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Complete Physio Podcast

Complete Physio

Welcome to the Complete Health Podcast, your go-to source for expert insights on movement, recovery, and optimising your physical health.

Hosted by the team at Complete Physio in London, we cover a wide range of topics, from practical advice on optimising your running, muscle gain, using crutches or recovering from injuries. We also discuss deeper medical topics such as tendon pain and stress fracture management and how to manage your Achilles rupture.

Whether you’re curious about fitness after 40 or the effectiveness of techniques like blood flow restriction training, we bring you evidence-based discussions and advice you can trust. Perfect for runners, fitness enthusiasts and anyone passionate about staying active and pain-free.

Tune in and take a step towards better health and mobility with the Complete Physio Podcast.

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  • 20 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • Thursday · 26 min

    PRP and ACP Max: The New Generation of Injections for Joint and Tendon Pain

    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

  • August 5 · 18 min

    25 Years in MSK: How Stuart Became an Ultrasound Injection Specialist | Complete Physio Podcast

    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 completephysio.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

  • May 14 · 26 min

    Knee Arthritis Pain? PRP Could Be Your Answer

    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

  • May 7 · 38 min

    Knee Swelling? Arthrosamid Could Be Your Answer

    What is Arthrosamid and could it help your knee osteoarthritis? In this video, George Bowens, 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 📧 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • April 24 · 27 min

    Achilles Tendon Injuries: What You Need to Know with Sam Singh

    🧑‍⚕️ 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 📧 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • April 10 · 46 min

    Achilles Rupture: The Conservative Treatment Protocol That Actually Works

    🦶 Complete Physio: https://rdar.li/4Y3K8Dr 💉 Complete Injections: https://rdar.li/mZP48Vr What does good conservative management of an Achilles rupture actually look like? In this video, Sam, a leading foot and ankle surgeon with decades of experience, and Chris, an experienced physiotherapist, break down everything you need to know — from diagnosis and early management, to boot protocols, rehab, and the risk of elongation. 0:00 Introduction and why this follow-up podcast exists 1:54 Why time of presentation is critical for conservative treatment 3:15 What happens if you present late after a rupture 4:21 Understanding the tendon gap and why the ends must come together 5:10 The role of ultrasound in diagnosis 8:05 Why "partial ruptures" are almost never real 9:22 Using ultrasound alongside clinical assessment 11:42 Clinical examination: why it remains the gold standard 13:45 Conservative vs surgical: activity level and sport type 14:45 Elite sport and why surgery is always recommended 16:00 What good conservative healing actually looks like 17:00 Boot protocols: back slab, aircast and the VACOped 19:22 Boot options: pros, cons and what the evidence says 21:43 Early weight bearing and why loading matters 23:01 Step count, lifestyle changes and managing activity 24:54 Wearing the boot 24/7: sleep, showering and safety 26:04 The risk of rerupture in the shower and at home 28:15 Week 6 onwards: reducing the angle gradually 29:08 Why elongation is the biggest fear in conservative treatment 30:00 Stretching: what not to do and why 31:43 When physiotherapy actually starts to matter 33:40 Coming out of the boot: heel raises and footwear advice 34:33 When reruptures most commonly happen and how to avoid them 36:26 Muscle stimulators and managing calf wasting 38:25 Realistic return to sport timelines — and why you can't rush it 39:37 David Beckham's rupture and what it tells us about recovery 41:19 Conservative rerupture rates: then vs now 43:00 The SMART trial and when surgery should still be considered 44:07 Top tips for perfect conservative management 45:55 Testing for elongation: the clinical signs to watch for 🌐 www.complete-physio.co.uk 📞 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • April 3 · 1 hr 26 min

