166: The Sports Doctor Radio Show with Dr Robert Weil - Episode 166166: The Sports Doctor Radio Show with Dr Robert Weil - Episode 166
UK Health Radio Podcast
Sports podiatrist Dr Robert Weil talks with kinesiotherapist David Buchanan and medical fitness director Mike Andrews about balance, eccentric training and foot mechanics for athletes and seniors. Their conversation shares experiences from elite sport and shows how the same principles can help children, parents and older adults stay active and safer from injury.
47:18•2 Aug 2026
Feet, Balance and “Strengthening the Brakes” with David Buchanan and Mike Andrews
Episode Overview
- Balance and foot strength are presented as foundations for both athletic performance and fall prevention.
- Eccentric training – “strengthening the brakes” – is highlighted as crucial because many injuries happen on landings, not take-offs.
- Vibrational, circular soft-tissue techniques are preferred over compression, to support lymphatic flow and reduce tissue trauma.
- Parents are urged to avoid criticising children after games and to listen carefully for signs of pain or hidden injuries.
- Simple, regular home-based exercises can help seniors maintain mobility, especially when foot, ankle and diabetic issues are present.
“Bob always talked about eccentrics… he would say, you don’t see as many people get hurt on the jump, they get hurt on the landing. That’s why he said strengthen the brakes.”
What can we learn from those who have battled injury and stayed active well into later life? This high-energy Sports Doctor Radio Show episode shines a light on exactly that, with a strong focus on feet, balance and “strengthening the brakes”. Hosted by sports podiatrist Dr Robert Weil, the show reunites two long-time colleagues from the late sports therapist Bob Gajda’s legendary gym days. First up is kinesiotherapist David Buchanan from Roc Balanced Health and Performance.
He shares how a student internship catapulted him straight into hands-on work with elite athletes like Chicago Bears players, under Gajda’s keen eye.
David explains why Gajda pushed circular, vibrational soft-tissue work over compression, and why balance beams, mini-trampolines and rubber bands still underpin his training: “Everybody thinks balance is just standing on one foot… I want balance to become secondary.” David also talks about working with kids from fifth graders to pros, stressing how pressure on talented youngsters has grown.
He echoes classic advice from psychologist Jim Vickery: parents shouldn’t criticise in the car home and need to listen for signs of pain or overload. The second half shifts towards seniors with Mike Andrews, Medical Fitness Director at Restorefit. A former Blackhawks staffer and Gajda protégé, Mike recalls early adoption of orthotics and balance boards in pro hockey and figure skating.
Now, he applies the same principles to older adults—sometimes in their own living rooms—using home-based balance and strength work to keep them moving. He highlights how often foot and ankle issues show up in people with diabetes and how simple, regular movement can change daily life. The episode suits coaches, parents, athletes of all ages and health-conscious seniors who want straight-talking, practical ideas to stay strong, steady and active.
It might just make you look at your feet and balance in a whole new way.
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