

Jacked Athlete Podcast
Jake Tuura
Jake Tuura interviews those in the field of Athletic Performance, Muscle Hypertrophy, and Tendinopathy Rehab. You'll hear guests talk about Strength & Conditioning, Tendon Health, Anterior Knee Pain, and Muscle Gain. Website: http://jackedathlete.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 24min
Achilles and Patellar Tendons with Gaspar Epro
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tendon Research and Personal Insights 02:58 Exploring Tendon Development in Infants 05:42 The Berlin Method: Training Older Adults 09:01 Understanding Muscle Strength and Stability in Older Adults 11:40 Challenges in Calf Muscle Growth 14:31 The Mechanics of Tendon Adaptation 17:21 Cyclical Loading and Its Importance 20:39 Tendon Creep and Muscle Fatigue 23:26 The Role of Resting Length in Tendon Strain 26:02 Investigating Overtraining and Tendon Health 29:12 Conclusion and Future Directions in Tendon Research 43:26 Understanding the Berlin Method Frequency 47:13 Tendon Recovery and Training Volume 49:32 Mechanics of Tendon Strain and Recovery 53:41 Optimal Ranges for Tendon Strain 58:23 Research Insights on Tendon Strain Measurements 01:02:00 Individual Differences in Tendon Training 01:06:26 Training Approaches for Achilles and Calf Strength 01:11:26 Gender Differences in Tendon Training 01:14:46 Mechanotransduction in Developing Tendons 01:18:35 Future Directions in Tendon Research Takeaways Gaspar Epro is a senior lecturer and track and field coach. Tendons adapt to training, but the mechanisms are complex. The Berlin Method emphasizes high loads for tendon adaptation. Muscle strength is important, but technique and application matter more. Calf muscles are notoriously difficult to grow in strength. Tendons require time to recover and adapt to training loads. Creep studies on tendons are often conducted in mechanical settings, not in vivo. Tendon strain measurements can vary significantly based on methodology. Individual differences in tendon response necessitate personalized training. Females may experience different tendon adaptations compared to males. Gaspar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gasparepro/?hl=en Gaspar on Twitter: https://x.com/gasparepro Gaspar's Email: gasparepro@gmail.com Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-150-tendons-with-gaspar-epro/

May 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
Patellar Tendons with Jordan Kilganon
In this engaging discussion, Jordan Kilganon, a professional dunker and jump trainer, shares his insights on overcoming knee tendon issues. He emphasizes the importance of load management, tailored isometric exercises, and understanding the fine line between training and injury. Jordan dives into how diet impacts tendon health and the need for age-adapted training methods. He also reveals common pitfalls for dunkers and highlights the significance of both warm-ups and cooldowns to enhance recovery and performance.

May 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
ACLs and Quad/Patellar/Hamstring Tendon Grafts with Derek Garza
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tendons and Personal Background 03:01 Understanding ACL Injuries and Rehabilitation 05:56 Graft Types: Autograft vs Allograft 08:56 Early Rehabilitation Strategies for ACL Surgery 11:53 Managing Swelling and Pain Post-Surgery 14:58 Progressing Rehabilitation: From Extension to Strength 17:59 Considerations for Graft Selection 21:01 Challenges with Quad Tendon Grafts 23:52 Hamstring and Patellar Grafts: Pros and Cons 32:06 Understanding Anterior Knee Pain and Rehabilitation 34:40 Strength Training in ACL Recovery 37:49 Introducing Plyometrics in Rehabilitation 39:28 Progressing Plyometrics and Deceleration Training 44:06 The Role of Physical Therapists in ACL Rehab 47:30 Knee Strategy vs. Hip Strategy in Rehabilitation 52:07 Re-injury Rates and Return to Sport Statistics 53:40 Education Gaps in Physical Therapy Schools 57:43 Improving ACL Rehabilitation Practices 01:01:17 Collaboration Between Therapists and Strength Coaches Takeaways Derek Garza is a licensed physical therapist with a background in athletics. He emphasizes the importance of education in ACL rehabilitation. The type of graft used in ACL surgery significantly affects recovery. Early intervention in rehabilitation can lead to better outcomes. Managing swelling is crucial for effective recovery post-surgery. Different graft types have unique healing timelines and considerations. Patient education is key to understanding the rehabilitation process. The strength of the graft can vary significantly based on the type used. Rehabilitation strategies should be tailored to the individual athlete. Understanding the risks and timelines of recovery can help prevent re-injury. The quality of physical therapy coaching is crucial for recovery. Limb symmetry index should be at least 90% for strength. Plyometrics should be introduced gradually in rehabilitation. Deceleration training is essential for athletes returning to sport. Many physical therapists lack knowledge in plyometric training. Re-injury rates for ACL injuries are alarmingly high. Education on plyometrics is lacking in physical therapy schools. Collaboration between therapists and strength coaches is vital. Athletes often shy away from loading their knees post-injury. Understanding knee and hip strategies can improve rehabilitation outcomes. Derek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.derekpt/ Derek's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/drderekgarza?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafGwPFbijuM4jTC0YjCcgMH2cY3-masDnDR00SYM7QCAyHfVaMUxWiB4ij1GQ_aem_Yj9twOyX7Rp7Un4fBhKFGg Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-148-acls-and-quad-patellar-hamstring-tendon-grafts-with-derek-garza/

