Presentation description
In this evidence-rich presentation, Seth O’Neill explores one of the most debated questions in sports medicine: can we actually change tendon structure—and if so, does it matter? Drawing on the latest research and clinical case data, Seth challenges outdated assumptions about imaging, pathology, and structure-function relationships in tendinopathy. He unpacks the difference between structural change and symptomatic recovery, discusses when tendon adaptation is possible, and outlines how high-load interventions can impact the muscle-tendon unit as a whole.
From Achilles tendon pathology to real-world rehab strategies, this session dives into the mechanical and cellular processes behind tendon response, degeneration, and recovery. You’ll learn what the research really says about neovascularization, fibrillar disorganization, and tendon robustness—plus the loading thresholds needed to actually create change. Whether you’re rehabbing elite athletes or preventing overuse injuries, Seth gives you the tools to assess, monitor, and progress tendon health with purpose and precision.
Learning objectives
- Describe the structural and cellular changes that occur in tendinopathic tissue and how these differ from healthy tendon morphology.
- Differentiate between tendon structural adaptation and symptom resolution in response to various loading interventions.
- Apply evidence-based loading parameters to develop rehabilitation strategies that target the muscle–tendon unit in patients with lower limb tendinopathy.
About the presenter
Seth is Associate Professor and Director of Research at the University of Leicester’s School of Healthcare (since March 2021). A physiotherapist with over 18 years of academic and clinical experience, he leads tendon-focused research particularly Achilles tendinopathy, tendon ruptures, and calf injuries for both NHS and athletic populations.
CEU information
Physical Therapy CEUs
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Contact hours
- Reading time = 10 minutes
- Video length = 37 minutes
- Quiz = 10 minutes
- Total contact hours (rounded down to nearest 0.25 hr) = 0.75
How to receive you certificate
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- Complete the course evaluation
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Competency assessment
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Course evaluation
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