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6 Innovative Technologies Enhancing Patient Interaction in Physical Therapy

2024-07-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

6 Innovative Technologies Enhancing Patient Interaction in Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has gone a long way since its humble origins. Today, it's a field buzzing with innovation, transforming how we approach rehabilitation and recovery. Gone are the days of simple stretches in bland clinics. Now, cutting-edge technologies are reshaping patient care and treatment outcomes.

This evolution builds on the pioneering work of early therapists who challenged conventional wisdom. Their efforts set the stage for the remarkable advancements we see today. Modern physical therapy harnesses the power of technology to achieve what was once thought impossible, offering hope to those with chronic conditions and pushing the boundaries of recovery for others.

These innovations, from high-tech prosthetics to virtual reality exercises, are making therapy more accessible and effective. They're opening new doors for patients worldwide, improving quality of life, and redefining what's possible in rehabilitation.

6 Innovative Technologies Enhancing Physical Therapy

Conversational AI

Conversational AI in healthcare is revolutionizing patient interaction. This technology enables virtual assistants to engage with patients, answer questions, and provide guidance throughout their treatment journey. It offers 24/7 support, helping patients stay on track with their exercises and providing instant feedback. These AI-powered chatbots can also schedule appointments, send reminders, and collect valuable data on patient progress. By reducing the administrative burden on therapists, conversational AI allows them to focus more on hands-on treatment. Moreover, it enhances patient education by offering easy access to information about their conditions and treatment plans, ultimately improving adherence and outcomes.

Remote Therapy Solutions

Telehealth has changed physical treatment and made it easier than ever. Patients can now communicate with clinicians from their homes via smartphone video calls. This method is especially useful for people living in remote regions or who have mobility challenges. It ensures the continuation of care and lowers the likelihood of missed appointments.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) takes this a step further. Wearable devices track patients' progress, monitoring their form during exercises and collecting data on a range of motion and pain levels. This real-time information allows therapists to adjust treatment plans promptly, ensuring optimal recovery. RPM also empowers patients, giving them a clearer understanding of their progress and encouraging active participation in their rehabilitation.

Interactive Rehabilitation Games

Physical therapy is no longer limited to repetitive exercises. Innovative applications and video games are introducing an element of fun to rehabilitation. These games transform traditional therapy routines into engaging adventures, where patients might find themselves conquering virtual obstacles to improve gait or battling digital foes to enhance hand-eye coordination.

This gamification approach serves multiple purposes. It increases patient engagement and motivation, making therapy sessions something to look forward to rather than dread. The sense of achievement and reward built into these games can significantly boost morale and adherence to treatment plans. Moreover, the immersive nature of these games can distract patients from discomfort, allowing them to push their limits further.

Robotic Assistance in Therapy

The integration of robotics in physical therapy is opening new frontiers in rehabilitation. Exoskeletons and robotic trainers are now assisting patients in ways previously thought impossible. These devices can precisely guide movements, reducing strain on injured areas while facilitating repetitive exercises crucial for recovery. For patients with severe mobility issues, robotic assistance can be life-changing. It allows for earlier mobilization and more intensive therapy sessions, potentially accelerating recovery times. These robotic aids can also provide consistent support over extended periods, which would be challenging for human therapists alone. Furthermore, the data collected by these robotic systems offer valuable insights into patient progress, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans.

Immersive Virtual Environments

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming the landscape of physical therapy. These technologies create immersive environments that engage patients in ways traditional exercises cannot. In a virtual world, patients can perform repetitive movements without the monotony, staying motivated and focused on their recovery goals.

VR and AR have wide-ranging applications in rehabilitation. They're effective for rebuilding strength, improving range of motion, and enhancing balance and coordination. These technologies offer safe environments for neurological rehabilitation to practice daily living skills. The immersive nature of VR can also help in pain management, distracting patients from chronic discomfort during therapy sessions.

Smart Wearables and Biofeedback

Wearable devices and sensor technology are becoming indispensable tools in physical therapy. These smart devices go beyond simple step counting, offering detailed insights into patients' movements, posture, and vital signs. They are constant companions in the rehabilitation journey, providing real-time feedback and alerts to ensure patients maintain proper form and adhere to their exercise regimens.

