Tom Tombleson: Correcting Biomechanics: Risk v Reward Decision Making
Mar 12, 2025
Episode 177: Join host Andy McDonald on our Inform Performance Podcast, for an in-depth conversation with Tom Tombleson, a renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach with extensive experience in professional rugby and elite sports. As a former professional rugby player and a lead Strength & Conditioning Coach for England Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Manchester City FC, and GB Rugby 7’s, Tom shares expert perspectives on conditioning, rehabilitation, movement mechanics, and the evolving demands of high-performance sport.
Topics Discussed
- Understanding Tendinopathy and Movement Mechanics
- Case Studies in Athlete Rehabilitation
- Navigating Movement Patterns in Athletes
- Identifying Subtle Signs of Athletic Issues
- Individualizing Player Preparation
- Evolving Conditioning Strategies
- Common Conditioning Approaches in Rugby
- Leveraging Strengths in Conditioning
- Minimum Standards & Metrics in Conditioning
Key Points
- Rehab as a Development Opportunity: Recognize rehabilitation periods as prime opportunities to address underlying performance deficits, particularly in demanding competitive schedules that limit conventional training. Utilize this time to correct chronic movement issues, restore biomechanical efficiency, and rebuild athlete confidence, creating a more resilient and higher-performing athlete upon return.
- Tendinopathy Treatment Beyond Loading: Understand that while tendon-loading strategies are a common initial approach for tendinopathies, they are not universally effective. When standard protocols fail, consider alternative approaches.
- Investigating the 'Why' of Tendinopathies: When faced with a tendinopathy, shift the focus from solely treating the tissue to understanding the underlying cause. Ask why that specific tendon became symptomatic and not its contralateral counterpart. This prompts a deeper investigation into biomechanical imbalances, movement patterns, and systemic factors contributing to the injury.
- The Kinetic Chain and Compensatory Overload: During tendinopathy assessments, thoroughly evaluate the function of joints and structures throughout the kinetic chain, rather than solely focusing on the site of pain. Identify weaknesses or dysfunctions that may lead to compensatory overload and increased stress on the affected tendon.
- Holistic Approach to Tendon Health: Recognize that isolated tendon loading is often insufficient to resolve tendinopathies. Address the root cause by examining the entire system, including biomechanics, muscle activation patterns, and movement strategies, to identify and correct the factors contributing to the injury.
- Systemic Problem Solving: Emphasize the importance of viewing the body as an interconnected system. Identify the underlying factors contributing to injuries, and focus on holistic treatment approaches that address the root cause rather than solely focusing on the affected tissue. This can lead to more effective and long-lasting outcomes.
Where you can find Tom:
Sponsors
VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training
Hytro: The world’s leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.
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