Please select one of the categories below:

What Is SSI?

Smart Sport International is, in the broadest sense, a seamless integration between health care and human performance.

For recreational and elite athletes – and those new to exercise – Smart Sport International (SSI) provides physical therapy, individualized and group coaching services, and educational programs. SSI also offers continuing education programs for physical therapists and other health care practitioners.

The complete answers to the question "What is SSI?" lie in the links below.

• Mission Statement
   

   

  The mission of Smart Sport International (SSI) is to provide a seamless integration of sports science solutions for training, rehab, and life. Life Is A Sport. Play Smart.

  SSI is a division of the Smart Life Institute based in Austin, Texas.

  SSI was created to provide solutions to issues that have become an unfortunate part of the health care, sport and fitness worlds. These solutions include:

  - cost-effective care;

  - oriented towards long-term self care strategies;

  - science- and evidence-based;

  - client-centered - instead of "payor" or "clinician" centered;

  - optimized human performance via science-based strategies;

  - decreased reliance on outdated training methodologies, and

  - decreased injury rates due to optimized training methodologies.

   

  In the world of SSI, "training" is synonymous with injury prevention, and "rehabilitation" is synonymous with injury recovery. Both are directly related to optimal human performance - one of the primary key elements of the SSI approach. Though subtle, these differences in terminology provide a different perceptual focus for the client. Optimal human performance must then be integrated into the second key element of SSI - self-care - via the establishment of "competencies of self-care".

  SSI is a world leader in the integration of the latest sports science- and evidence-based strategies for both optimal injury prevention and injury recovery. The client can experience both cost-effective and efficacious long-term health care, a fulfilling growth and learning experience, and optimal training and development.

   

• Smart Sport System
   

   

  Training errors are the primary cause of overuse injuries in sport. Up to 60% of runners will face an injury every year. Many other sports, especially endurance sports, are reflective of this trend. The most common training error is that of "too much, too soon". The development of an optimal training program thus plays a significant role in the injury prevention process.

  The Smart Sport System has been developed to integrate the key concepts and advances of sports medicine and sports science into a unified approach - for those trying to maximize their performance and prevent injury in the process.

  Not only does the word "Smart" provide certain connotations, it is also an acronym:

  Scientific

  Mechanisms

  Applied to

  Rehabilitation and

  Training.

   

   

• Competent Self Care
   

   
• Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy
   

   

  Physiotherapy, or physical therapy as it is also known, assists in the process of injury recovery. This could be a muscular or joint injury, a post-surgical orthopaedic condition, or even a non-sports related injury that prevents you from participating in your sport or recreational activities.

• Smart Life Institute Educational Programs
   

   

  The Smart Life Institute has been developed as a "university-style" educational program. Courses and seminars are offered on a wide variety of topics emphasizing up-to-date sports sciences, sports medicine, and self-care competencies. These sessions are designed for both the recreational and elite athlete, those new to activity, and as continuing medical education for health care professionals.

  How much do the sessions cost? SSI's goal is to make education readily accessible for everyone. The individual sessions are $10. You can register for multiple sessions at the same time with an associated discounted rate. There are also "programs", similar to a "degree plan", in which one fee will register you for a series of related sessions (i.e. RunSmart).

  I am just becoming more active. Would these sessions be appropriate for me? Absolutely! Getting up-to-date information on assorted training-related topics will allow you to "start on the right foot" - no pun intended!

  I am a physical therapist or chiropractor. Would these sessions be appropriate? All of the sessions would be appropriate. There are also specific CEU programs that are geared for the needs of the health care professional.

   

• Continuing Professional Education
   

   
• Smart Life Manifesto
   

   

  The Smart Life Institute is a health initiative that provides sports science solutions for training, rehab, and life.
  
