Defining Clinical pilates exercises and its indications for treatment

June 27, 2014 by Sian Smale

Wells and colleagues published two articles in 2013 and 2014 which have caught my attention. Both use a delphi study method (with Australian Physiotherapists with pilates training through DMA or Polestar) to develop consensus about the definition and application of pilates exercise and the indications, benefits and risks of this approach. This blog explores each area in further depth.

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.

Assessing Hip Strength...Validity and Reliability

June 01, 2014 by Alicia Rayner

It is expected we assess every aspect of a patient's condition, yet how often do we assess specific muscle strength around an affected joint? It is challenging to use valid and reliable tests in the clinic, so what clinical tests are available and how reliable are they in measuring hip muscle strength?

A review of Red Flags

June 01, 2014 by Sian Smale

Red flags’ are risk factors detected in low back pain patients’ past medical history and symptomatology and are associated with a higher risk of serious disorders causing low back pain compared to patients without these characteristics.