In this episode of the University Orthopedics PT Podcast with Dan Bien, Dan welcomes Nicole Surdyka, a soccer-loving physical therapist who knows the sport inside and out.
As a former collegiate player turned performance-minded clinician, Nicole brings a deep understanding of what it takes to keep athletes healthy, confident, and performing at their best.
Why ACL Injuries Hit Female Athletes Harder
One of the main threads of the discussion is the high rate of ACL injuries in female athletes — and what we can actually do about it.
Nicole breaks it down with equal parts research and real-world insight, explaining how a mix of biomechanical, hormonal, and social factors contributes to the problem. But her message is empowering: female athletes aren’t fragile — they just need programming that reflects how their bodies work.
“We can’t change anatomy,” Nicole explains, “but we can absolutely change how we move.”
From better warm-ups to landing mechanics, strength symmetry, and proper load management, the conversation is full of practical strategies coaches, therapists, and athletes can start applying today.
From Rehab to Return-to-Play — Closing the Gap
Dan and Nicole also dig into one of the most overlooked parts of recovery: the transition from the clinic to the field.
Cleared for play doesn’t always mean ready for play, and Nicole stresses the importance of sport-specific conditioning and psychological readiness before an athlete returns to full competition.
She shares examples from her own practice of blending clinical rehab with on-field movement patterns, helping athletes regain confidence, not just strength.
Mindset Matters: Building Confidence After Injury
Another powerful moment in the episode comes when Nicole talks about the mental side of ACL recovery.
Fear of re-injury can hold athletes back long after the knee itself has healed. That’s where individualized coaching, realistic progression, and consistent support can make all the difference.
“Rehab isn’t just about tissue healing — it’s about rebuilding trust in your body.”
Nicole’s Advice for Young Female Athletes
When asked what message she’d give to young athletes, Nicole’s advice is refreshingly simple:
“Don’t wait for an injury to start taking care of your body.”
She encourages coaches and players alike to make prehab a regular part of training — working on strength, balance, and coordination long before injury strikes. Prevention, she reminds us, is performance.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who works with or loves female athletes.
Nicole Surdyka’s insights blend science, empathy, and on-field experience — offering a clear reminder that ACL injuries aren’t just bad luck; they’re often preventable with the right approach.
If you haven’t tuned in yet, listen to the full conversation on the PT Podcast.
And if you find it helpful, share it with your teammates, clients, or coaching staff — because the more we understand, the better we can move.
Follow Nicole Surdyka:
- IG: @femmefc
- Femme FC Podcast
- YouTube: Femme Football Collective
About Dan Bien
Dan Bien is a physical therapist at our Kettle Point Campus in East Providence. Dan has worked at University Orthopedics since 2006 and serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Education for the physical therapy department.
Dan is currently recognized as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.