What exactly is rheumatology, and how do you know when a "typical" MSK issue is actually a systemic inflammatory condition?In this episode, we sit down with Jack March (@Rheumatology.Physio) to demystify rheumatology for physiotherapy students and new graduates. We dive into the "index of suspicion," the importance of comorbidities like psoriasis, and why your clinical reasoning must change when a condition is autoimmune rather than mechanical.In this video, you’ll learn:A simple definition of rheumatology for patients and students.Key screening questions: Morning stiffness, night waking, and NSAID response.The "Masqueraders": How to tell if that Achilles pain is mechanical or inflammatory.Common mistakes: Why being "too gentle" with treatment can sometimes be an error.The patient journey: Managing expectations during rheumatology referrals.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Why rheumatology is complex for physios 1:24 - Defining Rheumatology: Autoimmune vs. Autoinflammatory 5:35 - Comorbidities: Fibromyalgia, EDS, and Psoriasis 12:15 - Key Screening Tools & Questions 17:25 - Clinical Reasoning: MSK vs. Systemic Issues 21:10 - Loading Tendons in Rheumatological Patients 26:50 - Common Mistakes Physios Make in Management 37:15 - Treatment Precautions & Red Flags 41:50 - Top Tips for Students & New GradsAbout Jack March: Jack is a physiotherapist who specialises in supporting patients with rheumatological conditions as well as providing educational content for healthcare professionals. He provides expert CPD and resources to help clinicians identify and manage rheumatological conditions with confidence.See below for the resources that Jack mentions in the episode:Jacks YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRheumatologyPhysio Jacks Linktree (all courses and content): https://linktr.ee/rheumatology.physio Physio Matters YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@physiomatters Physio Matters Linktree: https://linktr.ee/physiomattersRelated Episodes: If you enjoyed this deep dive into clinical decision-making, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes:The Reality of Elite Sport: Trauma, High Stakes & Clinical Decisions – Explore how high-pressure environments influence clinical reasoning.Understanding IBS: symptoms, causes and clinical realities – A closer look at clinical realities in internal health.Charcot foot: the diabetic red flag all clinicians need to know – Essential knowledge for identifying critical clinical indicators.Don't forget to subscribe to ABPT Physi-ed for more evidence-based physiotherapy education and clinical reasoning support!If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: • Physi-ed Podcast If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.[Insert your social links/website here] [Insert link to Jack’s website/resources]#Physiotherapy #Rheumatology #StudentPhysio #ClinicalReasoning #MSK #PhysioEducation

Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) can be a complex concept to explain to patients and fellow clinicians. In this episode, we use the "Salsa Story" as a powerful metaphor to break down how CFT addresses the multidimensional nature of pain.What You’ll Learn:How to use storytelling to improve patient education and buy-in.The core principles of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) in clinical practice.A fresh perspective on moving beyond traditional biomechanical models for chronic pain.About ABPT Physi-ed We provide high-level education for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals looking to sharpen their clinical reasoning and stay updated with evidence-based practice.#Physiotherapy #CognitiveFunctionalTherapy #CFT #PainManagement #PhysicalTherapy #ClinicalReasoningRelated Episodes: If you enjoyed this deep dive into clinical decision-making, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes:The Reality of Elite Sport: Trauma, High Stakes & Clinical Decisions – Explore how high-pressure environments influence clinical reasoning.Understanding IBS: symptoms, causes and clinical realities – A closer look at clinical realities in internal health.Charcot foot: the diabetic red flag all clinicians need to know – Essential knowledge for identifying critical clinical indicators.Don't forget to subscribe to ABPT Physi-ed for more evidence-based physiotherapy education and clinical reasoning support!If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: • Physi-ed Podcast If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

