Anatomy 101: the upper cervical spine

November 20, 2018 by Sian Smale

"The anatomy of the high cervical spine is unique and, to some degree, more complicated to assess than the rest of the vertebral column. The shape of the bones and their articulations are distinctly different between the occiput and atlas, atlas and axis, and axis and C3. Such a marked change in anatomy does not occur in such close proximity anywhere else in the vertebral column" (Edwards, 1992, pp. 42-43).

Due to the close proximity of this region of the spine, careful consideration must be made when understanding which level is being loaded under pressure, and what sensitising movements can be applied to differentiate between intra-articular and periarticular restrictions to movement. This blog explores the key features of clinical anatomy and offers tips for structural differentiation with palpation.

Why Use Neurodynamics?

October 25, 2018 by Alicia Rayner

I recently supervised Jason, a Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy student, while he undertook his final clinical placement. He has written a guest blog on his discovery of using neurodynamics as a combined assessment, and then treatment to regain movement and reduce pain.

Functional facts about hip muscles

September 12, 2018 by Sian Smale

This blog is a compilation of fun and functional facts about the muscles which control and move the hip. Presented here are concepts around anatomy, muscle synergies and changes to muscle function which occur with pathology, specifically OA. There is also a review of the current knowledge and details that drive our decision making around exercise prescription for retraining hip strength, particularly hip extension, abduction and external rotation strength.

Pregnancy related DRAM

August 24, 2018 by Sian Smale

DRAM/DRA is the acronym for diastisis of the rectus abdominus muscle, which is a separation between the left and right halves of the rectus abdominus through widening for the central ligament known as the linea alba (LA). It has been shown to be present in 27%-100% of women during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and up to 68% of women in the post-partum period (Hilde, Tennfjord, Sperstad & Engh., 2017). This blog explores the current research around assessment, diagnosis and exercise prescription for rehabilitation.

The opiod epidemic - a personal perspective

July 17, 2018 by Sian Smale

It has been hard to ignore the surge in media and articles published in 2018 through professional platforms/bodies around the opioid epidemic. Curious to know more about what our suggested role is to play in this opioid epidemic, I began reading some of the latest reviews. This problem has been growing for several decades now and does not begin with our profession. Yet, our profession is being drawn into the conversation more strongly as time continues.

Pelvic girdle pain - treatment options during pregnancy

June 20, 2018 by Sian Smale

This is the third blog in a series exploring the most recently published clinical practice guideline for pelvic girdle pain in the antepartum population. The first two explored pathophysiology, clinical presentation and assessment, and this week we look at the recommendations for treatment of this condition.