McKenzie Method & self treatment guides

January 14, 2021 by Sian Smale

A reflective piece on the self-treatment guides created by the late Robin McKenzie. A true pioneer and leader in our profession who was passionate about the treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. His work in renown world wide for ‘repeated movements’ and ‘directional preferences’ commonly known as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. His wisdom and pearls from years of patient management have been distilled into self-treatment guides. This blog reviews five of his books involving self-treatment of the neck, back, shoulder, hip and knee.

Surgical vs non-surgical treatment for the knee

May 25, 2018 by Sian Smale

Presented in this blog are the key messages from CPG over the past 10 years regarding the assessment and treatment (both surgical and non surgical) for meniscal lesions, degenerative knee disease, articular cartilage lesions, and ACL tears.

Anatomy 101: Anterolateral ligament & rotational stability of the knee

October 13, 2017 by Sian Smale

Over the past four years there has been a resurgence in interest about a small little lateral ligament of the knee known as the anterolateral ligament (ALL). I’m not even sure I remember learning much about it during school, but with the number of ACL reconstructions associated with chronic rotational instability rising, researchers and surgeons have been diverting focus to understand what impact an ALL-deficient knee has on ACL recovery and regaining rotational stability. This blog is a refresher about the anatomy and biomechanical function of the ALL and what we currently know to be true about it’s role in rotational stability of the knee.

Calving it up

September 07, 2017 by Sian Smale

The first aim for this blog was to highlight how we can break down the components of a dynamic balance test such as the SEBT, or understand the requirements for normal gait and stair navigation. The second is to emphasise the importance of making sure that our early stages of rehabilitation allow for sufficient time to help our patients develop the range of movement, muscle length and neuromuscular control to allow them to be successful when integrating these components together. I recognise that these exercises aren't radically new or fancy, heck they can be just down right boring, but when done right and combined with the education as to why, they can be hugely impactful.

End Stage Knee Rehabilitation

June 14, 2017 by Alicia Rayner

What exercises do you give a player to return them to change of direction sports? This blog shows some examples of end-stage knee rehab, with a focus on change of direction and single leg control.

Assessment of acute knee injuries with snow-specific skills

March 17, 2016 by Sian Smale

This week we welcome Holly Lipson to Rayner & Smale. Holly is a passionate and vibrant Physiotherapist who loves the sun, surf, snow and of course physiotherapy. Holly is going to share her clinical tips for the assessment of acute knee injuries with some specific attention to the snow environment.