PT Inquest

When the literature starts to question an intervention that you use, how long does it take you to abandon it? Is JW a laggard?

Erik and JW have asked for more inquiry into the mechanisms of manual therapy and this article does not disappoint! What about those neurophysiological effects? Are they specific or non-specific? Does it matter? Why does JW carry a galvanized bucket of vomit in the car?

We take a look at whether or not lack of eccentric hip strength is a risk factor for developing patellofemoral pain in novice runners. How hard is it to do a prospective study like this? What conclusions can we draw from this? Does this fit with our previous understanding? Is JW afraid of chickens?

We take a look at a meta-analysis on nonsurgical management of lateral epicondylalgia which does not show much difference in the long term. Do short term changes matter? What exactly are we treating? No comment on the miscommunication that occurs during the episode.

We take a skeptical look at ACL injury prevention programs and whether they are doing what we think they are doing. Do we need to think differently? What can we learn from motor learning theory? Is reviewing a Level 5 article a waste of our time???

In Episode 46 we look at the effect of bogus visual feedback on chronic neck pain. Nociceptors, central sensitization - is this now something else? What effect does this information have on the care of these patients? Also, zombies.

In Episode 45 we look at kinesiophobia as a predictor of failure to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). What is kinesiophobia? How does it interact with all of the other issues present after ACLR? What is JW's obsession with 50 Shades of Grey???

In this PT Inquest Extrasode, Erik explores the the concepts of validity and soundness by sharing the post " When A Valid Argument Can Be False ".

In Episode 44 we look at comparing corticosteroid injection with "manual" physical therapy with special guest Adam Meakins ( @adammeakins ). What do they mean by "manual" physical therapy? Were the effects of either treatment very impressive? What does a study like this mean for the profession?

In this PT Inquest Extrasode, Erik explores the nature of a scientific question by asking,  " Does God Exist? "

In Episode 43 we look at nonlinear vs linear pedagogy for teaching a sport skill. What does that even mean? How do we apply it? Have we been approaching return to sport completely wrong?

In this Extrasode, Erik covers  The Science Series .

This is the first Extrasode! Unlike regular episodes, this is just an audio-recording of content from the blog. In this Extrasode, Erik covers the posts Does Positive Mean What You Think It Means? and Getting Rid of Something Positive.

In Episode 42 we look at classification systems for treating chronic low back pain with specific exercise. Do they matter? Are we overthinking things? What exactly are we treating?

In Episode 41 we look at a comparing a rectangular-shaped tunnel with a traditional transtibial round-shaped tunnels for ACL reconstruction. Does a rectangular tunnel require less graft tension? While this restore more natural kinematics after ACL reconstruction? Is this combining the best of both worlds? Will JW make a bad joke somewhere?

In Episode 40 we look at a comparing the transtibial (TT) and the anteriomedial portal (AMP) techniques for ACL reconstruction and their effect on femoral tunnel orientation and subsequent postoperative knee joint kinematics. Does technique matter? Are the differences clinically relevant?

In Episode 39 we look at a systematic review that  explores the idea of Hip-Spine Syndrome .  What is that ? Is lumbar spine disease a contra-indication for hip surgery ? Or maybe it is an indication?

In Episode 38 we look at a systematic review that tries to define "normal" mechanics for preventing ACL tears. Does that exist? How slippery is this idea of "normal"?

In Episode 37 we look at hip strength as a predictor of patellofemoral pain (PFP). Can we say that hip weakness causes PFP? What do we really know about this enigmatic condition?

In Episode 36 we look at changes in range of motion after IASTM. Is it really doing anything to the tissue itself? What evidence is there really behind these tool assisted treatments?

In Episode 35 we look at the role of quadriceps strengthening exercises on patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Is it really effective? What role does it play during rehab?

In Episode 34 we look at the incidence of second ACL injuries two years after primary ACL reconstruction. How often to patients that return to sports re-tear their ACL? What about the contra-lateral side? Can we do anything about this?

In Episode 33 we look at the relationship of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) in-line lunge to power, speed, and balance measures. Why is this question being asked? Does the intended function of a test matter? How are professionals using movement screens?

In Episode 32 we look at the effect of physical therapy on pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis. Is your knee-jerk reaction to get defensive? Let's explore the history of this question and what the science really says.

In Episode 31 we look at biochemical markers of pain and stress after manipulations. Are these effects specific or merely objective? Does it need to do more than provide temporary analgesia?