  The mission of the Smart Life Institute has five key elements:
  1. Build a global community of clients and clinicians committed to the shared vision of long-term health and it's integral relationship to competent self-care. The core values of this community are the premise that knowledge and self-responsibility are the ultimate keys to personal power and self-mastery and that personal transformation occurs through learning. This represents a new paradigm in health - a (R)evolution in Health.
  2. Promote and deliver effective strategies for competent self-care in both clinical and non-clinical environments.
  3. Create a client-centered and educationally-based community that fosters personal and systemic transformation via mentorship in all aspects of clinical and coaching practice.
  4. Embrace a synergistic relationship between client and clinician to foster the growth and learning of each and every community member.
  5. Define new standards in outcomes-based self-care and commitment to systemic health care reform such that it reflects these core premises.
  
  These principles are accomplished via the utilization of the following:
  1. The McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy as a foundation for effective self-care.
  2. The application of the latest advances in sports medicine, sports sciences, and learning strategies.
  3. The use of information technology and web-based applications for education, communication, consultation, and community interaction.
  
  The SLI serves as the foundation for other entities such as Smart Sport International (the model clinical practice of SLI) and Smart Physio (the clinician and outcomes data network).
  
  Life Is A Sport. Play Smart.

   

Allan Besselink, PT, Dip.MDT - Director

Allan Besselink is the Director and Founder of Smart Sport International and the Smart Life Institute. Allan has a unique voice in the world of sport and health care, one that has been defined by his experiences as physiotherapist, McKenzie practitioner, coach, educator, patient, and athlete. Click on the links below for further background information on Allan - his educational training, background, skills, and life interests.

• Physical Therapist / Physiotherapist
   

   

  Allan is a physical therapist / physiotherapist with 20 years of clinical experience. He is a graduate of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. In his final year at Queen’s after working with the men’s varsity basketball program, he was awarded the Hal Dunlop Shield – one of the seven highest athletic awards at Queen’s - for significant contribution to athletic therapy at Queen’s University. While still in Canada, he developed an athletic injury prevention and rehabilitation program intended for recreational and high school athletes and coaches. He has been in Austin since 1990.

  Allan is a specialist in sport- and fitness-related injuries and injury prevention for both the recreational and elite level athlete. He has extensive experience with athletes in track and field, cycling, duathlon and triathlon. In his 20 years of clinical and on-site experience, he has served as a physical therapist at several international sporting events including the medical team for track and field at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, the 1996 USA Track and Field Olympic Trials, the 1995 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, and the 1988 World Junior Track and Field Championships in Sudbury, Canada. He worked with the United States National Track and Field team at the 1994 World Cup of Athletics in London, the 1997 World Cup Racewalk in Prague, and the 2001 World Half Marathon Championships in Bristol. Allan has been a rehabilitation and performance consultant to a number of world-class athletes.

  Through Smart Sport International, Allan maintains a consistent clinical caseload as a PT. He also subcontracts his services to other healthcare and wellness facilities, and is currently the Director Of Athlete Support for Rogue Training Systems.

• McKenzie Practitioner
   

   

  Allan is one of approximately 300 practitioners internationally that have attained the Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy from the McKenzie Institute International in New Zealand, the highest level of achievement in the McKenzie method. The McKenzie method emphasizes a mechanical assessment process for spine and extremity disorders, and active patient involvement and education in the management of their treatment. It develops the patient’s self treatment skills in a cost- and time-effective manner while promoting the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery, or a physical dependency on the practitioner. He completed his Diploma training in 1998 and has been a Certified McKenzie practitioner since 1996. He served as the Chief Editor of the McKenzie Institute USA Journal from 1998 - 2005, and was the Chief Editor for the inaugural International Journal of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 2006.

• Coach
   

   

  Allan has been involved in coaching and performance optimization since 1985. Be it working with high school track and field athletes, elementary school aged basketball, recreational runners, pro triathletes or those new to exercise, Allan’s strong coaching skills and understanding of the sports sciences shine through.