These devices are invaluable diagnostic tools for therapists. They can precisely pinpoint biomechanical issues, track progress, and help develop tailored treatment plans. The continuous data stream from these wearables allows for more accurate assessments and timely adjustments to therapy protocols.

Patients benefit from these devices' immediate feedback, enhancing their body awareness and facilitating a stronger brain-to-body connection. When combined with other technologies like VR, smart wearables create a comprehensive rehabilitation ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of what's achievable in physical therapy.

Conclusion

The future of physical therapy is bright, powered by innovative technologies that enhance treatment and patient experience. From conversational AI to robotic assistance, these advancements are reshaping rehabilitation. While innovation offers intriguing possibilities, it's crucial to remember that it complements, not replaces, the competence of human clinicians. As we move forward, integrating high-tech solutions with personalized care promises more effective, engaging, and accessible physical therapy for all.

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Untold Physio Stories - Do You Train Recovery?

2023-10-05T08:45:00.001-04:00

Erson shares a recent case - young female distance runner, at the top of her age group with severe knee pain. After 50% improvement with traditional strengthening, ankle and hip mobility training, modifying strike, getting new footwear, the patient discovered something else that made her able to run pain free.

Untold Physio Stories is part of the PT Podcast Network, find more amazing podcasts and new favorites here!

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Untold Physio Stories - Don't Bring Your A Game to the Pre Game

2023-09-26T09:30:00.001-04:00

We're joined by Dr. Chris Garcia from Chris Garcia Academy. He works with pro athletes and also teaches PTs to be at the top of their game when it comes to treating this unique population. His story is a cautionary tale about working with high level athletes prior to competition.

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Untold Physio Stories - Growing and Scaling Yourself and Your Business

2023-09-19T12:50:00.002-04:00

In this episode, Dr. Adam Robin of the PT Owners club talks about wanting to become the best clinician to owning a business, to scaling his clinic to multiple clinicians and multiple clinics. His mentor and he now are helping similar PT Clinic Owners with the PT Owners Club.

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Untold Physio Stories - Hollywood From a PT’s Perspective

2023-09-06T09:35:00.002-04:00

We're joined again by Dr. Adrian Miranda of the web series Gross Anatomy on youtube. He was supposed to tell a story of working for a high volume clinic coming off of an esteemed residency program. But our geek mode took over and we ended up recoding an episode all about our love of movies, Tom Cruise, his crazy running gait, and how PTs should think when they view a great action scene. Have you ever thought of these things as a clinician when you watch your favorite movies or shows?

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

⁠The Eclectic Approach Network⁠ - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.

Check out ⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

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Untold Physio Stories - The Mysterious Case of Bilateral Shoulder Weakness

2023-08-29T08:51:00.003-04:00

Andrew discusses a recent case with a curious finding. Bilateral Infraspinatus atrophy one side greater than the other. No myotomal or dermatomal overlap, no pain, no trauma or recent infection. What do you make of it? Any similar cases in your experience?

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Untold Physio Stories - The PT Entertainer

2023-08-22T12:15:00.004-04:00

We're joined by Dr. Adrian Miranda of Gross Anatomy Web Series on youtube. He tells his origin story of expectation of high school graduate, to earning his doctorate, teaching residency, and eventually forming a PT based entertainment company! Be sure to check out Gross Anatomy on youtube!

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Untold Physio Stories - Have You Ever Heard of Collagen Supplementation?

2023-08-08T11:05:00.002-04:00

Erson chats with Dr. Sean Wells, author, nutrition specialist, speaker, and Modern Rehab Mastery mentor. Recently, Sean gave a talk on wholistic treatment for orthopaedic conditions in the older population. After being asked about collagen supplementation repeatedly, his biases were challenged.

Dr Well's site can be found here - Nutritional Physical Therapy

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Untold Physio Stories - Breathing is a Habit

2023-08-02T07:30:00.001-04:00

In this episode, Erson goes over a telehealth series of visits with another PT. What started out as a traditional lumbar radicular or neuropathy complaint rapidly turned to trying a LOT of different and non traditional treatments. Are you aware that over breathing/hyperventilation can affect many different systems in the body? Listen to this podcast to find out more.

