The Student Physical Therapist

10/12/2024

PT Oldies but Goodies! A Collection of my Favorite TSPT Blog Posts - https://mailchi.mp/bd141bf93c38/pt-oldies-but-goodies

07/16/2024

The Upper Trap and Neck Pain, Strong Postural Cues, and the 8 Fundamental Movements Patterns -

Understanding the 8 fundamental movement patterns is essential for success, whether you are rehabilitating a client to full function or training them to be resilient against injury. Watch the video below to learn the key principles of each movement pattern!

06/25/2024

6 Essential Movement Assessments that Unlock Vital Information -

In my work with clients, I always start by having them perform the 8 fundamental movement patterns (squat, lunge, hip hinge, push, pull, carry, twist, and gait). These movements help me understand their tissue loading and muscle usage. After assessing these movements, I dig deeper to examine specifi...

09/05/2023

FREE Movement Webinar Saturday 9/9_Topics are Here -

This coming Saturday, September 9, I will be hosting a FREE webinar on the broad subject of movement. The 2 topics that received the most votes are:

08/29/2023

The OCS is around the corner! Check out OPTIMs OCS Prep Course for the best way to prepare for the exam.

Planning on sitting for the OCS in March 2024? Get your study materials early and save $150!!

Find out more and register here: https://www.optimfellowship.com/ocs.html

08/27/2023

FREE Movement Webinar_Topic Recommendations Wanted! -

On Saturday September 9, I will be hosting a FREE webinar on the broad subject of movement. I have many topics that I am interested in teaching (how to perform a good movement assessment, the relationship between posture and pain, the physical stress theory, regional interdependence, components of a...

08/25/2023

Article Review: Why is Osteoarthritis an Age-Related Disease?

The article explores the connection between aging and osteoarthritis. Below I provide an article summary and discuss how this influences our clinical practice!

A quick summary review:
-Osteoarthritis is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in joints.
-Age-related changes in joint structures contribute significantly to the development of osteoarthritis.
-Accumulated mechanical stress on joints over time is a key factor in the onset of osteoarthritis.
-Reduced capacity for cartilage repair in older individuals is a critical element in the disease's progression.
-Increased inflammation, a common feature of aging, plays a role in the development of osteoarthritis.

This Means:
-Arthritis is due to the accumulated stress (or traumatic stressors) on the joints
-Our bodies don't heal as well as when get older

How this influences your practice:
-We know that OA and aging are clearly correlated (we don't see many teenagers coming in for arthritic pain), and this article explains why.
-If accumulated joint stress is part of the problem, the question should be, 'how can we minimize joint strain?' Teaching patients how to move better can minimize stress on your joints. I teach clients the 8 fundamental movement patterns (squat, lunge, hinge, plank, push, pull, rotation, & gait) to ensure all their primary daily movements are strong [This information is discussed in the How the Body Moves course on Teachable].
-Other pillars of health, like nutrition, sleep, body mass, and environmental stressors, all influence the body's aging process. Address these factors to help minimize the inflammatory aspect associated with OA.

I'd love to hear any thoughts, personal experiences, etc...!

08/22/2023

Graded exposure is a systematic approach that gradually exposes patients to feared movements or activities, reducing pain-related fear and increasing confidence. This helps patients overcome avoidance behaviors and improves function.

As PTs and healthcare professionals, we have many variables we can manipulate to optimize a patient's plan of care! If you are stuck working with a client, try adjusting one of these variables.

08/15/2023

Good article on the relationship between posture and pain!

"Keeping fit and strong. Moving. Eating well. Sleeping well. They’re the things we should be targeting." -Peter O'Sullivan

For ages, bad posture has been assumed to cause back pain. Now some physiotherapists are rethinking what we should be doing with our spines

08/14/2023

Movement can be broken down into 8 main categories: Squat, Lunge, Hinge, Plank, Push, Pull, Rotation/Twist, and Gait.

All movements are variations of these motions! Learn more about the 8 movement categories.

The 8 Main Whole Body Movements include the squat, lunge, hinge, plank, push, pull, rotation, and gait (walking). Learn an overview of each of these 8 moveme...

08/12/2023

‼️ Something BIG is coming ‼️

Tune in next Wednesday to find out….

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06/21/2023

Great infographic on updated management of Osteoarthritis!

A summary of the management strategies recommended in the new 2022 NICE guidance on management of osteoarthrits, highlighting changes from the previous (2014) guidance