Alex Murray is a podiatrist and an education partner with Cause Health who have an E-book titled: Rethinking causality, complexity & evidence for the unique patient. Today, we dive into the complicated topic around why treatment may work for some, but not others, even when they have the same diagnosis.  After listening to this episode, you’ll gain new insight into the unique rehabilitation path to know if you are on the right recovery path.   Click here to learn more about the PHT video course & to receive your 50% discount If you would like to learn more about having Brodie on your rehab team go to www.runsmarter.online  Or book a free 20-min physio chat here

Understanding Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: Why One Treatment Doesn’t Fit All

Introduction

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT), a condition that plagues athletes and individuals alike. Hosted by Brody Sharp, an online physiotherapist and fellow PHT sufferer, this podcast aims to debunk misconceptions and provide valuable insights for managing this painful condition. We’ll explore why a one-size-fits-all treatment approach doesn’t work and how individual factors play a crucial role in determining the most effective treatment strategy.

The Complex Nature of PHT

PHT is a complex and often frustrating condition. It’s not a straightforward diagnosis, and the way it manifests can vary greatly from person to person. This complexity stems from the fact that PHT is influenced by a multitude of factors, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause or treatment.

Meet Alex Murray

To shed light on this complexity, Brody Sharp interviews Alex Murray, a podiatrist with experience working with both the general population and high-performance athletes. Alex’s extensive background in sports and exercise medicine, as well as his collaboration with Cause Health, provides valuable insights into understanding the intricate nature of injuries like PHT.

The Assessment and Diagnosis Challenge

The assessment and diagnosis of PHT is anything but straightforward. Unlike some injuries with clear-cut causes, PHT involves numerous individual factors. Patients often receive different diagnoses or explanations for their condition, which can lead to confusion and anxiety. This podcast episode aims to unravel this complexity and offer explanations to ease the confusion surrounding PHT.

Challenging Conventional Assumptions

Alex Murray’s journey in the field of health science has led him to challenge conventional assumptions about injuries and their causes. In the past, many believed in a direct cause-and-effect relationship between an event and an injury. However, Alex highlights that the reality is far more intricate. Injuries often result from a combination of factors, and understanding these factors is key to effective treatment.

Uncovering the Nuances

To illustrate the complexity of causality, Alex provides an example involving ankle injuries. While it may seem straightforward that twisting an ankle causes injury, factors like an individual’s age, muscle strength, bone density, and external conditions play a significant role in determining the outcome. This underscores the importance of looking beyond immediate causes and considering the broader context.

Customized Treatment for Individual Factors

When it comes to treating PHT, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each individual presents a unique set of circumstances that influence their condition. Factors like training volume, intensity, frequency, running technique, and sitting posture can all contribute to PHT. Therefore, treatment must be tailored to address these specific factors.

The Power of Adjusting Treatment Dials

Brody and Alex discuss the concept of adjusting treatment dials. Rather than relying on a single treatment approach, clinicians can customize treatment plans by tweaking various parameters. This allows for a more precise and individualized approach to managing PHT. By continually assessing and adapting the treatment plan based on the patient’s response, better outcomes can be achieved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PHT is a complex condition influenced by various factors, making it challenging to identify a single cause or treatment approach. This podcast episode highlights the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each patient’s presentation and tailoring treatment strategies accordingly. By adjusting treatment dials and embracing the complexity of PHT, clinicians can provide more effective care, ultimately helping patients on their path to recovery.