EBFA Webinar: Discovering Differentials

Introduction

• Special welcome to attendees.
• Presenter: Dr. Perry Nicholson.
• Format: 30-minute presentation followed by Q&A.
• Webinars archived on ebfafitness.com.
• Social Media: Follow EBFA Fitness on Facebook and Twitter.

Presenter: Dr. Perry Nicholson

• Founder of "Stop Chasing Pain".
• Focus: Movement dysfunction and pain management.
• Resources: Website, podcasts, webinars, articles.

Discovering Differentials

• Series aims to explore concepts from medical school for health and fitness professionals.
• Goal: Identify root cause of client/patient dysfunction to improve results.
• Importance of a systematic differential diagnosis process.
• Consider all systems: vascular, neurological, immunological, etc.

Case Study: Chronic Difficult Cases

• Presented by Dr. Perry Nicholson.
• Focus on chronic ITB syndrome in a 35-year-old female runner.
• Previous treatments: Traditional therapy, massage, chiropractic, medications.
• Key observation: Pain relief was temporary.

Clinical Approach

• Assume there is always a movement dysfunction.
• Treat both the site and source of pain.
• Evaluate through differential systems approach.
• Importance of not focusing solely on site of pain.

Assessment Techniques

• Single Leg Squat: Compare painful and non-painful sides.
• Overhead Squat Test: Assess body control and movement issues.
• Half Kneeling Chop and Lift: Evaluate hip control and stability.

Intervention Strategy

• Identify facilitated and inhibited muscles.
• Focus on neural sequencing and proper timing of muscle engagement.
• Use neurodevelopmental patterning for rehabilitation.

Additional Case Study: Foot and SI Joint Dysfunction

• Presented by the host (Podiatrist).
• 40-year-old male with bilateral foot pain and SI joint issues.
• Assessment: Full open chain, closed chain, and functional evaluation.

Key Findings

• Limited ankle joint motion and hip extension.
• Over-pronated left foot causing chain reactions affecting the SI joint.
• Functional Hallux Limitus: Great toe mobility loss during gait.

Intervention Recommendations

• Mobilize and activate key muscle groups (foot inverters, hip external rotators).
• Use both concentric and eccentric strengthening.
• Corrective exercises to improve foot stability and hip function.

Conclusion

• Importance of individualized treatment plans.
• Comprehensive evaluation including opposite side of dysfunction.
• Emphasis on understanding the biomechanics and interconnectedness of the body.

Resources

• Dr. Perry's website: stopchasingpain.com
• EBFA webinars and articles available online.

Final Remarks

• Webinars are recorded and available for further study.
• Encouragement to explore the role of the first Ray in foot biomechanics.