We had the pleasure of sitting down with ISEH’s David Bartlett in between supporting athletes during The Hundred to learn more about his role in the tournament. Our conversation offered insights into his responsibilities, the most challenging aspects of his work, common injuries, and whether these injuries are becoming more frequent or tend to recur.
We were keen to hear how he balances his commitments at The Hundred with his role at ISEH, and to gather his advice for aspiring sports medicine professionals looking to work with elite athletes at major sporting events.
What is your role at The Hundred, and how long have you been involved in this?
I’m the Physiotherapist for the Welsh Fire Men’s Team in The Hundred, and I’ve been involved since the competition’s inaugural year in 2021.
What are your main responsibilities, and which areas do you focus on the most?
My role centres on injury assessment and management, delivering effective recovery strategies, and ensuring players are physically prepared to perform. I also see it as my responsibility to be a positive energy-giver in the squad environment!
What would you say is the most challenging part of your job?
Balancing the demands of match-day intensity, short recovery windows, and unpredictable injury scenarios, while maintaining a calm, positive presence for the team can be the biggest challenge.
What types of injuries do you typically see and treat during the tournament?
In cricket, common injuries include pars defects, hamstring strains, finger fractures from catching or batting impacts, and shoulder pain related to throwing. Managing these involves accurate diagnosis and treatment planning with targeted rehab, and return-to-play strategies that get players back on the field quickly without compromising their long-term health.
Have you noticed an increase in injuries in recent years? Are there certain types of injuries that tend to recur more often?
The Hundred’s workload is lower than longer formats, but the shorter format demands high-intensity which I believe can result in more soft tissue injuries like hamstring or calf strains, compared to the bone stress injuries we might see more often in longer seasons.
How do you manage your responsibilities at The Hundred alongside your role at ISEH?
I continue to run the Concussion Clinic alongside Professor Mike Loosemore MBE at the ISEH, and I’ve scheduled my clinical work around our fixture list, particularly our matches in London at The Oval and Lord’s, so both commitments run smoothly.
What advice would you give to aspiring sports medicine professionals who want to work with elite athletes at major sporting events?
Be prepared for long, unsocial hours and to adapt quickly to often unusual scenarios! Clinical competencies are vital, but so is the ability to bring energy and positivity to the group, you’re part of the team culture, not just the medical department!
About David…
David is a valued member of our specialist team at the ISEH Concussion Clinic, providing first class care to patients, working closely with Professor Mike Loosemore MBE. As an accomplished physiotherapist, he brings extensive expertise, supporting the recovery and long-term well-being of individuals affected by concussion injuries.
Our wider multidisciplinary team provides individual care to some of the worlds leading athletes across a range of sports, including professional rugby, Premier League football, Olympic disciplines, motorsport, and world championship boxing.
Find out more about the ISEH Concussion Clinic.