    Your Chronic Pain Explained by a Physical Therapist

    Understanding Chronic Pain with Lachlan Sutton | Complete Physio Podcast In this episode, chronic pain specialist Lachlan Sutton breaks down what chronic pain actually is, why it persists long after injury, and what you can do about it. We cover the difference between acute and persistent pain, why the "wear and tear" narrative around conditions like osteoarthritis is often more harmful than helpful, and how the nervous system plays a far bigger role in ongoing pain than most people realize. Lachlan explains the three types of pain, how to read the signs that something more complex is going on, and why movement — not rest — is almost always the answer. We also get into how physio for chronic pain actually works: from functional assessment and goal setting to graded exposure, fear of movement, and why education might be the single most powerful treatment of all. We discuss 0:00 Introduction & What Is Pain? 1:13 What Is Chronic Pain & When Does It Start? 2:28 When Should You See a Chronic Pain Physio? 4:56 Signs Your Nervous System Has Wound Up 6:26 Acute Injury Red Flags to Watch For 8:37 Pathways Into Chronic Pain 9:32 Osteoarthritis & The "Wear and Tear" Myth 13:00 Why Movement Feels Dangerous (But Isn't) 17:02 The Body as a Garden, Not a Machine 19:47 The Three Types of Pain Explained 23:01 How to Tell If Pain Is Structural or Central 26:48 When Scans Help (And When They Mislead) 33:00 Treatment Approaches: Where to Start 36:09 Fear of Movement & How Physios Address It 39:35 The Role of Passive vs Active Treatments 46:38 Are Patients Ready for Change? 49:59 Neuroplasticity & How Pain Can Unwind 53:11 Functional Assessment in Practice 56:17 Rethinking Posture & Core Bracing 59:31 Goal Setting for Chronic Pain 1:06:00 Awareness & Access to Chronic Pain Services in the UK 1:10:32 Building Trust With Complex Patients 1:14:00 Education as the Most Powerful Intervention 1:20:14 Lachlan's Favourite Patient to Treat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • March 25 · 3 min

    What Is Tennis Elbow

    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. When it comes to tennis elbow there can be not only misconceptions but missed signs and the longer those are left... the worse you'll feel! Get on top of it now with Complete Physio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • February 20 · 1 hr 3 min

    This is Why Men's Health Matters More Than You Think

    This episode outlines key red flags, referral pathways, and when clinicians should consider physiotherapy versus GP or specialist review. The discussion explores transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for hypertonic and hypotonic pelvic floor presentations. Designed for doctors and healthcare professionals, this podcast highlights early identification, non-invasive assessment, patient dignity, and multidisciplinary management within modern UK physiotherapy practice. 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

  • January 27 · 30 min

    Steroid Injections Explained: Travel Safety, Post-Injection Risks, Duration & Clinical Guidance

    Clinicians at Complete Physio (Central London) address common patient questions about steroid injections and travel. We discuss practical considerations when flying soon after an injection (post-procedural flare), rare but important risks including infection and delayed allergic reactions, and how destination healthcare access and travel insurance may affect decision-making. We also cover safe considerations around driving after injections, expected onset and duration of benefit, and planning injections ahead of key events or holidays. Finally, we outline red-flag symptoms requiring urgent assessment, and discuss injection options, including standard steroid injection vs hydrodistension for frozen shoulder, plus considerations for barbotage in calcific tendinopathy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • January 20 · 16 min

    Injury Risk After Retirement: Achilles, Rotator Cuff and Osteoarthritis Flares Explained

    We cover key mechanisms, including sudden changes in tissue loading, deconditioning, and age-related tendon and joint vulnerability (Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy/tears, and osteoarthritis flare). We also outline practical clinical red flags and decision points for when patients should seek professional assessment: persistent or escalating pain, night pain, latent symptom patterns after activity, swelling, and—critically—sudden pain with loss of function suggesting possible tendon injury. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • January 13 · 7 min

    Arthrosamid® for Knee Osteoarthritis | Mechanism of Action, Indications & Clinical Longevity

    The video compares Arthrosamid® with traditional intra-articular treatments such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid, highlighting its non-biodegradable hydrogel structure, synovial coating properties, and its role in reducing inflammatory flare-ups associated with osteoarthritis. We also discuss patient selection, expected duration of effect (2–3 years), cost considerations, and where Arthrosamid® may sit within the conservative-to-surgical treatment pathway for knee OA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • January 6 · 50 min

    Proximal Hamstring Avulsions, Meniscal Tears, ACL Decisions & Hip/Knee Arthroplasty Complete Physio

    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

  • Dec 30, 2025 · 13 min

    Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy After Prostate Surgery | Managing Male Incontinence Recovery

    Men often experience urinary incontinence after prostate surgery due to muscle loss around the bladder and urethra. This video explains how physiotherapy and pelvic floor training can support recovery before and after surgery. Our specialist physiotherapist, Jack from Complete Physio in Central London, demonstrates how targeted muscle activation and ultrasound assessment help rebuild strength and improve bladder control. Learn how correct pelvic floor exercises can aid recovery, restore function, and support long-term wellbeing. 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

  • Dec 23, 2025 · 56 min

    Foot and Ankle Pain in Runners: Physiotherapy Insights, Strengthening Exercises, and Footwear Tips

    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 video 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

  • Dec 16, 2025 · 22 min

    ACL Reconstruction Surgery Explained: Modern Techniques, Graft Choices, and Rehabilitation Insights

    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

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