Podcast · Health

The Shoulder Physio Podcast

by Jared Powell · English · Health

The Shoulder Physio Podcast is a podcast dedicated to exploring meaningful topics in musculoskeletal health care.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest: 29 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

29 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

#67 Shoulder impingement with Professor Jeremy Lewis

Jared is joined by Professor Jeremy Lewis who really needs no introduction but we will give him one just for fun. Jeremy is a researcher, educator, physiotherapist, and one of the biggest names in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. In this episode Jeremy discusses his journey in cementing the fact that subacromial impingement syndrome is a "clinical illusion" and a fundamentally flawed concept. This one is not to be missed. Key resources Lewis, J. S. (2011). Subacromial impingement syndrome: a musculoskeletal condition or a clinical illusion? Physical Therapy Reviews , 16 (5), 388–398.…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · 15 Sep 2026 · 21 min
#66: Does the supraspinatus muscle initiate shoulder abduction?
The supraspinatus is one of the most misunderstood muscles in the human body. This episode aims to correct that. Key resources Reed D, Cathers I, Halaki M, Ginn K. Does supraspinatus initiate shoulder abduction? J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2013 Apr;23(2):425-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.11.008. Epub 2012 Dec 21. PMID: 23265661. Boettcher CE, Ginn KA, Cathers I. Which is the optimal exercise to strengthen supraspinatus? Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(11):1979–1983. Wattanaprakornkul D, Cathers I, Halaki M, Ginn KA. The rotator cuff muscles have a direction specific recruitment pattern during…
S1 · 1 Sep 2026 · 12 min
#65: Are upright rows bad for your shoulders?
A peanut isn't dangerous until it meets someone who can't tolerate it. Same with the upright row exercise. This episode scrutinises the "worst exercise for your shoulder" claim by tracing it back to a theory that's already dead, then shows what determines outcome: the person lifting. Shock. Horror. Key resources Bahr, R. (2016). Why screening tests to predict injury do not work — and probably never will: a critical review. British Journal of Sports Medicine , 50(13), 776–780. Marsh, C.E., et al. (2020). Fitness and strength responses to distinct exercise modes in twins: Studies of Twin…
S1 · 4 Aug 2026 · 47 min
#64: Is measuring strength useful? With Tim Cook
Jared is joined by Tim Cook who is Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Chichester, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in the NHS, and doctoral researcher to discuss their new paper with Prof. Jeremy Lewis in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy : "Rethinking strength testing in rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: a clinical tradition that lacks muscle." Tim explains what pushed him to question routine strength testing in busy clinical practice, despite guidelines recommending it, and the pair dig into whether weakness is a cause of shoulder pain, a consequence of…
S1 · 21 Jul 2026 · 24 min
#63: The myth of perfect movement
Is there really one correct way to move? For decades, clinicians and coaches have acted like there is. In this episode, we prosecute that idea. We start in a 1930s Soviet forge, where Nikolai Bernstein filmed blacksmiths and found their hammer strikes landed in the same spot every time, despite every joint angle differing swing to swing. That's "repetition without repetition." From there we bring in Mark Latash's motor abundance: why your nervous system treats extra degrees of freedom as a resource, not a problem, and what that means for scapular "dyskinesis," core stability cues, and…
S1 · 7 Jul 2026 · 20 min
#62: Pain during exercise: friend or foe?
The question of allowing pain, or avoiding it, during exercise based rehab remains contentious and uncertain. So, like any good scientist, we (led by Ivy Tran) studied the evidence-base and sought an answer to this clinical conundrum to help not just you, but us too! What did we find? Listen to the episode to find out. Key resources Tran I et al. Effectiveness of Painful Versus Nonpainful Exercise on Pain Intensity, Disability, and Other Patient-Reported Outcomes in Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Updated Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025…
S1 · 23 Jun 2026 · 22 min
#61: What is a physiotherapist?
What is a physiotherapist? Strip away the hands, the exercises, the modalities, what's left? In this episode I argue that the "fixer" identity, the clinician who finds what's broken and corrects it, isn't where our profession came from. It's something that was selected into us through a century of professional politics and reductionist thinking. Drawing on the history of physiotherapy, Newell's constraints framework, self-determination theory, and Gopnik's gardener, I make the case for a different identity: the clinician who sets the conditions for an active, adaptive person to recover and…
S1 · 10 Jun 2026 · 22 min
#60: The Burnout Episode
