Winter Sports, Master Boot Fitting and AFL Clinical Hacks with Emma Poynton

Michael Nitschke and Thomas Do Canto: The Athlete-Clinician Edge: Running, Resilience, and the Super Shoe Revolution

How do you bridge the gap between elite performance on the track and precision care in the clinic? For Thomas Do Canto, the 2024 Australian Marathon Champion and Michael Nitschke, a sub-4-minute 1500m runner and veteran sports podiatrist, the answer lies in empathy born from injury and a deep curiosity about human movement. Recording live from the 2025 ASICS SMA Conference in Hobart, hosts Pat and John sit down with two of the most respected voices in Australian running performance. They explore the evolution of sports podiatry from a "blended" profession to a recognised leader in lower limb biomechanics, emphasising that the best clinical outcomes often come from matching high-tech data with old-school communication. In this episode, we dive into: * The Athlete’s Empathy: How personal experience with almost every running injury imaginable helps Thomas and Michael build immediate "buy-in" and trust with patients. * The "Super Shoe" Spectrum: A deep dive into the shift from motion control to maximalist "super shoes". Michael explains why these shoes are the "e-bikes" of running—reducing the barrier to entry and making the sport more enjoyable for recreational runners. * Data vs. Nuance: Why Michael uses data to describe habits rather than prescribe them, and how Thomas utilises visual gait analysis to cut through the "noise" of modern technology. * The Psychology of the Injured Athlete: Strategies for managing competitive kids and parents, focussing on long-term resilience rather than rushing a return to play. * The Future of the Profession: Reflecting on the significance of a podiatrist delivering the keynote address at the SMA Conference and the importance of nurturing the next generation of passionate clinicians. * AI in the Clinic: How Thomas uses AI to reduce the administrative burden, allowing for more comprehensive and personalised patient education plans. Whether you're looking to optimise your own marathon training or looking for a blueprint on how to grow a specialised sports podiatry practice, this episode offers a masterclass in blending the art and science of running. Connect with our guests: * Thomas Do Canto: Instagram @thomasdocanto [https://www.instagram.com/thomasdocanto/] * Michael Nitschke: SPARC (Sports and Arthritis Clinic), Adelaide Instagram @sparc_sport [https://www.instagram.com/sparc_sport/] Join the SEPA Community [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au [https://www.sepa.org.au]

Dr. Chris Bishop: Precision Biomechanics, the Super Shoe Hype, and the Future of Orthotic Innovation

What defines excellence in sports podiatry in an era of tech overload? For Dr. Chris Bishop, a world leading expert in biomechanics and footwear, it starts with a return to the basics: a rapid, accurate diagnosis. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Chris’s prolific career as the founder of The Biomechanics Lab and his role as a consultant biomechanist for ASICS. Chris shares groundbreaking insights from his research on variable stiffness orthotics, explaining how 3D printing allows clinicians to tune devices for specific physiological gains, such as improving running economy by up to 4%. We also explore: * The "Super Shoe" Reality Check: Why foams matter more than plates, and why these high-velocity shoes might actually increase injury risk for novice runners. * The RUN-CAT Tool: How to objectively assess footwear comfort and why heel cushioning and forefoot flexibility remain the best predictors of patient adherence. * The Cricket Conundrum: Managing the extreme asymmetric loads of fast bowlers and why training load management often beats "magic" footwear. * The Tech Stack: Chris’s recommendations for essential clinical tools—from force plates to handheld dynamometry—and his "innovate or die" philosophy. * Career Blueprint: Advice for the next generation on building a world-class network and staying curious in a rapidly evolving field. Whether you are a seasoned sports podiatrist or a student just starting out, this episode is a masterclass in blending high-level research with pragmatic clinical excellence. Connect with Dr. Chris Bishop: * Instagram/Facebook: @thebiomechanicslab Join the SEPA Community [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/]Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au [http://www.sepa.org.au]

Matt Clarke: The Olympian’s Perspective on High-Performance Podiatry

In this episode, hosts Patrick Doan, Harriet Thurlow, and Aisling McHugh sit down with two-time Olympian and Sports Podiatrist, Matthew Clarke. Matt offers a rare "dual-lens" perspective, navigating the world of elite athletics as a 3,000m steeplechaser while maintaining a high-level of clinical practice. In this wide-ranging conversation, Matt shares how his experiences on the track directly inform his patient care, covering: * The Parallel Path: How Matt’s journey into elite running began simultaneously with his podiatry studies at La Trobe University to "fill the void" of a light first-year contact schedule. * Creative Problem Solving: Why sports podiatry often requires "throwing out the rule book" to help athletes meet aggressive recovery timelines. * Injury as a Teacher: A look at Matt’s personal battles with hamstring tears and a complex Achilles sheath injury, and how being a "terrible patient" taught him to better empathise with his clients. * The Steeplechase Nuance: The biomechanical demands of "running over something," the neuromuscular economy of hurdling, and why a "springy" Achilles is non-negotiable for elite runners. * Footwear Science: Matt’s expert take on the evolution of running shoes, from the benefits of Piba foam and high-stack rockers to the transition from specialised leather spikes to modern ventilated uppers. * Clinical Psychology: How the skills of "psychoanalysing" patients in the clinic—tailoring communication to suit anxious or ambitious personalities—transfer to coaching the next generation of athletes at Team Tempo. Whether you are a competitive runner, a clinician, or a student, Matt’s insights into balancing the "risk-reward" of elite performance provide a masterclass in modern sports medicine Guest Bio: Matt Clarke Matt Clarke is a dual Olympian in the 3,000m steeplechase, having represented Australia at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He is currently the reigning Oceania and Australian champion and holds the South Australian record for the steeplechase with a personal best of 8:16.57. When he is not competing on the world stage, Matt is a practicing sports podiatrist at the Sports and Arthritis Clinic in South Australia. He specialises in helping athletes optimise performance and prevent injury by integrating evidence-based clinical practice with his firsthand knowledge of elite-level training. Matt also serves as a coach for Team Tempo, where he mentors developing distance athletes. His unique "clinician-athlete" perspective allows him to bridge the gap between high-performance sports and specialised podiatric care. Stream now to join the conversation on clinical excellence and elite performance. 🎧👟 Join the SEPA Community [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/]Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au [http://www.sepa.org.au]

