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

 

Calf injuries are one of the most common and frustrating setbacks in runners. They are often misunderstood, frequently mismanaged, and carry a high risk of recurrence.

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In this two-part episode of The Rehab Runway, Luke Nelson is joined by physiotherapist and researcher Brady Green to unpack what actually matters when it comes to calf strain injuries.

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Across both episodes, they break down how to accurately diagnose and classify calf strains, what to prioritise in your clinical assessment, and how to structure rehab from early loading through to return to running.

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Whether you are a runner dealing with calf pain or a clinician managing it, this series provides a clear, practical framework you can apply immediately.

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▶️ Episode 10: Diagnosis, Classification and What Actually Matters

Focus: Understanding the injury

 

In Part 1, we break down:

• Why calf strains are so common and recurrent

• Key differences between soleus and gastrocnemius injuries

• The role of aponeurosis injuries

• Imaging vs clinical diagnosis

• How to assess calf strains without imaging

• Strength, endurance and explosive capacity testing

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👉 This episode builds the foundation for understanding calf injuries and why not all strains should be treated the same.

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​▶️ Episode 11: Rehab, Loading and Return to Running

Focus: What to actually do about it

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In Part 2, we cover:

• Early phase management and loading principles

• How to progress strength and capacity

• Plyometrics and explosive strength development

• Key return to running criteria

• Structuring weekly rehab and training

• Common mistakes that lead to reinjury

 

👉 This episode gives you a clear roadmap to rehab calf strains and safely return to running.

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🧠​ Key Takeaways

• Not all calf strains are the same — structure and location matter

• Strength alone is not enough — endurance and explosive capacity are critical

• Aponeurosis injuries require more careful progression

• Return to running should be criteria-based, not time-based

• Poor load management is a major driver of recurrence

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🎧 Listen to the Episode

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

 

If you found this episode useful, please consider sharing it with a runner or colleague, or leaving a review. It genuinely helps the podcast reach more people.

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👉 Listen on Spotify

👉 Listen on iTunes Ep 10, Ep 11

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🎙️ Connect with Brady

 

Brady Green is a physiotherapist and researcher specialising in muscle injuries, with a particular focus on calf strains in runners and athletes.

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He has worked in elite sport and contributes to research advancing how we diagnose, classify and rehabilitate muscle injuries. His work bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, helping clinicians improve outcomes and reduce recurrence.

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📲 Socials: X
🌐 Website: Pure Sports Physio
🔬Research Gate​

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🎙️ About the Host

Hosted by Luke Nelson, Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, running coach, and strength coach.​​​​​​​

• 📱 Follow Luke on Instagram: @sportschiroluke

• 🌐 Learn more & explore upcoming courses: www.healthhp.com.au​​​​​​​