Dr. Kickass returns to the NecksLevel Podcast just days after launching the world's first and only Physical Therapy Continuing Education course on "Treating the Jiu Jitsu Athlete". We discuss what he learned over the 2 years of development, including the vital importance of neck strength in relation to neck injury and concussion. To any medical providers interested in treating grapplers, look into this course. Check out his awesome new course here:https://michael-piekarski.mykajabi.com/offers/GxZR8Fve/checkout?mibextid=Zxz2cZCheck Mike out on Instagram at:https://instagram.com/doctor_kickass?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Dr. Kevin Pierce, DC DACBSP is a Chiropractor and Senior Director of Medical Clinics for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. We discuss the role he plays for Team USA, both through the lens of a clinician and director, and he gives us a view into working at the Olympic games.LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-m-pierce-dc-dacbsp-763a0622/https://neckslevel.com/

Mike "Doctor Kickass" Piekarski is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and elite level MMA fighter/grappler. We invited Mike on to discuss neck injuries in Jiu Jitsu, MMA, and wrestling, his clinical practice, and experiences competing. He offers a unique perspective as both a competitor and healer. If you haven't already, check out Doctor Kickass on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/doctor_kickass/?hl=enhttps://neckslevel.com/

Brad Scanes is the Performance coach for Max Verstappen, the Belgian-Dutch racing driver, and the 2021 and 2022 Formula One World Champion. Verstappen competes under the Dutch flag in Formula One with Red Bull Racing.Scanes has a wealth of knowledge in performance and rehab in several sports.We hope you enjoy the podcast!Brad's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bradleyscanes/?hl=enBrad's Online Physio and Coaching platform:https://physiobrad.com/NecksLevel Website: https://neckslevel.com/

Dr. Bobby Gragston, PT, DPT, ATC is the Head Athletic Trainer & Physical Therapist for Team USA Rugby. We discuss all things rugby including training, common injuries, neck strengthening, and working with these athletes.LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-gra...NecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com

Dr. Heather Linden serves as the Director of Physical Therapy for the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to joining the UFC, Heather was a Physical Therapist for the United States Olympic Committee. She  was on staff for Team USA for the 2012 London Olympic Games, 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, and 2016 Rio Olympic Games. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-linden-4758642b/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherlinden/?hl=enNecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com

Dr. Laurie Devaney, PT, ATC, PhD is a neck researcher, Program Director at UConn's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Co-Director of the UConn Institute of Sports Medicine, and an Associate Professor in Residence. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. All this to say, she is well qualified to speak on neck injury and physical therapy. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-de...NecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com/

Antwon Burton is 6-year NFL veteran and the Executive Director of PBR Sports Performance in Pueblo, CO. He trains professional bull riders, UFC fighters, and does NFL Combine Prep. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbr_spc/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.pbrspc.com/NecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com

Dr. Thomas Kaminski, PhD, ATC is a Concussion Researcher and Director of the University of Delaware Athletic Training program. His research focuses primarily on repetitive head impacts in soccer and injury prevention strategies including neck strengthening. Website: https://www.udel.edu/faculty-staff/ex...Amanda Delaney, M.S. is a PhD student in Dr. Kaminski's lab and joined us to explain the University of Delaware's NecksLevel study involving the Women's Soccer team.LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandande...NecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com

Dr. Justin Lantz, DPT is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy in the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Family Medicine in the USC Keck School of Medicine. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), board certified in Orthopedic Physical therapy, and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He currently serves as Director of the USC Spine Physical Therapy Fellowship Program. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjustinlantz/Justin' s latest Cervical Spine Publication:"The Impact of Physical Therapy Following Cervical Spine Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disorders: A Systematic Review" - Clinical Spine Surgery 2021https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33323701/NecksLevel website: https://neckslevel.com/