In this episode with Dr Adam Loaciano, we discuss a recent research review he did on the science behind foam rolling versus stretching for acute flexibility gains. We dive into the realm of resistance training as a tool for increasing range of motion and uncover the role of neuromodulation in the flexibility equation. Finally, we explore the mechanics of PNF stretching and how it can contribute to overall mobility. Join us as we dissect each approach and provide practical insights to optimize your flexibility and mobility journey.

👉🏻 See Adam’s full Research Review here - physio.network/reviews-loaciano

Dr Adam Loiacono began his career in professional sports as both a fitness coach and youth academy soccer coach for eight seasons with the New England Revolution. Adam transitioned to the medical side of professional sports as a performance therapist for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. After Atlanta, Adam served as the Director of Performance & Rehabilitation for the Phoenix Suns.

Article Reference - Warneke K, Plöschberger G, Lohmann L, Lichtenstein E, Jochum D, Siegel S, Zech A, Behm D (2024) Foam rolling and stretching do not provide superior acute flexibility and stiffness improvements compared to any other warm-up intervention: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci, Epub ahead of print.

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Our host is @James_Armstrong_Physio

In this episode with Dr Kevin Wernli, we dive into the complexities associated with low back pain. We discuss the importance of clearing red flags, patient beliefs and the role of specific pathology. Kevin also imparts his knowledge about habitual versus exercise programs and talks us through how he delivers these with his patients to encourage patient autonomy and compliance.

This episode is closely tied to Kevin’s Practical he 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 Kevin’s Practical here with our 7-day free trial: physio.network/practicals-wernli

Dr Kevin Wernli is a Physiotherapist from Perth, Western Australia. He recently completed his PhD at Curtin University looking at the relationship between movements/postures and low back pain, and the role of psychological factors in this relationship. He also produces and co-hosts the empowered beyond pain podcast and has presented at conferences around the world. He has more recently been exploring how digital health and technology can improve how equitable and effective health care is.

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 Alex Roberts, we explore the world of walking aid prescription, adherence, and falls prevention in physiotherapy. We examine the importance of selecting the right aids, strategies for improving adherence, and the prevalence of falls among different patient populations. Additionally, we discuss innovative solutions like magnetic walking aids and their potential to enhance adherence and reduce falls risk.

Alex Roberts studied at the University of Sydney has worked as a physiotherapist in the NHS in the UK and Westmead Hospital in Australia and has a passion for falls prevention.

Magnetic Walking Aid research article link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38019042/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20results%20of%20this,drops%20when%20compared%20to%20SWAs.

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 Stacey Hardin, we delve into groin rehabilitation, focusing on patient monitoring, exercise selection, gradual progression, and return-to-play criteria. Stacey shares practical insights for optimising rehabilitation outcomes, making it a must-listen for physiotherapists and sports medicine professionals.

Want to learn more about groin rehabilitation? Stacey recently did an excellent Masterclass with us called, “Mastering Groin Pain: From Injury to Return-to-Play” where she goes into further depth on groin injuries and rehabilitation.

👉🏻 You can watch their class now with our 7-day free trial:
physio.network/masterclass-hardin

Stacey Hardin is a physical therapist and athletic trainer based in the United States. She has worked in elite soccer for over 10 years and currently works as the Director of Medical for Bay FC. In addition to her work in professional soccer, Stacey is actively involved in applied research and education.

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. Ebonie Rio, we delve into Achilles tendon rehabilitation, distinguishing Achilles tendinopathy from other conditions like peritendon, plantaris, and FHL issues. Dr. Rio shares insights on tailoring rehabilitation based on diagnosis and progressing patients through treatment stages, offering practical advice for physiotherapists and clinicians alike.

This episode is closely tied to Ebonie’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 Ebonie’s Practical here with our 7-day free trial:
physio.network/practicals-rio

Ebonie is a post doc researcher at La Trobe University and has completed her PhD in tendon pain, Masters Sports Phys, B. Phys (Hons) and B. App Sci. Her clinical career has included Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Ballet Company, Australian Ballet School, Victorian Institute of Sport, 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics, 2012 London Paralympics and 18 months travelling with Disney's The Lion King stage show (Melbourne and Shanghai tour).

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 Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)

In this episode with Laura, we discuss her research on the role of the deep hip rotators during walking and functional tasks and how this can affect us clinically with our exercise prescription to patients with hip pain and/or hip osteoarthritis. We also discuss the different demands and loads of these small muscles during walking and their potential capabilities. 

Dr Laura Diamond is a Research Leader in Griffith Centre of Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering (GCORE) and Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University, and holds an honorary Research Fellow position in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She is a trained biomedical engineer (BEng, MASc, Dalhousie University, Canada) leading a research program focused on development and application of novel technologies to understand and treat the biomechanical mechanisms that underlie musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions.

