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Thumb arthritis, or osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb (the first carpometacarpal or CMC joint), is one of the most common causes of hand pain. In this episode, Chris Myers is joined by Jennifer Parr, specialist hand therapist at Complete Physio, to explain how it is assessed and treated. It is particularly common in middle age and beyond, and yet it is frequently misunderstood or poorly managed. Jennifer explains exactly what is happening inside the joint, how it is assessed, and the conservative treatment options available before surgery is considered. What we cover:- How CMC arthritis presents and why it often affects the non-dominant hand first- Clinical assessment: pinch strength testing, MCP collapse, and what an X-ray does (and does not) tell you- Splinting options: push splints, fabric comfort splints, kinesiology tape, and bespoke thermoplastic splints- The specific stabilising exercises Jennifer prescribes and why generic thumb exercises can miss the point- When to consider a corticosteroid injection and how to use the pain-free window effectively- How ultrasound guided injection and diagnostic scanning adds information beyond plain X-ray Surgery and post-operative rehabilitation are covered in a separate episode on first CMC joint replacement. Jennifer Parr is a highly experienced hand therapist based at Complete Physio. She works closely with specialist hand surgeons and the wider clinic team to provide integrated conservative and post-operative rehabilitation for hand and upper limb conditions. If you are experiencing base of thumb pain, our team can help. Visit complete-physio.co.uk or call us to speak with one of our hand therapists. 0:00 Introduction0:32 What is base of thumb arthritis and how does it present?3:44 Diagnosis: assessment, pinch testing and X-rays5:57 Splinting options: push splints, comfort splints and K-tape9:47 Exercises: stabilising the CMC joint15:37 Injections: when to use them and how to maximise the benefit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Arthrosamid work for knee arthritis? Chris Myers sits down with Stuart, an advanced practitioner in ultrasound-guided injections based in Somerset, to take an honest look. They cover how it works, who it is likely to help, what the latest pooled evidence shows, and how it sits alongside steroid and hyaluronic acid injections. What they cover in this episode:- How Arthrosamid works on the synovium and why results can last- Realistic expectations and which patients tend to respond best- How it compares to steroid and hyaluronic acid injections- The latest pooled clinical data, including WOMAC score outcomes- How to identify suitable candidates, including those with patellofemoral arthritis- A full walkthrough of the consultation and injection procedure- Post-injection recovery and what to expect in the first three months- When to consider other options, including surgery Stuart is an advanced practitioner specialising in ultrasound-guided injection therapy, running the Complete Physio satellite clinic in Somerset. He has performed well over 200 Arthrosamid injections and was one of the early adopters in the UK. If you are living with knee arthritis and want to understand whether injection therapy might be right for you, the team at Complete Physio offer specialist assessments. Visit complete-physio.co.uk to find out more or to book a consultation. 0:00 Introduction1:50 How Arthrosamid Works4:51 Realistic Expectations8:01 Who Is Suitable9:49 Steroids and Hyaluronic Acid13:12 The Latest Evidence16:08 Patellofemoral Arthritis20:11 The Consultation Process22:14 The Injection Procedure25:06 Recovery and Aftercare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dupuytren's contracture explained: how it progresses, the surgical options, and the hand therapy rehab that follows. In this episode, Chris Myers sits down with Jennifer Parr, specialist hand therapist at Complete Physio, to talk through everything patients need to know about Dupuytren's contracture. Jennifer covers how the condition develops from harmless nodules through to full finger contracture, the different surgical options available, and crucially, the hand therapy rehabilitation that follows. She explains why that post-operative care is just as important as the surgery itself. What is covered:- What Dupuytren's contracture is and how it progresses- When patients typically decide to have surgery, and the different procedures available- What the surgery