Theresa is a Black Ferns Sevens Olympian, Commonwealth Games, World Cup & World Series athlete and Black Ferns 15s World Cup winner.

Injury: Post-op Knee Menisectomy + chronic compartment change

Physio: Kate Niederer – Black Ferns Sevens Physiotherapist

Rehab Programme: Underwater treadmill (UWT) was an excellent addition to our recovery plan for Theresa post-op. While she was still building strength (we wanted no less than a 20% strength deficit comparative to her non-operated side before we started running), we utilised the UWT to get some running load and retrain gait mechanics, without the ground impact associated with field based running.

We started with short time intervals which we gradually progressed by increasing time and then volume. Sevens is a speed/intensity based sport, so we prioritised intervals over longer endurance sessions. Once we started field based running, which was on alternating days, we continued one UWT training session per week to ensure she still had running based conditioning without the impact.

Theresa has now returned to full training and playing on the World Series, however her knee can still get stiff post tournament or travel. UWT is now an option for her first flush session when she gets home. This helps to free up the knee prior to her first on field run.

Athlete Perspective: The pool rehab was very valuable for me as it allowed me to progress into running without putting too much force in my knee. I was able to get an exposure closer to running on land as I would only be able to aqua jog in the past. I found the underwater treadmill very helpful in my return to run program.

Sam will be a two-time Olympian when he represents NZ in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics. Sam was 6th at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. In terms of NZ rankings, Sam has the second-fastest 1500m of all time and holds the Indoor 1500m record.

Injury: insertional achilles tendinopathy from overuse/lack of load management

Physio: Leanna Veal at Back In Action Physiotherapy

Coaches: Craig Kirkwood at CK Coaching (running) & Loretta Hogg at the Adams Centre (S&C)

Rehab Program: the program was developed with the input of both Leanna (physio) and Craig (coach). The challenge was to manage inflammation and load whilst preparing for the Olympics. The target was to get back to land running and gym sessions. Strength and conditioning work at the gym with Loretta was a constant throughout the program.

• The program started with anti-inflammatories and complete rest.
• Once inflammation had reduced, gym work and aqua jogging with a belt at Baywave began. Alternated daily between gym and pool.
• Next step was to begin hyrotherapy at Immersion, specifically to run on the treadmill with weight supported by the water. At Sam’s height, the water reduced the load by approximately 60%. Pool session frequency was every 2/3 days and was supplemented aqua jogging and stationary biking.
• Next step was alternating land running with running in the hydrotherapy pool. In the pool, a typical session would have the treadmill at max pace (6.67km/hr) and the swim current at 3:00 min/100m. Workouts (high heart rate) were done with the treadmill at 6.67km/hr and the swim current at 2:15 min/100m
• Next step was land running every day and using treadmill sessions in the pool to supplement/increase volume

Value of pool rehab: morning stiffness was an indicator of readiness to increase load. It was assessed daily between Sam, Leanna and CK. When pain was less than 2 out of 10, it was possible to run in the pool without irritation whilst maintaining some load. Hydrotherapy was good to simulate land workouts without aggravating the injury, especially within the Olympic time constraints.