Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How does physical therapy help athletes like Ronda Rousey, George Saint-Pierre or Conor McGregor? Why is it important to involve physiotherapists in the training of athletes before a fight and after the fight as well?
Heather is the Director of Physical Therapy Center of the UFC. The UFC managed to establish mix martial arts as a respected and highly valued sports discipline gaining popularity across the globe. It is only natural that they would set the standards of care regarding physical functionality for athletes in this sport. Heather explains how she transitioned from olympic athletes program to the UFC. The beginnings were not easy, as many athletes were not familiar with a physical therapist, yet her and her team managed to gain the trust they needed to increase the performance of the athletes. Heather shares her views on the "hot vs cold" controversy and clarifies how electro-stimulation can be used. In her opinion, a lot of doctors don't know enough about the level of professionalism in physical therapy and neglect to cooperate and communicate more with experts in this field, often with severe consequences.
Guest: Heather Linden, Director of Physical Therapy, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Host: Michal Hulik, psychologist
How does physical therapy help athletes like Ronda Rousey, George Saint-Pierre or Conor McGregor? Why is it important to involve physiotherapists in the training of athletes before a fight and after the fight as well?
Heather is the Director of Physical Therapy Center of the UFC. The UFC managed to establish mix martial arts as a respected and highly valued sports discipline gaining popularity across the globe. It is only natural that they would set the standards of care regarding physical functionality for athletes in this sport. Heather explains how she transitioned from olympic athletes program to the UFC. The beginnings were not easy, as many athletes were not familiar with a physical therapist, yet her and her team managed to gain the trust they needed to increase the performance of the athletes. Heather shares her views on the "hot vs cold" controversy and clarifies how electro-stimulation can be used. In her opinion, a lot of doctors don't know enough about the level of professionalism in physical therapy and neglect to cooperate and communicate more with experts in this field, often with severe consequences.
Guest: Heather Linden, Director of Physical Therapy, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Host: Michal Hulik, psychologist
