Ep233 ‘Navigating Injury: Physical & Psychological Support’ with Dan Metcalfe, Nicola Hunt, Dr Katherine Dawson

Dan ‘WheelsDan’ Metcalfe was in 2014 left paralysed from the waist down after a motorcycle accident. Four years later, his dreams of Paralympic hand-cycling were ended when he was hit by a car during a 600mile charity bike ride, with only 14 miles to complete. So what did he do? Achieve three scuba diving world records...

In this episode of the Sports Therapy Association Podcast, Part 3 our series on 'Working With Athletes With Disabilities', Dan ‘WheelsDan’ Metcalfe shares with us honest & open details about his journey, and gives us an insight into the physical & psychological support he received along the way. With Dan are two specialists who have worked with him: Nicola Hunt, Neurological & Vestibular Physiotherapist, and Dr Katherine Dawson, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. Together, they explore the importance of understanding identities, navigating PTSD, and the role of therapeutic alliance in recovery.   

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:03:51 - Dan Metcalfe: From Injury to Resilience
• 00:04:55 - Dr Katherine Dawson: Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
• 00:10:17 - The Role of Support in Recovery
• 00:11:10 - Nicola Hunt: Neurological & Vestibular Physiotherapist
• 00:13:49 - Overcoming PTSD Challenges
• 00:15:15 - Training for the London Marathon
• 00:22:49 - Understanding PTSD
• 00:28:39 - The Impact of Physical Activity
• 00:37:59 - Discovering Woodturning
• 00:46:07 - Dan Metcalfe World Records in Diving
• 00:54:57 - The Complexities of The Word 'Inspiring'
• 00:58:20 - Future Goals and Diving World Records
• 01:02:40 - Raising Money For Prostate Cancer Research
• 01:02:30 - Need for Funding & Media Support During Record Attempts, Not Just After
• 01:04:22 - First Person In A Wheelchair To Complete Tough Mudder
• 01:04:40 - Eve Metcalfe: Alpine Experience 2025 To Raise Money For Spinal Research
• 01:07:20 - Concussion Courses With Nicola Hunt (Discount For STA Members)
• 01:08:30 - Dr Katherine Dawson & Virtual Reality Software For Recovery From Brain Trauma
• 01:10:10 - Details of Part 4 In This Series  

Useful Links

• Help Eve Metcalfe Raise Money For Spinal Research
• Eve Metcalfe On Instagram
• Dan Metcalfe YouTube Channel 
• Dan Metcalfe on Instagram
• Nicola Hunt PhysioCareRehab Website
• Concussion CPD Courses With Nicola Hunt
• Dr Katherine Dawson Sphere-Rehab Website
• Brain Recovery Zone Website  

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