Beyond the Bench: A Pro Sports Physio’s Journey with Philip Andersson

Description In episode 73 of the Physiotutors podcast, we talk to Philipp Andersson, a seasoned physical therapist and strength and conditioning coach who heads the medical department for IFK Värnamo in Sweden's top football league. Philipp shares insights into his unconventional journey into sports physiotherapy, starting with a passion for working in professional sports, leading to volunteering opportunities that paved his way into elite sports teams. Despite lacking initial connections, his determination and strategic volunteer work helped him secure his current role. Philipp discusses the unique challenges of working with both women's and men's football teams and the differences between training high-profile clients and professional athletes. He emphasizes the importance of sport-specific training and the need to connect gym work with on-field performance. The conversation also touches upon common injuries in soccer, particularly the prevalence of ACL injuries in women and muscle injuries in men, and the balance between performance and recovery. Philipp talks about the realities of working in professional sports, debunking myths about glamour and high salaries, and highlights the rewarding aspects, such as forming strong connections with players. He also shares his leadership philosophy, stressing the importance of listening and open dialogue within a multidisciplinary team. The episode concludes with insights into Philipp's daily routine and the demands of balancing personal life with a career in professional sports. Guest Philip Andersson is a Physical Therapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach leading the medical department for IFK Värnamo in Sweden’s top football league. With experience in elite women’s football and training high-profile clients, Philip brings a wealth of knowledge on athlete care and performance.   Content 00:00 Intro 00:35 Philip's Journey into Professional Sports 03:13 Challenges of working with Athletes vs. Celebrities 05:05 How he landed his clients 06:00 Most common injuries he sees 07:45 Different injuries in men's vs. women's sports 08:22 Decision-making for RTP in professional sports 09:46 What's physio really like in professional sports 12:07 Common misconceptions 14:35 Most rewarding moments 18:13 Differences working with high profile clients 19:17 Leadership lessons 20:45 Philip's Advice to land a job in professional sports 23:30 Use of non EBP in professional sports 28:08 Philip's work philosophy 29:20 A typical day/week 32:20 Career Plans 34:30 Bonus Story 37:50 Bonus Story 2 39:29 Contact Info & Outro   Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts