In Episode 364 of The Physical Performance Show we’re syndicating a conversation originally recorded for the Physio Network podcast with Dr Rich Willy and host Sarah Yule.
In this episode, we delve into the art and science of injury prevention and recovery for runners. With a focus on mastering running injuries, this conversation is packed with actionable insights tailored for endurance athletes. Dr Rich Willy, Associate Professor at the University of Montana and Director of the Montana Running Lab shares his expertise on managing persistent running injuries, the critical role of education and load management in treatment, and the impact of footwear—including clinical insights on “super shoes.” We also explore the challenges of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and effective strategies for managing bone stress injuries in runners.
Each hour of exercise beyond 4 hours per week increased the risk of bone stress injury by 5%. When exercise exceeds 12 hours a week, the risk is nearly 5x higher compared to running 4 hours or less per week.
Key takeaway for the Clinician:
Zoom out – don’t get fixated on one risk factor – Rich Willy
Identify the psychological reason – Brad Beer
Twitter: @rwilly2003
Instagram: @montanarunninglab
Website: @Montana Running Lab
Podcast: Episode 338 of The Physical Performance Show
Podcast: Episode 74 of The Physical Performance Show
Podcast: Episode 132 of The Physical Performance Show
00:00 Start
04:10 Managing Running Injuries – the most challenging injuries
11:00 Patella Femoral Pain Management
17:00 The role of footwear in the prevention and management of running related injuries
32:30 How Clinicians can screen for REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports)
37:40 Time frames to measure Exercise Therapy & Bone Health
45:00 Role of Technology in Injury Evaluation
50:35 Key Insight for the Clinician
55.04: Finish
For questions and comments about this Episode Send to the Show Host @Brad_Beer (Twitter) or @brad_beer(Instagram)

Telehealth rehabilitation can be effective for people needing help to get back to their physical best who are geographically not able to attend appointments in person at POGO Physio (Mermaid Waters, Gold Coast).
Our team of physiotherapists routinely conduct telehealth consultations for patients who live:
There are several elements of an in person consultation that cannot be actioned when receiving a telehealth consultation. However in most instances this does not represent a barrier to an effective consultation being delivered.
Manual therapy (hands-on) treatment can also not be conducted remotely. If a patient will benefit or requires manual therapy it can be sought in the patient’s local area with guidance (if required) from a local provider.
Exercises are demonstrated and prescribed via our exercise prescription software and app TrackActive. Trackactive has viewable videos and photos, as well as detailed commentary on how to complete the exercises with accuracy at home or the gym. See below for an example series of exercises:

POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services.
Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about telehealth consultations and book online.