Physio Edge podcast with David Pope

176. Neck-driven shoulder pain - 5 common misunderstandings. Physio Edge Shoulder Success podcast with Jo Gibson

When is your patient's shoulder pain from their neck? Are you missing a cervical spine component in your shoulder patients? After a day in clinic reviewing patients with years of unresolved shoulder pain, Shoulder Specialist Physiotherapist Jo Gibson breaks down the five most common mistakes clinicians make when ruling in — or out — the neck. In this podcast, Jo covers: Why you don't need neck pain to have neck-driven shoulder pain (and which pain locations are most pathognomonic) Why referred symptoms below the elbow don't automatically point to the cervical spine Why active range of movement alone is not enough to clear the neck What palpation findings are actually sufficient — and why you don't need to reproduce peripheral symptoms Why using neck movements to modify shoulder symptoms can be misleading Whether you're seeing patients with posterior-lateral shoulder pain, scapular pain, or symptoms that just aren't responding to local shoulder rehab, Jo shares a practical framework for refining your clinical reasoning and avoiding these common assessment pitfalls. Key takeaway: Up to 40% of patients with shoulder problems lasting six months or longer have some degree of cervical spine involvement. The subjective examination is doing 80% of the work — Jo explains exactly what to listen for. Free 7-day Shoulder assessment bootcamp Join the free 7-day Shoulder assessment bootcamp with Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge Click on an image below to access these free resources from Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript associated with this podcast. Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess Free trial Clinical Edge membership Use a fresh approach to your musculoskeletal and sports injury treatment with a free trial Clinical Edge membership at clinicaledge.co/freetrial Links associated with this episode: Join the free 7-day Shoulder assessment bootcamp with Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge Free video series - How to be a shoulder detective: Solving acute shoulder pain with Jo Gibson Get your access to the free video series "Frozen shoulder assessment & treatment" with Jo Gibson Improve your shoulder assessment & treatment with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership Join Jo Gibson live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Monday Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Jo Gibson on Twitter Let David know what you liked about this podcast on Twitter Review the podcast on iTunes Infographics by Clinical Edge

175. Tendinopathy treatment: Your guide to isometrics, isotonics & plyometrics with Dr Ebonie Rio

Should you prescribe isometric or isotonic exercises for your patient's lower limb tendinopathy? When is it safe to add plyometric loading, and how do you progress running or jumping without flaring your patients tendon pain? Why do some "tricky tendons" refuse to respond to your best loading programs? Dr Ebonie Rio (Post-Doctoral Senior Research Fellow, La Trobe University) reveals the evidence-based answers as she guides you through the clinical reasoning and practical strategies for managing patellar, achilles, and other lower limb tendinopathies. In this conversation, you'll follow clinical examples and unpack the latest research to help you feel confident with tendinopathy assessment and treatment. Inside this podcast you'll explore: Tendon pathology explained: What's happening inside tendinopathic tendons, how to explain tendinopathy and ultrasound scan results to patients The role of isometrics: Whether isometrics actually change tendon structure, when to use isometrics to improve pain, optimal dosage, and whether isometrics are all your tendinopathy patients need Safe loading from day one: When are both isometrics AND isotonics safe to start immediately, and how to choose isometric positions and loads. The 24-hour emoji rule: How to teach patients to monitor their response after running or loading using the emoji system What NOT to do: Exercises, manual therapy and supplements that won't help tendon pain and may stir it up Differential diagnosis mastery: How to distinguish patellar tendinopathy from patellofemoral pain, mid-portion achilles tendinopathy from peritendinitis, and when you've got the diagnosis wrong Stairs as a progression exercise: The quasi-isometric stair protocol that works for everyone from sedentary patients to elite sprinters—and how to use tempo to control tendon load Criteria-based progressions: Moving beyond time-based rehab to functional milestones When loading programs fail: What to do when your patient is worse with your exercises You'll walk away with: Clear clinical reasoning to differentiate true tendinopathy from other conditions Practical loading frameworks that progress your isometrics, isotonics and plyometrics based on patient response Patient education scripts that use imaging findings to build confidence rather than fear Simple monitoring tools (the emoji system) to empower patients to self-manage their load progression Dr Ebonie Rio is a post doc researcher at La Trobe University and has completed her PhD in tendon pain, Masters Sports Phys, B. Phys (Hons) and B. App Sci. Her clinical career has included the Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Ballet Company, Australian Ballet School, Melbourne Heart Football Club, Alphington Sports Medicine Centre, Victorian Institute of Sport, 2006 Commonwealth Games, 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics, 2012 London Paralympics, 18 months travelling with Disney's The Lion King stage show (Melbourne and Shanghai tour).   Get free access to the "Tricky tendons" infographic series Unlock the secrets of successful tendinopathy assessment and treatment with this free infographic series for therapists. Links Improve your musculoskeletal and sports injury assessment & treatment results with a free trial Clinical Edge membership Click here to register and receive immediate access to the Tricky tendons infographic series Free Achilles tendinopathy video series with Tom Goom David Pope at Clinical Edge Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast in Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Dr Ebonie Rio David Pope on Twitter David Pope & why I started Clinical Edge Review the podcast on iTunes Infographics by Clinical Edge

