In Part 2 of this series, we looked at the patient interview through a pain sensitivity lens. This process helps determine whether pain sensitivity is less or more likely to be a priority for the physical examination. Now we arrive at the examination itself.

In Part 1 of this series we agreed that pain sensitivity is an important consideration for all physiotherapists in clinical practice.

Pain sensitivity may alter a person’s response to treatment, can help patients make sense of their own conditions, could be used for subgrouping people and might provide insight into a patient’s prognosis.

Ten years ago, it was almost unheard of for patients recently diagnosed with lung cancer to take part in exercise programs prior to or after surgery.

Melissa McConaghy was in the middle of teaching a course in London when her phone began beeping madly.

While trying to continue with the instruction, a mildly distracted Melissa apologised to course participants and quickly checked, thinking it could be about her children.

1. Identifying risk factors reduces the likelihood of developing lymphoedema

A number of risk factors increase a patient’s chance of developing lymphoedema.

It is estimated that one in five Australians has chronic pain (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2020, Henderson et al 2013), resulting in a substantial reduction in wellbeing and increased healthcare visits annually (Blyth et al 2004). 

Movement and function are key domains of physiotherapy and pain often gets in their way. For many physiotherapists, addressing pain to optimise movement and function is core business.

There is a reason why Tom Hindhaugh APAM sits new graduates at his private practice down to talk about building high-quality, trusting relationships with clients—and it has a direct impact on clinical outcomes.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of permanent, fluctuating disorders of movement, posture and motor function caused by a non- progressive lesion or abnormality in the immature brain (Sadowska et al 2020).

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common form of musculoskeletal back problem and most people experience it at some point in their lives. 

In Australia, back problems are the second most common reason to visit the GP and a leading cause of presentation to emergency departments.