Research Day/Poster Presentations
Attend the Electrifying Sunday Morning Research Day
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
On the calendar:
- 16 platform presentations on the most current research in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
- A provocative presentation from Research day keynote speaker, Joel Bialosky, PT, PhD from the University of Florida: "Manual Therapy Responders: Is it all in their heads?"
- Time to meet with leaders of research in the field of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
Research Day Keynote Speaker
Joel Bialosky
Title: "Manual Therapy Responders: Is It All in Their Heads?"
High-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation (HVLA) is an effective intervention for select individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Despite the apparent effectiveness, the corresponding mechanisms are not established. Clinical practice often implies a predominantly biomechanical mechanism with the assessment of joint position and mobility directing the application of specific techniques intended to correct noted dysfunction. In contrast, recent pain literature suggests a central nervous system contribution to chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions separate from the peripheral injury. Neurophysiological responses associated with HVLA suggest inhibition of pain may result from a novel stimulus to the nervous system regardless of a biomechanical dysfunction and independent of the specificity of the technique. Subsequently, while clinical practice continues to emphasize a specific biomechanical mechanism of HVLA, centrally mediated neurophysiological responses may provide a more valid mechanistic model upon which to base our clinical practice and further study these interventions.
Joel Bialosky, PT, PhD is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Florida. He is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedics through the American Physical Therapy Association and a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Joel received a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College in 1990 and a master's degree in musculoskeletal physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998. He graduated from the University of Florida with a PhD in Rehabilitation Science in 2008 with his research focused on potential mechanisms of manual therapy related to neuroplastic changes in pain and placebo.