Episode 48: Running Through Pain with Vikash Sharma

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• Joe Gambino
• Joe LaVacca

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Watch on YouTube here.

Summary

In this episode of the Beyond Pain podcast, hosts Joe Gambino and Joe LaVacca welcome Vikash Sharma, a physical therapist and owner of Perfect Stride Physical Therapy. The conversation explores Vikash's journey into physical therapy, the impact of personal injuries on his practice philosophy, and the importance of setting patient expectations in rehabilitation. They discuss the mathematical approach to recovery, managing runners' training loads, and defining what constitutes an 'easy run' for recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of movement, education, and individualized care in physical therapy. In this conversation, Vikash Sharma discusses the nuances of running training, particularly focusing on zone two training, the importance of varied workouts, and how to assess and progress individuals recovering from knee injuries. He emphasizes the need for a simple approach to training, the significance of maintaining activity levels during rehab, and the importance of understanding individual responses to training loads. The discussion also touches on personal insights, including Vikash's coffee preferences and reading recommendations.

Takeaways

• Vikash Sharma's journey into physical therapy began with personal injuries.
• The importance of setting patient expectations for rehabilitation success.
• Movement and rehabilitation are powerful tools for recovery.
• Individualized care is crucial in physical therapy practices.
• Education is key, but patients must be willing to engage.
• Managing runners requires understanding their training loads and limits.
• Trial and error is often part of the learning process for patients.
• Defining 'easy runs' varies based on the individual's experience and fitness level.
• The role of technology, like Strava, in tracking patient progress.
• Physical therapists are increasingly advocating for their value in patient care. Zone two training can include walking for novice runners.
• It's essential to have varied workouts for effective training.
• High days should be truly high, and low days truly low.
• Strides and accelerations help introduce speed safely.
• Assessing pain-free movement is crucial before progressing to running.
• Maintaining activity levels during rehab is vital for recovery.
• Modifications based on specific injuries are important.
• Expectations around pain during rehab should be managed.
• Strength training can improve running economy.
• Personal preferences, like coffee, can reflect individual differences.