Sports
André Ferraz: Ultra Performance, Physical Therapy for Athletes
Ultramarathon runner and physical therapist André Ferraz reveals how to achieve high performance and longevity by challenging protocols and listening to the body.
In this episode of Xtremma Sports, Shubi Guimarães speaks with André Ferraz, a physical therapist with 18 years of experience and an ultramarathon runner. They delve into the sports journey and the crucial role of physical therapy in injury prevention. The discussion emphasizes training smarter, not just harder, for an active and unrestricted life.
On the XTREMMA Sports podcast, multi-athlete and educator Shubi Guimarães hosts André Ferraz, a sports physical therapist with over 18 years of experience and an ultramarathon runner. Their conversation delves into the pursuit of ultra performance, injury prevention, and the importance of an individualized approach to physical therapy, revealing valuable insights for athletes of all levels.
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The Journey of an Athlete Physical Therapist
André Ferraz's passion for sports was inherited, with his grandmother being a Pan-American volleyball champion. From an early age, soccer shaped his life, but a series of injuries led him to physical therapy. At 13, stress fractures in his lower back resulted in a year of treatment, revealing the profession's potential. Later, a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament reinforced his calling. In 2007, André entered college with the goal of caring for athletes and working in sports, but with a different vision for the market.
At just 23 years old and newly graduated, he opened his own 25m² practice on Faria Lima. His key differentiator was his networking ability and the opportunity to work with renowned doctors, such as Dr. Marcelo Filardi. In a short time, demand outstripped capacity, leading to the exponential growth of Clínica Físio. From 25m² to 300m² in just two and a half years, the clinic became a benchmark, with a methodology focused on intern development and an innovative management model. In 2021, Clínica Físio merged with Care Club, solidifying its legacy. However, at the end of 2023, André decided to pursue a solo career, focusing on his personal brand and what he truly believed: "People seek me out because I am André, not because of the clinic."
Ultramarathons: A Passion Discovered Late
Curiously, André Ferraz hated running until 2019. It was a challenge from coach Bizan of Nova Equipe – an ultramarathoner with over 100 marathons under his belt and a Type 1 diabetic athlete – that motivated him. Bizan promised to prepare him for a marathon in six months, training only three times a week. André accepted the challenge and, despite the struggle, completed his first marathon in Curitiba. This experience hooked him, and he soon set his sights on ultramarathons.
His first ultra was the Ultra Caminhos de Caravaggio (217 km) in May 2021. Since then, he has accumulated over 10 races of 200 km. He highlights the BR 135, one of Brazil's most challenging races, where he completed 200 km in 35 hours, an impressive feat. André emphasizes that in these extreme races, mental preparation is as important, if not more important, than physical preparation. He shares experiences of DNF (Did Not Finish) in races, attributing them to emotional and anxiety issues, demonstrating that "overcoming is not about going beyond the limit, but rather safely expanding the limit."
Physical Therapy: Movement, Not Rest, and the End of Protocols
André Ferraz's experience as an ultramarathoner transformed his view of physical therapy. He advocates that "injuries are treated with movement, not rest." If an athlete doesn't have a zero-load indication (like a fracture), they should continue moving, but with adapted loads. He is 100% against rigid protocols, as each individual responds differently. Physical therapy must respect the tissue healing phases, but the treatment approach needs to be highly individualized.
A crucial point for André is the athlete's pain threshold. High-performance athletes often tolerate intense pain, which can mask problems. He aims to understand the athlete's mindset and monitor signs like altered movement mechanics (limping) to adjust treatment. The goal is for the athlete not just to return to the sport, but to do so sustainably and without new injuries. Technology, such as GPS watches and heart rate monitors, is seen as a fundamental ally for monitoring training load and prevention.
Longevity in Sports: Train Smarter, Live Longer
For André Ferraz, the secret to longevity in sports, especially in endurance disciplines, lies in training intelligently and respecting rest. He warns against the common mistake of always seeking the fastest pace in interval training or ignoring the true function of regenerative workouts. "Rest is training," he asserts. Continuous overload, especially on tendons and joints, is the main cause of injuries. It is essential that the body has time to adapt and heal.
He points out that after 40 or 50, mindset and disposition are more decisive than chronological age. "The mental aspect is what determines it, not the physical," says André, illustrating with ultra performance, where mental resilience can overcome the physical advantage of a younger athlete in shorter races. Passion and a clear objective are powerful fuels to continue challenging limits and enjoying sports for many years.
Physical therapy, combined with sports, is for André Ferraz a vehicle for longevity and autonomy. In an increasingly sedentary society, movement becomes the essential "daily pill." The ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence in old age directly depends on the mobility and strength built throughout life. "There's no point in reaching 80 or 90 years old confined to bed," he reflects. Sports are not just about performance, but about quality of life and the ability to continue enjoying every moment, including with family, inspiring others to move. This is the seed that Stemma Sports aims to plant in each of its listeners.
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