Shoulder pain after trauma is common—but jumping to a diagnosis too quickly can lead to missed pathology or poor management decisions.In this second case-based episode, we work through a 45-year-old female with shoulder pain after a fall, and explore how to systematically rule out serious injury while refining your diagnosis.We break down how to differentiate between:Fracture, dislocation, and serious rotator cuff tearsRotator cuff-related shoulder painFrozen shoulder (and when to suspect it)Alongside this, we explore how pre-existing symptoms, comorbidities, and movement assessment shape your clinical reasoning.Alex and Francesca walk through a realistic clinical scenario, showing how experienced clinicians think through uncertainty, avoid common traps, and adapt assessment based on the patient in front of them.This is essential listening for:• Physiotherapy students and new graduates building assessment confidence• Band 5–6 clinicians in MSK, FCP, or primary care settings• Clinicians wanting clarity on shoulder pain diagnosis and management🔍 We cover:✔ What to rule out after shoulder trauma (fracture, dislocation, cuff tear)✔ When special tests are useful in shoulder assessment✔ Rotator cuff-related pain vs subacromial pain✔ How pre-existing stiffness changes your diagnosis✔ Frozen shoulder risk factors (diabetes, age, comorbidities)✔ Active vs passive range: what actually matters✔ When to image—and when to wait✔ Why subjective history is critical in shoulder cases⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Case introduction: shoulder pain after a fall01:10 – Red flags: fracture, dislocation, cuff tear04:00 – How to recognise serious shoulder pathology06:10 – Special tests: when they help (and when they don’t)09:00 – Most likely diagnosis: rotator cuff-related pain11:30 – What to assess objectively (movement & loading)14:00 – New information: pre-existing pain & stiffness16:00 – Frozen shoulder risk factors & reasoning18:30 – Active vs passive range: key differences21:00 – Functional assessment & positioning23:30 – Special tests for subacromial pain25:30 – Imaging decisions: X-ray or wait?28:00 – Monitoring vs referring: what guides your decision?30:30 – Key clinical reasoning takeaways📌 Key takeaway: Shoulder pain after trauma isn’t always “just a cuff issue”—strong clinical reasoning means ruling out serious pathology, recognising pre-existing conditions, and adapting your assessment to the individual.Resources referenced in the discussion:Ladermann et al 2021: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32725446/Dakkak et al 2021: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32822265/Subscribe for clear, structured clinical reasoning you can use on placement tomorrow. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common presentations in MSK practice — but assuming “it’s just OA” can lead to missed pathology and poor outcomes.In this case-based episode, we work through a 70-year-old male with worsening knee pain despite previous imaging showing moderate osteoarthritis. We explore how to avoid premature closure, identify red flags, and apply structured clinical reasoning to decide when it’s safe to manage conservatively vs escalate.

Alex is a physiotherapist and lecturer with a background in pain management, clinical assessment and rehabilitation, alongside Francesca, a clinical specialist physiotherapist working as an FCP, MCAT and private practice clinician.

This is essential listening for:

• Physiotherapy students and new graduates developing clinical reasoning

• Band 5–6 clinicians working in MSK, FCP or rehab settings

• Clinicians wanting clarity on knee pain assessment and management

We cover:

✔ When knee pain might NOT be osteoarthritis

✔ Red flags: cancer, infection, fracture risk

✔ How to interpret night pain properly

✔ Why imaging can mislead clinical reasoning

✔ First-line management of knee OA (and what actually works)

✔ Exercise vs passive treatments✔ When to refer for injections or surgery

✔ Managing expectations around knee replacement outcomes

📌 Key takeaway:

Not all knee pain is “just arthritis” — safe clinical reasoning means ruling out serious pathology, understanding the patient’s goals, and knowing when to escalate.

See below for the resources mentioned in the video:https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/shared-decision-making/decision-support-tools/

00:00 – Introduction: Is it really OA?

01:05 – Red flags & differential diagnoses

03:00 – Interpreting night pain properly

05:00 – Patient expectations & goal setting

08:40 – First-line management (exercise vs passive care)

10:30 – Lifestyle factors (weight, sleep, stress)

13:40 – What if physio hasn’t worked?

