“It’s not just for research anymore — every surgical patient gets tested throughout their recovery.” – Dr Catherine Logan

In this episode, orthopedic surgeons Dr Ivan Wong and Dr Catherine Logan join cohosts Mark Opar and Dylan Carmody to discuss how objective measurement is transforming patient care and surgical decision-making. With backgrounds spanning physical therapy, elite sport and orthopedic surgery, they share how data is integrated into their clinical workflows, what it takes to foster better surgeon-therapist collaboration and why objective strength metrics are redefining standards in musculoskeletal care.

They also explore the role of patient motivation, the logistics of implementing testing and the evolving future of personalized rehab through technology.

🔍 Episode Summary:

• Orthopedic surgeons Dr Catherine Logan (Denver) and Dr Ivan Wong (Halifax) share how they’ve embedded objective measurement into their surgical and rehab practices.
• Both use asymmetries and normative data to guide clinical decisions and monitor recovery.
• Objective testing helps identify when patients are ready for surgery — or when they need further rehab first.
• Post-op assessments are standardized at key time points (6 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) using force plates and dynamometry.
• Clinic staff — including MAs and PTs — play an active role in data collection and interpretation, enabling efficient handoffs and real-time planning.
• Measured progress keeps patients more engaged and compliant, while giving them clear goals and feedback throughout recovery.
• Shared metrics and reporting create stronger collaboration between surgeons, therapists and other providers — improving communication and patient outcomes.

🎙 Connect with our guests and hosts:

• Dr. Catherine Logan: X | LinkedIn
• Dr. Ivan Wong: X | LinkedIn
• Dylan Carmody: LinkedIn
• Mark Opar: LinkedIn

🔗 Learn more about VALD technology at valdhealth.com
📬 Get in touch: Contact VALD Health
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"We shouldn't treat the MRI, we want to treat our athletes."

In this episode, Roula Kotsifaki discusses her recent research on ACL recovery, emphasizing the evolving perspectives in rehabilitation.

She highlights the importance of balancing tissue healing with performance metrics, the significance of objective criteria for return to sport, and the need to focus on performance rather than solely on injury prevention.

Roula also addresses the complexities of defining re-injury and the role of objective data in guiding rehabilitation practices.

Episode Summary

• Roula Kotsifaki is head of the assessment unit at Aspetar, a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital
• The pendulum of ACL recovery perspectives has shifted over the years, emphasizing the need for ongoing research.
• Tissue healing timelines do not always correlate with performance readiness for athletes.
• Objective criteria for return to sport should focus on individual athlete metrics rather than strict timelines.
• Vertical jump testing may provide better insights into readiness than traditional horizontal hop tests.
• Progress in rehabilitation directly correlates with the chances of returning to pivoting sports.
• Defining re-injury is complex and should consider the context of the injury.
• Objective data is crucial for guiding rehabilitation but should not be the sole focus.
• Athletes need to understand that passing tests does not guarantee they won't get injured again.

🔗 Connect with Roula on social media in the links below:

• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn

🎙️ Hosted by Dylan Carmody

🌐 Discover VALD's range of solutions on the VALD HEALTH website

If you'd like to get in touch with VALD HEALTH Click Here

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Our guest today is Stephanie Mock Grubbs, Assistant Major League Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Houston Astros.

Ryan and Stephanie discuss the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the role of a strength & conditioning coach in elite athlete performance.

Stephanie shares her experience at The University of Pittsburgh and the Houston Astros, emphasizing the importance of communication within multidisciplinary teams and the challenges of managing training and recovery in a demanding Major League Baseball schedule.

The discussion highlights the need for adaptability in training approaches and the significance of fostering a culture of collaboration and problem-solving in sports performance.

Stephanie discusses her insights as a strength & conditioning coach in professional baseball, focusing on the importance of adaptability in training routines, the integration of technology in training and recovery, the significance of data-driven decision-making, and the evolving landscape of recovery strategies.

Episode Summary

• Houston Astros forward-thinking approach in sports science.
• The importance of relationships in performance teams.
• Transitioning from a generalist to a specialist role.
• Balancing adaptation and fatigue in training.
• Shared facilities can enhance athlete motivation.
• Systemizing training across multiple sports.
• Every day is game day in professional sports.
• Recovery strategies are crucial for athlete performance.
• Adaptability is crucial in training; having multiple plans is essential.
• Data analytics in MLB helps inform training and recovery decisions.
• Recovery strategies must be tailored to individual athlete needs.
• Education and communication with athletes enhances buy-in for recovery methods.
• Utilizing technology can enhance training effectiveness and recovery monitoring.

🔗 Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn HERE

🎙️ Get in touch with our host Ryan McLaughlin HERE

🌐 Find out more about VALD HERE