Description
In this presentation led by Ben Ollivere, participants are welcomed to the upper limb section of the BJJ 360 revalidation. Due to a COVID exposure, Ollivere delivers insights remotely, reflecting on the progression and relevance of upper limb research over the past decade, particularly focusing on frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). The session emphasizes the increasing volume of literature—1.6 million relevant publications available on PubMed—and the need for discussion and interpretation of these findings.
Ollivere begins detailing recent studies on frozen shoulder, noting his personal connection to the condition and the challenges it presents in treatment. He highlights a notable study from the Journal of Manipulation and Therapies that investigates scapular positioning exercises, revealing encouraging outcomes regarding range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder when compared to conservative treatment.
He expresses skepticism regarding the potential for placebo effects but acknowledges the positive findings of these therapies. Further, he discusses complications from newer treatment methods, specifically a trial involving collagenase, which yielded concerning results regarding patient outcomes and complications.
The review continues with the UK FROST study, a multicenter trial establishing the effectiveness of manipulation and arthroscopic release for frozen shoulder, emphasizing significant findings that stress the need for further exploration of these interventions.
Following this, Ollivere shifts to distal radius fractures, discussing a study conducted in Nottingham comparing various rehabilitation interventions. The results indicate no clinically significant differences in recovery between face-to-face physiotherapy and other approaches, suggesting tailored communication is more critical than direct treatment for non-surgical patients.
Finally, he highlights a random trial on tennis elbow treatment comparing dry needling and corticosteroid injections. Results favor dry needling, proposing it should be favored due to its efficacy and fewer side effects compared to corticosteroids.
Ollivere concludes by inviting questions and sharing hopes for future discussions on evolving therapies in upper limb management.