A return to sport training protocol typically consists of several key components. First, it involves a thorough assessment of the athlete's injury and their readiness to return to sport. This may include evaluating their range of motion, strength, and functional abilities. Second, it includes a progressive rehabilitation program that focuses on restoring the athlete's physical capabilities and addressing any deficits or imbalances. This may involve exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Third, it incorporates sport-specific training to gradually reintroduce the athlete to the demands of their sport. This may include drills, simulations, and practice sessions that mimic the movements and intensity of the sport. Finally, it includes ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure the athlete's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the training program.
The duration of a typical return to sport training protocol can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the individual athlete's progress. In general, it can range from several weeks to several months. The protocol is typically divided into different phases, with each phase focusing on specific goals and gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of the training. The length of each phase may vary, but the overall goal is to ensure that the athlete is fully prepared and capable of safely returning to their sport.
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that affects many individuals. Recent research suggests that the cervical spine, specifically the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis, may play a role in the development of TTH. This nucleus facilitates the exchange of pain signals between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in headache generation. Links between the upper cervical spine and TTHStudies have shown that individuals with TTH often exhibit musculoskeletal impairments. Common findings include forward head posture and restricted cervical range of motion. These physical dysfunctions may contribute to the headache symptoms experienced by TTH patients. Neck pain and sensitivity in the cervical spine are frequently reported alongside TTH and may worsen the clinical presentation of the headache. These symptoms could be epiphenomena resulting from the sensitization of the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis.While forward head posture is a common observation in TTH, its direct relevance to the headache remains a topic of debate. Similarly, the relationship between restricted cervical range of motion and TTH is not well understood. It is uncertain whether these musculoskeletal impairments are causative factors or consequences of the headache.Clinicians often use the cervical flexion-rotation test to assess upper cervical spine mobility, which has proven useful in diagnosing cervicogenic headache. However, its application and significance in TTH are not extensively studied. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of this test in TTH diagnosis and management.Another intriguing observation is the reproduction of headache pain through manual stimulation of the upper cervical spine in both cervicogenic headache and TTH. This suggests that referred pain from the cervical spine may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. Understanding this mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for TTH.Additionally, trigger points in the neck-shoulder muscles may contribute to TTH symptoms by generating muscle referred pain. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas, including the head, and may exacerbate the headache experienced by individuals with TTH. Managing TTH in practiceA multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy interventions targeting musculoskeletal impairments, exercise, and psychological aspects is essential for the management of TTH. The effectiveness of cervical treatment approaches varies, and personalized strategies should be tailored to individual patients. Understanding the role of the cervical spine in TTH and differentiating between cervical components and sources can aid in the recognition and treatment of diverse headache presentations. Our cervical spine models help professionals manage the connections between TTH and the role of the cervical spine. Check out my exclusive blue nucleus anti-nocebo version!via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc Designs Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-05
Erson goes over an interesting TMJ case of posterior disc subluxation and severe pain with opening and eating. It turns out after significant improvement the patient was still checking for tenderness a bit too much. Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-26
By Dr. Sean Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DNAs physical therapists (PTs) we do our best to optimize our older clients' strength, balance, and functioning. Obviously, our mainstay interventions focus on exercises, balance training, and adaptive equipment. In our courses, we highlight the importance of Vitamin D status and protein consumption for older adults, to improve balance, strength, and prevent sarcopenia. A recent study in Nature Aging highlights yet another potential dietary component that impacts muscle function: ceramides.Ceramides, a sphingolipid, which is a type of fat, has been shown to reduce muscle mass and functional capacity in rodents. Moreover, it has been shown that offering ceramide-inhibiting medication effectively reverses sarcopenia, which is very promising for human studies. In the current study the authors examined older adults with a genetic variant to inhibit ceramides. The results showed these adults with the variant had significantly better grip strength, walking distance, and sit to stand function: all metrics that Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) routinely measure. The next big step for these researchers is understanding how to yield these results via medication and/or dietary changes.Fortunately, other authors have highlighted how PTs and other clinicians can advise their patients on how to naturally reduce ceramides in their diet. In the FRUVEDomic pilot study, authors demonstrated that a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and high in saturated fat, facilitated an increase in hepatic ceramide production. The researchers concluded that even transitioning patients from a standard Western diet to even the US Dietary Guidelines would yield positive responses for aging. Imagine the impact on aging and physical functioning if we took the diet to a bit more extreme, such as the true Mediterranean or predominant plant-based diet? More research is needed, but PTs need to be aware that fruit and vegetable consumption is important for many health outcomes, and screening tools are available and easy to use. We discuss this and more in our courses!If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60!Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-19
Andrew finds out the hard way what the term Functional Overlay means in regard to a slow or non responding patient. Have you ever heard of this term or has anything similar ever happened to you? Comment on our socials or on the podcast on Spotify! Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byHelix Pain Creams - I use Helix Creams in my practice and patients love them! Perfect in combination with joint mobs, IASTM and soft tissue work. Get your sample and start an additional revenue stream for your practice. Click here to get started. https://modmt.com/helixCheck out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-06-16
A return to sport training protocol may include a variety of exercises and drills to address different aspects of the athlete's physical abilities and sport-specific skills. Common exercises and drills may include strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts to improve lower body strength and stability. Plyometric exercises like box jumps and lateral hops may be included to enhance power and explosiveness. Balance and proprioception exercises such as single-leg stands and wobble board exercises may be incorporated to improve stability and reduce the risk of re-injury. Sport-specific drills and simulations may also be included to help the athlete regain their skills, timing, and coordination.
