(Furlan, Giraldo, Baskwill, Irvin, & Imamura, 2015) Aims: To assess the effects of massage therapy for people with non-specific LBP. Methods: RCTs, LBP, Inactive (supposed to be ineffective) or active modalities. Outcomes measures = pain and functional status, < or > to 6months. Secondary outcome = overall improvement, patient satisfaction, quality of life and work-related... Continue Reading →

(Neal, Barton, Gallie, O’Halloran, & Morrissey, 2016) Aims: To synthesise prospective, observational and intervention studies that measure clinical and biomechanical outcomes in symptomatic running populations. Methods: SR, 2 independent reviewers, 28 studies, PeDro scale for quality. Results: Very limited prospective evidence indicates that increased peak hip adduction is a risk factor for PFP development in... Continue Reading →

(Van Der Heijden et al., 2015) Aims: To investigate differences in patellofemoral cartilage composition between patients with PFP and healthy control sub- jects using quantitative MRI Methods: Cross-sectional case-control study, PFP group symptom duration from 2 months to 2 years, 14 to 40 yo. 64 patients and 70 controls. Results: No significant differences were found... Continue Reading →

(Van der Heijden, Lankhorst, Van Linschoten, Bierma-Zeinstra, & Van Middelkoop, 2015) Aim: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of exercise therapy aimed at reducing knee pain and improving knee function for people with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Cochrane Review of RCT and quasi RCT about exercise for PFP, 2 indep reviewers, outcomes : pain... Continue Reading →

(Lack, Barton, Sohan, Crossley, & Morrissey, 2015) Aims: This review (1) evaluates the efficacy of proximal musculature rehabilitation for patients with PFP; (2) compares the efficacy of various rehabilitation protocols; and (3) identifies potential biomechanical mechanisms of effect in order to optimise outcomes from proximal rehabilitation in this problematic patient group. Methods: SR, 2 independent... Continue Reading →

(Kalauokalani, Cherkin, Sherman, Koepsell, & Deyo, 2001) Aims: To evaluate the association of a patient’s expectation for benefit from a specific treatment with improved functional outcome. Methods: Secondary analysis from a RCT comparing massage, acupuncture, and self-care material (control group) used for patients with chronic LBP. 135 patients, 10 treatments within 10 weeks. The participants... Continue Reading →

(Greenhalgh, Finucane, Mercer, & Selfe, 2018) Aim: The purpose of this paper is to highlight the many challenges faced by clinicians in recognising and managing CES and offer guidance on the evidence-based management of these patients. Methods: Masterclass Results: The early symptoms of CES are often subtle and vague. 1. Bilateral neurogenic sciatica - Pain... Continue Reading →

(Greenhalgh & Selfe, 2009) Aims: To explore the experiential knowledge of experienced palliative care clinicians in the field of serious spinal pathology. Methods: Qualitative study: Nominal group technique + focus group. Results: Limitations: Qualitative study, experts’ experience, only in one service in UK. Recall bias. In Practice: Band-like trunk pain, vague non-specific lower limb symptoms... Continue Reading →

(Finucane, Greenhalgh, & Selfe, 2017) Aim: Discuss red flags. Methods: Author’s insight Limitations: Low level evidence, author’s opinion. In practice: Patients with a past history of cancer that has an affinity to bone such as lung, prostate and breast cancer, who present with new symptoms that persist should be thoroughly evaluated with a high suspicion... Continue Reading →