I just returned to Los Angeles after completing an amazing eight day trip to Beijing, China. There I had the opportunity to work with the Chinese Olympic Committee,their rehabilitation staff and athletes. I gave two lectures with hands-on labs to their physiotherapists on Hip Impingement and Cyclist’s Syndrome (Pudendal neuralgia in cyclists). Did I talk about the pelvic floor muscles in both lectures? You bet I did! Monica is my awesome Mandarin translator pictured standing next to me below.
One thing I learned is that the training of physical therapists in the US and the training in China is very different. And I am not just referring to my discussions on pelvic health. This collaboration with physical therapists from the United States is an effort to elevate the care elite athletes are receving. As I know the value of a “pelvic floor physical therapist” in the big picture of optimizing an athlete’s care, I introduced concepts of training this muscle group in preparation for initiation of the desired movment with the larger muscle groups. Coordination and timing are EVERYTHING, and it all starts with the pelvic floor. In discussions of Cyclist’s Syndrome, I provided the staff with practical education and manual techniques that could be performed externally should an athlete present it’s the signs of symptoms.
I also had the opportunity to work with many of the olympic athletes and olympic hopefuls during my stay. Below is me with Ban Ban Yang, point guard for the Chinese national basketball team. You can check out more photos of me with the athletes on my Instagram @dr.heatherjeffcoat.
And here is me getting away for one day to walk the Great Wall. Honestly I was so deconditioned I’m still sore 4 days later, but I am proud that I made it all the way to the top at Mutianyu (in the pouring rain, no less!). Thankful for the rain, as it clearly kept the crowds away.
Special THANK YOU to Lilian Chen-Fortanesce for taking me along this incredible opportunity. Until next time…
