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How Spinal Discs Heal: Hydration, Nutrition, and Endplates

Spinal discs are one of the most fascinating yet misunderstood structures in the human body. Unlike most tissues, they don’t have their own blood supply — so how do they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong?

In this episode of The Soft Tissue OT Podcast, we dive deep into the science of disc health and healing — exploring how hydration, nutrition, and the integrity of your cartilage endplates all work together to keep your spine resilient.

You’ll learn:
🔹 How spinal discs actually receive nutrients
🔹 The role of water content, diffusion, and endplates in spinal health
🔹 Why your spine feels stiffer in the morning — and what that means
🔹 How loading and unloading cycles promote disc nutrition and healing
🔹 Practical strategies to protect your discs long-term

Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone managing chronic back pain, this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based understanding of how your discs really work — and how to help them heal.

#SpinalHealth #LowBackPain #DiscHealing #SpineRehab #Physiotherapy #OccupationalTherapy #SoftTissueOTPodcast #McGillMethod

🔔 This episode contains a short message about the Soft Tissue OT Academy online course — an on-demand training program helping occupational therapists build confidence in musculoskeletal assessment, treatment, and rehab. Learn more at https://stan.store/SoftTissueOTAcademy

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THE OVERLOOKED LINK BETWEEN SHOULDER PAIN AND THE SCAPULA

When it comes to shoulder pain, most people focus on the rotator cuff, the joint, or the tendons — but rarely the scapula. Yet, the scapula (shoulder blade) plays a critical role in almost every movement your shoulder makes. When it doesn’t move, tilt, or rotate properly, pain and dysfunction quickly follow.

In this episode of The Soft Tissue OT Podcast, we dive deep into the connection between the scapula and shoulder pain — exploring how poor scapular control, positioning, or strength can be the missing piece behind ongoing shoulder issues.

You’ll learn:
🔹 The anatomy and function of the scapula and its stabilizing muscles
🔹 How scapular dyskinesia contributes to common shoulder pathologies
🔹 The relationship between posture, stability, and shoulder performance
🔹 Assessment and rehab strategies to restore scapular control and reduce pain
🔹 Why clinicians often overlook scapular movement — and how to fix that

Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or someone struggling with persistent shoulder pain, this episode will help you see the shoulder in a whole new way — starting with the foundation that holds it all together: the scapula.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

🔔 This episode contains a short message about the Soft Tissue OT Academy online course — an on-demand training program helping occupational therapists build confidence in musculoskeletal assessment, treatment, and rehab. Learn more at https://stan.store/SoftTissueOTAcademy

Send us a text

Spondylolisthesis Explained: The Science, Symptoms, and Solutions

Spondylolisthesis is one of the most overlooked yet impactful causes of low back pain. It doesn’t just create discomfort — it can change how you move, stand, and function in daily life.

In this episode of The Soft Tissue OT Podcast, we break down what really happens when a vertebra slips forward, who is most at risk, and what you can do to manage it effectively. Whether you’re a health professional wanting to sharpen your clinical reasoning or someone personally dealing with persistent back issues, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you’ve been looking for.

We cover:
🔍 What spondylolisthesis actually is
🔍 The difference between isthmic and degenerative types
🔍 Key signs and symptoms to look out for
🔍 Evidence-informed treatment and management strategies
🔍 Practical advice to restore function and protect your spine long-term

📲 Tune in now as we simplify a complex condition and give you actionable insights you can use in practice — or in your own recovery.