174. ACJ - The hidden culprit behind stubborn shoulder pain? Physio Edge Shoulder Success podcast with Jo Gibson

Have any of your shoulder patients improved and then plateaued, unable to regain their full range of movement, or get rid of their painful arc? Sometimes it’s not the cuff, capsule, nerves or neck—it’s the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) holding things back. In this episode, Jo Gibson sheds light on this often-overlooked contributor to persistent shoulder pain. From real patient case studies to the latest research and simple clinic-ready symptom modification tests, Jo shares practical strategies you can use immediately. Learn how to identify ACJ involvement, and use targeted rehab exercises, symptom modification and treatment strategies to help patients break through their plateau and regain their confidence and range. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:59 - Case study: Patient with shoulder pain 03:29 - Recent research around the ACJ 06:37 - Psychosocial or biomedical factors influencing the ACJ and shoulder pain 06:53 - Role of the ACJ 07:06 - Pain and movement patterns indicating ACJ involvement 08:34 - Protective movement strategies that may affect the ACJ 09:18 - Symptom modification tests 10:08 - Exercises for the ACJ 12:43 - Manual therapy for a stiff ACJ? 15:40 - Summary: When to look at the ACJ Join the free 7-day Shoulder assessment bootcamp with Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge Click on an image below to access these free resources from Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript associated with this podcast. Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess Free trial Clinical Edge membership Use a fresh approach to your musculoskeletal and sports injury treatment with a free trial Clinical Edge membership at clinicaledge.co/freetrial Links associated with this episode: Join the free 7-day Shoulder assessment bootcamp with Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge Free video series - How to be a shoulder detective: Solving acute shoulder pain with Jo Gibson Get your access to the free video series “Frozen shoulder assessment & treatment” with Jo Gibson Improve your shoulder assessment & treatment with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership Join Jo Gibson live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Monday Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Jo Gibson on Twitter Let David know what you liked about this podcast on Twitter Review the podcast on iTunes Infographics by Clinical Edge

173. Hip flexor pain in runners: Diagnosis, myths, and rehab. Physio Edge Track record: Running repairs podcast with Tom Goom

Anterior hip pain is often blamed on the hip flexors, but in runners, that’s rarely the diagnosis. So how can you identify the real cause and guide patients to a safe, effective recovery? In this episode, Tom Goom (Running Physio) explores the function of the hip flexors in running, key differentials for anterior hip or groin pain, and practical rehab strategies you can use right away. You’ll discover: Why true hip flexor tendinopathy is uncommon in endurance runners Red flags and key tests to identify bone stress fractures and intra‑articular pathology Early‑stage loading strategies that protect the tendon from aggravation The role of the adductors, trunk, and synergistic muscles in successful rehab Common myths and misconceptions around hip flexors How to progress rehab to sport‑specific drills and return to running If you’re a physiotherapist or health professional treating runners, this episode gives you research‑backed, clinically reasoned strategies to assess and manage hip flexor pain with confidence. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:35 - Hip flexor function 06:56 - Tip 1 - Is it a hip flexor tendinopathy? 09:48 - Tip 2 - Rehab of hip flexors 11:35 - Tip 3 - Other muscle groups to include in rehab 13:08 - Common misconceptions 13:37 - 1. Pronation 14:49 - 2. Firing order 16:13 - 3. Weak transversus abdominis 17:12 - 4. Rib alignment and breathing patterns 🔗 Free Webinar Alert! Don't miss out on our free webinars for therapists on shin pain and Achilles tendinopathy in runners. Check the link in the description for more information. Free running injury assessment & treatment video series available now         Improve running injury assessment & treatment now with the Running Repairs Online course with Tom Goom at clinicaledge.co/runningrepairs. Get free access to the "Tricky tendons" infographic series Unlock the secrets of successful tendinopathy assessment and treatment with this free infographic series for therapists. Links associated with this episode: Free Achilles tendinopathy videos Discover the simple secrets to successfully treat tendon pain in this free three part video series with Tom Goom Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership Join Tom live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Friday Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Tom Goom on Twitter Tom Goom’s website David Pope - Twitter David Pope & why I started Clinical Edge Review the podcast on iTunes Infographics by Clinical Edge