Burnout in our profession is widespread, with most studies reporting prevalence between 8 and 23 per cent, and up to 65 per cent of recent graduates planning to leave physiotherapy within ten years. In this episode, drawing on a recent editorial in the Journal of Physiotherapy by Ky Wynne, I lay out the empirical picture and challenge the dominant framing that burnout is a problem of individual resilience. I share my own story of burning out two years into clinical practice, what shifted before anything else did, and the disposition I've come to see as the antidote to the slow erosion the…
S1 · 26 May 2026 · 22 min
#59: Exercise, sets, reps and the pharmacology problem
Is more always better? Is there a dose response effect of exercise for musculoskeletal pain? Should exercise be just like a medication, where the dose has to be sufficient in order for it to elicit a therapeutic effect? These are the questions we contend with on this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast. Key resources Lawford BJ, Hinman RS, Spiers L, Kimp AJ, Dell'Isola A, Harmer AR, Van der Esch M, Hall M, Bennell KL. Does Higher Compliance With American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Prescription Guidelines Influence Exercise Outcomes in Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review With…
S1 · 12 May 2026 · 26 min
# 58: Most rotator cuff tears don't hurt
The FIMAGE study scanned both shoulders of 602 adults from the general population using high-resolution 3-Tesla MRI. Only 7 had a structurally normal rotator cuff. In this episode, I walk through what the study found, why 78% of full-thickness tears were in people with no shoulder pain, and what happens to the diagnostic value of a scan when the finding it detects is near-universal. I challenge the assumption that prevalence equals normality, explore why the word "tear" imports a trauma narrative into what is usually a degenerative process, and make the case that imaging findings deserve a…
S1 · 28 Apr 2026 · 18 min
#57: Stop Looking for a Winner: The Case for Treatment Pluralism
In this episode, I walk through my recent JOSPT paper arguing that no single treatment modality has proven itself superior for musculoskeletal pain and that the profession should stop pretending otherwise. Drawing on Isaiah Berlin's distinction between the hedgehog and the fox, I make the case for treatment pluralism: the idea that multiple interventions can lead to recovery, and that rigid allegiance to any one approach is not supported by the evidence. Key resources Powell et al 2026. Many Paths to Recovery: The Case for Treatment Pluralism. JOSPT. DOI:…
S1 · 14 Apr 2026 · 24 min
#56: I Posted a Meta-Analysis and 50 Doctors Told Me I Was Wrong
I posted a meta-analysis showing PRP doesn't beat saline for tennis elbow. The regenerative medicine community came for me, hard. This episode walks through the incident, what the evidence states, why the comparator you choose determines the conclusion you reach, and what the pushback reveals about incentives in musculoskeletal medicine. References Antunes Júnior et al. (2026). Platelet-rich plasma does not improve pain or function in patients with lateral epicondylitis as compared with placebo: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. American Journal of Sports Medicine . Coombes BK…
S1 · 31 Mar 2026 · 25 min
#55: Will AI Replace Physiotherapists?
The argument that AI replaces "the science" while clinicians should "lean into the art" has become common across healthcare. In this episode, I explain why I think both sides of that framing get it wrong, and why the art vs. science debate was always a false dichotomy that AI has simply made harder to ignore. I draw on four thinkers to make the case: Michael Polanyi on tacit knowledge, Donald Schön on reflective practice in the swampy lowlands, Aristotle on phronesis, and Herbert Dreyfus on the limits of artificial intelligence. Together, they point toward a different answer, that what makes…
S1 · 17 Mar 2026 · 13 min
#54: Physiotherapists are Knowledge Workers
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast, we discuss why musculoskeletal clinicians are, at their core, knowledge workers. Not in the corporate buzzword sense, but in the truest sense: professionals whose value comes from the quality of their thinking, not the techniques in their toolkit. We explore why knowledge compounds but repetition doesn't, why information alone fails to change behaviour, and why trust is far more than a soft skill. If you've ever wondered what actually separates a good clinician from a great one, this episode is for you. Register for the complete shoulder online…
S1 · 24 Feb 2026 · 46 min
#53: Shin Splints: The Most Misunderstood Running Injury with Laura Anderson PhD(c)
Physiotherapist and PhD researcher Laura Anderson just published a paper arguing that "medial tibial stress syndrome" is a 'garbage' name that's been freaking runners out and leading to terrible treatment for decades. Her proposed replacement? Load-Induced Medial Leg Pain (LIMP). Yes, LIMP, pun not intended. The Problem: "Tibial stress" makes everyone think bone stress injury → stress fracture → panic → rest for months Clinicians still aggressively massage shins until they're bruised People rest for months and it comes right back when they start running again It's one of the most common…
S1 · 13 Jan 2026 · 12 min
#52 It’s Not All About Strength: What the Evidence Shows and What the Reaction Reveals
