032: Science of Stretch, Biomechanics of Shoes, and Injury Risk with Dr. Leada Malek

“Longevity should be on everyone’s mind, not just getting through the season.”

Dr. Leada Malek

In our latest episode of the Finding Small Wins podcast, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Leada Malek, an innovative physical therapist who has seamlessly blended her clinical expertise with entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Malek shares her journey from traditional sports physical therapy to becoming a thought leader in the field, driven by her passion for helping people stay active and injury-free.

During our conversation, Dr. Malek opens up about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from a busy sports clinic in the Bay Area to developing a dynamic online presence that caught the attention of major brands like Adidas. She dives deep into the evolution of her career, starting from offering free virtual sessions during the pandemic to becoming an adjunct faculty member and a collaborator on high-profile projects.

A key theme in this episode is Dr. Malek’s emphasis on the importance of understanding individual goals, whether working with athletes recovering from injuries or helping everyday people maintain an active lifestyle. Her holistic approach to physical therapy, which includes considering factors like sleep, stress, and nutrition, offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their performance and well-being.

Dr. Malek also discusses her involvement in designing a campaign for Adidas’ latest strength training shoe, the Dropset 3, where she played a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition of physical therapists as integral contributors to product development in the sports industry.

Listeners will also hear Dr. Malek reflect on the process of writing her book, The Science of Stretching, and how it challenged her to confront her own biases and dig deep into the evidence surrounding flexibility and its role in performance and injury prevention.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for physical therapists, athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of health, performance, and entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn from Dr. Malek’s experiences and discover how you can apply her insights to your own journey.

Dr. Leada Malek website.

Dr. Leada Malek on Instagram.

Key Takeaways

• Setting goals and tailoring treatment plans are essential in physical therapy to meet the individual needs of each client.
• Understanding shoe wear in the fitness world is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
• The design of a shoe should consider factors such as heel drop, cushioning, and stability to match the specific activity or sport.
• Simplifying anatomy and physiology can help a broader audience understand the science behind stretching and movement. Flexibility and instruction have often been misunderstood and taken a bad rap, but they can be effective when approached with the right knowledge and understanding.
• Writing a book on stretching allowed Leada to address common questions and misconceptions about stretching and provide a comprehensive guide for readers.
• Injury risk reduction is a more accurate term than injury prevention, as it acknowledges that injuries can still occur but can be minimized through various factors.
• Understanding load management and individualized approaches are key in injury risk reduction and optimizing performance.
• Small wins, such as inspiring someone to try physical therapy or completing a project, can be meaningful and motivating in the journey of healthcare and entrepreneurship.nomy, and relatedness.
• Listening to athletes and understanding their individual experiences is crucial for their development and building trust.
• Small wins in sports include winning championships and creating a culture of vulnerability and support.

Flexibility and instruction has taken a bad rap over the years as far as, it doesn’t work, it does work.”

episode timeline

00:00 Leada’s Origin Story and Shifting Gears During the Pandemic
08:14 The Importance of Specializing in Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)
10:05 Approach to Physical Therapy: Setting Goals and Tailoring Treatment Plans
12:24 The Trend of Longevity in the Movement and Health Space
15:20 Working with Athletes and Cool Experiences with Exos
19:08 Designing a Shoe Campaign with Adidas
23:46 The Science of Stretch: Simplifying Anatomy and Physiology
34:11 Demystifying Flexibility and Instruction
37:24 The Process of Writing a Book on Stretching
41:36 Stretching and Performance
44:41 Injury Risk Reduction vs. Injury Prevention
50:29 Predicting and Preventing Injury
55:12 The Power of Small Wins
59:55 Communication in Physical Therapy
01:02:28 Working with Athletes and Teenagers
01:04:20 Expanding the Role of Physical Therapists