EP 143: Matt Heyliger — Tissue Capacity vs. Biomechanics, Why Mobility Comes Before Strength, and the Eyeball Story

Matt Heyliger, DPT is one of the most knowledgeable people I’ve talked to when it comes to climbing-related injuries and rehab. We talked about climbing together in Ten Sleep, how he is currently helping me treat carpal tunnel syndrome, how to achieve long-term health and performance, his skiing injury and the eyeball story, top recommendations for climbers, lessons from living in Spain, and much more.Check out Athletic Greens!athleticgreens.com/NUGGETUse this link to get a free year's supply of vitamin D + 5 travel packs!Check out Rhino Skin Solutions!rhinoskinsolutions.comUse code “NUGGET” at checkout for 20% off your next order!Check out Grasshopper Climbing!grasshopperclimbing.cominstagram.com/grasshopperclimbingTell them I sent you to save $500 off a fully kitted out 8'x10' Grasshopper board! Check out Arc'teryx!arcteryx.comArc'teryx Presents: Free as Can Be  We are supported by these amazing BIG GIVERS:Leo Franchi, Michael Roy, David Lahaie, Robert Freehill, Jeremiah Johnson, Scott Donahue, Eli Conlee, Skyler Maxwell, Craig Lee, and Mark and Julie CalhounBecome a Patron:patreon.com/thenuggetclimbingShow Notes:  thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/matt-heyligerNuggets:0:06:01 – Camping iterations0:08:29 – Daughters, and fairy house construction0:10:06 – Spending a year in Spain, landing in Red Lodge Montana, and the bear den story0:14:13 – Moose battles, and mountain biking0:15:29 – The campsite, and our cold weather sends0:18:53 – An introduction to Matt and his path to physical therapy0:26:31 – How Matt diagnoses an injury (using my carpal tunnel as an example), and what Matt noticed about my shoulder mechanics0:38:54 – The skill of injury assessment0:40:15 – Tissue capacity vs. biomechanics, and ironing out issues early on in your climbing0:45:35 – Why you should pick up heavy stuff0:47:26 – Combining loading and optimal mechanics for long-term health and performance0:49:41 – The path forward for me to fix my carpal tunnel0:55:21 – Matt’s thoughts on manipulations and chiropractic work0:59:46 – Imaging in diagnosing injuries, and when imaging can be overused1:01:36 – Getting attached to a diagnosis1:04:06 – A bit about pain science, and the importance of hope1:06:48 – Language cues and mindset1:10:16 – How chest opening and mobilizing the thoracic spine will likely help fix my carpal tunnel1:12:12 – How to get my lower trapezius firing again, and the role of dry needling1:16:59 – My rehab plan for Hueco1:19:15 – Matt’s hopes for me in returning to Ten Sleep next year1:22:22 – Why mobility comes before strength1:25:26 – When to fit stretching into your schedule1:28:36 – Antagonist training, finger loading, and having a rest day movement activity1:32:23 – Yoga recommendations for climbers, and having a simple movement practice1:38:27 – The eyeball story1:58:16 – Spain2:05:01 – Embracing the slower pace2:08:46 – Work-life balance, and the emotional investment of doing work that you love2:16:36 – Matt’s vision for his PT business2:18:53