A return to sport training protocol differs from regular training in several ways. Firstly, it is specifically designed to address the unique needs and challenges of an athlete returning from an injury. This means that the protocol may include more targeted exercises and drills to address any deficits or weaknesses resulting from the injury. Secondly, the protocol typically follows a progressive and structured approach, gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of the training over time. This is done to ensure that the athlete's body is properly prepared and conditioned for the demands of their sport. Lastly, the protocol includes ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track the athlete's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the training program.
Returning to sport after an injury can pose potential risks and challenges. One of the main risks is the possibility of re-injury, especially if the athlete returns to their sport too soon or without proper rehabilitation. This can occur if the injured area has not fully healed or if the athlete has not regained their full strength, stability, or range of motion. Another challenge is the psychological aspect of returning to sport after an injury. Athletes may experience fear, anxiety, or lack of confidence, which can affect their performance and increase the risk of re-injury. Additionally, the athlete may need to adjust their training and competition schedule to gradually build up their fitness and skills, which requires patience and discipline.
There are specific guidelines and recommendations for athletes with different types of injuries in a return to sport training protocol. These guidelines are based on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the individual athlete's progress and goals. For example, athletes with a lower extremity injury may need to focus on exercises and drills that improve strength, stability, and mobility in the affected area. Athletes with upper extremity injuries may need to focus on exercises that improve range of motion, strength, and coordination in the affected area. Additionally, athletes with more severe injuries or surgeries may require a longer and more gradual return to sport protocol to ensure proper healing and rehabilitation.
A return to sport training protocol can help prevent re-injury and improve performance in several ways. Firstly, it focuses on addressing any deficits or weaknesses resulting from the injury, such as strength imbalances or decreased range of motion. By targeting these areas, the protocol helps to improve the athlete's overall physical capabilities and reduce the risk of re-injury. Secondly, the protocol includes sport-specific training that gradually reintroduces the athlete to the demands of their sport. This helps the athlete regain their skills, timing, and coordination, which can enhance their performance. Lastly, the ongoing monitoring and evaluation in the protocol allows for adjustments to be made as needed, ensuring that the athlete is progressing safely and effectively towards their return to sport.
Taping techniques can be used as part of the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome in individuals who experience anterior knee pain during activities such as running, jumping, or squatting. These techniques may be indicated for patients who have been diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome and are looking for non-invasive treatment options. Taping can help provide immediate pain relief by altering the alignment and tracking of the patella, reducing excessive lateral patellar tilt and glide. It can also help improve patellar stability and proprioception, allowing for better control of the knee joint during movement. Additionally, taping techniques can be beneficial for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome who are undergoing rehabilitation exercises, as it can provide additional support and stability to the knee joint, allowing for more effective strengthening and conditioning. Overall, taping techniques can be a valuable adjunct to the management of patellofemoral pain syndrome, providing pain relief and improving functional outcomes for individuals with this condition.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is a technique used in post-surgical rehabilitation to enhance muscle recruitment. EMS involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles, causing them to contract and relax. This stimulation helps to activate and strengthen the muscles, which is particularly beneficial in the context of post-surgical rehabilitation where muscle weakness and atrophy may be present. By targeting specific muscles or muscle groups, EMS can help improve muscle recruitment and function, leading to enhanced recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. Additionally, EMS can also help improve blood circulation and reduce pain, further aiding in the rehabilitation process. Overall, EMS is a valuable tool in post-surgical rehabilitation as it effectively enhances muscle recruitment and promotes optimal recovery.
Office workers need to pay attention to several ergonomic considerations in order to prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). One important consideration is the proper positioning of the workstation. This includes having an adjustable chair that supports the natural curves of the spine and allows for proper alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders. The desk should be at a height that allows for comfortable typing and viewing of the computer screen, with the keyboard and mouse positioned at a height that keeps the wrists in a neutral position. Additionally, office workers should take regular breaks to stretch and move around, as prolonged sitting can contribute to RSIs. It is also important to use ergonomic equipment, such as ergonomic keyboards and mice, that are designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists. Finally, office workers should be mindful of their posture and practice good ergonomics throughout the day, such as sitting up straight and avoiding slouching or hunching over the desk. By implementing these ergonomic considerations, office workers can reduce the risk of developing RSIs and promote a healthier and more comfortable work environment.
Hydro-massage therapy has been found to be effective in reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation in pregnant women. The gentle pressure and warmth of the water can help to alleviate muscle tightness and discomfort, providing relief from the physical strain that pregnancy can place on the body. Additionally, the buoyancy of the water can help to reduce the impact on joints and provide a sense of weightlessness, further enhancing relaxation. The rhythmic motion of the water can also have a soothing effect on the nervous system, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress. Overall, hydro-massage therapy can be a beneficial and safe option for pregnant women seeking relief from muscle tension and a way to relax during this transformative time.
Neuromuscular reeducation plays a crucial role in post-stroke rehabilitation by offering a range of benefits. This therapeutic approach focuses on retraining the brain and muscles to regain lost motor skills and improve overall functional abilities. By incorporating specific exercises and techniques, neuromuscular reeducation helps individuals with stroke-related impairments to enhance their balance, coordination, and proprioception. Additionally, it aids in restoring muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which are often compromised after a stroke. The targeted nature of this rehabilitation method allows for the reestablishment of neural pathways and the promotion of neuroplasticity, facilitating the rewiring of the brain and enabling individuals to regain control over their movements. Moreover, neuromuscular reeducation can contribute to reducing muscle spasticity and preventing secondary complications such as contractures and joint deformities. Overall, this approach empowers post-stroke patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life by optimizing their physical functioning and mobility.