The Rehab Runway Podcast

🎙️ The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room

to the Track

Hosted by Sports & Exercise Chiropractor Luke Nelson

Welcome to The Rehab Runway — the podcast where running meets rehab.

Join Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach Luke Nelson as he takes you from the treatment room to the track, exploring the science and stories behind running performance, injury rehab, and athlete resilience.

Whether you’re a runner chasing your next PB or a health professional looking for evidence-based insights, this show will help you bridge the gap between injury and performance.

💡 What You’ll Learn

Evidence-based insights into running biomechanics, injury prevention, and rehabilitation
Practical tips for coaches and clinicians working with runners
Expert breakdowns of research on tendinopathy, strength training, and performance
Real-world stories from athletes and health professionals in the running community

👟 About the Host

Luke Nelson is a Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach based in Melbourne, Australia.

For nearly two decades, he’s helped everyone from first-time runners to elite athletes move better, recover stronger, and perform at their best. Through his work at Health & High Performance, Luke combines clinical expertise with a deep passion for education, research translation, and community connection.

📱 Follow Luke on Instagram: @sportschiroluke

🎧 Listen to the Latest Episodes

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Episode 10 & 11: Calf Strains Explained: Diagnosis, Rehab and Return to Running with Brady Green

Calf strains are one of the most common and frustrating injuries in runners, yet they’re often misunderstood and prone to recurrence. In this two-part episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson is joined by physiotherapist and researcher Brady Green to break down how to accurately diagnose and classify calf strains, what actually matters in assessment, and how to approach rehab from early loading through to return to running. A practical, evidence-based guide for both runners and clinicians looking to reduce reinjury risk and get better outcomes.

Episode 9: Plantar Heel Pain Explained: Load, Foot Strength and the Truth About Heel Spurs with John Osborne

Plantar heel pain is one of the most common and frustrating injuries in runners, and one that is often misunderstood. In this episode, we break down what is really driving heel pain, from load and capacity to strength across the foot and calf complex. We also tackle some of the biggest misconceptions in this space, including the role of heel spurs and whether foot strength is undertrained or overhyped.

Along the way, we explore how factors like overall health and metabolic function can influence both the development and recovery of symptoms. Whether you are a runner dealing with heel pain or a clinician managing these cases, this episode provides clear, practical strategies you can apply straight away.

Ep 8: Running Identity, Injury, and the Mental Side of Rehab (with Freya Bronwin)

Running injuries don’t just affect the body, they can challenge identity, confidence, and the sense of self many runners build around the sport.

In this episode, psychotherapist Freya Bronwin joins Luke Nelson to explore the psychological side of injury and how both runners and clinicians can better navigate the mental demands of rehabilitation.

Ep 7: Muscle Cramps: It’s Not Just Salt

Muscle cramps suck.
But they’re probably not caused by what you think.

In this solo episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke breaks down the research behind exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC), including prospective Ironman and ultramarathon studies, lab-based cramp threshold trials, and emerging evidence on neuromuscular fatigue.

Ep 6: Achilles Tendinopathy: What Actually Matters with Prof Peter Malliaras

In Episode 6 of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson is joined by Peter Malliaras, world-renowned physiotherapist and tendon researcher, to unpack what actually matters in Achilles tendinopathy.

They explore tendon structure versus pain, subtendons and plantaris involvement, key assessment principles, the influence of stress, sleep, and metabolic health, and the true role of imaging.

The conversation also dives into practical management strategies, including region-specific rehab, isometrics and the Berlin approach, collagen, anti-inflammatories, injections, and shockwave therapy.

Whether you’re a runner dealing with persistent Achilles pain or a clinician refining your approach, this episode delivers clear, evidence-based insights you can apply immediately.

Ep 5: Masters Runners – Stronger, Smarter, and Still Getting Faster

Masters runners are the fastest-growing group in distance running, yet they experience higher rates of injury, late-race fade, and inconsistent training. In this episode of The Rehab Runway Podcast, Luke dives deep into the science and practical realities of running after 40, unpacking how ageing affects muscle, tendon, bone, hormones, recovery, and durability.

This episode is designed for runners who want to keep improving beyond 40, and health professionals working with masters athletes who want to move beyond a wear and tear narrative.

Ep 4: Gamechangers in Running Rehab: Lessons from The Running Physio, Tom Goom

In this episode, Luke chats with Tom Goom (The Running Physio) about the biggest gamechangers in running rehab. They cover how Tom’s approach has evolved, the key shifts in load management, the role of strength training, return-to-run essentials, and the most common myths and mistakes seen in running injuries. Tom also shares practical tips for runners and clinicians, insights into the future of running rehab, and key resources