BRINGING SCIENCE TO TREATMENT
in Diagnose & Treat, Joint injuries, Shoulder injuries
Part one of this article series discussed the patho-anatomy of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) and the typical symptoms associated with the different neurological and vascular TOS subtypes. In part two, Chris Mallac outlines the clinical tests used to diagnose TOS and discusses conservative management and surgical options to treat this injury. Clinical Tests There are... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Knee injuries
Posterior cruciate ligament injuries are rare. Thus, many clinicians lack the experience and protocols to manage them. Trevor Langford reviews the anatomy, biomechanics, and mechanism of injury of the PCL and covers the rehabilitation plan for isolated PCL injuries. Introduction The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the strongest intraarticular ligament of the knee and a... MORE
in Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat
The balance of the articular and muscular systems within the foot and ankle complex is crucial for optimal loading to withstand sporting demands. Tracy Ward explains the architecture, biomechanics, and clinical application to build the foundation from the foot up. The foot and ankle complex controls balance and posture and counteracts gravitational forces. The body’s... MORE
in Anatomy, Diagnose & Treat, Female Athletes, Improve
Tighter is not better, and strengthening is not always the answer when muscles are stiff or sore. Sandra Hilton expounds on why this is as true for the pelvic floor as stiff backs, shoulders, or ankles. Treating pelvic pain is a unique challenge because its the association with bowel, bladder, and sexual function. A common misconception... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Shoulder injuries
Injuries to the upper extremity’s nerves and blood vessels, although rare, can occur in the overhead athlete. Chris Mallac explores the different causes of thoracic outlet syndrome and the typical signs and symptoms that usually plague an athlete in this confusing, poorly defined, and difficult-to-diagnose problem. First described over 200 years ago and named as... MORE
in Diagnose & Treat, Elbow and arm injuries
While practice might make perfect, too much preparation can damage growing bones. Chris Mallac explains how pitching mechanics and skeletal immaturity contribute to little leaguer’s elbow. 2019 South Williamsport, PA, pitcher Egan Prather (24) throws a pitch in the third inning against the Caribbean Region during the Little League World Series. Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY... MORE
in Musculoskeletal injuries, Prevent
Age and maturity may put younger athletes at risk for certain types of injuries. Jason Tee explains how development impacts injury risk and examines how to support young athletes for life-long activity. While increasing age increases overall injury risk in athletes, clinicians may misinterpret that fact and ignore the injury risk in the young(1). Indeed,... MORE
in Ankle and foot injuries, Diagnose & Treat
Sesamoid bones are some of the smallest in the body. Yet, they can pose a big problem when injured. Trevor Langford discusses the anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical relevance of a stress fracture of the sesamoid bones and reviews management options. Sports such as running, dancing, and gymnastics often require forceful forefoot dorsiflexion while in a weight-bearing... MORE
in Joint injuries, Knee injuries, Pre-hab and post-surgical rehab
Knowingly or not, sports physiotherapists use periodization principles when they implement post-operative protocols. Jessica Montgomery explains how capitalizing on periodized training can improve ACL injury outcomes. To successfully return to play, athletes recovering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries must regain their preinjury level of strength, neuromuscular control, and power. These elements are necessary for... MORE
in Leg injuries, Musculoskeletal injuries, Prevent
Hamstring injuries frequently plague soccer players. Andrew Hamilton looks at potential screening tests to identify athletes at an increased risk of hamstring failure and determines their worth to those seeking to avoid this debilitating injury. Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are one of the most common soccer injuries(1). Research suggests that HSIs account for around one... MORE