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Unveiling the Mystery of Discogenic Low Back Pain

2023-07-31T07:30:00.002-04:00

Back pain is a common ailment that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. One specific type of back pain, known as discogenic low back pain (LBP), is characterized by pain originating from the intervertebral discs (IVDs) in the spine. Despite extensive research, the exact causes of discogenic LBP have remained elusive. However, a recent study conducted by Seiji Ohtori and his colleagues sheds new light on the underlying mechanisms of this condition.

Animal Models and Discogenic LBP:

Through the use of animal models, researchers have made significant discoveries regarding discogenic LBP. They have found that sensory nerves grow into the inner layer of the lumbar IVDs, and this nerve ingrowth is induced by certain inflammatory substances called cytokines.

These cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins, stimulate the ingrowth of sensory nerves into the discs. Moreover, nerve growth factor has been identified as a key player in inducing this nerve ingrowth. Animal models have also revealed that disc degeneration triggers the production of collagenases, enzymes that break down collagen, leading to hypermobility and pain.

Sinuvertebral Nerves

Unveiling Human Discogenic LBP

Further insights into the mechanisms of discogenic LBP have been gleaned from the examination of degenerated human IVD specimens. These specimens have revealed sensory innervation and nerve ingrowth, similar to what has been observed in animal models. The presence of cytokines in human discs suggests a shared mechanism with animal models.

This indicates that the findings from animal studies can be applied to human patients as well. In addition to sensory innervation and cytokine involvement, sensitization of sensory nerve fibers innervating the IVDs is a crucial factor in discogenic LBP. When these nerve fibers become sensitized, they become more responsive to pain stimuli, leading to heightened pain perception.

Psychosocial factors also play a role in the perception and experience of pain associated with discogenic LBP. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and social support can influence an individual’s pain experience. Understanding the interplay between these psychosocial factors and the physiological aspects of discogenic LBP is important in developing comprehensive treatment approaches.

Tackling Discogenic LBP: Treatment Approaches

Understanding the underlying pathomechanisms of discogenic LBP opens up avenues for potential treatment strategies. To effectively manage this condition, it is crucial to prevent sensitization of sensory nerve fibers within the IVDs. This can be achieved through targeted interventions that aim to suppress the pathogenic increases of cytokines. By reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins, the ingrowth of sensory nerves into the discs can be controlled, thereby reducing pain.

In addition to cytokine regulation, addressing disc hypermobility is an essential aspect of treating discogenic LBP. Hypermobile discs can magnify pain and further damage the disc structure. Treatment options such as physical therapy and specific exercises can help stabilize the spine, reduce hypermobility, and alleviate pain. Other interventions, such as spinal manipulative therapy and epidural steroid injections, may also be considered in certain cases to manage pain and promote healing.

Conclusion:

Discogenic low back pain is a complex condition with multiple underlying mechanisms. The research conducted by Seiji Ohtori and his colleagues has provided valuable insights into the pathomechanisms of this condition, highlighting the role of sensory nerve ingrowth, cytokines, and disc hypermobility. By understanding these mechanisms, health professionals can develop more targeted treatment approaches to help patients suffering from discogenic LBP.

One innovative product that aids in the understanding and communication of discogenic LBP is the Professional LxH Dynamic Disc Model by Dynamic Disc Designs. This model accurately represents the structure and function of the intervertebral discs, allowing health professionals to visually demonstrate the impact of disc degeneration, nerve ingrowth, and hypermobility to their patients. By using this model during patient consultations, health professionals can help individuals better comprehend the nature of their condition and the rationale behind the recommended treatment approaches.

Check out MMT's Exclusive Blue Nucleus model!

Via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc Designs

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

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Untold Physio Stories - The ED Misses a PE

2023-07-26T11:53:00.001-04:00

Andrew is back talking about a colleague's recent case. This is a new grad, only practicing for 5 weeks or so, but kudos to his differential diagnosis skills and applying the Wells Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism. If you're not familiar with it, its something you should keep in the back of your mind, especially with post op patients, those who have been recently immobilized, or with history of Cancer or PE.

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[RESEARCH] Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?

2023-07-24T07:30:00.002-04:00

Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?

