Complete Physio Podcast

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
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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
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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
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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

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📞 020 7482 3875
📧 info@complete-physio.co.uk

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.
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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
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