Luke Nelson - Sports & Exercise Chiropractor

Luke Nelson - Sports & Exercise Chiropractor 🔹Fellow Sports & Exercise Chiropractor (AICE 2019)
🔸President Sports Chiro Australia
🔹Director Health & High Performance
❤️️Family, Running & Sports Chiro

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Health & High Performance! 🎄As another year comes to a close, we want to take a mome...
23/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Health & High Performance! 🎄

As another year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank our incredible clients for your continued trust and support throughout the year 🙏 It is a privilege to be part of your health, recovery, and performance journey, whether that means helping you move better, return from injury, or work towards new goals 💪

We truly love what we do, and it is the people we work with every day who make our work so rewarding ❤️ Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and for helping make Health & High Performance such a positive and supportive community.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and healthy Christmas 🎅🎁 and we look forward to supporting you again in the year ahead ✨

16/12/2025

Running Gait Analysis: When to Use It & How It Fits Into the Clinical Exam 🏃‍♂️

In the recent episode of The Rehab Runway podcast, The Running Physio Tom Goom breaks down where running gait analysis truly fits within the assessment of a runner, and just as importantly, where it doesn’t.

Rather than being a standalone test, Tom explains how gait analysis should be used to support clinical reasoning, guide decision-making, and link symptoms, capacity, and load tolerance back to running demands.

👋 Health professionals, if you work with runners, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎙️ The Rehab Runway, Episode: Gamechangers in Running Rehab with Tom Goom

🔗 Listen now: https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/tom-goom-running-physio-gamechangers-running-rehab

11/12/2025

🎧 NEW EPISODE DROPPED!
Ever heard of The Battery Test for runners? 🔋🏃‍♂️

In this week’s episode with THE Running Physio Tom Goom, we break down practical tools for assessing a runner’s readiness, confidence, and capacity to get back to training.

If you work with runners, or are one yourself, you don’t want to miss this one!

🎙️ The Rehab Runway, Episode: Gamechangers in Running Rehab with Tom Goom
🔗 Listen now: https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/tom-goom-running-physio-gamechangers-running-rehab

27/11/2025

🦵 Does Full Range of Motion Actually Matter for Calf Strength? 🦵

Most people know that deep calf raises strengthen the Achilles tendon…but what about the muscle itself? 🤔

A 2023 study put this under the microscope

Researchers had 42 untrained women train calf raises using three different ranges:
1️⃣ Full range: deep stretch → full raise�2️⃣ Partial (stretched): deep stretch → parallel�3️⃣ Partial (contracted): parallel → full raise
📊 What did they find?�
🔥 Training in the stretched position (deep → parallel) led to significantly greater hypertrophy of BOTH the medial & lateral gastrocnemius.

So what does this mean for your training?
🔑 If you want the biggest bang-for-buck gains for tendon, bone and muscle:�👉 Go heavy. Go slow. Go deep.�That long-muscle-length tension matters!

Perfect for runners, jumpers, and anyone wanting stronger calves💥

👋 Runners & Health Pros: if this taught you something new, hit like & share!


📚 Reference:�Kassiano W, Costa B, Kunevaliki G, et al. Greater Gastrocnemius Muscle Hypertrophy After Partial Range of Motion Training Performed at Long Muscle Lengths. J Strength Cond Res. 2023;37(9):1746–1753.

23/10/2025

Been dealing with a few ni**les lately, so here’s how I’m structuring my strength work to stay on top of them 👇

1A Hamstring iso holds: 3 seconds x 5 reps, 4 sets @ 90% MVC
1B Knee extension iso holds: 3 seconds x 5 reps, 4 sets @ 90% MVC
1C Single leg bounds: 8 reps, 3 sets

2A Bulgarian split squats: 8 reps, 3 sets
2B Weighted Copenhagens: 10 reps, 3 sets
2C Weighted side plank: 10 reps, 3 sets

3A Roman Chair Extensions: 12 reps, 3 sets
3B Single leg weighted calf raises: 8 reps, 3 sets

👉 What’s your go-to exercise when you’re working through a ni**le or rebuilding after injury?

21/10/2025

🏁 Finished your marathon? Here’s what most runners forget.
🎧 From The Rehab Runway Podcast, Ep 2: Beyond the Finish Line

During marathon prep, strength frequently declines.
�The long runs, the fatigue, the high mileage; they make it almost impossible to build strength in those final phases.

