This is the first interview that we've done for the South Loop Strength & Conditioning podcast, and our guest is Liz Yerly of The Chicago Recovery Room.

Liz has a plethora of letters after her name: MPT (Master of Physical Therapy), ATC (Certified Athletic Trainer), LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) & CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist). While certifications don't necessarily mean much in the grand scheme of things, her devotion to continuing education gives her a unique perspective on both treating injured athletes and helping people maximize their performance.

Liz works as a physical therapist and also has relationships with local CrossFit gyms, the Association of Volleyball Professionals and the Chicago Performing Arts Team.

Listen Here

Learn More About Liz & The Chicago Recovery Room

Resources Mentioned

Other links – Liz sent over a few more resources after the fact

Blogs

Books

Continuing Education

Show Notes

  • Difference in licensure between physical therapy, athletic training and massage therapy
  • What kind of clients are treated by the Recovery Room?
  • What is the relationship between recovery and soreness? What role does lymph play?
  • What's the deal with the ice controversy? Does contrast therapy change this at all?
  • When should active recovery be used and how much is too much?
  • Is there a reliable way to measure recovery – like HRV (heart rate variability)?
  • What can people accomplish through self-care (foam rolling, stretching) and when should they get treated?
  • How can you differentiate between mobility issues and motor control issues?
  • How much can psychosomatic effects add to chronic pain issues?
  • How can people differentiate between "pain" and "discomfort" when training?
  • What are some things to consider when balancing training and recovery for long-term athletic development?
  • How do you convince motivated, Type A people that it's ok to take time off from training?
  • What type of continuing education do you find valuable?