JOSPT Insights

Dr. Arielle Giordano, a leading expert in sports and orthopedic physical therapy, discusses groundbreaking insights into meniscus rehabilitation. She highlights the collaborative consensus among health professionals from Europe and the US on optimal recovery strategies post-surgery. Key topics include tailored rehabilitation approaches, the significance of educating patients, and advancements in surgical techniques. Dr. Giordano also outlines critical symptoms to monitor during recovery and the importance of personalized exercise protocols to prevent re-injury.

In the return of Sports Corner, Dr Olivia Abdoo chats all things UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and MMA (mixed martial arts). UFC combines wrestling, grappling and striking, which makes for complex demands that contribute to complex injury epidemiology. Whether working with a Championship fighter or a recreational martial arts athlete, Dr Abdoo provides excellent guidance for clinicians who are planning rehabilitation and return to sport. Concussion is common in UFC, so stay tuned for an upcoming episode with Dr Abdoo about her approach to concussion rehabilitation with UFC athletes.

Researchers are increasingly partnering with patients, clinicians and others who use research to design, conduct, report and disseminate research studies. Today we hear about a conversation that involved over 600 patients, clinicians and carers, who were supported to nominate their top priorities for research on shoulder pain. Kristian Lyng (physiotherapst, PhD student at Aalborg University's Department of Health Science and Technology, and Center for General Practice) led the work as part of his PhD research looking at interventions for shared decision-making in collaboration with patients with subacromial pain syndrome. Kristian discusses the challenges and opportunities in translating research to clinical practice, and the benefits to researchers of engaging patients and the public in doing musculoskeletal research. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Research priorities for atraumatic shoulder pain: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13059 Patients as partners in research - It's the right thing to do: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2019.0106 Help for researchers wanting to engage patients as research partners: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2020.0104 How to talk about compensation with patient partners: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2020.0106 Engaging patients and the public in musculoskeletal research: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12668

Dr. Casper Nim is an Associate Professor and chiropractor specializing in spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) at the Spine Centre of Southern Denmark. He discusses whether the method of applying SMT affects patient outcomes, highlighting insights from recent research. The conversation explores the differences between acute and chronic spine pain, critiques current research practices, and emphasizes the need for personalized treatments. Nim also shares how clinician confidence and a flexible approach can enhance patient satisfaction in rehabilitation.

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the Achilles tendon captures much of our ankle attention. As JOSPT Insights listeners know, there's plenty more to the ankle than the ATFL. Today, Liz Bayley shares her approach to diagnosing, managing and ideally, preventing ankle pain in active people. Liz covers diagnosing the problem, where imaging fits, and how to support return to function, including high-level sport. Liz is a former professional dancer, who now works as a dance-specialist physiotherapist. Her clinic is in London's West End, in close proximity to the freelance professional and student dancers she works with, at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and on 'Matilda The Musical' in Covent Garden. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Lateral ankle ligament sprains clinical practice guideline: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.0302 Updated model of chronic ankle instability: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31162943/ Predictors of chronic ankle instability: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26912285/ Intrinsic foot muscle training systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35724360/ Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for foot intrinsic muscles: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35142810/

Dr. Matthew King, a physiotherapist and Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University, dives into the complexities of hip arthroscopy recovery. He discusses the significant sex differences in athletes' return to sport post-surgery, with women facing greater challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clearly defining 'return to sport' and understanding the biological and social factors at play. Dr. King also highlights the need for personalized recovery approaches and better communication of outcomes to improve clinical practices.

Myofascial pain syndrome is common - affecting somewhere around 1 in every 5 people. Yet there is plenty of debate about what causes myofascial pain syndrome, how to diagnose it, and even whether myofascial pain syndrome is a primary condition. Today, Professor Chad Cook (Duke University) discusses whether it is even possible to differentiate myofascial pain syndrome from other pain conditions, and the implications for you, the clinician. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Myofascial pain syndromes - controversies and suggestions for improving diagnosis and treatment: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13072 International Association for the Study of Pain - Myofascial pain fact sheet 14: https://www.iasp-pain.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/14.-Myofascial-Pain-Fact-Sheet-Revised-2017.pdf

Discover how postmenopausal women can enhance their bone density and strength with the right exercises. Dr. Belinda Beck reveals insights from the LIFTMOR trial, showcasing safe lifting techniques and emphasizing the importance of high-intensity training. Learn about the surprising benefits of customized mechanical loading on bone health and how tailored exercise can significantly improve quality of life. Plus, find out key strategies for fall prevention and maintaining balance in older adults.

Clinicians appreciate the value of a trustworthy clinical practice guideline for helping guide decisions in practice. Professor François Desmeules (University of Montréal) led an international team of shoulder experts who synthesised the latest evidence on diagnosing and non-surgically managing rotator cuff tendinopathy. Today he shares the headlines of the CPG and explains how the guideline group made sense of all the evidence to come up with recommendations for assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, including return to sport. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Rotator cuff tendinopathy diagnosis, non-surgical medical care and rehabilitation CPG: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13182

Ciarán Purcell is a sports physiotherapist and researcher from the University of Limerick, focusing on refining pain assessment in athletes. He explains the limitations of traditional pain assessment tools and advocates for a holistic approach that accounts for psychological and socio-environmental factors. Ciarán discusses a collaborative project aimed at developing consensus guidelines in pain assessment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive tools in sports medicine. He also invites listeners to engage with this important research initiative.