Physio Network

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Stacey Hardin, a seasoned physical therapist and athletic trainer, shares her insights from over a decade in elite soccer. She dives into a detailed case study of a soccer player's groin injury, exploring the challenges of diagnosis and the role of MRI. Dr. Hardin emphasizes the significance of a multidisciplinary approach and highlights the shift towards non-surgical management for faster recovery. Listeners will appreciate her strategies for assessing and guiding athletes through the complex return-to-play process.

This episode with Craig Purdam is a snippet taken from our Practicals live Q&A sessions. Held monthly, these sessions give Practicals members the chance to ask their pressing questions and get direct answers from our expert presenters. In this episode Craig discusses:Medial tibial stress syndrome Rocker bottom shoes Surfaces and distances and their roles in relation to calf injuriesPopliteal artery entrapment syndrome👉🏻 Learn more about Physio Network’s Practicals here - physio.network/practicals-purdamCraig Purdam was the Head of Physical Therapies at the Australian Institute of Sport for 35 years and the Deputy Director of Athlete Services for 3 years. He has worked as a clinician for elite sport for over 40 years and has been a physiotherapist to five Olympic Games (1984-2000) and a longstanding physiotherapist to the Australian National Men’s Basketball team over that period. He has worked with the Australia national track and field, rowing and swimming teams along with AFL football.If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!

In this episode, we discuss some of the potential challenges and perks of working in elite sport. We explore: Most common injuries seen in combat sportsKey differences in elite sport vs private practiceImportance of interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary managementUse of objective measures in elite sportInjury risk prior to competitionSupplementation in elite sportDr Ian Gatt is Head of Performance Services & Lead Physiotherapist for GB Boxing. He has over 20 years of clinical experience, having supported athletes on their path to success through several Olympic games. He forms part of Team Anthony Joshua (Boxing Olympic and Professional Double World Champion), delivering injury reduction and management strategies within a multidisciplinary team. Ian is an Upper Limb Injury specialist with the prestigious English Institute of Sport (EIS), and has recently completed a PhD in Wrist Biomechanics at Sheffield Hallam University. Dr. Heather Linden serves as the Senior Director of Physical Therapy at the UFC Performance Institute (UFCPI). She oversees the sports medicine departments at both UFCPI locations in Las Vegas, NV, and Shanghai, China. In 2022, Heather received the prestigious “Trainer of the Year” honor at the World MMA Awards. Prior to her role with the UFC, she was part of the Sports Medicine Division at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and also led an outpatient orthopedic clinic in Los Angeles.If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network

In this episode with Dr Enda King, we discuss a recent paper looking at time to return to sport post ACL reconstruction. We discuss:Is there an optimal time to return to sport? How important is time as an indicator post ACL reconstruction? Role of different graft types in timing of return to sportOther implicating factors which may contribute to re-injuryTesting for return to sportEnda King PhD MSc is a sports physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher, and educator who works with elite athletes and teams across various sports. As Head of Performance at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, he developed and led advanced clinical and research pathways for ACL and Athletic Groin Pain rehabilitation, serving athletes from top global leagues including the Premier League, NFL, NBA, and UFC. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focused on groin pain, ACL recovery, and biomechanics in performance and rehab. King is also a respected international educator and consultant, especially in lower limb injury rehabilitation.Reference to article -  Kotsifaki R, King E, Bahr R, Whiteley R (2025) Is 9 months the sweet spot for male athletes to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 26 February 2025. If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network

In this episode with Karen McCreesh, we explore shoulder pain and what patients really want. We discuss:The mismatch between what patients want and what clinicians think they needRole of pain and how to explain this to patientsRole of group exercise for those not improving with individual exercisesProf McCreesh is an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapy educator, researcher, clinician, and sonographer. She is a Professor in Physiotherapy at the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick, Ireland. She has an extensive track record in shoulder pain research, with a multitude of peer reviewed publications in leading journals. She has been awarded over €1.7m in research funding and leads a team of 3 PhD and 2 post doctoral researchers within the Health Research Institute at UL.If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio from Physio Network

In this discussion, Charlie Clements, a First Contact Physiotherapist with expertise in spinal pathologies, shares his insights on sciatica management. He breaks down key diagnostic techniques and highlights the importance of distinguishing sciatica from similar conditions. Charlie emphasizes personalized treatment options and collaborative strategies between patients and clinicians. He also delves into effective referral processes when conservative treatments don’t yield results, making complex concepts accessible to healthcare professionals.