  He has been actively involved in furthering his coaching expertise via his self-guided research and writing and through the certification processes of numerous groups such as USA Triathlon (Level One), USA Track and Field (Level One), and the National Coaching Certification Program in Canada. In 1992, he also completed an Elite Coaching Development Program under the instruction and mentoring of the Elite Training Group in Austin, Texas.

  Allan has coached athletes of all skill levels, including first time marathoners and ultrarunners to experienced age group and pro Ironman distance triathletes. He is currently coaching endurance athletes in Canada and the US. He has coached five athletes that have qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii over the past 5 years, with a top 20 finisher in 2003.

• Educator
   

   

  Allan's approach to both physiotherapy and coaching involves a significant foundation in client education. As the saying goes, "knowledge is power" - and Allan truly integrates this belief into his approach. Not only does he implement a high level of teaching into his clinical and coaching practice, he is also involved in the educational process in other venues. He is an adjunct assistant professor in the PT Assistant program at Austin Community College and has been a guest lecturer for more than 10 years at Texas State University in San Marcos. Allan is also involved in the continuing education of his peers, having developed the program "Sports Science Solutions for Rehabilitation and Training”, a continuing education program for physical therapists, physicians, chiropractors, and massage therapists.

• Author And Innovator
   

   

  Allan is the author of "RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach to Injury-Free Running". This book provides the running community with an innovative perspective on injury prevention and performance optimization.

• Athlete
   

   

  It all started riding half pipes on a skateboard - but from these extreme beginnings, Allan has crossed the line as an Ironman triathlon finisher. Along the way, he's played soccer, tennis and has been on a bicycle since he was a wee tot. His sports experiences have definitely given him an understanding of the athlete’s perspective as well as that gained from his experiences as a physiotherapist and coach.

• The Person - A Life Beyond SSI
   

   

  Of course, Allan will be the first to say that everything involves balance. Life wouldn't be complete without a well-rounded and healthy dose of music and literature in his world. Allan has played guitar for over 24 years and has performed his own songs in a live venue or two along the way. Don't let that fool you though - Allan has been the webmaster and developer of this website as well! Add to that a love of photography, reading, and F1 racing, and somewhere in there you'll find the balance that makes Allan a special addition to the health and wellness field.

SSI Services

Here you will find some frequently asked questions regarding the SSI services. Click on the links for an expanded FAQ. For new client documents, please go to the "About SSI" menu and click "Downloads".

• Fee Summary
   

   

   

  Physiotherapy/Physical Therapy
  Initial Consultation (typically one hour)	$85
  Follow-up Sessions for established clients (typically 45 - 60 minutes)	$60
  Have your session at home, gym or office for an additional fee (within 20 mile radius of Austin)	$15
  Coming soon: online consultations
  Coaching And Performance
  Initial Consultation (typically one hour)	$85
  Follow-up sessions for established clients (typically 45 - 60 minutes)	$60
  Initial three month coaching program	$270
  Monthly coaching fee (after initial 3 month program) - per month	$90
  Adjunct Services
  Video Analysis - one hour in duration broken into two one-on-one sessions to facilitate optimal feedback	$85
  Bike Fitting	$85
  RunSmart
  RunSmart Level One - four week program consisting of one group educational session per week (book included)	$60
  RunSmart Level One - four week program consisting of one group educational session AND one group strength training/practical session per week (book included)	$100
  RunSmart Camp - one half day weekend program	$60
  RunSmart book: paperback	$17.95
  RunSmart book: hardcover	$27.95
  Coming Soon: RunSmart Level Two - four week advanced program with video and practical sessions
  Smart Life Institute Programs
  SLI Group Educational sessions - each	$10
  Coming Soon: website memberships for unlimited use of SLI online multimedia educational programs
  Please refer to specific program information for pricing.

   

  
  

  At this time, acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, PayPal, and all major credit cards.