172. Shoulder pain assessment & clinical reasoning. Physio Edge Shoulder Success podcast with Jo Gibson

Your patient presents with shoulder pain, and straight away you need to identify: Is it rotator cuff related shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, instability, or something else entirely? Is it rotator cuff related shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, instability, or something else entirely? Is the pain actually coming from the shoulder? Could it be the cervical spine? Is there a tear that needs urgent referral? Should you order imaging? Refer to a surgeon? Or confidently continue with rehab? In this podcast, Jo Gibson (Upper Limb Rehabilitation Specialist Physio) guides you through a simple, evidence-informed clinical reasoning framework to help you confidently assess and treat patients with shoulder pain. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and the latest research, Jo breaks down four essential questions you need to ask in every shoulder assessment—helping you identify red flags, tailor your treatment plan, and avoid common diagnostic pitfalls. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to distinguish shoulder pain from cervical spine referral Key subjective clues that guide your diagnosis and treatment decisions Whether it’s “torn”—and how to know if a surgical referral is appropriate Clinical signs that help differentiate frozen shoulder from other causes of stiffness Why pain irritability matters—and how it impacts your rehab approach When to use (and when to avoid) imaging How to identify instability and assess the likelihood of recurrence What assessment tests to perform in your objective examination The real value—and limitations—of special tests like the Hawkins-Kennedy, drop arm, Hornblower’s, and more. How to modify testing to better isolate rotator cuff contributions Why symptom modification tests are useful—and what they tell you How to help your patient overcome fear, regain confidence, and move again What research says about exercise prescription, and how many exercises you should give patients Listen in to strengthen your clinical reasoning and give your shoulder assessments a clear structure that helps you feel more confident—and gets better outcomes for your patients. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 03:12 - Subjective clues that guide diagnosis 04:33 - What to call shoulder pain? RCRSP or SAP? 06:04 - 4 key questions to ask 06:29 - Cervical spine driven shoulder pain 10:03 - Is it torn and does it matter? 11:29 - Traumatic dislocations 12:37 - Special tests in the "Is it torn" group 15:56 - Is it stiff? 17:36 - Is it irritable? 20:38 - Can I change it? 23:05 - Summary Click on an image below to access these free resources from Jo Gibson and Clinical Edge The handout for this podcast consists of a transcript associated with this podcast. Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your assessment and treatment of shoulder pain with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson, now available for enrolment at clinicaledge.co/shouldersuccess Free trial Clinical Edge membership Use a fresh approach to your musculoskeletal and sports injury treatment with a free trial Clinical Edge membership at clinicaledge.co/freetrial Links associated with this episode: Free video series - How to be a shoulder detective: Solving acute shoulder pain with Jo Gibson Get your access to the free video series “Frozen shoulder assessment & treatment” with Jo Gibson Improve your shoulder assessment & treatment with the Shoulder: Steps to Success online course with Jo Gibson Improve your confidence and clinical reasoning with a free trial Clinical Edge membership Join Jo Gibson live on Facebook & ask your shoulder related questions every Monday Download and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Download the podcast now using the best podcast app currently in existence - Overcast Listen to the podcast on Spotify Jo Gibson on Twitter Let David know what you liked about this podcast on Twitter Review the podcast on iTunes Infographics by Clinical Edge