Physiotherapy Articles

Each individual patient is different, and every individual we treat deserves an evidence-based multifactoral plan of care.  If we do not provide evidence-based, patient-centered care for our patients, someone else will maybe they already are.

Manual therapists regularly receive patient feedback involving pain reduction, however questions remain as to mechanisms involved.  Evidence appears to point to a combination of neurophysiological, biochemical and fluid-dynamic hypoalgesic influences.

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Patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation represent up to 15% of all patients requiring weaning from mechanical ventilation.  Although recent guidelines have recommended including physiotherapy early during mechanical ventilation to speed the process of weaning, only indirect evidence supporting the use of physiotherapy is available for patients receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation.  

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy program in subjects requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and the correlates of successful weaning.

The date support the inclusion of physiotherapy in the management of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD is a common condition presenting in children and adolescents.

There is currently limited research available regarding effective treatment of pediatric FNSD. Despite this, almost all published research supports good prognosis for pediatric FNSD with all studies reporting improvement either in FNSD symptoms or in the quality of life and functioning of patients with FNSD. The most support was found for the use of cognitive behavioral therapy either as a stand-alone treatment or in the context of interdisciplinary treatment.

Introduction: Hypermobile joints may be asymptomatic or may be associated with pain, fatigue, multisystemic complaints and significant disability. Furthermore, joint hypermobility may be a sign of an underlying hereditary disorder of connective tissue.

Purpose: This masterclass aims to provides a state-of-the-art review of the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, assessment and management of joint hypermobility and hypermobility related disorders using an evidence based and biopsychosocial approach.

Implications for practice: People with joint hypermobility related disorders present to healthcare professionals with a wide range of symptoms which extend beyond the musculoskeletal system. Early recognition and treatment are key to effective management.

Aim:  A randomised single-blind placebo study was conducted on 80 patients with pedal diabetic peripheral neuropathy in 2 cities and their surrounds in South Africa to determine if a pulsed radio frequency current (PRF) can produce changes in the primary outcome of the DN4 Test and possibly in the BPI-short form.

Conclusion:  After 3 treatments of PRF current, the DN4 Test demonstrates significant improvements in neuropathic pain and symptoms in certain patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

There is a paucity of high-quality studies on dry needling for fascia, scar and tendon that have been published in the past few years.

This online course will discuss these studies and demonstrate relevant dry needling techniques for tendons, fascia and scar.

Three psychosocial variables were examined as predictors of chronic inflammation, functional health, and number of chronic conditions. 

Adaptive psychosocial beliefs and supportive relationships are important as they can provide motivation for engaging in health-promoting behaviors and can reduce stress that can lead to chronic inflammation and poor health. The results can inform a psychosocial prescription for health.

Patellar tendinopathy is characterised by localised anterior pain and is related to an increase load on the knee extensor muscles.  Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive energy storage and release with excessive compression.

Treatment should be individualised to each patient and their activities. It is important as a clinician to understand the pathology and the evidence-based practice for rehabilitating a person with tendon pain.

The course will provide you with an overview of the pathology and different therapeutic approaches and different clinical presentations of patellar versus Achilles tendinopathy. The medical and physiotherapy management of these conditions will be discussed.