  
  

   

• Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy
   

   

  
  What do I need to do to see a PT? Do I need a referral? My insurance says “no”. Physical therapy treatment is by referral only per Texas state law. Prior to your initial consultation, you will need to have a referral/script from one of the following qualified health care practitioners – physicians, dentists, chiropractors, podiatrists, physicians assistants, and advanced nurse practitioners. The script can be FAXed to 866-896-6047 or can be brought in with you at the time of your initial consultation.

   

  How do I schedule my appointment? All scheduling is done on an individual basis directly with Allan Besselink, PT. He can be reached at 512-914-0871.

   

  Do you accept health insurance? Smart Sport International does not work with any third party insurance plans. SSI will provide you with the necessary information so that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement as an out-of-network provider. You will be responsible for the initial payment as SSI will not be submitting directly to your insurance on your behalf.

   

  What is the cost? Sessions are billed on a “per-session” fee.

  Initial Evaluation	$85
  Follow-up sessions	$60

  If SSI is an out-of-network provider, how does this compare to using an “in network” provider? If you’re seeing an “in-network” PT, you will typically have a copay (oftentimes $10-40 per session) along with paying a percentage of your charges (which can be from 10-25% of the total bill). The typical out-of-pocket expense can vary from $10 to $90 or more per treatment session – even if you are using your health insurance.

  At SSI, our goal is to provide you with the most effective treatment options in the most cost-efficient way and to foster your competence in self-care. Over the course of 3 to 5 sessions, your average per session out-of-pocket expense is about $65 per session. Most insurance companies will reimburse as an “out of network provider” – which is oftentimes a 40-60% reimbursement rate. Your out-of-pocket expense then becomes $25 – 40 per session – a typical office copay.

   

  What happens at my initial consultation? At the time of your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals and perform an assessment to define the solutions to your specific issues. Our goal is to educate you in your problem and to understand how to develop and implement solutions for it! . Please bring copies of any other medical records that may be pertinent to your condition (i.e. MRI or Xray reports).

   

  How many visits will I need? Optimal progression of your program will depend on your feedback to me along with appropriate and timely follow-up in the office. For many individuals, the episode of care is no longer than 3 to 5 sessions.

   

  How much do the adjunct services cost? Current clients receive a discount on all adjunct services.

   

• Coaching and Performance
   

   

   

  What is the cost of a single coaching session? Or a monthly coaching program? The cost of individualized coaching is based on a per session or per month basis.

   

  Per session:
  Initial Consultation (one hour)	$85
  Follow-up sessions for established clients (45 minutes)	$60
  Per month:
  Initial Consultation	$85
  Initial three month program	$270
  Monthly coaching fee (after initial 3 months) - per month	$90

  For the monthly coaching programs, an initial three month commitment is required. There is a 30 day cancellation policy. In order to discontinue your program, you must provide 30 days written notice.

   

  Why is there an initial commitment? I believe that it takes about 3 months to truly establish the basis for a functional coach-athlete relationship. As it is an investment of time and energy from both sides, I feel it’s important to give this an appropriate time factor for success initiation.

   

  How do I get started? Complete the client questionnaire that can be found in the "Downloads" section under "Support". It will take about 10 – 15 minutes to complete and will gather detailed information about you, your current and past training, and your goals. The questionnaire can be returned to SSI via email, FAX, or mail, prior to your initial consultation. Please ensure that the waiver has been signed.

   

  How do I schedule my initial consultation? Once you have completed the initial questionnaire, all scheduling is done on an individual basis directly with Allan Besselink, PT. He can be reached at 512-914-0871 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

   

  How long does it take before I am up and training? At the time of your initial consultation (via phone or in person), we will discuss your goals, time constraints, and other factors that will help define the basic layout of your plan. It is important for your training to integrate into your life – so the basic template will provide a framework for all further program development and can be adjusted at any time. Based on your goals, appropriate training paces will be defined, and specific training sessions are added. The conceptual basis behind these sessions will be explained to you during your initial consultation and in supplemental documents available to you via email or on the SSI website. The total process will typically take a few days – and then you are into your training plan!

