Meet Dan.

Clinical knowledge. Sporting experience. An educator’s approach.

I’m Dan Broadhead, a Sports Podiatrist, Applied Sports Scientist, Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Sonographer and former GB Junior Athlete.

My career brings together clinical practice, sports science, professional education and experience within the orthopaedic medical products industry. Stride Unpacked is where I share that knowledge to help you understand your lower limbs and make more informed decisions about your care.

A foundation in clinical practice and sports science

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry, a BSc (Hons) in Applied Sports Science and a Postgraduate Certificate in Diagnostic Ultrasound.

These disciplines inform how I approach pain, injury and movement: considering the tissues involved, how the body functions, and the demands placed on it through everyday life, work and sport.

My further training includes injection therapies, foot mobilisation and manipulation, and Stecco Fascial Manipulation. This gives me a range of approaches to draw on, while recognising that good care starts with understanding the problem and choosing an approach that suits the individual.

As a former GB Junior Athlete, I also understand the commitment involved in training and the frustration of being held back by injury. But you don’t need to be an athlete for your movement to matter. Walking comfortably and staying active deserve the same thoughtful attention.

Experience across sport and endurance events

My professional experience includes supporting Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) rugby players and international hockey players. I have also worked as part of the London Marathon medical team and been a member of the medical team for Marathon des Sables Legendary.

These experiences have given me insight into the demands that competitive sport and endurance events place on the feet and lower limbs, and the importance of care that takes the person, their activity and their environment into account.

Combined with my own background as a former GB Junior Athlete, this shapes my approach to helping people stay active—whether their goal is an endurance event, a return to sport or simply a more comfortable daily walk.

Teaching other healthcare professionals

Education is an important part of my work. I speak at conferences throughout the UK and deliver courses for healthcare professionals, having previously taught for Physio First and now delivering courses for Formthotics UK.

I’m also one of the national tutors for online shockwave therapy training courses.

Teaching means explaining the reasoning behind clinical decisions, examining the evidence and helping others apply their knowledge in practice. I bring that same approach to Stride Unpacked: clear explanations that help you understand both the advice and its limitations.

Understanding the products behind the promises

I have also worked in orthopaedic medical sales as National Podiatry Lead, developing my understanding of the products and technologies used in lower-limb care.

That experience gives me a useful perspective when reviewing footwear, insoles and other products. I look beyond the headline claims to explain what a product is designed to do, what evidence supports it, who it may suit and where its limitations lie.

I’ll make relevant commercial relationships clear so you can judge my recommendations with the full picture.

Why I created Stride Unpacked

There is plenty of advice about pain, injuries and the “best” products. Knowing what to trust can be harder.

I created Stride Unpacked to make lower-limb health easier to understand. Here, you’ll find articles, videos and considered product reviews informed by my clinical work, teaching, sporting background and the available evidence.

I’ll explain what we know, acknowledge what remains uncertain and be clear about when an individual assessment matters.

My aim is to help you ask better questions, understand your options and feel more confident about the decisions you make.

Learn. Move. Improve.

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