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.

Anatomy 101: The windlass mechanism & great toe extension

September 15, 2017 by Sian Smale

Last month there was a strong focus on the foot and ankle complex and it is time to come back to an old biomechanical concept - the windlass mechanism. This time we look back at 1954, when J.H Hicks wrote about the plantar aponeurosis and proposed a biomechanical model explaining how diverse the function of the joints of the foot are between weight bearing and non weight bearing.

Lateral Epicondylalgia - Pathophysiology & Clinical Assessment

February 24, 2017 by Sian Smale

This is a two-part series looking at the pathophysiology, clinical assessment and treatment of a common elbow pain condition, lateral epicondylalgia. In this blog we discuss new research that explains the complexities of this condition, why tennis elbow and epicondylitis are terms no longer used and how our assessment should be structured.

Hip: Athletic Groin Pain Part 1

January 13, 2017 by Sian Smale

This week we continue to look at the hip by exploring the definition of athletic groin pain (AGP). This blog series dissects three research papers from Dublin about the clinical assessment, role of MRI and biomechanical changes with AGP. First up - what is the groin triangle and what does groin pain mean?

Hip: Ligamentum Teres

December 29, 2016 by Alicia Rayner

This week we discuss another hot hip topic in the sporting world - ligamentum teres and it's role in hip pain. Alicia discusses the clinical anatomy of ligamentum teres, evidence supporting it's structure and function and the role it plays in hip pain.

Cervical Motor Control Part 1 - Clinical Anatomy of Cervical Spine

September 07, 2016 by Sian Smale

This is the first of a 4-part series discussing motor control deficits in the cervical spine. The focus is to broaden your knowledge about the deep stabilising muscles of the neck, how they are assessed and how to design rehabilitation programs beyond DNCF exercises. First up - a review of the clinical anatomy.