Making Sense of Therapy

Looks better in Brown & Gold

I've been to a few of David Butler and Lorimer Moseley's talks. Whilst I am by no means a hardened disciple, I think their core message is solid. If you truly understand the nature of what it is that is causing you pain, then you have a better chance at beating it. David's latest blog discussed an article compared the results of traditional therapy for whiplash, and a brief educational intervention. There was no difference between the results. Whilst he is not discounting the usefulness of traditional hands on treatment, he is questioning the importance we place on it.

NOI Group

From a sports medicine perspective, if I think of the athletes who have recovered from something as simple as a thumb collateral ligament tear; those who sat down, and actively listened to me as I reviewed basic anatomy, healing rates, etc have been less likely to have ongoing problems. Now that opinion has no basis other than a very quick chart review of the first 8 footballers that came to mind, but there has to be merit in making a priority of giving the patient the tools to take ownership of their condition.

I'll stop there, spend your time reading David's article.  David Butler, Time for Motor Freedom

Look after those fingers,

Hamish

What would Tommy Say?

Do you think Tommy Hafey would have spent much time concerned about PIP joint volar plate injuries? Would he have given any thought to a player that complained about jarring his wrist, or spraining a collateral ligament? 

Tommy Hafey played and coached Australian Rules Football at the highest level at a time when the game really was ferocious. He was a hard man, and had high expectations of his teamates and himself. Tommy maintained a rigorous exercise regime right up into his 80's; waking a 5:20 every morning to run 7k, swim in the bay, do 250 pushups and then 700 crunches. He died yesterday aged 82.

I think Tommy Hafey the footballer and coach would have put injuries to fingers and hands pretty low down the pecking order. However, from all accounts, Tommy was a man who showed genuine interest in everyone and everything they did, not just how well they played footy.

I saw Tommy occasionally down at Sorrento when I was out running or paddling in the early morning. He always had a smile, and although he didn't know me, always asked how I was going. I think Tommy Hafey the man would not have ridiculed an athlete who complained of a sore finger as long as that athlete showed the same level of commitment to their sport and their health, that Tommy did. Thanks for the smiles mate, and rest in peace Tommy "T-shirt" Hafey.

Look after those fingers,

Hamish