Summary of "Hour 3 – Dr. Mark Adickes, Surgery Sucks" on The Dan Patrick Show

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Adickes, a Harvard-educated orthopedic surgeon and former NFL offensive lineman. The discussion primarily revolves around the recent surge in Achilles tendon injuries within the NBA, exploring potential causes, preventative measures, and advancements in surgical techniques. Additionally, personal anecdotes about stem cell therapy and managing autoimmune conditions provide a compelling narrative on modern medicine's challenges and innovations.

1. The Surge in NBA Achilles Injuries

The conversation kicks off with a pressing question: Is the recent increase in Achilles tears among NBA players merely coincidental, or is there an underlying cause? Dan Patrick raises the issue, noting that players like Kevin Durant, Tyrese Halliburton, and others known for their step-back jumpers have been notably affected.

Dan Patrick (15:30):
"We saw Kevin Durant, Tyrese Halliburton, and Dame Lillard—all prominent step-back shooters—suffering Achilles tears. Is it just a coincidence?"

2. The Step-Back Jumper Theory

Dan introduces a theory suggesting that the prevalence of the step-back jumper—a move that has become a staple in modern basketball—might be contributing to the rise in Achilles injuries. This move, more common in the past decade, could be putting additional strain on players' calves and Achilles tendons.

Dan Patrick (17:45):
"Could the proliferation of the step-back jumper over the past decade be causing more direct pressure on players' calves and Achilles?"

3. Dr. Mark Adickes on Injury Mechanisms

Dr. Adickes provides a medical perspective, explaining that the step-back motion doesn't inherently generate more force than other movements like cutting or pushing off. He emphasizes that while the step-back requires significant lower-body engagement, it's not the sole factor behind the injuries.

Dr. Mark Adickes (20:10):
"The step-back isn't necessarily creating more force on the Achilles than other movements. It's more about the overall strain and how athletes condition their bodies."

4. Evolution of Athlete Conditioning and Lifestyle

The discussion shifts to how modern athletes differ from previous generations. Dr. Adickes posits that today's athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster, but their off-season conditioning might lack the activity levels of past generations, leading to increased injury susceptibility.

Dr. Mark Adickes (22:35):
"Athletes today are more explosive, but many lead more sedentary lifestyles when not training, which affects muscle and tendon health."

5. Preventative Measures and Training Techniques

Addressing prevention, Dr. Adickes advocates for improved training techniques that focus on strengthening muscles and tendons. He suggests that integrating more active conditioning and perhaps revisiting training regimens from previous eras could mitigate injury risks.

Dr. Mark Adickes (25:00):
"We need better training methods to strengthen the muscular and tendinous junctions. Increased activity outside of strict training schedules could also help."

6. Advances in Achilles Surgery

The conversation then explores advancements in surgical techniques for Achilles tears. Dr. Adickes highlights that minimally invasive surgeries have reduced recovery times and improved healing processes, allowing athletes to return to play within eight to nine months.

Dr. Mark Adickes (28:15):
"With minimally invasive techniques, recovery from an Achilles tear has improved significantly, enabling return to sports in about eight to nine months."

7. Personal Journey with Stem Cell Therapy

Dan Patrick shares his personal experience with stem cell therapy to manage an autoimmune condition. He details his journey, including traveling to Panama for treatments involving umbilical cord stem cells, and discusses the mixed results and ongoing hope for future medical advancements.

Dan Patrick (32:50):
"I went to Panama for stem cell therapy, receiving 50,000 stem cells daily for five days. It took about five months before I started feeling improvements, but the results were mixed."

8. Listener Calls: Managing Autoimmune Conditions

Throughout the hour, several listeners call in to share their struggles with autoimmune diseases and orthopedic injuries. These personal stories underscore the complexities of diagnosing and treating such conditions, highlighting the importance of specialized medical centers like the Mayo Clinic.

Listener Ben from Minnesota (45:20):
"My sister struggled for years before finding answers at the Mayo Clinic, where multiple specialists worked together to diagnose her autoimmune condition."

9. The Future of Medical Treatments

Dr. Adickes envisions a future where gene therapy and advanced stem cell treatments play a pivotal role in healing injuries and managing chronic conditions. He believes that integrating these technologies could revolutionize how athletes recover and maintain peak physical condition.

Dr. Mark Adickes (50:10):
"Gene therapy combined with stem cells could guide the body to heal more effectively, potentially preventing conditions like arthritis and enhancing recovery from injuries."

10. Conclusion: Balancing Modern Medicine and Athlete Health

The hour wraps up with reflections on the balance between pushing athletic performance and ensuring long-term health. Dr. Adickes and Dan Patrick emphasize the need for continual advancements in medical science and training methodologies to support athletes in maintaining both their careers and their well-being.

Dan Patrick (55:45):
"It's crucial to find that balance between enhancing performance and safeguarding our athletes' long-term health. Medical advancements must keep pace with the demands of modern sports."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Dan Patrick (17:45):
  "Could the proliferation of the step-back jumper over the past decade be causing more direct pressure on players' calves and Achilles?"

• Dr. Mark Adickes (20:10):
  "The step-back isn't necessarily creating more force on the Achilles than other movements. It's more about the overall strain and how athletes condition their bodies."

• Dr. Mark Adickes (22:35):
  "Athletes today are more explosive, but many lead more sedentary lifestyles when not training, which affects muscle and tendon health."

• Dr. Mark Adickes (28:15):
  "With minimally invasive techniques, recovery from an Achilles tear has improved significantly, enabling return to sports in about eight to nine months."

• Dan Patrick (32:50):
  "I went to Panama for stem cell therapy, receiving 50,000 stem cells daily for five days. It took about five months before I started feeling improvements, but the results were mixed."

• Listener Ben (45:20):
  "My sister struggled for years before finding answers at the Mayo Clinic, where multiple specialists worked together to diagnose her autoimmune condition."

• Dr. Mark Adickes (50:10):
  "Gene therapy combined with stem cells could guide the body to heal more effectively, potentially preventing arthritis and enhancing recovery from injuries."

• Dan Patrick (55:45):
  "It's crucial to find that balance between enhancing performance and safeguarding our athletes' long-term health. Medical advancements must keep pace with the demands of modern sports."

Key Takeaways:

1. Increase in Achilles Tears: There's a noticeable uptick in Achilles tendon injuries among NBA players, potentially linked to modern playing styles like the step-back jumper.

2. Athlete Conditioning: Modern athletes' enhanced physicality coupled with more sedentary off-seasons may contribute to injury risks.

3. Medical Advancements: Minimally invasive surgeries and stem cell therapies are improving recovery outcomes, though challenges remain.

4. Personal Health Battles: Dan Patrick's experiences highlight the complexities and hopes tied to emerging medical treatments for chronic conditions.

5. Future of Treatment: Integrating gene therapy with stem cell treatments holds promise for more effective injury management and disease prevention.

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of modern sports, athlete health, and medical advancements, enriched by personal stories and expert insights from Dr. Mark Adickes.