Forward Physio The Truth About Manual Therapy in 2025 with Dr. Chad Cook
12 snips
Aug 7, 2025 Dr. Chad Cook, a Duke University professor and physical therapist, shares insights from his extensive 35 years of clinical practice and research. He emphasizes the need for a modern, patient-centered approach to manual therapy that tailors techniques to different types of pain, calling out key distinctions like cervicogenic headaches versus low back pain. Cook critiques existing educational practices, advocating for curiosity and better relational skills in new therapists. He also discusses the balance between scientific evidence and personal connections, promoting improved care outcomes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Curiosity As Core Clinical Value
- Chad Cook says curiosity prevents stagnation in clinicians and researchers.
- Stay inquisitive to improve clinical outcomes and research quality.
Average Treatment Effects Explain Nonspecificity
- Chad Cook explains nonspecific findings arise in average treatment effect studies.
- Group averages mask subgroups who benefit from truly specific techniques.
Match Specificity To Pain Mechanism
- Match specificity to the dominant pain mechanism, for example in cervicogenic headache.
- For nociplastic low back pain, prefer nonspecific, safe approaches instead of chasing specificity.