May 2, 2025 • 1h 27min
Patellar Tendons with Zach Jungels
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zach Jungels and His Journey 03:06 The Patellar Tendon Injury Experience 06:09 Rehabilitation Challenges and Discoveries 08:56 The Search for Effective Treatment 11:50 Implementing the Jumper's Knee Protocol 15:10 Sharing Knowledge and Helping Others 18:00 Understanding Pain and Recovery 21:12 The Role of Communication with Coaches 23:47 Critique of Traditional Physical Therapy 27:02 Navigating the Rehab Process 29:50 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 37:04 Understanding Knee Pain: Partial Tears vs. Tendinopathy 40:00 The Role of Isometrics in Pain Management 46:04 Navigating Athletic Rehabilitation: Challenges and Solutions 48:02 Recent Knee Injury: Insights and Recovery 52:06 Effective Rehabilitation Strategies for Knee Injuries 01:00:58 Finding the Highest Possible Entry Point in Rehab 01:08:02 Exploring the Science of Tendon Health 01:09:03 Understanding Tendon Structure and Aging 01:12:25 Pathology and Tendon Health 01:14:32 Environmental Factors in Tendon Health 01:17:10 The Impact of Weight Gain on Tendon Health 01:21:45 Dietary Influences on Tendon Pathology 01:26:50 Collagen Supplementation and Tendon Health Takeaways Zach Jungels experienced severe patellar tendon issues during his football career. His internship at the University of Minnesota was a transformative experience. He faced multiple injuries that complicated his recovery process. Zach developed a personalized jumper's knee protocol based on research and self-education. Communication with coaches was crucial for managing his injury and training. He critiqued traditional physical therapy methods for being too standardized and ineffective. Zach found success in using specific exercises that targeted his knee pain. He emphasized the psychological impact of dealing with chronic pain and injury. Zach's experience led him to help others with similar injuries through education and support. He believes in the importance of critical thinking in rehabilitation and recovery. Zach had to gauge his pain threshold during activities. Initial sharp pain in the knee indicated a possible partial tear. Tendinopathy symptoms developed over time with different sensations. Isometrics provided pain relief for Zach for several months. Athletes often face resistance from trainers when seeking alternative rehab methods. Zach's recent knee injury was a result of heavy eccentric loading. Effective rehab requires finding the highest possible entry point. Rehabilitation should focus on loading the muscle, not just the joint. Zach's approach includes using RPR and square one techniques. Rehab is about applying proven methods to individual cases. Ground substance in tendons consists of proteoglycans and water. Aging leads to a loss of spring-like properties in tendons. Pathology in tendons can develop long before pain is felt. General health significantly impacts tendon health. Weight gain adds extra load on tendons, increasing injury risk. High blood sugar can stiffen tendons due to sugar cross-links. Dietary choices can influence tendon health and recovery. Collagen supplementation may benefit tendon health, especially if deficient in nutrients. Environmental factors like circadian rhythms can affect tendon recovery. A holistic approach is essential for optimal tendon health. Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungels_sp/ Zach's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jungels_sp?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacaGkjqM3BtO2cpjzsTeWTR24xN3RkpRLYohZUrVD4rFi8g4IY_rdU4khXRvA_aem_sF_ViokbqzsuGox7wTep8w Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-147-patellar-tendons-with-zach-jungels/