involves, including the Z-plasty incision and when skin grafts are needed- What to expect at your first hand therapy appointment (around day five post-op)- Wound care, dressing changes, and how the therapist and surgeon stay in close contact- Thermoplastic splinting and why it matters overnight for three months- Tendon glides, block and bend exercises, and early mobilisation- Scar massage, silicone products, and keeping scar tissue supple- Return to work, the gym, and racket sports timelines- Jennifer's three key pieces of advice for a good outcome- Recurrence, genetic factors, and planning surgery around your life Jennifer Parr is a specialist hand therapist with extensive experience supporting patients through Dupuytren's surgery in close collaboration with hand surgeons. If you or a patient needs specialist hand therapy assessment or post-operative rehabilitation, you can find out more and book an appointment at complete-physio.co.uk. 0:00 Introduction0:31 What is Dupuytren's Contracture?2:23 When to Consider Surgery4:18 What the Surgery Involves5:42 First Hand Therapy Appointment: Day Five9:02 Scar Management and Splinting13:47 Scar Massage and Silicone Products18:07 Return to Work, Gym and Sport20:25 Three Key Tips for a Good Outcome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🧑‍⚕️ Complete Physio: https://rdar.li/4Y3K8Dr 🩻 Complete Injections: https://rdar.li/mZP48Vr What causes jaw pain, clicking, and headaches? In this video, we explore temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including how bruxism (teeth grinding) contributes to chronic jaw pain and what can be done about it. Learn how TMJ issues are assessed, why symptoms often extend beyond the jaw into the face, head and neck, and when to see a dentist or physiotherapist for help. 0:00 Common features of TMJ disorders 0:09 What is bruxism (teeth grinding)? 0:24 How to assess the pterygoid muscle and teeth 0:46 Why patients often don't know they grind their teeth 1:14 How treating bruxism improves TMJ pain 1:23 Why a mouth guard from your dentist can help 1:40 Typical symptoms of TMJ disorders 1:55 Headaches, migraines and facial pain from TMJ 2:20 The link between TMJ and neck pain 2:34 Clicking and crepitus in the jaw joint 2:45 Activities that trigger TMJ pain 3:03 Pain when chewing, yawning and opening the mouth 3:26 Jaw locking and other unusual symptoms 🌐 www.complete-physio.co.uk 📞 020 7482 3875 📧 [email protected] The information provided in this video is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as your GP or a registered medical professional, before beginning any new exercise program, making significant changes to your diet, or taking any new medication or supplements. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arthrosamid is a single injection for knee osteoarthritis that can give lasting relief for many patients. In this episode, Complete Physio Clinical Director Chris Myers sits down with Sports Medicine Consultant Dr George Bownes to explain what Arthrosamid is, how it works, who it suits, and how it compares to a steroid, hyaluronic acid or PRP injection. They talk through how long the results tend to last, why rehabilitation matters alongside the injection, what happens on the day of the procedure, and what recovery looks like afterwards. Chapters: 0:00 What Arthrosamid is and who it is for 0:40 Arthrosamid vs steroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP 2:03 How long the relief lasts 2:30 Why rehab matters alongside the injection 3:50 How Arthrosamid works (it binds the joint) 5:08 When you start to feel the benefit 8:57 Who it suits (not just sporty patients) 10:02 A medical device: inert, repeatable, ultrasound-guided 11:01 Side effects and why antibiotics are used 13:10 Skiing and timing around big events 21:47 What happens on the day of the procedure 24:07 Aftercare, recovery and returning to exercise Arthrosamid is not right for everyone, and the best treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. To find out whether Arthrosamid is suitable for you, visit complete-physio.co.uk #Arthrosamid #KneeOsteoarthritis #KneePain #KneeInjection #Physiotherapy #SportsMedicine #CompletePhysio #LondonPhysio #Osteoarthritis #JointPain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arthrosamid is a single injection for knee osteoarthritis that can provide lasting relief for many patients. In this FAQ our team answers the questions we hear most often in clinic, from how quickly it works to recovery, cost and how it compares to other injections. Most