EP. 068: The Athletic Shoulder - Overcoming Instability for Peak Performance with Edel Fanning

In this episode of the Physiotutors podcast, host Kai speaks with Edel Fanning, a lead upper limb physiotherapist from Ireland, about various shoulder pathologies in athletes and effective rehabilitation strategies. Edel discusses common shoulder injuries in different sports, such as dislocations in contact sports like rugby and rotator cuff issues in overhead sports like swimming and tennis. She emphasizes the importance of considering the kinetic chain in rehabilitation, focusing on both local shoulder control and the role of other body parts to optimize recovery and performance. Edel also highlights the significance of proper scapular function and offers insights into the nuances of treating shoulder injuries, including specific exercises and positions to support recovery.

Edel also delves into the challenges of returning athletes to sport post-injury, discussing the importance of objective testing, psychological readiness, and sport-specific considerations. She outlines the differences in rehabilitation approaches for contact vs. non-contact sports, noting the unique demands and injury mechanisms of each. The conversation touches on screening tests, injury prevention strategies, and the development of an online course on athletic shoulder rehabilitation. Edel's expertise and practical advice provide valuable insights for physiotherapists and sports professionals aiming to enhance shoulder health and performance in athletes.

Content

00:00 Intro

00:45 Which pathologies to consider

08:34 The scapula and stability & performance

15:36 Which muscles to consider in rehab

19:08 The importance of strength in the kinetic chain

21:43 How to reduce injury risk

25:03 Shoulder warm-up routines

27:29 Screening tests useful?

33:11 Exercise dilemmas

38:47 AC Joint Injuries

45:50 What is assessed?

51:35 RTP & RTS markers are different

01:00:09 Edel's closing thoughts

01:01:00 Contact Details

01:02:50 Outro

Bonus Material

Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App.

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