By Dr. Sean M.Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

Recently I was presenting at the annual conference of Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF) and I was overwhelmed by one consistent question: why didn't you talk about collagen supplementation? My talk was specifically on orthopedics for older adults and naturally I focused on osteoarthritis (OA) and how important exercise and diet are for that condition. I did touch on some supplementation, but I left off collagen because my last examination of this supplement, using one of my favorite websites Examine.com, yielded mediocre results. However the participants at the sports medicine conference piqued my interest and convinced me that perhaps I had missed something -- almost every single one of these participants had some form of joint pain or stiffness and felt significantly better after taking collagen daily. So, back to the literature, and asking some of my clients, I went!

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in the body that provides structure and support to various tissues, including joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It may play a role in maintaining joint health and may have potential benefits for individuals with joint pain. A few small-scale studies have shown positive results in reducing joint pain and improving joint function when individuals with osteoarthritis took collagen supplements. These studies often used specific collagen formulations, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, which are broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption by the body. However, it's important to note that the findings of these studies are not yet conclusive, and more robust research is necessary.

The Research

It's worth mentioning that joint pain can have various causes, and collagen supplementation may not be effective for everyone. Factors like age, underlying health conditions, overall diet, and lifestyle habits can also influence joint health. For instance, a meta-analysis on collagen supplementation for OA showed improvements in the WOMAC, a functional score for knee arthritis, but it didn't yield significant results for knee pain. Meanwhile, another review article looking at collagen supplementation for joint pain, muscle protein synthesis, and body composition found that collagen did significantly reduce joint pain (it had effect on the other metrics). Here's a nice table listed in the article:

The joint pain included in the review included knee pain and Achilles tendinopathy, all predominately in an athletic population. Another glaring observation is several of these studies included physical therapy and exercise prescriptions with the supplementation (Yay! Nutrition and Physical Therapy), which can also alter the results and effects of collagen as well. It's important to see the doses varied in the studies from 5, 10, to 40 grams per day; moreover, the collagen can come in varying form from peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, to denatured collagen. Having such variability in the type of collagen also likely explains the variability in responses and data.

Dosing

So, roughly how much and what type of collagen should a client take? Well, many studies have used dosages ranging from 8 to 12 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen per day for joint-related benefits. Research suggests that type II collagen supplementation may help reduce joint pain and improve joint function in individuals with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. It is believed to work by helping to restore and support cartilage health, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting joint mobility. It's important to note that collagen supplements are available in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and liquids, and their concentration of collagen can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

It's also worth mentioning that collagen supplements are often combined with other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, which may influence their effectiveness. If you decide to try collagen supplementation for joint pain, it's a good idea to choose a reputable brand and look for products that have been tested for quality and safety. I suggest using Labdoor.com to help you or your client find a high-quality collagen supplement, if and when appropriate.

Summary

In the end, perhaps the participants at the ATAF conference were right -- there is something to say about collagen and joint pain. Not every study is exact and more research needs to be done on what dose, what age, what condition, and what exercises should be done with the collagen -- but that's why we practice physical therapy! Love to hear your thoughts and maybe some of your clients' responses to collagen.

If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60! Earn CEUs in most states for PTs!

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

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Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school.

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Untold Physio Stories - Constant Pain Needs Sustained Techniques

2023-07-17T11:43:00.002-04:00

In this episode, Erson goes over a tough case of constant and flared up cervical pain with radiating complaints. What do you think of his solution? Have you ever had a similar case that responded to sustained holds better than repeated loading or traditional techniques?

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Untold Physio Stories - Don't Assess Yourself

2023-07-06T11:57:00.001-04:00

Erson tells a story of getting back to rock climbing after a 20 year break. After a finger injury that wasn't healing, he got some totally unexpected great advice from another climber. What do you think of the solution and has anything similar ever happened to you?

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Check out ⁠EDGE Mobility System⁠'s Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.com

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The Cervical Spine in Tension Type Headache

2023-07-05T10:31:00.003-04:00

Tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that affects many individuals. Recent research suggests that the cervical spine, specifically the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis, may play a role in the development of TTH. This nucleus facilitates the exchange of pain signals between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in headache generation.

Links between the upper cervical spine and TTH

Studies have shown that individuals with TTH often exhibit musculoskeletal impairments. Common findings include forward head posture and restricted cervical range of motion. These physical dysfunctions may contribute to the headache symptoms experienced by TTH patients. Neck pain and sensitivity in the cervical spine are frequently reported alongside TTH and may worsen the clinical presentation of the headache. These symptoms could be epiphenomena resulting from the sensitization of the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis.

