Physiotherapy Blog. Sharing knowledge & Encouraging growth.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - clinical assessment

January 23, 2020 by Sian Smale

Recently I listed to a fantastic podcast by Jo Gibson through Clinical Edge on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and was thrilled to learn some advances which have taken place in our knowledge of this condition since I first published a blog on the topic in 2013. Seven years later and I am excited to share a revised piece that includes the latest ideas around clinical assessment, and in particular sensory testing in the differential diagnosis of this challenging condition.

Treatment Strategies for Cervicogenic Dizziness

August 09, 2016 by Sian Smale

This is the forth (and final) sequel to three previous blogs on sensorimotor dysfunction, the distinguishing features and differential diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness, this blog aims to explore the treatment strategies for cervicogenic dizziness. Identifying deficits in sensorimotor function is only the beginning of a new approach to manage of whiplash associated disorders and cervicogenic dizziness, as we discover more about this dysfunction in cervical afferent function.

Cervical Radiculopathy Part 2 - Assessment & Diagnosis

July 26, 2016 by Sian Smale

This blog is dedicated to the physical examination for cervical radiculopathy. We discuss the current clinical prediction rule, neurodynamic tests and neurological examination involved in making this clinical diagnosis.

Cervical Radiculopathy Part 1 - Clinical Presentation

July 19, 2016 by Sian Smale

This is the first of a three part series on cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the cervical nerve roots are compressed resulting in pain, paraesthesia, and weakness into the upper extremity. The first step in making this clinical diagnosis is understanding dermatomal pain patterns indicative of nerve root pain.

Pancoast Tumour & Red Flags for the Upper Limb

July 05, 2016 by Sian Smale

When a patient presents with arm pain, paraesthesia and weakness, you may first suspect cervical radiculopathy. In the rare and more sinister cases however, a Pancoast tumour may be present. This blog reviews the clinical presentation and diagnostic work up of a patient with neck and shoulder pain.

Surgery for Sciatica - a clinical commentary with Dr Lynn Bardin

January 07, 2016 by Sian Smale

This blog aims to explore how the science of clinical anatomy combined with our clinical assessment and decision-making process can be used in diagnosis and management, including referral for a spinal surgery consultation. For this Dr Lynn Bardin, who lectures and tutors clinical anatomy at Melbourne University and works as a consultant spine physiotherapist at SUPERSPINE and at Austin Health, Melbourne, was invited to contribute a clinical commentary.