In this episode, I discuss our recently published BJSM editorial “It’s Not All About Strength” ; what the paper argues, why we wrote it, and what the evidence says about mechanisms of exercise-related pain relief in musculoskeletal conditions. I then turn to the reaction. Not to name names or settle scores, but to examine what the response reveals about how we handle criticism, uncertainty, and challenges to familiar explanations in rehabilitation science. This episode is about evidence, mechanisms, cognitive comfort, and why letting our theories (ideas) be criticised is essential for…
S1 · 4 Nov 2025 · 57 min
#51: Resistance Training Across the Lifespan: What Really Matters with Dr. Jackson Fyfe
In this episode, Jared Powell is joined by Dr. Jackson Fyfe, exercise scientist and Senior Lecturer at Deakin University, to explore the science and practicality of resistance training across the lifespan . They unpack everything from how kids can safely lift weights to how older adults can maintain muscle health and longevity. Jackson also shares insights from his research on training dosage, hypertrophy, minimal effective dose, and how resistance and aerobic exercise can (and should) coexist. This conversation spans from myth-busting (“weights stunt growth”) to deep physiological insights…
S1 · 14 Oct 2025 · 5 min
#50 Not for everyone: The launch of The Complete Clinician with Dr Jared Powell, PhD
In this episode, Jared announces the launch of The Complete Clinician, a new mentorship and education community for MSK professionals who want more than recycled CPD. He explains why this platform exists, what’s inside, and who it’s designed for. From monthly PhD-level lectures to the Brew & Review journal club, structured learning modules, and The Clinician’s Compass, this is a second education for those who refuse to be average. Jared also shares a quick update on the upcoming 2nd Edition of The Complete Shoulder , set to release in mid-November , with refined content, updated evidence,…
S1 · 12 Aug 2025 · 57 min
#49: Cognitive Functional Therapy with Prof. Peter O'Sullivan
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Dr Jared Powell is joined once again by Professor Peter O’Sullivan, one of the most influential voices in musculoskeletal care. Pete unpacks the rationale and findings of the landmark RESTORE trial published in The Lancet , which provides some of the most compelling evidence to date for cognitive functional therapy (CFT) in people with chronic low back pain. He discusses how CFT works, its philosophical divergence from traditional “find-it, fix-it” approaches, and how it centres the patient’s experience, goals, and context. You’ll also hear: A…
S1 · 9 Jul 2025 · 8 min
#48 Rotator Cuff Surgery: What Makes it Worthwhile?
In this solo episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast , Dr Jared Powell explores a deceptively simple question: How much benefit does rotator cuff surgery need to provide to be considered worthwhile? Jared explores a new 2025 study by Harrison Hansford and colleagues, which uses a clever benefit–harm trade-off approach to quantify what patients actually want from surgery. This episode challenges the way we interpret research, the limits of "statistical significance," and the need for truly patient-centred decision-making. If you're still recommending surgery after failed physio without asking…
S1 · 27 May 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
#47: Active Inference, Pain, and Movement with Dr Mervyn Travers
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast , Dr Jared Powell sits down with Dr Mervyn Travers, physiotherapist, S&C coach, and researcher, to explore one of the most compelling frameworks in contemporary pain science: active inference . They discuss how this predictive brain model helps explain persistent musculoskeletal pain, why traditional exercise-based interventions might miss the mark, and how clinicians can use movement and context to shift a patient’s pain experience. Merv blends philosophy, neuroscience, and clinical pragmatism in a way that's accessible, challenging, and highly…
S1 · 29 Apr 2025 · 36 min
#46: Evidence-based medicine with its founder, Professor Gordon Guyatt
In this episode, Jared Powell sits down with Professor Gordon Guyatt, the physician and researcher who coined the term evidence-based medicine (EBM). They unpack the origins of EBM, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it continues to shape modern healthcare. Rather than being rigid or formulaic, EBM is about integrating the best evidence with clinical expertise and—crucially—patient values and preferences. 🎙 Key talking points: The surprising history behind the creation of EBM Why randomised trials matter—and when they’re not enough How to practice medicine in the face of low-certainty…
S1 · 25 Mar 2025 · 55 min
#45: Gluteal tendinopathy myths and misconceptions with Dr. Charlotte Ganderton
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast , Dr. Jared Powell sits down with Dr. Charlotte Ganderton, a physiotherapist, researcher, and senior lecturer at RMIT University. Charlotte shares insights from her latest research on gluteal tendinopathy, breaking down common misconceptions about imaging, corticosteroid injections, and the infamous clam exercise. From understanding the role of compression in tendinopathy to discussing effective treatment strategies, this episode is packed with clinically relevant takeaways for musculoskeletal healthcare professionals. Tune in to hear…