   

  Is my program static? I don’t want a cookie-cutter program. Appropriate and optimal progression of your program will depend on your feedback to me. This can consist of email or phone updates or simply maintaining a training log. By using a training log, you can maintain consistent records and benchmarks which will be helpful in monitoring your progress over time. I expect there to be continual feedback from the athlete – preferably once per week. Without feedback, I am unable to provide appropriate and timely progression of your program – and thus it becomes static. A training plan should not be an inert object – it should be a living, flexible, dynamic process that molds to your goals, your life, and your fitness.

   

  Am I limited in how often I can contact you? I do emphasize an “open door” policy. I will not limit the number of phone calls or emails as I truly believe that a coaching relationship will be fostered by good consistent communication. I encourage questions and feedback on your training program as it will only aid in the development and optimization of your program.

   

  I don’t want a monthly program but simply want to consult with a coach on certain aspects of my training. Is this something that you do? Yes! Single session consultations can be used to discuss any training-related topics that are of importance to you.

   

  Do you offer any group coaching programs? SSI is committed to providing the best in individualized coaching and educational programming. Allan does lead a free running group at RunTex Riverside (5:45pm Tues/Thurs) which is a great group environment in which to work on your running skills and receive some guidance from him.

   

  Are there any other benefits to the monthly program? Yes!! Members get special reduced rates on all other adjunct services provided at SSI, including video analysis and seminar programs. There are also special sponsor benefits. Please inquire for further details.

   

  How much do the adjunct services cost? Current clients receive a discount on all adjunct services (i.e $45 for bike fitting, etc).

   

   

• Smart Life Institute
   

   

   

  What is the Smart Life Institute? The Smart Life Institute has been developed with the goal of providing accessible educational offerings that emphasize and foster "competent self care". The Smart Life Institute has developed a number of educational programs which are primarily classroom-oriented and are based on current sports medicine and sports sciences. These are geared to many different populations - both current athletes and those new to activity. SLI has also developed continuing professional education offerings for the health care professional. These programs offer Continuing Education credit and are appropriate for physical therapist, massage therapist, chiropractor, and physician.

   

  What programs are currently being offered? The RunSmart program is a running mechanics program that is offered throughout the year. The SmartSport fitness program will be announced in 2008. "Sports Science Solutions For Rehabilitation And Training" is an 8 hour continuing education program for medical professionals which is offered both on-site and online (TBA 2008). Other educational sessions are offered throughout the year at RunTex and at the SSI office.

   

  What is the RunSmart program? RunSmart is a running mechanics program which consists of four one hour group educational sessions. This includes sessions on running biomechanics/form,  strength-plyometrics-drills, and "Recovery-Centered Training". The program will guide you in developing an optimal training program that emphasizes Recovery-Centered Training principles. Sessions can also be taken individually.

   

  What is the SmartLife Quantum Fitness program? This is a program geared towards the person that is new to activity or simply wants to learn more about the current trends in training, fitness, and self-care. It consists of four one hour group sessions and three individual consultations over eight weeks. Sessions include instruction regarding injury prevention, recovery-centered training, goal setting, nutrition, and cognitive strategies for safe and optimal fitness.

   

  Where do I find a course calendar? The updated Smart Life Institute calendar can be found in the "Calendar" section of this site. All upcoming dates and registration information can be found here.

   

  What is the cost of these programs? The primary intent is to provide accessible education to everyone in order to foster an environment of "competent self-care". You can register for multiple sessions with an associated discount rate. For a program like RunSmart, one program fee will register you for a series of related sessions, much like a university model. Please refer to the specific course or program information for further details.

   

  I've just started becoming more active. Would these sessions be appropriate for me? Absolutely, yes! Getting up-to-date information on assorted training topics will allow you to "start on the right foot".