May 1, 2025 • 1h 27min
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy with Luke Nelson
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke Nelson 02:55 Running Journey and Injuries 06:02 Understanding Hamstring Tendinopathy 08:47 Overuse vs. Overload in Tendon Injuries 12:08 Differential Diagnosis of Hamstring Pain 15:05 Role of Imaging in Diagnosis 18:03 The Understudied Area of Hamstring Tendinopathy 20:50 Managing Daily Activities and Pain 23:52 Rehabilitation Strategies for Hamstring Tendinopathy 31:56 Understanding Hamstring Tendon Rehabilitation 36:17 Strength Training for Runners 41:06 Assessing Muscle Atrophy in Injuries 44:29 Managing Running Frequency and Intensity 47:23 Incorporating Plyometrics in Rehab 49:05 Long-Term Recovery Expectations for Tendinopathy 53:24 Function vs. Pain in Rehabilitation 59:32 Targeting Muscle and Tendon Adaptations 01:00:35 Running Technique and Proximal Hamstring Assessment 01:05:25 Rehabilitation Strategies for Running Technique 01:10:03 Interventions for Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy 01:15:44 Field Sports vs. Distance Running Rehabilitation 01:17:27 Distal Hamstring Tendinopathy Insights 01:20:24 Metabolic Tendinopathy Considerations 01:23:11 Reflections on Knowledge and Experience Takeaways Luke Nelson is a sports and exercise chiropractor with 20 years of experience. He has run 10 marathons, with his latest being his fastest. Luke has experienced various running injuries, including hamstring tendinopathy. Hamstring tendinopathy can significantly impact daily life, not just athletic performance. The distinction between overuse and overload injuries is crucial in rehabilitation. Imaging is not always necessary for diagnosing tendinopathy. Hamstring tendinopathy is often under-researched compared to other tendon injuries. Daily activities, such as sitting, can exacerbate hamstring pain. A multifaceted approach is essential for effective rehabilitation. Strengthening exercises, particularly hamstring curls, are vital in recovery. Early hamstring rehabilitation focuses on building capacity and strength. Runners often lack strength training, impacting their recovery. Incorporating heavy lifting and compound movements is crucial. Plyometrics can enhance performance and aid in rehabilitation. Managing running frequency is essential for tendon recovery. Pain levels may not correlate directly with functional improvements. Capacity testing is vital for assessing recovery progress. Long-term recovery from tendinopathy can take over 12 months. Flare-ups during rehab are common and should be managed. Muscle and tendon adaptations should be targeted separately. Running technique significantly impacts proximal hamstring load. Trunk position and over-stride are critical factors in assessment. Flexibility in runners may not always correlate with performance. Rehabilitation strategies should focus on individual needs. Shockwave therapy has mixed results for tendinopathy treatment. Field sports present unique challenges in managing injuries. Distal hamstring tendinopathy is less common but still relevant. Metabolic conditions can trigger various tendinopathies. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in rehabilitation. AI may play a future role in predicting running injuries. Luke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportschiroluke/?hl=en Luke on Twitter: https://x.com/SportsChiroLuke Website: https://www.healthhp.com.au Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-146-proximal-hamstring-tendinopathy-with-luke-nelson/

Apr 29, 2025 • 47min
Overcoming Patellar Tendinopathy with Gibson Butler
Gibson Butler, an excavation company owner and seasoned big-game hunter from Montana, shares his incredible journey through overcoming long-standing patellar tendinopathy. He discusses the onset of his knee pain from adolescence, and how hunting aggravated the condition. Gibson highlights the effectiveness of isometric exercises for quad activation and pain relief. He explores various treatments, including the 10X procedure and physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of tailored rehabilitation. His insights encourage patience and a focus on progressive loading to achieve recovery goals.

