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 Shireen Mansoori, former NFL Director Rehab and current owner of Seattle Sport Institute and Physical Therapy, who helps us navigate the dilemma regarding what is meaningful and how to incorporate the information from Sports Science and Integrating Technology in modern physical therapist and performance training.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Shireen shares how she started working with professional athletes.

[3:26] Shireen shares the best advice she received while working for the NFL.

[4:17]  What is a fellowship? What value did it bring to Shireen's career?

[6:53] Shireen talks about the role she used to have at the NFL.

[8:15] What are the differences between Shireen’s time working in basketball versus the time she worked in football?

[9:43] How does Shireen balance her expectation of 100% recovery of an athlete and the reality of them playing even if they are not?

[10:32]  How can a physical therapist help athletes who don’t know what is best for their bodies?

[11:12] Was there any situation when Shireen needed to manage her and her team’s expectations with the available resources?

[12:44] What are some of the main foundations that helped Shireen work with football players during rehab?

[15:30] How does Shireen integrate the different means of physical therapy?

[17:40] How does Shireen illustrate the rehab journey for all to make sense?

[19:43] There is so much more that Physical Therapists do than just physical therapy.

[21:44] Shireen defines sports science.

[22:54] What are the first steps to incorporate sports science into PT practice?

[24:30] Shireen explains how she makes sure she has accurate information.

[26:29] Once Shireen has the information she needs, How does she make it actionable?

[29:14] The key is always to compare the athlete to themselves, not to another player in the same position.

[29:55] What is the value of load management? What are its downfalls?

[31:30] How to approach load management in the season?

[32:17] What are the most valuable resources or tools to help mitigate risk or enhance recovery strategies?

[33:48] Which are the most valuable technologies for data collection, sports science, and load management?

[35:44] How does Shireen address asymmetry?

[37:21] How did Shireen transition from what she was doing in the NFL to what she’s been able to implement in the private sector? How does she shape rehab differently?

[39:50] How did Shireen create a training room outside of the training room?

[40:48] Adam and Shireen discuss privacy.

[42:17] How does Shireen help her clients find the small wins so they can continue to progress forward?

[44:46] Shireen advises empowering the athletes to do what they can to recover their bodies and care for their health.

[46:36] If someone is looking to change their lifestyle or training positively, Shireen suggests that consistency is the most crucial aspect under consideration.

[48:11] Shireen answers a series of fun questions regarding her career experience.

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