[Physio Discussed] Clinical challenges in combat sports with Dr Heather Linden and Dr Ian Gatt

In this episode, we discuss some of the potential challenges and perks of working in elite sport. We explore: 

• Most common injuries seen in combat sports
• Key differences in elite sport vs private practice
• Importance of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary management
• Use of objective measures in elite sport
• Injury risk prior to competition
• Supplementation in elite sport

Dr Ian Gatt is Head of Performance Services & Lead Physiotherapist for GB Boxing. He has over 20 years of clinical experience, having supported athletes on their path to success through several Olympic games. He forms part of Team Anthony Joshua (Boxing Olympic and Professional Double World Champion), delivering injury reduction and management strategies within a multidisciplinary team. Ian is an Upper Limb Injury specialist with the prestigious English Institute of Sport (EIS), and has recently completed a PhD in Wrist Biomechanics at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Dr. Heather Linden serves as the Senior Director of Physical Therapy at the UFC Performance Institute (UFCPI). She oversees the sports medicine departments at both UFCPI locations in Las Vegas, NV, and Shanghai, China. In 2022, Heather received the prestigious “Trainer of the Year” honor at the World MMA Awards. Prior to her role with the UFC, she was part of the Sports Medicine Division at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and also led an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.

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Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network