About this episode
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/