Navicular stress fractures & the phases of bone remodelling

January 19, 2016 by Sian Smale

This week Physiotherapist Joshua Farragher writes about the causes, pathophysiology, risk factors and phases of management for navicular stress fractures. A great read for those committed to long distance running about the importance of adequate recovery times to allow for bone remodelling to occur.

Can the risk of Vertebral Artery Dissection be determined with pre-manipulative screening?

August 14, 2015 by Sian Smale

Cervical manipulation has inherent risks. One of the the most dangerous adverse effects following cervical manipulation is vertebral artery dissection (VAD). For the past two decades, functional pre-manipulative screening tests have been used by Physiotherapists to identify patients at risk of vertebral artery insufficiency (VBI). Many experts in the field of VAD and cervical manipulation have started to question the clinical validity of these tests and currently there is great uncertainty if the tests themselves are potentially dangerous enough to cause VAD.

This blog aims to review the risk of cervical manipulation, the clinical presentation of VBI and the current assessment recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. I'm also pleased to include the thoughts and recommendations of Dr. Mark Percy, Specialist Radiologist from MIA Lilydale, Victoria.

Does barefoot running reduce the risk of injury?

March 24, 2014 by Sian Smale

Contrary to popular belief, barefoot running is not suitable for all runners and doesn't reduce the risk of all running injuries. Although the evidence is not yet conclusive, this blog highlights what we currently know about the benefits of barefoot running and a forefoot strike technique.

Risk Factors and assessment of hamstring muscle strain injury

March 11, 2014 by Sian Smale

Older age, increased quadricep muscle peak torque and past history of hamstring injury are proven risk factors for hamstring muscle strain injury. The single leg hamstring bridge can assist with identifying those at greater risk of injury.

Patellofemoral joint pain 2013 consensus

February 25, 2014 by Sian Smale

Evidence supports the use of strengthening exercises for the posterolateral muscles of the hip and extensors of the knee, in conjunction with movement and gait re-training to address biomechanics and kinematics, in the treatment of patellofemoral joint pain.

Adhesive Capsulitis - Pathology & Assessment

December 11, 2013 by Alicia Rayner

Adhesive capsulitis is a shoulder condition resulting in loss of active and passive ROM. It's a combination of synovial inflammation and capsular fibrosis. This blog outlines the clinical assessment of adhesive capsulitis and differential diagnosis.