That’s why the post-marathon period and base phase are critical for rebuilding what’s been lost. 💪

In Episode 2 of The Rehab Runway, I dive into how to recover: not just by resting, but by restoring strength, energy, and motivation after race day.

🎧 Listen to Beyond the Finish Line: The Science of Marathon Recovery on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway/marathon-recovery

🎙️ I finally did it… I launched my own podcast!I’m so excited to introduce The Rehab Runway 🚀This has been years in the ...
15/10/2025

🎙️ I finally did it… I launched my own podcast!
I’m so excited to introduce The Rehab Runway 🚀

This has been years in the making, often pushed aside by the chaos of work, family, and life in general. But it’s finally here, better late than never, hey?! 😅

So why this podcast?�At my core, I find purpose in helping others: whether that’s the patients I treat, the runners I coach, or the health professionals I teach.
This platform is my chance to reach even more people and share insights that can truly make a difference.💡

Each episode dives into one of my biggest passions: running 🏃‍♂️�
You can expect practical, evidence-based conversations that bridge the gap between rehab and performance: whether you’re a runner wanting to stay healthy and strong, or a health professional helping others do the same.

There’ll be a mix of solo episodes where I share insights from the clinic and the pavement, plus a line-up of incredible guests I can’t wait to chat with. 🎤💬

And to kick things off…�🎧 Episode 1: Is running bad for your knees and hips?�One of the biggest myths that just won’t die 👀

🎙️ Listen now: https://www.healthhp.com.au/the-rehab-runway

🏃‍♂️The Asymmetrical Runner ⚖️We’ve been told symmetry = efficiency, performance, and fewer injuries 🤕But here’s the tru...
07/10/2025

🏃‍♂️The Asymmetrical Runner ⚖️

We’ve been told symmetry = efficiency, performance, and fewer injuries 🤕

But here’s the truth💥, perfect symmetry is a myth 🙅‍♂️

Asymmetry is often normal ✅, sometimes adaptive 💪, and rarely the villain it’s made out to be 😈

👉 Swipe through to learn where it matters, where it doesn’t, and what it means for your running 🏃‍♀️💨

💭 Asymmetries are part of every runner’s story: how do you see them in your running or clinical practice?

👇 I’d love to hear your insights below!

🔗 For the full blog, head to: https://www.healthhp.com.au/post/the-asymmetrical-runner-debunking-the-myth-of-perfect-symmetry

30/09/2025

⏱ Stronger, Faster: 7 Time-Saving Strength Tips for Runners

🏃‍♀️ Strength training is vital for runners—but it doesn’t need to take hours. Based on a 2021 review by Iversen, here are 7 ways to get the most out of your gym time.

🔑 Prioritize Target Areas
🎯 Address problem zones (e.g., quads for knee pain, calves for Achilles issues).
🎯 Focus on high-impact groups—calves, quads, hamstrings—for performance.

🔑 Microdose Sessions & Cut Reps
⏳ Swap 60-min lifts for 15-min micro-sessions.
🧮 Aim for 4+ sets/week per muscle group.
😮‍💨 Use moderate reps (6–12) but keep intensity high (near failure or 2 RIR).

🔑 Multijoint > Isolation
🏋️ Squats, deadlifts, and hip thrusts hit more muscles in less time than single-joint moves.

🔑 Bilateral Before Unilateral
⚖️ Bilateral lifts (squat, deadlift) are faster and efficient.
✅ Add unilateral work sparingly—it’s still valuable for runners.

🔑 Rest Smart
😴 1–2 minutes rest balances gains without dragging sessions out.

🔑 Superset for Efficiency
💪 Pair non-competing moves (e.g., deadlifts + calf raises) to cut downtime.

🔑 Streamline Warm-Up & Ditch Cooldown
🥵 Quick warm-up: dynamic movement or light sets before heavy loads (>80% RM).
🥶 Skip the cooldown—research shows little effect on soreness or injury prevention.

👋 If this helped, share with a runner who needs strength training but struggles for time!

📚 Reference
Iversen, V. M., et al. (2021). No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review. Sports Med, 51(10), 2079–2095.

16/09/2025

🦴 Running isn’t the bone-building exercise you think it is.

As a health professional working with runners, one injury I hate seeing is a bone stress injury. It means weeks (frequently months) off running, and a long road back to fitness.

