Mel Siff Blog

If any one thing that characterises the resolution of musculoskeletal pain
and dysfunction, it is the large number of different approaches which enjoy
some measure of success. It has never been established that there is
definitely one best method of treating problems of the back, shoulder, legs,
arms, yet the claims of many qualified and ‘informal’ therapists suggest that
they alone have developed methods that are far better than any others. In
fact, some of these therapists use such a mixture of different methods, that,
given sufficient time, effort and psychological stroking, they have to
produce some progress.

Some of these therapists, especially those with informal or self-awarded
‘credentials’, spend an inordinate amount of time applying an extensive Read more…

The following letter was sent to one of the professional physical therapy
groups. Since it focused on the rather trendy cuurent fad of “core
stabilisation”, I thought that this discussion would also be of value here.
Far too many self-proclaimed authorities on back pain, trunk stabilisation
and core stabilisation are proliferating some rather dubious beliefs about
these topics and it about time that some far more cautious science were
applied to them.

Here is the original letter:

<< I’ve just been awarded a research bursary and am planning to investigate
the possible link between hamstring strength and core trunk stability. I’m
planning to measure concentric/eccentric hams strength intially, send
subjects off to do hams strength work, transversus abdominus strength work
and placebo exercises. I’ve been able to get lots of literature re hams
strength, transversus abdominus (mainly Hodges, Jull and Richardson) and hams
injury prevention. What I haven’t been able to get is much information on
hamstring/muscular trunk control interaction. Anybody out there able to point
me in the right direction? >>

Here is my response:

***Just a small point about which I have written before – how does one assess Read more…