Flexion relaxation response & low back pain

The flexion relaxation response is a phenomenon where the lumbar erector spinae muscles become silent at the end of lumbar flexion, and is an important part of being able to achieve full range. This blog explores the FRR and offers simple and easy treatment strategies for patients with low back pain. 

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Seronegative spondyloarthropathies & inflammatory low back pain - Part 2

Part 2 reviews the definition and diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory low back pain. It then continues to explore aspects of assessment, treatment and medical imaging more deeply. What drug therapies are involved? What is the gold standard for medical imaging? How should we adjust our treatments for this spectrum of low back pain disorders? All are valid questions to consider. 

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Injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee

The posterolateral corner of the knee (PLC) is an inherently complex region both anatomically and functionally, and in recent times has been 're-discovered' for the role it plays in knee function and stability. In fact, the PLC of the knee has 28 seperate components, all of which play a vital role in both static and dynamic stability to prevent excessive hyperextension, tibial external rotation and varus angulation. This week, Grant Freckleton - now APA-titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist - shares his knowledge about injuries to the posterolateral corner of the knee. 

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Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure - picking the right shoulders to treat

This week we take a look at one more approach to assessing shoulders, the Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure. It was developed by internationally acclaimed Physiotherapist Dr Jeremy Lewis and it links beautifully with the previous shoulder blogs, providing a more holistic assessment for the painful shoulder. The SSMP helps identify those suitable for conservative treatment and directs our initial rehabilitation approach. 

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The role of the scapula in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: part 2

Part 2 of the shoulder impingement series is an entire blog dedicated to looking at the finer detail of normal functioning of the scapula and then applying this knowledge to scapula assessment and diagnosis of scapula dyskinesis. Before we can move onto rehabilitation pathways, you first need to try decipher what we see. 

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Patella Tendinopathy & the 4-stage management program for 'Jumper's knee'

Let's continue to learn about the management of tendinopathy and this week look at the 4-stage management plan for patella tendinopathy presented by Malliaras, Cook, Purdam & Rio (2015). I've learnt so much about isometric exercises, isotonic loading, energy storage and release and return to sport from these amazing authors. 

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