15:00 – Treating the patient vs the pathology

17:30 – Surgery, injections & realistic outcomSubscribe for clear, structured clinical reasoning you can use on placement tomorrow. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential skills of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) and how to apply them to your clinical practice. For students and new graduates, mastering the clinical reasoning behind CFT is a game-changer for improving patient outcomes and building trust in complex cases.We move beyond basic exercise prescription to explore the reasoning framework that helps you understand the "why" behind every clinical decision. Whether you're a first-year student or a new clinician, this deep dive provides the tools you need to enhance your patient buy-in and professional confidence.Key Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to CFT and Clinical Reasoning05:30 - The Reasoning Framework: Moving Beyond Bio-Mechanical Models12:45 - Essential Skills for Students: Effective Communication in CFT22:10 - Applying CFT in Complex Clinical Cases35:20 - Strategies for Improving Patient Buy-In45:15 - Clinical Reasoning Summary and Next Steps for New GradsRelated Episodes: If you enjoyed this deep dive into clinical decision-making, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes:The Reality of Elite Sport: Trauma, High Stakes & Clinical Decisions – Explore how high-pressure environments influence clinical reasoning.Understanding IBS: symptoms, causes and clinical realities – A closer look at clinical realities in internal health.Charcot foot: the diabetic red flag all clinicians need to know – Essential knowledge for identifying critical clinical indicators.Don't forget to subscribe to ABPT Physi-ed for more evidence-based physiotherapy education and clinical reasoning support!

Objective testing is one of the biggest differences between elite sport and everyday clinical practice.In this episode segment, Steve explains why physiotherapists should move beyond subjective strength grading and start using measurable data to guide rehabilitation and return-to-play decisions.We discuss handheld dynamometry, identifying strength asymmetries, and why relying on estimation alone can lead to poor clinical decisions.These principles apply just as much in everyday musculoskeletal practice as they do in elite sport.If you're a physiotherapy student or new graduate, this conversation will change how you think about assessment.🎧 Full episode available on the channel and podcast.What is it actually like to work in the high-pressure world of elite sport? Steve Miller has worked in elite level sport and has significant experience in sports physiotherapy as well as musculoskeletal management. In this episode, we move beyond the textbooks to explore the raw realities of sports physiotherapy. From managing traumatic injuries and concussions to navigating the intense pressure from coaches and athletes who wanted to be back "yesterday," we dive deep into the clinical reasoning required when the stakes are at their highest.Steve shares honest stories of the realities of working in sport. Whether you're a student or an experienced clinician, this discussion offers a candid look at the challenges and misconceptions of elite-level care, relevant not only to those working in sport but anyone wanting to improve their musculoskeletal management skills.**Continue your clinical learning journey:**If you found this deep dive into clinical reasoning helpful, check out our other episodes where we break down complex topics like [IBS is NOT just in your head](https://studio.youtube.com/video/Ex-rggNarRk) and simplify essential skills like [Never Forget Pelvic Landmarks Again! 🦴](https://studio.youtube.com/video/it4JlBxbjNo).**In this episode, we cover:*** The mixture of trauma and high-stakes injuries in rugby.* Navigating the pressure of "return to play" timelines.* Honest reflections on clinical uncertainty in the field.* Misconceptions vs. the reality of elite sports physio.See below for the links that Steve mentions in the episode:Grow physio: https://www.growphysioacademy.com/PHICIS course: https://phicis-online.englandrugby.com/phicis-courses/#physiotherapy #sportsphysio #clinicalreasoning #rugby #alliedhealth #sportsmedicine### **Podcast Episode Optimization: Sports Physio**If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4NwQ-sGRyu7n2TWFT_bd8KtLVfkWwxqM If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

