Ep234 'Lower Limb Amputees: Stepping Through Adversity' - with Rich Potter, Rich Davies, Carla Bickerstaffe, Jenny Lane

We reach the final part of this month’s four part series on Working with Athletes with Disabilities, in which we are joined by special guests Rich Potter and Rich 'Dickie' Davies – armed forces veterans and single below leg amputees who set world records at the end of last year on their ‘Limb-itless Expedition: Conquering The Himalayas' as the first ever amputees to achieve the half and full length of The Snowman Trek in Bhutan. With them are Sports Therapist Carla Bickerstaffe and Massage Therapist Jenny Lane, both of whom have considerable experience of working with athletes with disabilities. While discussing the physically and mentally demanding trek, the guests share insights into the rigorous preparations, the role of sports therapy & sports massage, and the importance of self-care in their endeavor. The discussion also touches on the emotional hurdles faced, especially when unforeseen challenges forced Dickie to withdraw, underscoring the human aspect and the relentless spirit of perseverance.

Rich and Dickie’s journey is a testament to human resilience and teamwork, with valuable takeaways for anyone working with or aiming to better understand athletes with disabilities.

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to the Sports Therapy Association Podcast
• 00:04:38 - Introducing Our Guests
• 00:06:22 - Rich 'Dickie' Davies shares his history
• 00:07:32 - Rich Potter shares his history
• 00:08:28 - Not all amputations in military are combat related
• 00:10:26 - Carla Bickerstaffe and Jenny Lane at the Invictus Games
• 00:12:44 - Preparing for the Limbitless Expedition - Soft Tissue Therapy
• 00:18:20 - The Physiology of a Stump
• 00:25:54 - Equipping Clients for Self Care
• 00:30:50 - Phantom Limb Pain
• 00:39:15 - The Limitless Expedition Challenges
• 00:43:11 - Facing Adversity and Withdrawal
• 00:50:55 - Reflections on Support and Funding
• 01:03:00 - New 'Reflection Series' on The Sports Therapy Association Podcast

Useful Links

• Invictus Games Webpage 
• Blesma Armed Forces Charity Webpage
• Rich Potter on Instagram - @amputee_rich
• Rich Davies Instagram - @rightfootrich
• The Limbitless Expedition on Instagram @the_limbitless_expedition
• Carla Bickerstaffe on Instagram @sportstherapybycarla
• Jenny Lane on Instagram @jennylane.sportsmassage

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