Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners Part 3: Phenomeno-what? Understanding What the Qualitative Researchers Have Done.

SYNOPSIS: In part 3 of "Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners," we introduce the concept of "methodological approach" to encompass the plan of action that underpins the use of methods and desired outcomes, as well as the use of theory. Understanding the methodological approach in a qualitative study gives the reader a sense of what the qualitative researchers have "done," while theory has varying uses and meanings depending on type of qualitative study. In this installment, we cover some of the common methodological approaches used in the musculoskeletal field and provide a discussion about the different ways in which theory can be considered and used in a qualitative study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2022;52(1):3-7. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.10485.