276: Coaching Through Rehab with Michael Carolan

This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Carolan, a performance coach and subject lead in sport rehabilitation at the University of Salford. With nearly two decades of experience across elite sport, the military, and education, Michael shares a refreshingly honest and deeply practical perspective on what it really means to coach athletes through injury and recovery.

Whether you're a coach, therapist, or performance practitioner, this episode offers a wealth of real-world insights you can apply immediately.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why rehab should be treated as coaching, not just therapy
• How communication and trust are at the heart of effective injury recovery
• The mental toll of injury, and how to keep athletes feeling connected and valued
• Why protocols are useful, but experience and adaptability matter more
• How to “train around injury” and keep performance progressing
• The role of environment, load tolerance, and coaching cues in recovery
• How elite recoveries (like NFL star Aaron Rodgers') can mislead athletes
• Why Michael teaches his students to “get miles on the soul” through experience
• How to filter hype, stay objective, and build athlete autonomy

Michael’s no-nonsense, athlete-first approach is as insightful as it is relatable, combining science, coaching, and a human touch in every decision he makes.

About Michael Carolan
Michael Carolan is a highly experienced performance coach and academic specialising in sport rehabilitation. He is the Subject Lead and Programme Lead for Sport Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, where he teaches and mentors future practitioners while supporting clinical practice through partnerships with organisations like the PFA and Salford City Council. With a background spanning elite athletics, rugby, professional football, and the British military, Michael brings a unique blend of hands-on coaching, clinical rehab, and academic insight. He continues to work directly with athletes across the world, from youth sprinters to pro footballers, helping them navigate injury and return stronger than before.

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