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The Doctor Jiu Jitsu Show
The Doctor Jujitsu Show is a monthly podcast for anyone who lives the Jiu Jitsu lifestyle—whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a weekend warrior, or someone fitting training into a full-time schedule. Hosted by Dr. Megan Jimenez, an active-duty Army orthopedic sports surgeon and black belt, each episode brings honest, insightful conversations with the people who’ve influenced her path as a physician, martial artist, and lifelong student of performance.
From fellow Jiu Jitsu athletes and surgeons to farmers and nutrition experts, Dr. Jimenez explores how training, recovery, mindset, and daily habits intersect to keep you sharp on and off the mat.
New episodes drop the first Friday of each month.
The Doctor Jiu Jitsu Show
Combat Sports Injuries Explained: Surgeon's Guide to Prevention and Recovery
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Jiu jitsu injuries, MMA injuries, ACL tears, elbow injuries, pec tears, and recovery mistakes are more common than you think. As an orthopedic surgeon and BJJ black belt, I see where athletes go wrong.
In this episode of the Dr. Jiu Jitsu Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Steven Mora, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who has spent over a decade treating combat athletes.
We break down the real patterns behind injuries in jiu jitsu and MMA, including what “cauliflower elbow” actually is, why pec tears are often missed or underestimated, and how small decisions like not tapping early can lead to long-term damage.
We also talk about the biggest mistakes athletes make in recovery, why timelines like “3 months” don’t always apply, and how to approach rehab like you would prepare for competition.
If you train, coach, or treat athletes, this is a conversation you need to hear.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why Combat Athletes Get Injured Differently
02:00 – The Insurance and Access Problem for Athletes
02:48 – What Is “Cauliflower Elbow”?
03:49 – Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
05:39 – The Real Cost of Not Tapping Early
07:24 – Why “Partial” Pec Tears Are a Big Problem
09:00 – When It’s Too Late… and What Can Still Be Done
14:29 – Surgery, Recovery, and the Athlete Mindset
18:01 – Why Recovery Timelines Are Often Wrong
To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com