Apr 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
Patellar Tendons with Tim Riley
Tim Riley, a performance coach in Austin, specializes in optimizing athletic performance. He shares his personal battle with Jumper's Knee, dispelling outdated recovery methods like rest and ice. Tim emphasizes the importance of quad strength and discusses how deceleration affects knee health. He provides insights into effective plyometric training and the value of eccentric loading for tendon recovery. Additionally, Tim highlights misunderstood exercises, such as leg extensions, and recommends safer alternatives like sissy squats for rehabilitating the patellar tendon.

Apr 25, 2025 • 47min
Patellar Tendon Case Study with Tommy Heights
In this engaging conversation, Tom Schirara, known as Tommy Heights, shares his inspiring journey from a basketball enthusiast to overcoming patellar tendinopathy. He discusses the rapid gains he made in his vertical jump and the subsequent injury from overtraining. Tommy reveals the challenges he faced with conflicting advice during rehab and the turning point that came with a commitment to a tailored plan and lifestyle changes, including quitting alcohol. He emphasizes the importance of proper loading, warm-ups, and patience in recovery, along with insights on nutrition and exercise adaptations for long-term success.

Apr 19, 2025 • 51min
Finger Tendons with Tyler Nelson
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Finger Tendons and Climbing Injuries 03:13 Understanding Finger Anatomy and Function 06:02 Common Finger Injuries in Climbers 08:53 Pathophysiology of Tenosynovitis 12:06 Rehabilitation Strategies for Finger Injuries 15:04 Comparing Tenosynovitis and Pulley Injuries 17:56 Managing Climbing Volume and Injury Prevention 25:38 Understanding Power Loss in Climbing 29:27 Tendon Adaptation Through Lifelong Loading 33:22 Rehabilitation Challenges for Climbers 35:05 The Role of Strength Training in Climbing 37:10 Tendon Adaptation Mechanisms 38:56 Controversies in Climbing Training Methods 41:07 Ultrasound in Diagnosing Climbing Injuries 42:22 Using Strain Gauges for Performance Measurement 43:53 Understanding Pulley Ruptures 45:36 Rehabilitation Techniques for Finger Tendons 47:14 Thumb Tendon Issues in Climbers 49:09 Future Directions in Climbing Research 50:07 Finding Professional Help in Climbing Rehabilitation Takeaways Tyler Nelson has a doctorate in chiropractic and a master's in tendon research. Rock climbers often experience finger injuries due to overtraining. Finger tendons are unique in their anatomy and function compared to other tendons. Tenosynovitis is a common injury among climbers, often due to too much stress too soon. Rehabilitation for finger injuries should focus on gradual load increase and proper technique. The A2 pulley is crucial for finger movement and is often injured in climbers. Climbers need to be aware of the specific loads their fingers endure during training. Managing climbing volume is essential to prevent injuries in climbers. The tendon sheath plays a vital role in the health of finger tendons. Understanding the mechanics of finger tendons can aid in better training and injury prevention. Power loss is a key metric in understanding climbing performance. Beginners should focus on skill development rather than overloading their fingers. Body weight significantly affects the load on tendons during climbing. Lifelong loading is crucial for tendon adaptations in climbers. Climbers often underload their tendons during rehabilitation, leading to prolonged recovery. Strength training is essential for injury prevention and performance enhancement in climbing. Tendon adaptations require significant muscle load and proper joint positioning. Controversial training methods are gaining popularity, but their efficacy is debated. Ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosing climbing injuries and assessing tendon health. There is a growing interest in climbing research, leading to better understanding and treatment of climbing-related injuries. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c4hp/ Website: https://www.camp4humanperformance.com Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-142-finger-tendons-with-tyler-nelson/

Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
Hamstrings and Hamstring Tendons with Johan Lahti
Johan Lahti, a strength and conditioning coach with a PhD, dives deep into the intricacies of hamstrings and their role in athletic performance. He discusses the anatomical complexities that make hamstrings essential for speed and injury prevention. Lahti highlights the differences between proximal and distal injuries, the impact of fatigue on injury risk, and the necessity of targeted rehabilitation strategies. He also shares practical training recommendations, including the importance of trunk control and specific muscle activation techniques for optimal performance.


