Research has enhanced our understanding of back pain, its causes and optimal treatment/management strategies. A wealth of research evidence now rejects the traditional view that back pain is simply due to biomechanical, physical or structural problems such as bad posture, 'weak core', vertebra 'out of place/alignment', disc injuries or degeneration. It is now recognised that the development and maintenance of back pain is multi-factorial, and is influenced by the complex interaction of biomechanical, behavioural, psychological, social, immunological, hormonal and genetic factors, whose interplay is unique to the individual experiencing pain. This means that health and fitness professionals require a broad skill and knowledge base (beyond anatomy, physiology and biomechanics) to effectively manage back pain.

While further research is refining, furthering and  deepening our understanding of back pain, this holistic biopsychosocial view is largely agreed and cemented in the research and academic fields. However, when working with people experiencing back pain, health and fitness professionals largely adopt simple, biomechanical approaches which have been demonstrated to be sub-optimal and in some cases prevent recovery from back pain. Reasons for clinicians not adopting an evidence-based biopsychosocial approach to practice include:

  • A lack of knowledge and awareness of the current research evidence base.
  • A lack of skills and confidence to implement the current research into their reasoning, decision-making and management of people experiencing back pain.
  • Difficulties in communicating to patients the inherent uncertainty with back pain diagnosis, especially the precise cause and prognosis.
  • Unsure about how to screen and assess  patients for psychosocial factors which impact recovery.
  • Confusion when structuring a physical clinical examination and manual therapy treatment within a biopsychosocial framework.

 

evidence-based workshop

Dr Oliver Thomson regularly holds seminars, workshops and CPD courses to help translate the latest research into the work and practice of health and musculoskeletal professionals. His workshops aim to develop practical evidence-based knowledge, skills and strategies in the areas of clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice and the clinical management of back pain. The workshops will increase confidence in adopting a biopsychosocial approach to back pain, while also enhancing your patient and client care. He also offers bespoke one-to-one and small group training and development sessions for students, and health and fitness professionals.

Courses, Seminars and Workshops Enquiries

Courses are on an on-demand basis, so the dates are flexible. They can either be:

  • Delivered to a group on request (e.g a group of students, therapists, professionals from the same college/practice).
  • Or on a date which is set in advance, open to all.
  • Bespoke seminars on a one-to-one/small groups basis.

If you would like to arrange a course, or receive more information, please use the contact form below.

Courses, Seminars and Worshops Enquiries

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