SEPA Members ICSET 2026 Presentations

Advances in the assessment, diagnosis and management of multidirectional instability of the shoulder (MDI) including patients with Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (EDS). 60 min Symposium

Presenters: Professor Lori Michener, Dr Sarah Warby, Dr Lyn Watson, Prof. Dr. Ann Cools

Despcription: The aim of this symposium is to give attendants an understanding of the evidence surrounding the assessment and treatment of MDI, including those with EDS, and how to apply this knowledge in the clinical setting to optimise patient outcomes

Assessment, diagnosis and exercise-based management of posterior shoulder instability: Applications for the clinical setting: 60 min Workshop

Presenters: Jackie Sadi, BScPT, MSc, Ontario, Canada. A/Prof Tania Pizzari, Melbourne, Australia. PhD. B. Physio (Hon). Dr Lyn Watson Prof.Doc BAppSc(Physio)

Despcription: Despite the plethora of published rehabilitation programs for anterior instability, there are limited resources for clinicians for the conservative management of posterior shoulder instability (PSI).1,2 Given the typical aggravating factors inherent in PSI; rehabilitation programs need to be specific for the condition, yet clinicians are often unaware of which exercises and progressions produce optimal outcomes for PSI patients.

The objective of this workshop is for attendants to learn and practise the objective tests and exercise techniques to assess and treat PSI conservativity.  Attendants will gain knowledge on how objective tests relate to the diagnosis and exercise selection in PSI as well the foundations of an evidence-based program that is specific for the condition.

Shoulder Strength Testing: From the Clinic to Elite Sport: 90 min Workshop

Presenters: Dr Rod Whitely PhD, Aspetar Doha, Simon Balster BPhty(Hons), Melb, Australia

Despcription: The primary aim of this workshop is to give attendants a thorough understanding of shoulder strength testing background, knowledge and practical skills to perform safe and reliable testing on their clinic patients or their sporting team.  Then, to be able to analyse and use this information to make, data informed decisions on rehabilitation, strengthening progressions, readiness to return to work, gym or sport. Attendee will have the opportunity to break into small groups to practice the established handling techniques to reliably and repeatedly measure peak force using digital dynamometers. 

These aims will be delivered within an evidence-based framework.

Assessment, diagnosis and exercise-based management of the unstable shoulder in multidirectional instability (MDI) and Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in the clinical setting.

90 min Workshop

Presenters: Professor Lori Michener, Dr Sarah Warby, Dr Lyn Watson, Prof. Dr. Ann Cools

Despcription: The aim of this symposium is to give attendants an understanding of the evidence surrounding the assessment and treatment of MDI, including those with EDS, and how to apply this knowledge in the clinical setting to optimise patient outcomes

SEPA Funded Research

Grant assigned to: Dr Sarah Warby PhD

Investigation: The Effect of a Physiotherapy Directed Rehabilitation Program on Patients with Multidirectional Instability of the Glenohumeral Joint: A Multimodal Interventional MRI Study Protocol

Current Investigation Status: Currently recruiting control and subject participants. Complete data collected from 11 controls and 19 subjects with an aim for 30 participants in each. Link for MDI-fMRI study details

Publication(s): Study Protocol Article published in BMJ Open: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/2/e071287

SEPA Members Research

PDF List of SEPA Members Research

SEPA Members Published Research:

A Clinical Perspective

An examination of Rotator Cuff muscular balance in swimmers.
Simon Balster Simon Balster

An examination of Rotator Cuff muscular balance in swimmers.

It is commonly believed that the shoulder external rotation (ER) to internal rotation (IR) strength ratio is decreased in swimmers due to predominant IR loading during the pull-through (propulsive) phase which predisposes to shoulder pain. However, the evidence supporting this hypothesis is inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine shoulder rotation strength parameters in elite swimmers and investigate potential associations with shoulder pain.

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What can surgery achieve when you dislocate your shoulder in AFL.
Simon Balster Simon Balster

What can surgery achieve when you dislocate your shoulder in AFL.

The treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional Australian Football League (AFL) players is challenging, with an emphasis on early return to play and avoidance of instability recurrence. This article investigates return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes and complications after Laterjet and Capsulolabral reconstruction procedures for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in professional AFL players.

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