Winter Sports, Master Boot Fitting and AFL Clinical Hacks with Emma Poynton

In this episode, hosts Patrick Doan, Darcy Dore and Harriet Thurlow sit down with Sports Podiatrist, Emma Poynton and explore the intersection of clinical excellence and practical innovation. Emma brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of professional sport; currently serving as a podiatrist for the Western Bulldogs (AFL/W) and the Australian Open. In this technical deep-dive, Emma shares her fascinating insights into the world of elite sports medicine, covering: * Winter Sports Biomechanics: Why skating and skiing require power to be driven off the medial edge of the foot rather than a traditional heel-to-toe motion. * The Rigidity Challenge: Navigating the "turf war" between podiatrists and boot fitters when fitting orthotics into carbon-fibre skates and $1,500 ski boots. * AFL Realities: Why "funky" big toe joints (1st MPJ changes) are so prevalent in professional football and how she manages the chaos of pre-season overload. * The Australian Open: Earning player trust in the "dungeon" of Rod Laver Arena and why a "less is more" approach is vital for Grand Slam success. * The Elite Toolkit: A look at the "iconic" clinical hacks Emma uses to modify professional boots; from grinding studs to using a cobbler for brand-locked athletes. Whether you are a student, a private practitioner, or aspiring to work in high-performance sport, Emma’s "keep it simple" philosophy offers a masterclass in clinical confidence. Guest Bio: Emma Poynton Emma Poynton is a specialist sports and exercise podiatrist and a Master of Health Specialisation (Podiatric Medicine). She currently serves as the consultant podiatrist for the Western Bulldogs (AFL/W/VFL) and is a key member of the elite sports medicine unit at the Australian Open. With a background as a high-level athlete in ice hockey, Emma brings a unique "clinician-athlete" perspective to her work. She is a recognized leader in the field, dedicated to advancing podiatric standards within multidisciplinary high-performance teams and mentoring the next generation of sports clinicians. Stream now to join the conversation on clinical excellence and elite performance. 🎧👟 Join the SEPA Community [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/]Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au [http://www.sepa.org.au]

The High-Performance Foot with Sam Turner

In this episode, hosts Patrick Doan and John Charles welcome Samuel Turner, a prominent sports and exercise podiatrist with the rare distinction of being dually qualified as both a podiatrist and an orthotist. Sam operates out of Life Performance Sports Medicine in Melbourne and has built a career at the intersection of clinical excellence and elite athletic performance. The conversation explores Sam’s extensive experience as a consultant for professional football clubs, including North Melbourne (AFL/AFLW) and Western United (A-League). From the technical nuances of orthotic prescription, to the high-stakes management of sponsorship and footwear design, Sam provides an insider's perspective on what it means to truly "own the foot" in a professional sporting environment. This episode is essential for clinicians looking to refine their orthotic manufacturing knowledge, understand the varying biomechanical demands of different football codes, and learn how to integrate effectively into high-performance medical teams. Key Topics Covered: * Defining the Specialty: Sam discusses the evolving scope of sports and exercise podiatry, emphasizing a focus on "people who move"—from elite professional athletes to the broader active population. * The Orthotist Advantage: An exploration of how Sam’s background in prosthetics and orthotics informs his "less is more" philosophy, prioritizing therapeutic impact and comfort over excessive material. * The Modern Orthotic Toolkit: A candid discussion on the evolution of materials, comparing EVA and polypropylene with 3D printing technology, and why clinical outcomes must always outweigh the "novelty" of new tech. * Football Code Demands: Insights into the specific injury profiles of AFL versus Soccer, including the management of Achilles pathologies, Jones fractures, and the specific footwear challenges faced by AFLW athletes. * The Commercial vs. Clinical Balance: How to navigate player sponsorships and the aesthetic preferences of athletes while maintaining a primary focus on injury prevention and gait efficiency. * High-Performance Screening: A look at the components of a professional pre-season screening and how to implement effective podiatric checkpoints within a busy multidisciplinary club. Guest Bio: Samuel Turner Sam Turner is a highly specialized sports and exercise podiatrist and qualified orthotist. He currently serves as a consultant podiatrist for the North Melbourne Football Club and Western United Football Club, while maintaining a clinical practice at Life Performance Sports Medicine in Melbourne. A recognized expert in football biomechanics, Sam is a leading advocate for footwear education and is widely known via his professional platform, "That Football Podiatrist." He is dedicated to advancing the role of the podiatrist within elite sports medicine and high-performance environments. Stream now to join the conversation on the future of sports podiatry and elite performance. 🎧👟 Join the SEPA Community Enjoyed this conversation and want to elevate your career in sports and exercise podiatry? Join SEPA and become a member today. [https://www.sepa.org.au/you/become-a-sepa-member/] Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or an established clinician, SEPA offers a world of opportunity—from exclusive access to the latest research and CPD, to mentorship and networking with some of the most respected names in the field. www.sepa.org.au