JOSPT Insights

Dr. Simon Lafrance, a physiotherapist and researcher at the University of Montreal, dives into the pressing challenges in our healthcare system, particularly the growing wait times for musculoskeletal care. He discusses innovative models where physiotherapists lead as the first point of contact, enhancing patient access and reducing costs. Simon also explores the evolution of physiotherapists' roles in rehabilitation, the effectiveness of treatment approaches for spine pain, and how personalized care can transform patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation clinicians are well versed in the physical and mental benefits of regular physical activity. Unfortunately there is limited evidence to guide clinicians on how to best support return to sport and physical activity after childbirth. That's where today's guest comes in. Dr Jenna Schulz (physiotherapist and postdoctoral researcher from Western University, Canada) specializes in pelvic health and sport, women’s health, and improving longevity in sport for females across the lifespan. Today, Jenna shares how she approaches supporting physical and mental readiness for sport postpartum, and when to refer to your colleagues in the multidisciplinary health care team. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Systematic review of exercise interventions for physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12666 Scoping review of guidelines for returning to physical activity and sport postpartum: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37898507/ Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and the lactating athlete: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37752008/

Most people who pursue a career in health care do so because they want to help people. Depending on where you work, patients might find it easier or harder to access high-value musculoskeletal care, and you might run into barriers to providing the care you would like to provide. Dr Roy Film is a physical therapist, educator and current President of APTA Maryland. In today's episode, Roy explains his work trying to make it easier for people to choose high-value musculoskeletal rehabilitation. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Racial disparities in outpatient PT use: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12641

The complex world of clinical practice in musculoskeletal rehabilitation brings many challenges. Some you might feel prepared for, while others...not so much. Musculoskeletal physiotherapist and shoulder specialist, Jared Powell, is here to reassure us that no-one expects you to have all the answers, encourage us all to think carefully and critically when evaluating information, and to embrace a work-related niche that resonates with your passions and strengths. Jared shares ideas on how to succeed as a compassionate and effective musculoskeletal rehabilitation specialist. ------------------------------ RESOURCES "Dear newly graduated physical therapst" article: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12676 ------------------------------ The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy and JOSPT are co-hosting the second Virtual Sports PT Conference on Saturday 2 November. You'll hear from world-leading clinician-scientists including Drs Terri Chmielewski, Lori Michener, Karin Silbernagel, Liz Wellsandt and Rich Willy. Register now to take advantage of the opportunity for up to 13 continuing education contact hours. Registration and information: https://tinyurl.com/3xkcrtu2

Today brings a refresher on best practice in managing non-traumatic shoulder pain. Professor Karen McCreesh (University of Limerick) guides the listener to the best available clinical practice guidelines and runs the ruler over different approaches to exercise therapy. ------------------------------ RESOURCES Diagnosing, managing and supporting return to work for people with rotator cuff disorders (practice guideline): https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.11306 Efficacy of exercise therapy - systematic review: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2024.12453 GRASP trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34382931/ JOSPT Insights episode 173 (shared decision making): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ep-173-shared-decision-making-what-it-is-and-what-it/id1522929437?i=1000651049481 or https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CCh5FRTGAsz54bdpWbYGB?si=c40b2c227eb94a12 ------------------------------ The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy and JOSPT are co-hosting the second Virtual Sports PT Conference on Saturday 2 November. You'll hear from world-leading clinician-scientists including Drs Terri Chmielewski, Lori Michener, Karin Silbernagel, Liz Wellsandt and Rich Willy. Register now to take advantage of the opportunity for up to 13 continuing education contact hours. Registration and information: https://tinyurl.com/3xkcrtu2

Dr. Giovanni Ferreira, an Emerging Leader Research Fellow at the University of Sydney, dives into the pressing concerns of people suffering from acute low back pain. He critiques clinical practice guidelines, arguing they often miss the mark on addressing patient worries. The conversation highlights the need for personalized education over generic advice and emphasizes the role of effective communication in improving treatment outcomes. Ferreira also discusses the potential for AI chatbots to help patients find reliable information, navigating the complexities of back pain management.

Today's episode takes the spirit of our popular SPORTS CORNER series, and flips it to learning about playing a leading role in the world of sports medicine and rehabilitation. Dr Ciara Burgi has worked across collegiate, professional men's, and professional women's sport, and has a ton of wisdom to share. From building rapport with athletes and patients, to valuing your work in the present without looking too far ahead to what might (or might not) come next, and doing what you can with the resources at your disposal, are among the topics Dr Burgi covers. ------------------------------ RESOURCES The American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy and JOSPT are co-hosting the second Virtual Sports PT Conference on Saturday 2 November. You'll hear from world-leading clinician-scientists including Drs Terri Chmielewski, Lori Michener, Karin Silbernagel, Liz Wellsandt and Rich Willy. Register now to take advantage of the extended early-bird price and the opportunity for up to 13 continuing education contact hours. Registration and information: https://tinyurl.com/3xkcrtu2

Dr. Martin Asker, a shoulder expert from Sophiahemmet University, dives into the world of team handball, revealing its physical demands and the common injuries players face. He discusses the crucial role of position-specific challenges and highlights the prevalence of shoulder issues, especially from overuse. With insights into handball throwing mechanics, Martin emphasizes the need for tailored rehabilitation strategies to keep athletes in the game. Tune in for a mini-masterclass on injury prevention and overall athlete care!

Olivia Barbosa, a sports physiotherapist with over ten years in soccer and rugby, shares her insights on ACL rehabilitation. She emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of measuring both quadriceps and hamstring strength. Olivia critiques the reliance on the Limb Symmetry Index, advocating for comprehensive strength assessments. She discusses the varying outcomes in recovery for professional versus recreational athletes and highlights innovative techniques for tracking strength. Her focus on integrating clinical research with practical applications reveals new strategies for effective rehabilitation.

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a busy sports medicine clinic and research unit looks like? Dr Enda King combines his roles as a sports physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher, and educator through his work with individual athletes and elite teams across a spectrum of sports and disciplines. Currently, he is the Head of Elite Performance and Development at the Aspetar Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar. ------------------------------ RESOURCES For more on the Aspetar International Sports Medicine Conference - complete guide to thigh muscle injuries (November 2024): https://www.aspetar.com/en/professionals/our-events/complete-guide-to-thigh-muscle-injuries