Second Opinion Sports Medicine Podcast

Unlock the surprising science behind how just four hugs a day can boost your survival—and what happens when you barely get any at all. If you’ve ever wondered how touch influences health, happiness, and human connection, this intimate conversation dives deep into the healing power of hugs, the impact of touch deprivation, and why we all need more genuine contact—especially in today’s disconnected world. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass explore the extraordinary benefits of hugging from a scientific and human perspective. They reveal that the minimum for survival is four hugs daily, but most people average just one or two—and that’s a problem. You’ll discover how hugs release oxytocin, strengthen your immune system, and foster social bonds that can literally add years to your life. We break down the cultural, psychological, and physiological importance of touch, highlighting how societies with more physical connection tend to have higher longevity and better mental health. You’ll learn about the role touch plays in emotional regulation, mental wellness, and even healing—covering everything from prison systems to childhood development. The hosts share compelling research, personal stories, and practical tips to incorporate more meaningful contact into your daily routine. 
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A finger gets slammed in a car door, a tournament clock keeps ticking, and a teenage catcher still has to receive pitch after pitch with scouts behind the backstop. That real-world collision between sports and medicine kicks off a wide-ranging conversation where we follow the injury from “tape it and play” to sudden swelling, urgent care, and the word that grabs everyone’s attention: cellulitis. 

We talk through what cellulitis looks like in the hand, why rapid swelling is a big deal, and how clinicians think about differentials after a crush injury, including when to get X-rays and why antibiotics often enter the plan. We also share the gritty side of sports medicine with a story about a severe MRSA case that shows how fast soft tissue infections can escalate and why “wait and see” is not always the right call. If you’re a parent, coach, athletic trainer, or athlete, you’ll leave with clearer red flags to watch for and better questions to ask when symptoms change. 

Then we shift to performance and mindset, because injuries rarely arrive at a convenient time. We dig into how athletes can compete when they are not 100%, how to redefine what “100% effort” means on a hard day, and how to keep a young player from spiraling into negativity after a handful of mistakes. We close with a lesson from elite endurance racing that applies to every sport: consistent mobility and recovery work can be the hidden advantage, improving efficiency, range of motion, and injury resilience in ways pure training volume cannot. 

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Unlock the secret to starting your mornings with purpose and energy—and discover how simple habits like sun exposure and intentional planning can transform your entire day. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life or struggled to get your day on track, this episode reveals practical, science-backed strategies you can implement immediately. Join Dr. Pawen Dhokal and Dr. Dustin Glass in a candid conversation that goes beyond typical advice. They share their personal routines, including the power of morning sunlight, the importance of planning the night before, and how small habits can have a profound impact on mental clarity, physical health, and overall productivity. You’ll learn why consistent morning rituals can boost your hormones, improve focus, and set a positive tone for the entire day—whether you’re an athlete, busy professional, or simply someone looking to elevate their daily routine. We break down tangible tactics such as:
 
The significance of sun exposure at sunrise for hormone regulation and mood enhancement
 
How committing to non-negotiables in your mornings can create lasting positive change
 
Practical planning tips to unload mental clutter and gain clarity before stepping into your day
 
Insights on integrating meditation, gratitude, and intentional movement into busy schedules
 
How habits like ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and supplements like bromelain can aid recovery from stubborn soft tissue issues
 
