A monthly round-up of podcasts and articles
By Steffan Griffin (@lifestylemedic)
If you were hoping for further additions to the cluster series (previously on hamstring and shoulder injuries), fear not, here it is. We have simply changed the (now-monthly) series’ name from “cluster” to “virtual conference” to better reflect its provision of sleek and sexy resources.
Whether you fancy becoming a 24-hour expert or need to stay awake on your commute to & from work, enjoy these great contributors to BJSM podcasts and publications.
This month’s focus is on the key academic and clinical entity of tendons, featuring some of the world’s most respected authorities on the matter.
1. “Mechanotherapy” and why it’s important for clinicians, with Karim Khan http://bit.ly/1AkWmFB
A podcast centred on the “the most important fundamental concept that underpins rehabilitation exercises” – containing nuggets of information including why ‘rest doesn’t work’ and the evidence-base underpinning the theory. For best results, combine listening to reading the paper http://bmj.co/1Ejpiw4.
2. The continuum model of tendinopathy, with Jill Cook http://bit.ly/1GeLavw
Is tendon pathology a continuum? Prof Jill Cook explains and answers questions relating to this famous pathology model to explain the clinical presentation of load-induced tendinopathy (Accompanying paper can be found at http://bit.ly/1GeLwlL).
3.Tendons: Where does pain fit in the continuum model? with Chris Littlewood http://bit.ly/1bcAa5H
So now you’re familiar/brushed up on the tendinopathy continuum, do you have any questions about the connection between pain and pathology in tendons? Chris Littlewood, who has expertise as a clinician and researcher in the rotator cuff, asks questions of Craig Purdam and Ebonie Rio in this fantastic podcast.
4. Time to revisit inflammation in tendons, with Jon Rees http://bit.ly/1QyDhm9
So inflammation is completely out of the window, right? Although widely accepted that chronic tendinopathy is caused by a degenerative process devoid of inflammation, the evidence for non-inflammatory degenerative processes alone as the cause of tendinopathy is surprisingly weak. In this podcast, Jon Rees tells Jill Cook why the role of inflammation offers potential opportunities in treating chronic tendinopathies and should be explored further.
5. Managing tendinopathies, with Jill Cook http://bit.ly/1QyDB4p and Hakan Alfredson http://bit.ly/1orG1JL
Cook and Alfredson focus on the management aspect of tendinopathy, with practical pointers and a tip to consider the time-course of tendon injury when making treatment decisions. It fits nicely with Hakan Alfredson’s ‘treating tendinopathy’ podcast; here they discuss the clinical challenge of whether to opt for exercise treatment, new ‘biological therapies’ like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or surgery.
6. The pathogenesis of tendinopathy and tendon healing, with Michael Kjaer http://bit.ly/1GeO57r
This great podcast discusses seven models of tendinopathy, and the important difference between mid-tendon and insertional tendinopathy. We also hear about the healing capacity of tendons, the (absence of a) link between tendinopathy and tendon rupture, and various interventions that are used in an attempt to promote tendon healing – a real one-stop shop for those short on time!
7. The brain and mind in chronic pain, with Lorimer Moseley http://bit.ly/1GeOQ0c
A man needing no introduction, this podcast discusses the important difference between pain and nociception, with thoughts on how pain science can help clinicians working in sports medicine. You’ll hear him share the best, and worst, ways to explain pain to patients, with thoughtful reflections along with a big dob of humour and humility.
So there we go, the first official virtual conference, all for free! As always, let us know your thoughts via our various social media channels – Twitter (@BJSM_BMJ), Facebook and Google+. Feedback is appreciated and valued!