S1 · 25 Feb 2025 · 45 min
#44 Finishing my PhD: Reflections and Tips with Jared Powell, PhD
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast, I am interviewed by my wife, Tara, about my recently completed PhD. For the past 7 years of my life I have been engaged in a research based PhD investigating the causal mechanisms underpinning the effectiveness of exercise therapy for rotator cuff related shoulder pain. This research program has produced 6 published pieces of research that is contained with the thesis. In this episode I briefly discuss the premise of the thesis, its main findings, and recommendations for future research. I also gives some tips and tricks and to prospective PhD…
S1 · 21 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
#43: Bone Stress Injuries with Rich Willy, PhD
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio Podcast, I am joined by Rich Willy, PhD to discuss bone stress injuries. Rich is one of the foremost experts in the world on bone stress injuries, and it was a real pleasure to sit down with him for an hour to chat all things bone. Bone stress injuries can be quite common in athletic populations and the consequences of a poorly managed bone stress injury can be severe. As such, it is so important to be able to accurately detect a bone stress injury, know how to manage it, and give appropriate advice and education around what causes it and what is their…
S1 · 22 Dec 2024 · 44 min
#42 Can you outrun persistent low back pain?
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Chris Neason and Claire Samanna to discuss their recently published randomised controlled trial exploring running as a treatment for chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain is widely believed to be one of the biggest contributors to years lived with disability. As such, it is a problem that needs attention, and part of this is identifying effective treatments. Typically, exercise is a recommended and effective treatment for persistent low back pain, and this can include resistance exercise, pilates, yoga and many other…
S1 · 25 Nov 2024 · 50 min
#41: Rotator cuff tears with Doctor John Kuhn
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Dr John Kuhn, who is an orthopaedic surgeon and researcher from the United States. Doctor Kuhn and his colleagues, through the MOON shoulder group, have published several high impact studies investigating the management of individuals with rotator cuff tears and the results of these studies have caused some controversy (good controversy, that is). Rotator cuff tears are ubiquitous in musculoskeletal health care. They are both common and often burdensome, so it is important that shoulder surgeons and physiotherapists can agree on…
S1 · 22 Oct 2024 · 55 min
#40 Tennis elbow with Leanne Bisset, PhD
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Leanne Bisset, who is the queen of tennis elbow, seriously. Leanne is an associate professor at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Australia with a keen interest in upper limb tendinopathy. Leanne also has extensive experience as a clinician, which makes Leanne a balanced voice of reason. Tennis elbow is a common and often debilitating musculoskeletal condition however it often receives insufficient attention compared to other, more sexy, tendinopathies. This episode will change that as we explore all dimensions of tennis…
S1 · 24 Sep 2024 · 58 min
#39: Load management: A tour de force with Tim Gabbett, PhD
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Tim Gabbett, who is the training load master. Tim has an incredible resume as both a coach and scientist and recently featured in the top 10 of a list ranking sports scientists from around the world. In this episode, we go deep into the training load literature and what it may mean for the clinician and coach. We discuss the rise of 'load management' in the cultural zeitgeist and whether this is a good or bad thing. Tim discusses his principles of training load management and also responds to some challenges of his work. Don't…
S1 · 29 Aug 2024 · 36 min
#38: Are opioids better than placebo for neck and low back pain? With Caitlin Jones, PhD
In this episode of The Shoulder Physio podcast, I am joined by Caitlin Jones, who has recently published a world first randomised placebo controlled trial in the Lancet journal on opioids for acute neck and low back pain. In this episode Caitlin discusses why they chose to do this trial, the results and their possible clinical implications. Caitlin also responds to various critiques of the trial with aplomb. Don't miss this enlightening episode with Caitlin Jones. Key Papers: Jones CMP et al. OPAL Investigators Coordinators. Opioid analgesia for acute low back pain and neck pain (the OPAL…

About The Shoulder Physio Podcast

The Shoulder Physio Podcast is a podcast dedicated to exploring meaningful topics in musculoskeletal health care.

The Shoulder Physio Podcast is a English health podcast from Jared Powell. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Jared Powell
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 36 min
Latest episode: 29 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1605866322

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