What is it actually like to work in the high-pressure world of elite sport? Steve Miller has worked in elite level sport and has significant experience in sports physiotherapy as well as musculoskeletal management. In this episode, we move beyond the textbooks to explore the raw realities of sports physiotherapy. From managing traumatic injuries and concussions to navigating the intense pressure from coaches and athletes who wanted to be back "yesterday," we dive deep into the clinical reasoning required when the stakes are at their highest.Steve shares honest stories of the realities of working in sport. Whether you're a student or an experienced clinician, this discussion offers a candid look at the challenges and misconceptions of elite-level care, relevant not only to those working in sport but anyone wanting to improve their musculoskeletal management skills.**Continue your clinical learning journey:**If you found this deep dive into clinical reasoning helpful, check out our other episodes where we break down complex topics like [IBS is NOT just in your head](https://studio.youtube.com/video/Ex-rggNarRk) and simplify essential skills like [Never Forget Pelvic Landmarks Again! 🦴](https://studio.youtube.com/video/it4JlBxbjNo).**In this episode, we cover:*** The mixture of trauma and high-stakes injuries in rugby.* Navigating the pressure of "return to play" timelines.* Honest reflections on clinical uncertainty in the field.* Misconceptions vs. the reality of elite sports physio.See below for the links that Steve mentions in the episode:Grow physio: https://www.growphysioacademy.com/PHICIS course: https://phicis-online.englandrugby.com/phicis-courses/00:00 - Introduction to the high stakes of elite sport01:06 - Steve’s background: From British Judo to Premiership Rugby01:56 - Why variety in sports experience matters for your career04:22 - Transitioning from clinical practice to full-time sport06:34 - Building relationships and the "family unit" in elite teams07:32 - The importance of objective testing and data in rehab11:00 - Navigating the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) environment12:17 - Dealing with pressure from coaches and athletes to return early14:50 - Accountability and the "high-stakes" nature of clinical decisions18:40 - Principles for safe return-to-play protocols21:52 - Managing the psychological side of athlete recovery24:00 - Identifying red flags (DVTs, cancers, and stress fractures) in fit athletes28:42 - Maintaining authority and professionalism in the changing room30:57 - Contracts and "buy-in" from players for their own rehab32:04 - Common misconceptions for students and new grads entering sport33:05 - Advice for starting out: Why grassroots experience is invaluable39:40 - A cautionary tale: The reality of acute trauma management41:12 - Top three take-home messages for aspiring sports physios42:42 - Recommended resources and qualifications (Grow Physio Academy)#physiotherapy #sportsphysio #clinicalreasoning #rugby #alliedhealth #sportsmedicine### **Podcast Episode Optimization: Sports Physio**If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4NwQ-sGRyu7n2TWFT_bd8KtLVfkWwxqM If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

In this opening episode of our series, we break down what Irritable Bowel Syndrome actually is and the common symptoms patients present with. We explore the complex factors contributing to the condition and establish the foundational knowledge every clinician needs to provide effective support and management strategies.IBS is one of the clearest real-world examples of the biopsychosocial model in action — and understanding it matters for all clinicians, not just those working in gastroenterology.In this episode, dietitian Carla Phillips, an experienced dietician and academic explains IBS as a disorder of gut–brain interaction, why it should NOT be framed as “all in the head,” and how clinicians can reason safely without over-investigating or missing red flags. We explore the diagnostic procedure, symptomology and causes, the biopsychosocial model, as well as evidence based management and what advice and support you can give within your scope.This is essential listening for:• Physiotherapy or allied health students or new graduates wanting to develop their holistic understanding of health • Allied health clinicians working diagnostically or with patients who suffer from IBS • Clinicains or other individuals seeing persistent pain + overlapping symptoms We cover:✔ IBS diagnosis (Rome + NICE criteria) ✔ Why “diagnosis of exclusion” harms patients ✔ Stress, trauma, and symptom onset ✔ IBS overlap with pelvic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia ✔ Red flags that require escalation ✔ When it’s safe to continue MSK care vs refer 📌 Key takeaway: IBS is real, common, and manageable — but only when clinicians avoid premature closure and expand their safety thinking.Resources mentioned:NICE IBS Guidelines (CG61) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61British Society of Gastroenterology IBS Guidance: https://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resource/british-society-of-gastroenterology-guidelines British Dietetic Association IBS Fact Sheets: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/irritable-bowel-syndrome-diet.htmlSubscribe for clear, structured clinical reasoning you can use on placement tomorrow. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.