While forward head posture is a common observation in TTH, its direct relevance to the headache remains a topic of debate. Similarly, the relationship between restricted cervical range of motion and TTH is not well understood. It is uncertain whether these musculoskeletal impairments are causative factors or consequences of the headache.

Clinicians often use the cervical flexion-rotation test to assess upper cervical spine mobility, which has proven useful in diagnosing cervicogenic headache. However, its application and significance in TTH are not extensively studied. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of this test in TTH diagnosis and management.

Another intriguing observation is the reproduction of headache pain through manual stimulation of the upper cervical spine in both cervicogenic headache and TTH. This suggests that referred pain from the cervical spine may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. Understanding this mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for TTH.

Additionally, trigger points in the neck-shoulder muscles may contribute to TTH symptoms by generating muscle referred pain. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas, including the head, and may exacerbate the headache experienced by individuals with TTH.

Managing TTH in practice

A multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy interventions targeting musculoskeletal impairments, exercise, and psychological aspects is essential for the management of TTH. The effectiveness of cervical treatment approaches varies, and personalized strategies should be tailored to individual patients. Understanding the role of the cervical spine in TTH and differentiating between cervical components and sources can aid in the recognition and treatment of diverse headache presentations.

Our cervical spine models help professionals manage the connections between TTH and the role of the cervical spine. Check out my exclusive blue nucleus anti-nocebo version!

via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc Designs

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

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Untold Physio Stories - Poking and Hoping

2023-06-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

Erson goes over an interesting TMJ case of posterior disc subluxation and severe pain with opening and eating. It turns out after significant improvement the patient was still checking for tenderness a bit too much.

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Preventing Muscle Mass Loss

2023-06-19T14:50:00.002-04:00

By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DN

As physical therapists (PTs) we do our best to optimize our older clients' strength, balance, and functioning. Obviously, our mainstay interventions focus on exercises, balance training, and adaptive equipment. In our courses, we highlight the importance of Vitamin D status and protein consumption for older adults, to improve balance, strength, and prevent sarcopenia. A recent study in Nature Aging highlights yet another potential dietary component that impacts muscle function: ceramides.

Ceramides, a sphingolipid, which is a type of fat, has been shown to reduce muscle mass and functional capacity in rodents. Moreover, it has been shown that offering ceramide-inhibiting medication effectively reverses sarcopenia, which is very promising for human studies. In the current study the authors examined older adults with a genetic variant to inhibit ceramides. The results showed these adults with the variant had significantly better grip strength, walking distance, and sit to stand function: all metrics that Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) routinely measure. The next big step for these researchers is understanding how to yield these results via medication and/or dietary changes.

Fortunately, other authors have highlighted how PTs and other clinicians can advise their patients on how to naturally reduce ceramides in their diet. In the FRUVEDomic pilot study, authors demonstrated that a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and high in saturated fat, facilitated an increase in hepatic ceramide production. The researchers concluded that even transitioning patients from a standard Western diet to even the US Dietary Guidelines would yield positive responses for aging. Imagine the impact on aging and physical functioning if we took the diet to a bit more extreme, such as the true Mediterranean or predominant plant-based diet? More research is needed, but PTs need to be aware that fruit and vegetable consumption is important for many health outcomes, and screening tools are available and easy to use. We discuss this and more in our courses!

Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below!

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Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school.

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Untold Physio Stories - Grandma Has Functional Overlay

2023-06-16T09:12:00.002-04:00

Andrew finds out the hard way what the term Functional Overlay means in regard to a slow or non responding patient. Have you ever heard of this term or has anything similar ever happened to you? Comment on our socials or on the podcast on Spotify!

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Growth of the Lower Back Pain Endemic Worldwide

2023-06-12T07:30:00.001-04:00

In a recent article in The Lancet Rheumatology, researchers show how lower back pain is a rapidly escalating global issue, affecting an estimated 619 million people in 2020 – nearly 10% of the world’s population. Experts predict that this number will reach 843 million by 2050.

Compounding problems in the lower back epidemic

Asia and Africa are expected to experience the most significant rise in lower back pain cases. These regions often already face challenges due to limited and overburdened social support systems and healthcare resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem. Increased inactivity due to lockdowns and poor ergonomics from remote work setups have contributed to the intensity and prevalence of lower back pain. Additionally, limited access to healthcare services during the pandemic has added to the suffering of individuals already affected by this condition.