In this episode, we discuss everything about ACL injuries. We explore: Role of biomechanics of ACL injuryAre current ACL injury prevention programs effective? Use of Functional MRI in ACL rehabilitationWhat are the long-term consequences of ACL reconstruction? Injury risk post ACL reconstructionWant to learn more about ACL Injury incidence and prevention? Matthew Bourne and Tyler Collings recently did a brilliant Masterclass with us called “Mastering ACL Injury: From Incidence to Injury Prevention” where they go into further depth on this topic. 👉🏻 You can watch their class now with our 7-day free trial: https://physio.network/masterclass-bournecollingsDr Tyler Collings is an early career researcher at Griffith University, Gold Coast and a member of the Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology (PRECISE). His research focuses on lower limb injury prevention and rehabilitation using neuromusculoskeletal biomechanics and field-based human movement technology. Dr Matthew Bourne is an Associate Professor and research leader in the Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology at Griffith University. As recipient of research fellowships from Advance Queensland and MTPConnect, A/Prof Bourne and his team partner with industry to develop and apply next-generation, clinic-friendly technologies to identify athletes at risk of injury and inform the design of personalised, evidence-based prevention strategies.If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @Sarahyule from Physio Network

In this discussion, Thomas Dekkers, a seasoned Physiotherapist and researcher specializing in musculoskeletal and sports medicine, delves into the efficacy of exercise for low back pain. He emphasizes the necessity of tailored exercise prescriptions that reflect individual patient needs. They explore how education enhances engagement in therapy, bridging gaps between research and real-world application. Dekkers also highlights integrating cognitive approaches with physical exercise for improved results, making a compelling case for personalized treatment strategies.

In this episode with Dr Alana Dinsdale we explore assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We explore:The anatomy of the TMJSymptoms of TMJ disorderHypothesis categories in treatment of the TMJMotor control in the TMJRole of screening the Cervical spineThis episode is closely tied to Alana’s Practical she did with us. With Practicals you can see exactly how top experts assess and treat specific conditions – so you can become a better clinician, faster.👉🏻 Watch Alana’s Practical here with our 7-day free trial: https://physio.network/practicals-dinsdaleDr Alana Dinsdale is a physiotherapist, researcher, and lecturer at The University of Queensland, specialising in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). She completed her PhD at UQ in 2023, focusing on disability and management strategies for individuals with persistent intra-articular TMDs. With a strong clinical background in private practice physiotherapy, Alana is dedicated to advancing TMD management through research, education, and collaboration. If you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @sarah.yule from Physio Network

In this episode with Dr Kieran Richardson, we explore an interesting case study on a real patient of his - a patient who ruptured her ACL and her recovery process with non-surgical management. We cover:The role and importance of knee flexion in recovery from ACL ruptureBracing and weight-bearing in conservative managementTelehealth objective assessmentEducation and advice during rehabilitationTreatment plan and the three phases involvedThis episode is closely tied to Kieran’s case study he did with us. With case studies, you can see how top clinicians manage real-world cases and apply their strategies to get better results with your patients.👉🏻 Watch Kieran’s case study here with our 7-day free trial: https://physio.network/casestudy-richardsonDr. Kieran is a Specialist Physiotherapist and the Director of Global Specialist Physiotherapy, a consultancy company providing Professional Development, Formal Mentoring and Non-surgical opinions for patients. Kieran and his team of academics, expert clinicians and researchers consult to multiple clinics, health care professionals and patients in Perth, Western Australia, and well as nationally and internationally via online platforms. You can find out more information about his Global services through: globalspecialistphysio.comIf you like the podcast, it would mean the world if you're happy to leave us a rating or a review. It really helps!Our host is @sarah.yule from Physio Network