Ep 390: Bone Stress Injuries, Carbon Shoes & Under-Fueling

In episode 390 of The Physical Performance Show, we're syndicating a conversation from the All In Triathlon podcast, where Pogo Physio's very own Brad Beer, sports and exercise physiotherapist, joins hosts Jelle Geens and Aaron Royal for a deep dive into bone stress injuries (BSIs). Brad brings 20 years of clinical experience in endurance sport, plus his own lived experience of recurring femoral shaft bone stress injuries.

Together they explore whether BSIs are really on the rise, how advanced footwear technology may shift load up the chain, why some athletes are more bone-injury prone than others, and why under-fueling is such a powerful driver. Brad also shares his practical "bone density Olympics" prescription for athletes and coaches. It's a conversation that challenges how runners, triathletes and coaches think about bone health.

Huge thanks to Jelle, Aaron and the All In Triathlon team. Please head over and give their podcast a listen (link in the show notes below).

SHOW SPONSOR:

💯 Today's episode is brought to you by Pogo Physio's Telehealth consultations. If you're an endurance athlete battling bone, tendon or joint-related concerns, our online telehealth consultations with Brad Beer or any of the Pogo Physio team are an ideal platform to help get you back to your physical best. Book online at https://pogophysio.com.au.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

Whether we're really seeing more bone stress injuries, or whether social media and Strava just make them more visible

Brad's clinical experience: over 20 sacral bone stress injuries in a single year, the most he has ever treated

The difference between distal (below the knee) and proximal (above the knee) BSIs, and why the drivers differ

How advanced footwear technology (carbon-plated "super shoes") may reduce demand at the foot and ankle and shift load proximally

Why the recovery benefits of super shoes can also tempt athletes to tolerate more intensity and volume

Brad's practical advice on carbon shoes: avoid sudden wholesale changes rather than avoiding them altogether