Welcome to another episode of Finding Small Wins Podcast, a space for conversations that pull back the curtain on sports, where to learn how to upgrade health & performance, and shed some light on how some of the best at what they do are finding the small wins that help them along the way.

Adam Loiacono, your host, is a physical therapist in the NBA & a former performance coach in Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. 

In this episode, Adam is joined by Dr. Maggie Byrant, a Doctor of Physical Therapy  in her 5th season working in the NBA. Dr. Bryant is both a Residency trained, and board certified Sports and Orthopedic, physical therapist.

 In today's episode, Maggie shares some great stories about working in pro sports, from memorable locker room moments to attending multiple all-stars games and trips in private jets and helicopters while accompanying players in off-season rehab.  

Key Takeaways:

[1:30] What was Maggie’s entry point into pro sports?

[3:08] Maggie went through residency and then returned to Minnesota to work at Mayo Clinic.

[3:26] Maggie started working for Orlando Magic, NBA Team.

[4:20] Has Maggie ever given any thought about working in some other pro sport?

[5:02] Maggie shares her point of view regarding pro sports schedules.

[5:55] Maggie talks about the charm of the all-stars weekend.

[7:01] What are Maggie’s roles and responsibilities when attending an all-stars event?

[8:02] Maggie says you could enter any event once you get a credential.

[9:04] Maggie’s favorite memory from all-star events.

[12:47] How is life in the NBA for Maggie?

[14:24] What are some of the opportunities for working in the NBA?

[16:34] Maggie talks about her daily routine while traveling with pro sports athletes.

[17:54] Maggie remembers details about her last trip with an athlete to St. Bart 

[18:21] Flying in a private jet is amazing!

[20:45] Working for pro sports athletes is not all rainbows and butterflies.

[24:25] Maggie shares step-by-step what happens when an athlete gets injured.

[27:27] Adam confesses the hardest thing he had to do as a PT 

[29:36] ‘Don’t rush to communicate things.’

[31:17] What’s Maggie’s philosophy regarding rehab?

[33:33] Maggie advises objectivity.

[34:54] How does Maggie manages to stay in the ‘gray’ when most people prefer ‘black and white’?

[36:28] Maggie talks about part of the struggles resulting from being a PT.

[41:15] Maggie explains why messaging is hugely important. 

[42:20] Maggie advises anyone looking to uplevel their game.

[43:57] How does Maggie find her wins throughout the year?

[45:32] Maggie talks about her favorite three cities.

[51:05] Maggie enjoys her work immensely, which is why she sees herself continuing in the same field for a while.

Mentioned in this episode: 

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Basketball, Sports Medicine, and Science