The power of words & messages

April 23, 2015 by Sian Smale in Pain mechanism, Clinical reasoning, Reflective piece, Specialist Physios

In 2014 I attended a course held by Specialist Physiotherapist Peter O'Sullivan. Peter is at the forefront of research in chronic low back pain and one of his main goals is to reduce the gap between what science tells us and what clinicians and patients know. Peter is from Western Australia and his team continue to drive the revolution of changing how we view and manage back pain, from a pathological model to a conceptual model. I learnt so many tips to make my communication skills better. The aim of this blog is to share with you the key messages I took away from this course.

Clinical Reasoning Reflection

June 23, 2014 by Sian Smale

Clinical reasoning has been defined throughout the literature as a problem-solving process, in which the therapist uses clinical data, client choices, professional judgment and knowledge to evaluate, diagnose and manage a patient’s problem (Butler, 2000; Jones, Rivett, & Twomey, 2004). This blog shares the key points I learnt from Andrew Dalwood during his lecture on clinical reasoning.

Complex Clinical Reasoning with Andrew Dalwood

June 20, 2014 by Alicia Rayner

This week I attended the MPA Complex Clinical Reasoning lecture, presented by Andrew Dalwood, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. One quote from Andrew stuck with me, “gap in my knowledge base”. It made me realise we will always come across new conditions or treatment techniques but rather than feeling inadequate, we should take the opportunity to learn more and expand this “knowledge base”.

Jon Ford and Rob Laird guest lecture on motor control for treatment low back pain

June 16, 2014 by Sian Smale

Jon Ford and Rob Laird presented at the Australian Physiotherapy Associated MPA lecture evening for May. Their discussion provided insight into the current limitations and application of research on exercise management of lower back pain. In particular, both speakers highlighted the reasons behind disagreement in the avaialble research and clinical application of the knowledge we currently have for managing back pain.

Patellofemoral pain with @DrChrisBarton

May 13, 2014 by Sian Smale

May 1st 2014 I was fortunate to attend an APA lecture evening hosted by the MPA, with guest lecturer Dr Christian Barton @DRChrisBarton, who presented on patellofemoral pain. Dr Barton gave a captivating lecture explaining the current evidence regarding patellofemoral pain (PFP), with particular emphasis on the recent evidence gained from the Patellofemoral Consensus Statement 2013.