Ep 388: Calf Muscle Strain Injuries: From Profiling to Return to Run

In episode 388 of The Physical Performance Show, we're syndicating a conversation from the Physio Network platform's Physio Discussed podcast. Our own Brad Beer, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and Principal Physiotherapist at Pogo Physio, joins Dr. Brady Green, physiotherapist and researcher, and host Sarah Yule for a deep dive into calf muscle strain injuries.

Brad and Brady explore where research and clinical practice meet: how to profile physical capacity after a calf strain, what strength and reactive qualities need restoring before running, how to make return-to-run decisions, and how much attention footwear and imaging deserve. Brad brings the view from the clinical coalface, and Brady brings the latest research from high-performance sport.

A special thanks to the Physio Network platform for their generosity and collegiality in sharing this episode.

SHOW SPONSOR:

💯 Today's episode is brought to you by Pogo Physio's telehealth consultations. If you're an endurance runner battling bone, tendon or joint-related concerns, our online telehealth consultations 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:

What we understand better about calf strains than we did 5 to 10 years ago, including pathology, return-to-play timeframes, recurrence susceptibility and physical capacity profiling How the soleus vs gastrocnemius distinction has changed return-to-run prescription, including avoiding plodding on return to a soleus-based running program Why modifiable factors like strength, force production and stretch-shortening cycle proficiency matter alongside non-modifiable risk factors like age and prior calf strain history Brad's top three clinical mistakes: not clearly establishing the mechanism and training load context, progressing too quickly, and not impressing on athletes the need for ongoing preventative loading Why recurrence risk stays elevated long after return to play, and why preventative loading and load management may need to continue for the rest of the season Longitudinal AFL data showing athletes can build soleus strength from pre-season to early competition and maintain it through the season, and why a decline in strength is a flag to act on Why profiling the individual matters: a strong athlete may have strained their calf because of a stiffness deficiency or load management issue rather than weakness Brad's three-legged stool framework: repeated