Free2move Physiotherapy

Tag: laser

  • De Quervain’s Syndrome

    De Quervain’s Syndrome

    male hand with thumb bracing for De Quervains

    De Quervain’s Syndrome

    De Quervain’s syndrome refers to pain in two of the tendons which move the thumb – the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis. Inflammation may occur where the tendons glide inside a fluid-filled ‘synovial’ sheath near the thumb-side of the wrist. Inflammation of this sheath is known as tenosynovitis.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms include pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Pain may extend up the forearm and a catching or snapping may be felt when moving the thumb. Sometimes there is localised redness and swelling. While often there is no definite cause, it is more common in new mothers (when it is aggravated by picking up their baby), middle-aged people, gamers, gardeners and in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    Treatment

    Physiotherapy treatment may assist with relief of symptoms and addressing any known underlying causes. Interspersing rest and gentle exercises is usually required. Rest can be achieved by temporarily avoiding the aggravating movements and by using taping (strapping) or a splint.

    At Free2Move we favour using stretchy ‘kinesio-tape’ such as Rocktape rather than using rigid strapping. Kinesio-tape does not restrict natural movement but improves sensory and movement awareness, while gently supporting the area.

    Another treatment we often find effective at Free2Move is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Laser is thought to work by stimulating tissue healing while reducing pain and inflammation.

    Preventing recurrence of the injury

    Once pain has settled Feldenkrais or Pilates may be recommended to improve the way you move. In particular it is useful to look at the suspected aggravating movements. It’s helpful to find out how they can be performed with less effort, using the large muscles of the trunk to provide the power, with the small muscles of the hand being used to gently guide direction. This helps prevent the recurrence of the problem.

    Severe cases

    In cases where there is not an adequate treatment response, clients are referred back to their doctor, who may recommend a cortisone injection. In severe, unrelenting cases, surgery may be indicated.

    Read about Tendinitis and Tendinosis

  • Exercise, Imaging and Laser Therapy for Shoulder Pain

    Exercise, Imaging and Laser Therapy for Shoulder Pain

    physiotherapist manipulating a mans shoulder

    Exercise, Imaging and Laser Therapy for Shoulder Pain

    A recent review of research on Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as Cold Laser shows that it may be helpful in conjunction with exercise therapy for the treatment of shoulder pain. But should you see your doctor first? And do you need imaging, such as an Xray, Ultrasound or MRI? Read on to find out more.

    Imaging and scans

    Shoulder pain imaging can help determine whether you are likely to get quick results with Physiotherapy, or whether it would be better to seek an opinion from a specialist. Unfortunately, unnecessary referrals for these scans occur frequently and may not improve treatment outcomes. An experienced Physiotherapist will know when to refer you for a scan and when to persist with treatment.

    Visiting your doctor

    Should you decide to see your doctor first, do request a referral to see your Physiotherapist. Although a referral is not required in Australia, only 10 to 30% of patients who see their GP for shoulder pain are referred for Physiotherapy. This means you may need to be proactive and either ask for the referral or book a Physio appointment without a referral.

    Specialist doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication, an injection or surgery. In most cases it’s better to try physiotherapy treatments such as exercise and Laser before seeing a specialist. However a good Physiotherapist quickly identifies clients who are not likely to make progress without medical procedures. Prompt onward referral in cases which are not responding saves you time and money and helps you get out of pain and return to normal functioning quickly.

    Our Physiotherapists

    At Free2Move our Physiotherapists use a variety of treatment techniques to promote quicker recovery from shoulder pain and dysfunction. These include taping or strapping, dry needle acupuncture, progressive range of movement and strengthening exercises and Low Level Laser treatment. Shoulder pain is a condition we treat every week in our clinic, so we are very confident that we can give you the best possible advice, minimising your recovery time. Because we consistently keep abreast of the latest scientific research , you can be sure that you will receive a high standard of treatment.

    Research on Shoulder Pain and Laser Treatment

    Conditions such as frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff injuries (for example supraspinatus tendinitis) and sub-acromial bursitis respond may respond well to this combined approach.

    Read More about research on shoulder pain and Low Level Laser Therapy.

  • Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)

    Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)

    Low Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser)

    physiotherapist giving a man laser therapy

    What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

    LLLT or Cold Laser is a painless, non-invasive form of light therapy which is thought to stimulate a healing response in tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, bone, nerve, skin, ligaments, tendons and other connective tissue. The laser beam we use is in the infra-red range of the spectrum. Because it’s wavelength is beyond the red end of the spectrum of visible light, its beam is invisible.

    Laser differs from visible light because it has a single coherent wavelength rather than a range of wavelengths (which are what give visible light it’s range of colours). Unlike light, a laser beam does not diverge, but remains parallel and this allows it to be focused in a precise way. Our Laser is different from medical Lasers used in surgery, as it does not generate heat and therefore cannot burn tissue (which is why it is sometimes called Cold Laser). Laser treatment is painless and there is no vibration or sound when it is emitted.

    How does Low Level Laser Therapy work?

    The simplest answer is that we don’t know. The main theory suggests that it affects metabolism at the level of the cells, bringing about chemical reactions which accelerate cellular metabolism. This is thought to result in more faster cellular repair and regeneration with the formation of healthy new cells. It may also work by improving the blood supply to an area. It may reducing pain by it’s effects on the nerve endings and by stimulation of the body’s own pain relieving chemicals (such as endorphins and seratonin).

    What conditions seem to respond well to Low Level Laser Therapy?

    Laser can be helpful for pain relief, reduction in swelling, promoting tissue healing and reduction in the formation of fibrous scar tissue.
    Conditions reported in the scientific literature to respond to Laser include pain relief and tissue healing, especially:

    What is the Scientific Evidence for Low Level Laser Therapy?

    LLLT is an emerging modality that looks like it will result in a multitude of effective new treatments. It has not yet gained widespread acceptance because the body of scientific research supporting it’s effectiveness is still small. More research needs to be done to show which conditions it is most useful for and what the doseage should be. Quite a lot of the current evidence comes from studies on animals such as mice, though there have been some encouraging human studies.

    Free2Move recommends Low Level Laser Therapy as part of a normal Physiotherapy treatment programme rather than as a stand alone treatment. Because is is a relatively new treatment, results cannot be guaranteed.

    What are the risks of Low Level Laser Therapy?

    The main risk is to the retina of the eyes. The intense and focused beam can damage the eyes if it shines directly into them. Safety glasses are worn at all times during treatment to prevent this damage. As an additional precaution, the Laser beam is never turned on until it is placed on the skin. Because the Laser cannot be seen, a blue light indicates that the machine is working and is an added safety feature. Laser should not be done over the ovaries, testicles, thyroid or pregnant uterus. There are some other contraindications to Laser for which you should be screened by your therapist. Provided these precautions are taken there are no known negative side effects.

    Read about Exercise, Imaging and Laser for Shoulder Pain

    More info: Please call Free2Move on 0405 97 2211 or email info@free2move.com.au