patients start to notice an improvement at around 4 to 6 weeks, with the truer test at 12 weeks. For those who respond well, Arthrosamid can give 3 to 5 years of reduced pain and improved function, and the injection can be repeated. Chapters: 0:00 How soon it works and how long it lasts 0:25 What the procedure involves 0:41 Before and after: rest, driving and bringing someone 1:46 Medication and pain relief 2:26 If it does not work: surgery is still an option 2:41 Timing around steroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP injections 2:50 Cost, insurance and the NHS 3:27 Steroid injection vs Arthrosamid 3:53 Bone-on-bone arthritis and how Arthrosamid works 4:27 Both knees, what it is licensed for, and repeating the injection Arthrosamid is an outpatient procedure carried out under ultrasound guidance, with a large volume of local anaesthetic so it is well tolerated. It is licensed in the UK for knee osteoarthritis. Whether it is right for you depends on your knee, which our team will assess as part of a screening process. To find out if Arthrosamid is appropriate for you, visit complete-physio.co.uk #Arthrosamid #KneeOsteoarthritis #KneePain #KneeInjection #Physiotherapy #CompletePhysio #LondonPhysio #Osteoarthritis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses a small sample of your own blood to encourage the body to repair injured joints and tendons. In this episode, Complete Physio Clinical Director Chris Myers sits down with Sports Medicine Consultant Dr George Bownes to explain how PRP actually works, what it can treat, and the newer high-concentration ACP Max approach. They cover knee and hip osteoarthritis, stubborn tendon problems like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and Achilles, how long the results tend to last, what a treatment involves in clinic, and how PRP compares to a steroid injection. Chapters: 0:00 What is PRP and how is it made? 0:38 What PRP can treat (arthritis, tendons, muscle) 0:55 How PRP works to heal 2:13 How long the relief lasts 3:25 The standard PRP protocol (a series of three) 3:52 ACP Max: the new high-concentration PRP 6:48 Tailoring the treatment to your injury 7:32 How quickly it works vs a steroid injection 8:51 Soreness and recovery 9:59 What the procedure looks like in clinic 11:40 Why no local anaesthetic, and does it hurt? 13:28 Rehab, results and where PRP fits before surgery PRP is not right for everyone, and the right treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. To find out whether PRP is suitable for you, visit complete-physio.co.uk #PRP #PlateletRichPlasma #PRPInjection #ACPMax #KneePain #TendonPain #TennisElbow #Physiotherapy #SportsMedicine #CompletePhysio #LondonPhysio #Osteoarthritis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode covers knee and hip arthroplasty alongside hamstring avulsions, meniscal tears and ACL decisions. This discussion looks at hamstring injuries, especially proximal tendon avulsions, and when surgical input is needed. We also cover how decisions differ between younger and older patients for meniscal tears, ACL reconstruction, and joint replacement. The conversation moves through real-world examples of injury patterns, rehabilitation, and how timing affects outcomes. You’ll also hear insights on patient-specific knee replacements, robotic and computer-assisted techniques, and the anterior approach to hip replacement, a method that helps reduce muscle damage and improve recovery. We talk about realistic recovery times, common risks such as sciatic nerve irritation and dislocation, and how surgeons decide when the “window of opportunity” for surgery is right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foot and ankle problems are common among runners and active individuals. In this discussion, the Complete Physio team share practical ways to reduce pain and prevent injury through structured physiotherapy. David Gruhl explains how calf raises, intrinsic foot strengthening, and soft-tissue massage can improve performance and resilience. The episode also covers footwear recommendations, orthotic use, plantar fasciitis management, Morton's neuroma, and arthritis care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACL reconstruction has come a long way over the past two decades, and this discussion explores how surgical techniques, graft materials, and rehabilitation methods have evolved. Our expert physiotherapists and orthopaedic specialists explain the options between hamstring, patella tendon, and allograft reconstructions, and how factors