Samantha Simmonds (she/her)

As much as I am fascinated and interested in acute cases of clear-cut painful lumbar radiculopathy and neurogenic claudication, with their comfortable explanations, somewhat predictable outcomes and stepped treatment options, this is hardly the clinical reality in most cases. Most patients I see in the clinic have somatic referred pain (non-specific low back-related leg pain), leg pain of uncertain relevance, or co-existent leg pain such as knee pain, hip pain, heel pain. Expect equivocal imaging, equivicol clincial tests, co-morbid health conditions, contradictory communication, and pain that shifts, radiates, and behaves unpredictably. Expect seemingly erroneous symptoms like occasional pins and needles or numbness. Expect that patients will find it difficult to articulate these symptoms in the midst of a turbulent emotional experience. This is clinical life. It’s not a negative take; it’s probably more a case for humility. Clinical research should reflect it. Let’s see more examples of this on social media.

ALL members have your say on a Rehabilitation Matters workshop at this years Therapy Expo!! Look out for a questionnaire in your emails

And that’s a wrap for the 2025 MACP study day! Thank you to all our amazing presenters, attendees, and to the wonderful MACP executive committee and brilliant administrative team, without whose hard work we wouldn’t be able to bring together such an inspiring and thought provoking day! As we reflect on the challenges raised across the day, we must turn to the implementation and support of the ideas and exceptional work out there. A real privilege to have been able to hear from everyone today.