But here’s the kicker:
Running doesn’t do a great job of building strong bones.
Sure, it’s weight-bearing — but that’s not enough.
Running involves repetitive, low-to-moderate impacts in a single direction. Your bones quickly become desensitised to that stimulus. After just 100 cycles, bone cells stop responding (Burr 2002) — which means most of your run isn’t actually making your bones stronger.

🧠 Bones love novelty and high force.
They respond best to:
✅ Jumping & hopping (especially with changes in direction)
✅ Heavy strength training (think squats, lunges, deadlifts)
These apply varied, high-impact, multi-directional loads, which actually stimulate bone growth and resilience.
👉 So if you’re a runner, don’t just run.

Lift. Jump. Move in new directions.
Your bones will thank you — and you’ll spend more time running, not rehabbing.

Runners & health professionals, what are your favorite bone building exercises?
📚 References
Burr DB, Robling AG, Turner CH. Effects of biomechanical stress on bones in animals. Bone. 2002;30(5):781–6
Hoenig, T., et al. (2024). "International Delphi consensus on bone stress injuries in athletes." British Journal of Sports Medicine: bjsports-2024-108616.
Warden, S. J., et al. (2014). "Management and prevention of bone stress injuries in long-distance runners." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 44(10): 749-765.
Warden, S. J., et al. (2021). "Preventing Bone Stress Injuries in Runners with Optimal Workload." Curr Osteoporos Rep 19(3): 298-307.

🏃‍♀️ Can strength training prevent running injuries? 🏋️‍♀️Research on the role of strength training in injury prevention...
14/09/2025

🏃‍♀️ Can strength training prevent running injuries? 🏋️‍♀️
Research on the role of strength training in injury prevention for runners has yielded mixed results. Let's dive into the studies and findings to shed light on this topic.

Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Running injuries are multifactorial, with strength training being just one aspect of prevention alongside training load, technique, and stress management.
2️⃣ Exercise intensity and selection matter; challenging exercises that progress over time are essential for reaping benefits.
3️⃣ Compliance is crucial; consistent and sustained participation in strength training programs reduces injury risk.

🎯Conclusion:
While the evidence on strength training's preventive effects for running injuries is mixed, incorporating it into a comprehensive injury prevention approach can be beneficial. Customized programs, exercise progression, and ensuring compliance are vital for maximizing effectiveness.
As health professionals, let's encourage runners to include strength training alongside other injury-prevention measures in their training regimen. 💪✨

👋Like & share this post if you found it valuable


📚REFERENCES
Baltich, J., et al. (2017). "Running injuries in novice runners enrolled in different training interventions: a pilot randomized controlled trial." Scand J Med Sci Sports 27(11): 1372-1383.
Bredeweg, S. W., et al. (2012). "The effectiveness of a preconditioning programme on preventing running-related injuries in novice runners: a randomised controlled trial." Br J Sports Med.
Desai, P., et al. (2023). "Effectiveness of an 18-week general strength and foam-rolling intervention on running-related injuries in recreational runners." Scand J Med Sci Sports.
Mendez-Rebolledo, G., et al. (2021). "The Protective Effect of Neuromuscular Training on the Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Youth Female Track-and-Field Athletes: A Clinical Trial and Cohort Study." J Sport Rehabil 30(7): 1019-1027.
Taddei, U. T., et al. (2020). "Foot Core Training to Prevent Running-Related Injuries: A Survival Analysis of a Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial." Am J Sports Med 48(14): 3610-3619.
Toresdahl, B. G., et al. (2020). "A Randomized Study of a Strength Training Program to Prevent Injuries in Runners of the New York City Marathon." Sports Health 12(1): 74-79.

🏃‍♂️ Just finished a marathon? The race may be over, but your recovery journey is just as important.Your muscles, tendon...
02/09/2025

🏃‍♂️ Just finished a marathon? The race may be over, but your recovery journey is just as important.

Your muscles, tendons, heart, and immune system all go through major stress during 42.2km — and how you recover can make or break your return to training.

💡 In this post, you’ll learn:
✅ How long it really takes your body to bounce back
✅ The best nutrition & hydration strategies post-race
✅ Why sleep is your #1 recovery tool
✅ Active recovery tips that actually work
✅ A handy Recovery Checklist to guide your first few weeks

Remember: finishing strong isn’t just about race day — it’s about respecting the recovery that follows.

✨ Save this post to guide your recovery & share with a training partner who just ran too!

💬 Comment below on your #1 recovery ritual! 👇

For the full blog, head to www.healthhp.com.au/post/marathon-recovery-guide

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