Finish Strong Hoops

Maggie Bryant, President of Performance, Health, and Wellness for the LA Clippers joins us today to share her career story and how she has evolved to lead a highly reputable medical & performance department within the league. Maggie discusses her early interest in basketball, the injuries that led her to physical therapy, and her progression through various roles within the NBA. She provides deep insights into handling complex relationships and communication strategies within the team. The conversation also explores the importance of role clarity, continuing education, and the use of biomechanics to enhance player performance and injury prevention. Maggie's experience and strategies offer valuable lessons for both current and aspiring professionals in the field. This episode is brought to you by Vald and Teambuildr Contact Maggie: Email: maggieibryant@gmail.comIG: maggsb55X: bryant5maggie00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 Entering Professional Sports 04:09 Role with the Clippers 06:14 Staff Development and Team Dynamics 11:50 Handling Player Relationships 16:35 Challenges and Strategies 21:45 Communication and Decision Making 29:08 Innovations and Future Directions 34:22 Personal Insights and Advice 36:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

Erik is a nationally recognized physical therapist, consultant, and educator based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in sports rehabilitation and applying science to sports medicine, with his current focus on supporting professional and elite collegiate athletes.In this episode, he shares his observations on the gaps medical & performance professionals typically have when it comes to applying science into their practice. The conversation delves into what is really "evidence-based practice" and the critical appraisal of new technology in high-level basketball. Speaking from over two decades of experience, he advocates for the role of practitioners as guides rather than "fixers", stressing the need for transparency, hammering the basics well, and keeping interactions centered around the athlete's values.Learn more about Erik and his courses at: www.thesciencept.comRegister for the Elite Rehab Basketball Conference at: https://basketball.eliterehabconferences.com/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------01:05 Starting the PT Inquests Podcast 02:37 Journey into Physical Therapy 04:42 Developing a Unique Practice 06:00 Engaging with Higher-Level Athletes08:02 Evidence-Based Practice in Physical Therapy 09:06 Challenges in Research and Application 22:13 Efficacy vs. Effectiveness in Therapy 28:18 Critically Appraising New Technology 29:22 Identifying and Addressing Performance Gaps 30:23 Challenges with High-Tech Solutions in Sports Science 32:50 The Importance of Simplicity in Athletic Testing 33:53 Athlete Perception and Technology 35:03 Focusing on Fundamentals Over Cutting-Edge Tech 36:57 Addressing Basic Issues in Athletic Performance 43:46 The Role of Medical Providers in Sports 52:32 Elite Basketball Rehab Conference and Networking 56:15 Online Courses and Resources for Professionals

Finish Strong Hoops is your premiere source for industry insights into basketball athletic performance and health. This podcast will bring exclusive interviews with leading experts in sports science, performance training, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Each episode will unpack the latest science and turn it into real-world strategies to help you deliver high-quality services to your athletes.