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Physica e-Newsletter
October 2012

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Hamstring Injury Research

In this edition of the Physica e-news we talk to the newest member of the Ringwood clinical team, Grant Freckleton, about his research on hamstring injuries which has recently been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

 

So how did you get into research?

During the final two years of my physiotherapy degree the students with marks in the top 5% were invited to apply for an honours project. The topic I was most interested in was on hamstring injury in AFL footballers and I was lucky enough to be successful in securing this project.

 

What was involved with your topic ?

The project started with a systematic review (gathering of all relevant research) on the risk factors for hamstring injuries in AFL footballers. I began this at the start of third year physio and then went on to conduct a prospective cohort study on the predictive value of the single leg bridge test.

 

How did you obtain your information?

We started testing at the end of 2010 through the pre-season. We tested 508 footballers from varying levels from TAC cup to the VFL and VAFA (Victorian amateurs football association). We used various tests which included the single leg bridge test, ankle lunge test and the use of a questionnaire.

 

What is the single leg bridge test and why did you use it?

It consists of the subject lying on his back with one leg on a box 60cm high. The player is then instructed to cross their arms across the chest and lift the trunk by pushing down through the heel. This test is a reliable way of testing the strength of the hamstrings and was devised at the North London High Performance Centre.

 

 

What did you find?

We found that increasing age, previous hamstring strain, increased quadriceps peak torque were all risk factors for developing hamstring injury. We also found that previous knee injury and a reduced single leg bridge test was also associated with hamstring injury.

 

 

What are your thoughts on 'core stability' hamstring injury?

The core is very important, if lumbopelvic control is poor this can load the hamstrings adversely and may contribute to hamstring injury. Eccentric strengthening (lengthening of the muscle under load) is also very important in the rehabilitation phase as the type of muscle contraction produces the most tension in the muscle.

 

 

All Physica practitioners have expertise in diagnosing and rehabilitating hamstring inuries. We will assess the injury and devise an appropriate program to return you as quickly as possible to your chosen sport.

 

 

If you would like to hear more about Grant's research please feel free to email him at grant@physica.com.au.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Physica Education and Training

 

Greg Collis-Brown recently attended a one- day MasterClass at the Royal Melbourne Hospital conducted by Ms Jenny McConnell, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who lectures and practices in Sydney. Jenny is a researcher and clinician on the world stage and the Seminar was entitled 'The effect of starting position on musculoskeletal mechanics and symptoms'

 

The course consisted of biomechanics theory related to human musculoskeletal pathology in the morning followed by 2 case presentations assessed and treated by Ms McConnell in the afternoon.

 

Jenny is probably best known by patients as the clinician responsible for developing specific taping techniques for patello-femoral or knee cap disorders, which is now recognized universally as a treatment of choice for these problems. Jenny described her recent invitation to undertake research into shoulder impingement syndromes  in elite tennis players at Stanford University, USA and showed video of the types of on-court issues encountered and the role of Physiotherapy in management for these future Professionals' disorders

 

The course also looked at other questions also: What is ideal gait ? What is the role of physiotherapy and surgery for knee arthritis?  Stretching -does it work?

 

Please contact Greg if you would like further information regarding this event.

 

Daniel Yeo from the Devonport practice had two days of training in Ringwood last week as part of his new-graduate position. Daniel observed the senior staff at Ringwood and had clinical tutorials to assist his learning. Daniel stayed on in Melbourne over the weekend to attend  an Introduction to Dry Needling for Acute Sports and Spinal injuries course.

Physica has a new  webpage

Check out our new webpage- it is not only a cleaner and fresher site but it also enables you to access your exercise programs online, read interesting artciles and join our Physica community discussion forums.

www.physica.com.au 
 
The team at Physica wish you and your family good health. If there is anything we can do to help you with your aches and pains, fitness or general health please do not hesitate to contact us.


Regards
Physica Spinal and Physiotherapy Clinics
25 Wantirna Rd
Ringwood Vic 3134
ph 9870 8193 
physio@physica.com.au

also at
Physica Devonport
Physica Shearwater
Physica Latrobe
info@physica.com.au