like age, joint stability, and tissue quality guide treatment choices. Learn about the latest approaches to graft alignment, fixation methods, and post-operative physiotherapy that help patients regain confidence and knee function. At Complete Physio, our clinics across Central London provide expert care in post-operative rehab, tendon and muscle injuries, lower back conditions, diagnostic ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided injections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode from Complete Physio, London, looks at how physiotherapy principles can guide marathon training and help reduce injury risk. We explain how weekly mileage, interval training, tempo runs and threshold sessions each play a role in performance. The discussion highlights how these methods apply to both first-time marathon runners and experienced athletes. Follow the Complete Physio Podcast for more expert advice from our clinicians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Chris Myers speaks with Stuart, an advanced physiotherapy practitioner with 25 years of clinical experience and 10 years as a qualified musculoskeletal sonographer. Stuart runs the ultrasound-guided injection clinic for Complete Physio in Somerset, working across NHS, private, and orthopaedic settings. They cover how Stuart built his career from generalist physiotherapy into specialist injection therapy, what conditions he treats at the Somerset one-stop clinic (including arthritis, frozen shoulder, lateral hip pain, tendinopathies and more), why ultrasound guidance matters for injection accuracy, how injection therapy fits into a broader rehabilitation plan, and what patients should look for in an experienced injector. Stuart is an advanced practitioner and MSK sonographer with over 15 years of injection experience, currently seeing 20 to 30 patients per week for guided procedures. If you are based in Somerset and would like to book an ultrasound-guided injection assessment, visit complete-physio.co.uk. 0:00 Introduction 0:08 Stuart's Background and Career Journey 0:59 What Is a Musculoskeletal Sonographer? 2:37 Conditions Treated at the Somerset Clinic 5:07 What Is an Ultrasound-Guided Injection? 6:02 Stuart's Injection Experience and Training 7:37 The One-Stop Clinic Model 10:51 How Injection Therapy Fits a Treatment Plan 12:20 Why Trust Stuart with Your Injection? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is PRP and how can it help with arthritis, tendon problems and joint pain? In this video, we explore platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, including the newer ACP Max system, and explain how this natural treatment uses your own blood to stimulate healing. Learn about the conditions PRP can treat, what to expect during the procedure, recovery timelines, and how it compares to steroid injections. Chapters: (00:00) What is PRP? (00:21) How PRP is produced from your own blood (00:36) Conditions PRP can treat (00:47) How PRP triggers the body's healing process (01:33) Common conditions: arthritis, tendons and more (02:23) How long does PRP relief last? (02:53) How PRP has evolved over the last 10–15 years (03:37) Standard PRP protocol: series of three injections (03:53) Introduction to ACP Max (04:20) ACP Max vs standard ACP explained (05:29) The double spin process explained (06:17) Higher concentration and healing potential (06:57) Tailoring PRP to tendons, muscles or joints (07:34) When will you feel pain relief from PRP? (08:16) PRP vs steroid: short-term vs long-term effects (09:03) Is the ACP Max procedure more painful? (10:06) What to expect during your PRP appointment (11:11) Why ultrasound guidance matters (11:52) Why local anaesthetic isn't used with PRP (12:34) Does PRP hurt? (12:56) PRP for knee osteoarthritis: the evidence (13:46) Can PRP injections be repeated? (14:23) Why timing matters with osteoarthritis (15:28) PRP as part of a wider treatment plan (16:48) Aftercare: what to do post-injection (17:21) Why you must avoid anti-inflammatories (18:11) When will you notice improvement? (19:37) How to know if PRP will work for you (20:44) Does age affect PRP response? (21:28) Can you treat multiple areas in one session? (22:12) Why imaging is essential before PRP (22:57) When PRP isn't the right option (23:40) PRP before knee replacement surgery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Arthrosamid and could it help your knee osteoarthritis? In this video, George Bownes, a leading specialist in injection therapy with extensive experience using Arthrosamid in the UK, sits down with Chris, an experienced physiotherapist, to explain everything you need to know about this innovative hydrogel injection. They discuss how Arthrosamid differs from steroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP injections, who it's suitable for, what the procedure involves, and why structured rehabilitation is essential for the best results. 