Insights from Dr Andy Schillinger

Rugby School Thailand was delighted to welcome Dr Andy Schillinger, a leading sports physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with elite athletes, including the German Bundesliga and the Thai National Team.

His engaging lecture provided valuable insights into injury prevention, recovery and peak performance strategies - critical knowledge for student-athletes striving to balance intense training schedules with academic commitments and personal well-being.

Dr Schillinger emphasised the immense physical and mental demands placed on athletes, stressing that recovery is not a luxury but a necessity. With students often juggling multiple training sessions alongside schoolwork and social responsibilities, he underscored the importance of structured rest days (1-2 per week) to allow both the body and mind to recharge. True rest, he explained, is not just about avoiding physical exertion but actively engaging in low-stress activities like swimming, walking in nature or cycling. He also introduced the concept of supercompensation - where the body strengthens and improves during recovery periods - reinforcing that strategic rest is just as crucial as intense training.

Debunking common misconceptions, Dr Schillinger highlighted that while ice baths and anti-inflammatory medications may provide short-term relief, they could potentially hinder the body’s natural healing process. Instead, he recommended alternatives such as hot baths, natural anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger and honey, and high doses of Vitamin C. He also advised against excessive stretching and traditional massage for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), instead recommending lymphatic massage as a more effective recovery method.

Nutrition and hydration were also central to his discussion. With student-athletes constantly expending energy, Dr Schillinger stressed the importance of replenishing glycogen stores post-exercise with real food rather than relying on supplements. He warned that elite athletes are particularly vulnerable to illness if they do not fully recover, making sleep, proper nutrition and hydration essential for sustaining performance.

Beyond the science of recovery, Dr Schillinger acknowledged the psychological strain of balancing rigorous training, academic expectations and personal life. He encouraged students to prioritise well-being, maintain strong social connections and enjoy the occasional guilt-free cheat meal - reminding them that longevity in sports depends on a holistic approach to health.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Schillinger for sharing his expertise and equipping our students with the knowledge to train smarter, recover better and thrive both on and off the field.

A recording of the lecture is available to watch on our School YouTube channel.