It’s important to consider that the provided figures may underestimate the true burden, as they do not fully account for the impact of the pandemic.

The Societal Burden of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain imposes a substantial burden on society and the economy. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service spends nearly £5 billion annually on general practitioner appointments alone for this condition.

Similarly, the cost of lower back and neck pain in the United States reached a staggering $134 billion in 2016. Of course, the consequences extend beyond the financial costs.

Lower back pain leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and early retirement, particularly among the working-age population. There is also a strong association between lower back pain and higher rates of depression, leading to prolonged disability and hindering recovery.

The researchers warn it is crucial to address the societal impact of lower back pain and develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate its effects.

Addressing the Issue of Back Pain Globally

Addressing the global issue of lower back pain will require immediate attention and collaborative efforts. Solutions should prioritize strategies aimed at alleviating lower back pain in the workplace, where many people spend a significant part of their time.

Implementing ergonomic practices and promoting physical activity can help prevent and reduce the problem of lower back pain. Moreover, improving access to rehabilitation services is essential for effective management and recovery.

Specialized training for healthcare practitioners in the treatment of lower back pain can lead to better outcomes and patient care. Additionally, reducing reliance on ineffective and potentially harmful treatments, such as opioids, is crucial.

Finally, the researchers stress that governments, healthcare systems, and policymakers must work together to prioritize lower back pain and allocate resources effectively. By taking proactive measures, we can alleviate the burden of lower back pain and improve the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide.

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Untold Physio Stories Podcast - Severe Scapula Pain in a CrossFit Athlete

2023-06-08T10:11:00.001-04:00

Andrew Rothschild is back with an interesting case of severe pain and hyperalgesia around the scapula area in a CrossFit Athlete. This is the second time in 1 year after good resolution the year prior. Both times there was no clear cut mechanism of injury. Then randomly on social media, Andrew saw two posts regarding a differential diagnosis of severe pain in this area in overhead athletes. Treatment ended up being the same, but it makes for interesting discussion on how and why these things may happen. Ever seen a case of nerve entrapment like this?

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Untold Physio Stories - Just Screen the Spine Already

2023-05-30T12:50:00.001-04:00

For this episode, Erson talks about a recent case of marathon runner diagnosed with a grade 1 hamstring strain. It was an insidious onset after wearing orthotics for forefoot overpronation. Ever see anything similar in your practice? Do you screen the spine on every extremity patient?

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Untold Physio Stories - One Case Changes a Career

2023-05-23T07:30:00.003-04:00

Sometimes a point in your career is reached where you just want something different. Other times, a particular case can ignite that spark or drive to make the change. Today, we're joined by Dr. Ryan Martin, who is making waves currently in the MSK Ultrasound world. You can follow him on LinkedIn here. Ryan gives his origin story and how he got where is today, a leader in the field of MSK Ultrasound and advocate for PTs.

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Untold Physio Stories - Cervical Retraction for Bilateral Complaints

2023-05-16T08:30:00.006-04:00

In this episode, Erson is joined by Dr. Malik Parker. He happened to stumble upon some quick fixes for bilateral thumb issues. Have you ever seen something like this in your practice?

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Untold Physio Stories - High Anxiety for Provider and Patient Over Open Lock TMJ

2023-05-08T09:26:00.001-04:00

In this episode, Erson is joined by Dr. Hannah Cox who recently attended one of his live TMJ Seminars. Upon leaving, she felt prepared to take on the TMJ world! Until that is two days later, she had a patient with high fear avoidance and complaints of open lock TMJ, headaches and neck issues. Luckily, Erson was able to instill her confidence over an online mentoring session and all worked out great over 3 sessions only!

Untold Physio Stories is sponsored by

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Untold Physio Stories - A Tough Lumbar Lateral Shift Case Part 2

2023-05-04T07:30:00.003-04:00

Erson follows up with the difficult lumbar lateral shift patient from this episode a few weeks back. As in the past, he's doing much better and this time Erson takes care not to flare him up! Interestingly enough using the Activforce 2 handheld dynamometer reveals some significant hip and trunk rotation strength percentage differences that could be key to better prevention.

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