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 Daniel covers how we can measure concussion and the different system and tests we need to be aware of for concussion. We also go into how long the condition can last, it’s impacts and how to pragmatically treat it in a graded approach.

Dr. Daniel Brown is a research physiotherapist with an interest in sport-related injuries, including concussion. His central focus area is concussion symptomatology and the vestibular system and cervical spine complex among combat sport athletes. He has experience working in with musculoskeletal and sporting populations where he has worked in professional settings, including the Gold Coast Titans, QLD touch football association, and international combat sport athletes.

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 Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)

In this episode, Geoff delves into the specifics of the ACL cross bracing protocol utilised in conservative ACL rehabilitation. He discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and relevant literature, along with essential points to address with the patient regarding the potentially demanding experience of wearing a brace.

Geoff Ford is the founder of Be Strong Physio. He is a passionate Physiotherapist and Strength and Conditioning coach (ASCA), Yoga teacher and Strongfirst certified kettlebell instructor. 

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 Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)

In this episode, Professor Rob Orr explores the unique assessment and treatment methods for 'tactical athletes', referring to military, police, firefighters, and nursing populations. We delve into their distinct physical, social, and mental demands, and the significant ramifications of injury, re-injury, or improper rehabilitation within this specific group.

Want to learn more about working with this population group? Rob recently did an awesome Masterclass with us, called “Treating Tactical Personnel” where he goes into further depth on treating military, police, firies & nursing populations.

👉🏻 You can watch Rob's class now with our 7-day free trial: https://physio.network/masterclass-orr

Rob is the director of the Tactical Research Unit, a multidisciplinary, international team of researchers nested in Bond University providing research, consultancy, and education services to tactical professions (military, law enforcement and protective services across their occupational lifespan (initial trainee to specialist) around the globe. 

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 Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)

In this episode with Todd Hargrove we cover the difference between complicated and complex pain. He talks us through how and why these differences matter through using a comparison of how fixing a human being is very different and much more complex to fixing a bike for multiple different reasons. Finally Todd covers what we can do when we encounter these complex and complicated issues with our own patients. 

Want to learn more about chronic and complex pain? Todd recently did an excellent Masterclass with us called “Pain, movement and play: common sense for complex problems” where he goes into further depth on all different types of pain.

👉🏻 You can watch his whole class now with our 7-day free trial: https://physio.network/masterclass-hargrove

Todd Hargrove is a Seattle-based manual and movement therapist, avid athlete, father, and former lawyer. He is a Feldenkrais practitioner, Rolfer, and author. Since 2008, he has written a blog at BetterMovement.org, which focuses on applying a modern understanding of pain science and neuroscience to movement-based therapies. 

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, Mitch explores the potential benefits of yoga for our patients. We delve into the symbiotic relationship between the breathing techniques employed in yoga and the transformation of our mindset regarding movement and positions that may exacerbate discomfort. Mitch also shares insights into the latest research on the connection between yoga and pain.

Mitch Hunter is a clinical educator, senior physiotherapist and lecturer at Griffith University. He additionally is a meditation teacher working with persistent pain, chronic health, and palliative care patents. Mitch can be found at: https://www.hunterhealing.com and @_mitchhunter. 

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 Michael Rizk (@thatphysioguy)


References to papers discussed: 

1. Bower, J. E., & Irwin, M. R. (2016). Mind–body therapies and control of inflammatory biology: A descriptive review. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 51, 1-11 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159115001658

2. Buric, I., Farias, M., Jong, J., Mee, C., & Brazil, I. A. (2017). What is the molecular signature of mind–body interventions? A systematic review of gene expression changes induced by meditation and related practices. Frontiers in Immunology, 8, 670 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00670/full?fbclid=IwAR3UziUstPADj5tnIc46ctLJ4K_Uo8Kj6eMDxiWUyatIG3gHihoN7kypBH

3. Cherkin, D. C., & Herman, P. M. (2018). Cognitive and mind-body therapies for chronic low back pain and neck pain: effectiveness and value. JAMA internal medicine, 178(4), 556-557 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2673371

4. Villemure, C., Čeko, M., Cotton, V. A., & Bushnell, M. C. (2014). Insular cortex mediates increased pain tolerance in yoga practitioners. Cerebral cortex, 24(10), 2732-2740 https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/24/10/2732/307000?login=true

5. Rivest-Gadbois, E., & Boudrias, M. H. (2019). What are the known effects of yoga on the brain in relation to motor performances, body awareness and pain? A narrative review. Complementary therapies in Medicine, 44, 129-142 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229918308288

6. Sterling, M., Smeets, R., Keijzers, G., Warren, J., & Kenardy, J. (2019). Physiotherapist-delivered stress inoculation training integrated with exercise versus physiotherapy exercise alone for acute whiplash-associated disorder (StressModex): a randomised controlled trial of a combined psychological/physical intervention. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(19), 1240-1247 https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/19/1240.abstract