🧑‍⚕️ Complete Physio: https://rdar.li/4Y3K8Dr 🩻 Complete Injections: https://rdar.li/mZP48Vr 0:00 What is Arthrosamid? 0:30 How Arthrosamid differs from steroid, HA and PRP 1:44 How long does the relief last? 2:26 Why rehab is essential after the injection 3:40 The science: how Arthrosamid works in the joint 4:54 When will you feel the benefit? 6:01 Real patient data and outcomes 8:11 Which knee arthritis patterns respond best 9:55 Why Arthrosamid is a medical device, not a drug 11:00 Why you need antibiotics before the procedure 12:13 What to expect after the injection 13:10 Timing your injection around skiing, cycling and events 15:15 Great results in older and less active patients 16:31 Using Arthrosamid to delay or optimise for surgery 17:46 How to decide if Arthrosamid is right for you 19:02 Repeat injections after 3-5 years 20:19 Can you have both knees done at once? 21:42 Step-by-step: what happens on the day 23:29 The ultrasound assessment before injection 24:18 Does the injection hurt? 26:02 Aspirating fluid and the injection process 27:31 The first week after your injection 29:00 Starting physiotherapy and rehab 30:33 Pain relief, ice and managing swelling 31:26 Swelling vs infection: what to expect 32:08 Anti-inflammatories after the procedure 32:44 Who isn't suitable for Arthrosamid 33:06 Can Arthrosamid be used in other joints? 34:48 Can it be injected into a knee replacement? 35:08 The science of the hydrogel and synovium 36:20 Histology studies showing tissue integration 🌐 www.complete-physio.co.uk 📞 020 7482 3875 📧 [email protected] The information provided in this video is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as your GP or a registered medical professional, before beginning any new exercise program, making significant changes to your diet, or taking any new medication or supplements. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🧑‍⚕️ Complete Physio: https://rdar.li/4Y3K8Dr 🩻 Complete Injections: https://rdar.li/mZP48Vr What is Achilles tendon elongation, why does it happen, and what can be done about it? In this podcast, Sam, a leading foot and ankle surgeon, and Chris, an experienced physiotherapist, explore one of the most common concerns after an Achilles rupture. They discuss how elongation develops during conservative and surgical management, how it presents clinically, why it's so difficult to reverse, and the surgical options available — including Z-shortening and FHL tendon transfer — when symptoms affect quality of life. (00:00) Why Achilles tendon elongation matters (00:35) The function of the Achilles tendon explained (01:15) Demonstrating how calf contraction moves the foot (01:53) What happens when the tendon heals too long (02:30) How elongation presents for the patient (03:18) Where in the recovery process things go wrong (03:37) Delay to diagnosis and the initial gap (04:41) Non-compliance with the boot protocol (05:24) Re-tearing during recovery (05:55) Ultrasound vs MRI for assessing the gap (06:39) Why stretching too early is a problem (07:12) Why elongation is so hard to reverse (07:51) Protecting the tendon from week 10 onwards (09:05) Can elongation happen after surgery too? (09:38) Living with elongation: lifestyle choices (10:22) Surgical options for an elongated tendon (11:17) The Z-shortening technique explained (13:14) FHL tendon transfer: what it is and why (15:35) When to use FHL vs Z-shortening (16:30) Realistic outcomes after salvage surgery (17:30) When to consider corrective surgery (19:08) Why clinical tests matter more than measurements (20:57) Patient factors in the decision-making process (22:50) Real patient cases from recent weeks (24:07) How clinicians and patients can help prevent elongation (25:13) Final thoughts and practical advice 🌐 www.complete-physio.co.uk 📞 020 7482 3875 📧 [email protected] The information provided in this video is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as your GP or a registered medical professional, before beginning any new exercise program, making significant changes to your diet, or taking any new medication or supplements. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices