MSK Myths

Title: Musculoskeletal Myths
Author: C. Liebenson
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Date: December 2011
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Summary:

• A must read for all professionals in the health care and fitness industries. In this review, Craig Liebenson not only utilizes the current state of the literature to debunk 10 widely common myths in low back health, but also provides us with evidence-informed alternatives and explanations. From the role of diagnostic imaging in low back pain to spine stability and pain science, Liebenson does an eloquent job in stressing the importance of a science-based approach to patient management and the value in active care. Some of the myths discussed are: "the cause of musculoskeletal pain can be found on an x-ray or MRI"; "let pain be your guide"; "the deep intrinsic muscles...are the keys to stability"; and "we should breathe out with exertion-right?".
• In addition to the exposure of these myths, Liebenson also introduces the reader to a new paradigm of care that is grounded in the functional assessment.  It has been highly stressed that we, as clinicians, should be focusing more on the source - rather than the site - of pain, and Liebenson provides us with a clear rationale for this approach. He further provides specific evidence via regional interdependence of this paradigm shift.

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"This new paradigm requires a reevaluation of a number of current tenets of care. If this happens a more patient-centered approach which is designed to help patients safely return to activities which are important to them will result".

Liebenson, C. (2011). Musculoskeletal Myths. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.11.003.