Plus, they delve into high-level sports medicine insights—like injury prevention for female athletes, understanding structural differences influencing ACL risk, and how proactive prehab can prevent lasting damage. If you’re an athlete, coach, or health enthusiast, you'll discover the critical importance of proactive care and personalized strategies to optimize performance and recovery. This episode isn’t just about health—it’s about mindset, discipline, and leveraging small wins to unlock your full potential. Perfect for anyone eager to reclaim control over their mornings, improve their health, or stay ahead in performance. Whether you’re a busy parent, athlete, or wellness seeker, these insights will inspire you to start each day with clarity and intention. Get ready to shift your perspective and take actionable steps today—because the best version of you begins first thing in the morning.
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Unlock the future of regenerative health with Dr. Tommy Rhee, a pioneer transforming tissue healing through topical stem cell technology. In this episode, discover how his groundbreaking product—introduced in 2024—can accelerate injury recovery, reduce inflammation, and restore tissue vitality without invasive procedures. Whether you're an athlete, a clinician, or someone eager to defy aging, this conversation reveals the science and story behind a simple, effective solution poised to revolutionize longevity and sports medicine. Dr. Rhee’s journey from elite sports chiropractor to regenerative innovator embodies the relentless pursuit of optimal healing. He shares rare insights into how cell-free signaling, microRNA, and innovative delivery systems like lipid nanoparticles are changing the way we treat injuries—from tendon tears to osteoarthritis. You'll discover why topical applications could soon replace injections as the gold standard, offering faster recovery with less downtime—a game changer for active lifestyles and aging populations alike. We break down:
 
The science of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and how they activate your body’s own repair mechanisms
 
The development and unique advantages of Dr. Rhee’s patented topical formula
 
Practical protocols for treating everything from sports injuries to degenerative joint disease
 
The future of regenerative medicine: from systemic effects to personalized wellness
 
How this technology can extend athletic careers and improve quality of life, no matter your age
 
Why does this matter? Because understanding and harnessing your body’s innate healing capacity unlocks new possibilities—delaying surgery, reducing dependence on pharmaceuticals, and enhancing longevity. Ignoring these advances may mean missing out on a faster, safer path to health. Perfect for clinicians seeking innovative tools, active individuals eager to optimize recovery, and anyone interested in longevity breakthroughs, this episode delivers tangible science wrapped in real-world application. Stay ahead of the curve—hit play to explore how simple topical therapy can make a profound difference in health and sports performance. Guest Credibility:

 Dr. Tommy Rhee is a highly experienced chiropractor and founder of Regen, specializing in regenerative wellness and soft tissue innovation. His work with professional athletes and ongoing research into cell signaling places him at the forefront of this exciting field.
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Most people don't realize how much the intersection of sports, medicine, and technology is evolving—and how these innovations can drastically reduce recovery times and prevent injuries. In this episode of The Second Opinion, Dr. Pawen Dhokal  and Dr. Dustin Glass pull back the curtain on the latest breakthroughs — from shockwave therapy to injury assessment at the game site — sharing real stories of athletes bouncing back faster than ever before. You'll discover how new treatments like shockwave therapy are revolutionizing pain management and tissue healing, often outperforming traditional methods. Dr. Glass reveals how he’s using this technology to accelerate recovery for chronic shoulder issues, with patients returning to weight-bearing and weight-lifting after just a few sessions. Plus, practical tips on on-field injury assessment: the crucial steps to identify nerve and blood flow compromise, and when to prioritize emergency care over immediate fix. We break down fascinating insights on how inflammation from diet and lifestyle influences injury risk—especially during high-stress seasons like fall and winter—and how you can optimize recovery by understanding systemic inflammation. Also, learn about the importance of clear, goal-oriented communication with athletes and patients, ensuring they stay motivated and realistic about their progress. 
Whether you're a healthcare professional, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this episode offers cutting-edge knowledge to help you stay ahead in sports medicine and maximize performance. With eye-opening stories, expert wisdom, and practical advice, it's essential listening for everyone committed to health, healing, and pushing limits. Guest credibility: Dr. Glass is a sports chiropractor specializing in innovative treatment modalities, helping patients achieve quicker recovery and better function through advanced therapies like shockwave. Prepare to be inspired by the future of sports medicine — faster recoveries, smarter injury care, and more confident athletes. Hit play now.
Available on all platforms including Apple & Spotify.

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IG & Tik Tok: @SecondOpinionSportsMed