The evidence on dry needling is wildly conflicting.

​

So, how is it possible that one study can show superior results while another shows zero effect?

Reference:

Want to get your patients from Hamstring to Hamstrong?

​Then you'll love this.

​Researchers systematically reviewed 75 clinical studies on Hamstring rehab.

In this Research Quest, we’re going to explore 8 of the key takeaways that they found for getting your patients to return to play as fast as possible. 

Rudisill SS, Kucharik MP, Varady NH, Martin SD. Evidence-Based Management and Factors Associated With Return to Play After Acute Hamstring Injury in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 Nov 29;9(11):23259671211053833. doi: 10.1177/23259671211053833. PMID: 34888392; PMCID: PMC8649106.

We've got a 4-step system for figuring out what is wrong with your aunt's knee.

​And we’re asking - Can you diagnose knee pain in just four steps?

I'm willing to bet this has happened to you.

You're at a family dinner, and somebody hears that you work with injuries.

​

Immediately, they ask, "Why does it hurt here?"And you’re like, “No, Aunt Sharon, I can't give a medical diagnosis based on a finger point and zero information.”

Or can you?

How do you know when your athlete is ready to return to running after ACL reconstruction?

If they are ready, what would a proven evidence-based running program look like?

Spoiler: It worked like a charm.

What if we could get 90% of ACL patients better without surgery?

​A 2023 study on the ACL cross-bracing protocol suggests it just might be possible.

You might need to “brace yourself”, as we go on a Research Quest and figure out how.

With the following cross-bracing protocol, 72 out of 80 patients had evidence of ACL healing on a 3-month MRI.

This was from the 2023 study by Stephanie Filbray and colleagues. 

These researchers have a theory that because the distance between where the ACL starts, and ends is shortest at 90° of knee flexion, by keeping the knee locked at 90 degrees for a few weeks, you could give the torn ligament the best shot possible of healing on its own.

So, researchers immobilised the knees of the patients in the study at 90° of flexion for four weeks after the injury and kept the knee fixed at that angle 24/7.

​This includes showering and sleeping.

​From the five-week mark, the range gradually increases each week until the 12-week mark is reached.

Here’s the exact protocol they used:

Between weeks 1 - and 4: the knee was locked at 90 degrees.

For Week 5: the brace was adjusted so that the knee could move between 60 - 90 degrees of flexion.

In week 6: this progressed to a range of motion of 45 - 90 degrees

Week 7: it was 30 - full flexion

Week 8: 20 - full flexion

Week 9: 10 - full flexion

So, basically, the range of motion allowed is increasing each week from week 5 to 9. 

Then between weeks 10 - 12: the patients have unrestricted ROM as the brace allows them between 0 - 120 degrees

In week 13, the brace is finally removed, with the caveat that it is always worn in high-risk scenarios between weeks 13 and 16.

From week 17 onwards, there is no more brace.

​Aside from the bracing, a pretty standard ACL rehab protocol is followed.

And the results?

As mentioned at the start, the researchers found evidence of ligament healing in 90% of patients on a 3-month MRI. 

We chat with Registered Dietician Bernice Venter about the most common mistakes clinicians make when giving genetics feedback from a diet DNA report and a sports DNA report. Plus, we get into what you should do instead to correct these common slip-ups.

In this episode, we discuss the reports provided by a DTC genetic testing company based in South Africa called Geneway.

This episode was recorded in 2019, and neither of us are associated any longer with this company. Our views may have changed as new research has come out, and all advice should be taken as old opinions we potentially no longer hold.

However, it is still a fun and thought-provoking episode worth listening to.

You can follow Bernice on her Instagram @bernice_rd

You know what is really hard? Getting strong. ​Whether that is getting yourself or your ACL patients stronger. ​So in order to help you learn a few new evidence-based tips and tactics, we asked a champion powerlifter (who also has his Master's Degree in the subject) to give us some behind-the-scenes and lesser-known strategies that we could immediately implement with our clients and patients to get faster results.

​

These valuable lessons are presented by Edgar Katushabe who is a 4-time National Champion and has coached his clients to 4 World Records and 21 National Records, as well as being a respected sport-science scholar.

Reach out to Ed:

[email protected]

FB: @edkatushabe

IG: @edkatushabe

What if you could save an hour a day in admin? What would that time be worth? Today, we're chatting with Ian, Jedd and Pieter from Rehabit about how to automate ACL prescriptions and save time.

​

​

Learn more about their app here: https://rehabit.co.za/

Reach out to them:

[email protected]

facebook.com/rehabitOnline

twitter.com/rehabitonline

Tune in to discover how to develop strength from an endurance perspective, as well as considerations to keep in mind when doing end-phase strengthening with an ACL patient who wants to get back to endurance-based events.

Mark has been a clinician for 12 years and is an ultra-marathon athlete as well as a certified Ironman coach and accredited Science2Sport coach.

He walks the talk and has completed:

Reach out to Mark on:

[email protected]

(+27) 0724605749

IG handle: @msbio4

I decided to call in some help from a women's health expert and one of the most knowledgeable clinicians I know.

Cherise Serfontein and I went on a Research Quest through the scientific literature.

Here are a few highlights that we learned from Cherise:

Pelvic floor muscle training can reduce the odds of urinary incontinence by 52% during pregnancy and by 39% in the postpartum period.
​Aim to do exercises in a supine position for no longer than one minute (due to blood flow).
​Easy progression: ball work > four-point kneeling > knee hovers > rotations > bird-dogs.
​Patient education tip: as metabolic rate goes up, heat production goes up.
​
They need to know how to manage heat and hydration to reduce the risk of fetal neural defects.

IG handle: cherise_myomerge