We have previously discussed clavicle fractures and injuries to the AC joint. We also commonly see injuries to the rotator occur with skiing and snowboarding.  The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles, the tendons of which intertwine with the capsule of the shoulder and help provide stability to the joint. Because they lie close to the joint they are effective as stabilizing muscles, but are quite small in comparison to other muscles in the region, and as such are vulnerable

In this week’s look at the science, we are discussing the recent rise in research into the cross bracing protocol (CBP) as a means of allowing natural healing of the ACL post-rupture, as opposed to a reliance on reconstructive surgery. In the paper above, we see as many as 90% of the cohort treated with CBP showing some degree of ligament healing. There is obviously some apprehension surrounding this protocol, as there is potential to miss out on the crucial early stages of r

Lower back pain is the most common complaint we deal with in orthopedic practice, and while it isn’t the most common winter sports injury, it is still possible to injure this area on the slopes.  Lower back pain may come on due to overuse, especially at the start of the season, when we are getting used to an unaccustomed activity again. Or symptoms may start following an acute injury, usually a hard or slightly awkward landing, or a rapid change of direction movement that the

We mentioned in the last post how twisting movements involving ski poles may cause injury to the wrist. Given the positioning of the thumb with these implements, it is also a common area of injury. The most common injury we see in this region is a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). So common is this injury that it is colloquially known as “skier’s thumb” (also “gamekeeper’s thumb in hockey). The ligament lies at the articulation between the thumb and the hand, and d

Concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury (or TBI) is functional disturbance of the brain, typically caused by direct or indirect trauma. As with any injury, concussion needs to be assessed and treated in the correct manner to optimise recovery and avoid long-term disabilities. The acute evaluation involves questioning (using a specific tool such as the sport concussion assessment tool (SCAT)), to ascertain if the person has suffered a concussion. Acute symptoms of a

Balachandran, A. T., Steele, J., Angielczyk, D., Belio, M., Schoenfeld, B. J., Quiles, N., … & Abou-Setta, A. M. (2022). Comparison of Power Training vs Traditional Strength Training on Physical Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA network open, 5(5), e2211623-e2211623. #physiotherapy #healthyageing #powertraining

Should you consider a steroid injection for shoulder pain? Lin, Ching-Yueh, Shih-Chung Huang, Shiow-Jyu Tzou, Chun-Hao Yin, Jin-Shuen Chen, Yao-Shen Chen, and Shin-Tsu Chang. “A Positive Correlation between Steroid Injections and Cuff Tendon Tears: A Cohort Study Using a Clinical Database.” International journal of environmental research and public health 19, no. 8 (2022): 4520. #physiotherapy #physicaltherapy #osteopathy #rehabilitation #injurymanagement #pain #strengthand

Introduction Are you struggling with knee pain, making it difficult to perform your daily activities or participate in your favorite sports? Whether you're recovering from a knee injury or managing a chronic condition, physical therapy can be your ally in regaining strength, flexibility, and overall knee health. In this article, we'll explore how physical therapy can help your knee, offering valuable insights and top tips to accelerate your recovery. How Physical Therapy Can

#exercise #physicalactivity #health #wellness #longevity

Do I need surgery for my shoulder pain? Physiotherapy can help to prevent surgery in non-traumatic rotator cuff injuries! #fysiofriday #physiotherapy #physicaltherapy #osteopathy #rehabilitation #injurymanagement #pain #strengthandconditioning #shoulderpain #rotatorcuff #rotatorcuffrelatedshoulderpain #shoulderimpingement

Rheumatological conditions are problems based around systemic inflammation, rather than being associated with a specific injury or overuse. Because they may behave similarly to regular orthopedic conditions, they may be misdiagnosed. Examples: -Ankylosing spondylitis -Psoriatic arthropathy -Enteropathic spondylitis -Juvenille idiopathic arthrtitis -Crystal arthropathy -Septic arthritis -Lupus -Sjogrens -Scleroderma -Myositis -Mixed/undifferentiated -Hypermobility -Vasculitis

Another area that may be affected during a fall is the hand and wrist. This is usually the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand, or a falling mechanism involving twisting the hand and wrist around the ski pole. There are a number of different injuries that may occur to this region, but the two most common ones are a fracture of the scaphoid and an injury to the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC). A scaphoid fracture will result in pain on the thumb side of the wri

Musculoskeletal injury is a complicated, multi-faceted process, and the specific cause(s) of injury will be unique to the individual. However, in an effort to decrease the occurrence of injury, there is a general hierarchy of importance in terms of measures that can be taken. Health professionals often observe people over-emphasising some of the less important facets of injury prevention, in the process ignoring the “big rocks” Of primary importance is management of training

Less common than the clavicle fractures and AC joint injuries discussed in the previous posts, a fracture of the upper part of the arm (humerus) may occur with a direct fall onto the side of the arm, as well as with rapid twisting motions involving the shoulder.  These injuries may present similarly to other shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff strains (to be covered in a future post), but the telltale sign is significant bruising on the side of the arm. Any traumatic injur

Clinical guidelines are devised by experts in specific fields, to provide consensus and improve consistency within management protocols. The ankle lateral ligament sprain is one of the most common injuries seen in orthopedic practice, and as such, treatment guidelines need to be frequently updated based on the latest research findings. The 2013 clinical practice guidelines for ankle lateral ligament sprains were updated recently by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

We discussed in the previous post how a fall onto the side of the shoulder may cause damage to the AC joint. The same mechanism of injury may also cause a fracture to the clavicle (collarbone). Clavicle fractures are less commonly caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand or elbow.  The clavicle usually fractures in the middle third, the weakest part of the bone, and this will be indicated by the site of pain. There will often be a visual deformity caused by the fracture. An

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition that affects many, particularly older individuals. The most commonly affected joints are the knees and hips. There is an implied benefit of decreased body mass on the symptoms of OA. And while decreased weight and therefore decreased direct loading to the joint surface may be one proposed mechanism by which weight loss could improve symptoms, reduced body fat levels may also lead to a decrease in the inflammatory states that can

I have written and spoken extensively about the cross-education effect in the past. For a brief synopsis check out Ask 360 episode 11, released on October 1st 2021. The cross-education effect essentially refers to the notion that training one side of the body will result in positive adaptations to the opposite side. The mechanisms responsible for this are thought to be neurally mediated. Several studies now have demonstrated the ability to gain strength and maintain muscle bu

With skiing and snowboarding, inevitably there is falling! The next few posts will discuss injuries that may occur during a fall. One common falling position is a onto the side of the shoulder. This mechanism will often cause damage to the Acromioclavicular (AC) joint; the joint between the collarbone and the tip of the shoulder blade. Injuries to this area will usually cause isolated pain on the tip of the shoulder, but many report pain down the side of the neck and the side

On this episode of the injury edition, Sam revisits the topic of ice for injuries; when we should and when we shouldn’t be using this modality Click on the link below or search “Tokyo Living” on itunes, spotify, youtube or your favourite podcatcher! TLP Injury Edition - Ice Revisited https://tokyo-living.simplecast.com/episodes/tlp-injury-edition-ice-revisited #tokyoliving #tokyo #tokyolife #lifestyle #health #fitness #wellness #podcast #injury #pain #rehabilitation #load #r