Private practice physical therapy is evolving — and treating MMA, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes requires more than standard orthopedic care. In this episode, PTs and clinic owners learn how to assess grappling injuries, improve performance, and understand combat sport demands from inside the UFC Performance Institute.
Heather Linden, Director of Physical Therapy at the UFC Performance Institute, breaks down what clinicians miss when working with combat athletes, how injury trends are shaping MMA, and why PTs should think beyond rehab and into performance.
If you want to stand out in your market, attract niche athletes, or sharpen your assessment skills, this conversation matters.
Busy clinic owners: this is a growing niche with high-performance expectations. Knowing the sport builds trust, referrals, and better outcomes.
Chapters
00:00 – Why Combat Sports Matter
04:18 – Shanghai Performance Expansion
10:42 – Returning To Live Events
16:35 – Assessing Grappling Injuries
24:10 – Submissions & Joint Stress
31:20 – Performance Beyond Rehab
