Summary

In this episode of the Melbourne Athlete Development Podcast, host Jack interviews Natalie Brettler, a physical therapist and fascia manipulation teacher. Natalie shares her journey from being a gymnast to becoming a physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of understanding fascia in rehabilitation and injury prevention. She discusses her experiences with elite athletes, the role of ultrasound in therapy, and the connections between different body parts. The conversation highlights the significance of sensory input and the impact of densifications in the fascial system, as well as practical applications of fascia manipulation in sports. Natalie also addresses the balance between stretching and strength training in gymnastics, sharing insights on reducing injuries through foam rolling before stretching. In this conversation, Natalie Brettler discusses the intricacies of gymnastics training, focusing on the importance of stretching, injury prevention, and the role of manual therapy. She emphasizes the need for dynamic stretching over static stretching, the benefits of foam rolling, and the significance of resistance training in a gymnast's regimen. Natalie shares her experiences from multiple Olympic cycles, highlighting how her approach to athlete management has evolved. The discussion also touches on the assessment of movement and the application of various manual therapy techniques to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Natalie Brettler

01:35 Natalie's Journey in Gymnastics and Physical Therapy

04:52 The Importance of Fascia in Physical Therapy

08:54 Understanding the Connection Between Body Parts

12:50 The Role of Ultrasound in Physical Therapy

18:46 Fascia Manipulation in Elite Sports

24:51 The Sensory Role of Fascia

30:06 Densifications and Their Impact on Athletes

34:14 Stretching and Strength in Gymnasts

38:22 Understanding Stretching and Injury in Gymnasts

40:06 The Role of Foam Rolling in Flexibility

41:26 Dynamic vs Static Stretching: Impacts on Performance

43:57 The Importance of Resistance Training in Gymnastics

45:46 Olympic Experience: Insights into Athlete Management

49:50 Manual Therapy: Techniques and Applications

01:01:19 Assessing Movement: The Role of Observation

01:04:10 Current Learning Interests and Future Directions

Melbourne Athletic Development is a sports and injury management clinic based in Melbourne, Australia. To maximise your performance or optimise your injury management contact the team at www.melbourneathleticdevelopment.com.au