   

  I'm a health care provider. Would these sessions be appropriate for me? Yes, as all of the SLI sessions are based upon current sports medicine and sports sciences. Some seminars will also offer continuing education credit.

   

   

• Adjunct Services
   

   

   

  What are Adjunct Services? These are services that are offered by SSI that are not specifically physiotherapy- or coaching-related. These would include video analysis (swimming, cycling, and running to name but a few) and bike fitting (both road and triathlon).

   

  What is involved with a video analysis? Biomechanical assessment can be an integral component in a complete injury prevention, injury recovery, and performance optimization plan. Video analysis is typically broken into two sessions - a 15 - 20 minute session to collect the video (i.e. a session at the track to videotape running form) and then a 30 - 45 minute follow-up session to review the videotape.

   

  What is does a bike fitting include? A bike fitting is truly a progression of events as opposed to one single event in time. At your initial session, certain physical measurements will be taken (inseam etc) and this information will be compared with your current bike fit. Adjustments will be made at that time. A typical initial bike fitting session is about an hour long. It is not uncommon to have 1 or 2 short follow-ups (10 - 15 minutes) to make further adjustments to optimize your fit.

   

  What is your background in bike fitting? Shouldn't I go to a bike shop to have this done? I approach the problem of bike fitting from a sports science-based perspective - as opposed to anecdotal evidence. I have 22 years of bike fitting experience - both from an injury recovery and injury prevention/performance perspective. Combined with over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist and you have a great combination of fitting the human machine to the two-wheeled variety!

   

  Can I get a membership to your website? I understand that there is a lot of good information, but I really don't need a coach or PT right now. Yes - website subscriptions will be offered for a nominal fee beginning in 2008. Refer to the SSI home page for updated information.

• RunSmart
   

   

  What is the RunSmart program? RunSmart is a running mechanics program based on the book "RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach to Injury-Free Running" by Allan Besselink, PT, Dip.MDT. It is offered in three ways:

  RunSmart Level One - four one hour group educational sessions over four weeks. This includes sessions on running biomechanics/form,  strength-plyometrics-drills, and "Recovery-Centered Training". The program will guide you in developing an optimal training program that emphasizes Recovery-Centered Training principles.

  RunSmart Level One (with practical sessions) - four one hour group educational sessions over four weeks, along with four weekly practical/strength training sessions during the same period.

  RunSmart camp - the same material offered in a four hour / half day weekend camp.

  Sessions can also be taken individually.

   

Associates

Click on the link for an expanded FAQ.

• South Congress Athletic Club
   

   

  The South Congress Athletic Club is owned and operated by Marc and Tracy Frazier.
• RunTex
   

   
• Elite Training Group Track Club
   

   

   

  The Elite Training Group Track Club has been a source of inspiration and knowledge acquisition for many years. I've known head coach Marshall Burt since I moved to Austin in 1990. His knowledge and commitment to understanding and applying the principles of physiology to self-care and training optimization have played a significant role in my development as a clinician, coach, and educator.

   

  His website is http://www.theetgtrackclub.com.

• Brooks Inspire Daily Program
   

   

  Allan Besselink is a member of the Brooks ID program.

   

  What is the ID program? From the website: "Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 2,000 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders."

   

  For more information on Brooks running products, go to their website at http://www.brooksrunning.com .

Sponsors

These companies fully support the endeavors of Smart Sport International and it's clients. Their support is truly amazing and their products are awesome! Click on the link for an expanded FAQ.

• Hammer Nutrition
   

   

  E-Caps has been an SSI sponsor since 2003. After researching all of the nutritonal products, sport and recovery drinks, and supplements on the market, I came to the unbiased conclusion that E-caps' product line is most "in-line" with the current scientific literature. Click on the link to get more information on their products.

  

• Walter's Bay
   

   
• Elite Feet Orthotics
   

   
• Rudy Project