthopaedic hospitals, Luise brings a rare blend of surgical insight and athlete-centred thinking.Together, we unpack the “grey zone” — the large group of runners and athletes who don’t clearly fall into “definitely need surgery” or “definitely don’t” — and how to make smarter, more confident decisions when the path forward isn’t obvious.🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why most proximal hamstring cases sit in a surgical grey zoneThe key MRI findings that matter — and the ones that don’t tell the full storyHow goals, age, chronicity, and function influence the surgery decisionWhen partial tears may (or may not) warrant surgeryWhy surgery for chronic tendinopathy is often not a “winner operation”Common mistakes athletes make before and after surgeryWhy pre-op strength, sleep, protein, hydration, and nervous system regulation matterHow post-op rehab should be phase-based, not timeline-basedThe biggest reasons athletes overdo or underdo rehab after surgeryWhat questions you should ask your surgeon before committingWhy post-operative protocols are essential — and often missing🧠 Key Takeaways for RunnersMRI findings alone shouldn’t dictate surgery — context mattersChronic tendon pain doesn’t automatically mean “failed rehab”Tendons need time, structure, and progressive loading to recoverSurgery can remove pain drivers, but it doesn’t guarantee a “new” tendonClear rehab phases + 24-hour symptom rules beat rigid timelinesBeing prepared before surgery often improves outcomes afterIf you’re unsure, a structured second opinion can prevent rushed decisionsIn other words: the goal isn’t just to fix tissue — it’s to make the smartest long-term decision for your body, your sport, and your identity as a runner.