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Tag: physiotherapy
De Quervain’s Syndrome
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.
Exercise, Imaging and Laser Therapy for Shoulder Pain
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.
Tendinitis or Tendinosis
Tendinitis or Tendinosis
Tendinitis and Tendinosis are distinctly different from each other and often misdiagnosed.
Tendinitis is caused by an inflammatory process. It’s often the result of repetitive strain on a tendon from overuse. Less often it’s caused by a specific event or injury. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications and rest.
If left untreated for 2 or 3 months it may progress to become tendinosis.
Tendinosis is thought to result from micro-trauma to a tendon resulting in degenerative changes and failure to heal. There may be weakness of the tendon’s structure, increasing the risk of rupture. It is more difficult to treat than tendinits. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections are usually not helpful. They may even worsen the problem.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Tendinitis / Tendinosis
Early diagnosis and treatment from an experienced Physiotherapist can make a huge difference to the outcome. At Free2Move we almost always prescribe exercises, because we believe that exercise and movement are essential to the long-term healing process. The right type and level of exercise helps improve circulation and stimulates the healing process. Exercises with put too much stress on the tendon could cause further damage.
Gentle stretches, self-massage techniques and eccentric strengthening exercises are often very helpful. Taping with stretchy ‘kinesiotape’ such as Rocktape helps reduce the load on the tendon so it can heal. Trigger point dry needling (a form of acupuncture) is often effective, as is Low Level Laser therapy.
We can also advise about how you can improve your ergonomics to reduce future strain on the area. It’s all part of our approach, which is to empower you to help yourself get better, rather than to become dependent on long-term treatment.
Examples of tendinitis which respond well to Physiotherapy treatment are Achilles Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis), Plantar Fascitis (causing foot pain), Patellar Tendinitis (causing knee pain) and Supraspinatus Tendinitis (causing shoulder pain).
Read More about Physiotherapy treatments offered at Free2Move
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)Â is the most common type of elbow pain and affects the lateral epicondyle. The epicondyle is the bony protuberance on the outer side of the elbow.
Several long slender muscles of the forearm assist in manipulating, gripping and lifting objects with the hand. Their tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle. This point of attachment is susceptible to injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
In Tennis Elbow, pain often has a gradual onset. It may be felt as a dull ache. Sharp twinges may result from lifting or carrying heavy objects. Pain may be felt during of following prolonged wrist or elbow positions, for example when using a mouse or keyboard. Gripping objects tightly may also reproduce the pain.
The lateral epicondyle is usually very tender when pressed. The muscles in the back of the forearm, which extend the fingers and wrist are often found to be tight, especially extensor digitorum longus and extensor carpi ulnaris. Grip strength may be reduced.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Contrary to popular belief Tennis Elbow is not always caused by playing tennis. It can also be the result of a recent increase in any activity which involves repetitive, sudden, awkward or forceful movements of the wrists or fingers. Injury may be caused by a single sudden movement against resistance. Even more frequently though, it’s related to prolonged positions or repetitive minor strains.
Tennis elbow has become more common due to the use of computers and mobile phone. Poor ergonomics and postural issues are often causative factors.
Recent research suggests that Tennis Elbow may be caused by micro trauma to the tissues. Damage may occur at the point of attachment of these tendons to the bone or at the point where the fibres of several muscle merge to form a common tendon.
How We Can Help
Physiotherapy is usually the first step. It’s important to identify the cause of the pain. Activities may need to be temporarily modified so that strain on the area can be reduced.
At Free2Move we often use modalities such as low level laser therapy, trigger point dry needling (a western form of acupuncture), and specific massage techniques such as cross frictions. We also teach you stretches and self massage techniques you can do yourself, to help you recover in the fastest possible time. Care is needed with gripping, lifting and carrying. Strapping with stretchy kinesio tape is often effective in decreasing load on the tendon and reducing pain.
If you have had the pain for more than 6 weeks, it’s important to determine whether you actually have tendonitis or tendinosis. Imaging with ultrasound or MRI can help assess the extent of tissue damage and its location. Physios in Perth are now permitted to refer you for these tests.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) is far less common that Tennis Elbow and affects the muscles which attach to the inner aspect of your elbow. These muscles that move the wrist and fingers and are involved in gripping and lifting. Repetitive over-use of these muscles or incorrect technique when playing racket sports, weight lifting or rock climbing can cause golfer’s elbow.
Physiotherapy Treatment will depend on whether the cause of the pain is tendonitis or tendonosis. At Free2Move in Mt Hawthorn Perth your physiotherapist will be able to assist with diagnosis and provide treatment and exercises to promote recovery.
Clinical Pilates and Feldenkrais are methods which help improve your posture and biomechanics to help prevent recurrence of injury.
Feldenkrais helps you become more aware of how you can use the larger more powerful muscles of your trunk to perform heavy work, while using the smaller muscles around the hands and elbows to do fine and precise movements.
Exercise Rehab may assist by improving your ability to utilise your ‘core’ muscles, the deeper muscle groups which are involved in stability, balance and postural alignment.
This enables you to take charge of your own health and well-being and help prevent future episodes of pain. Please discuss this with your Physiotherapist to work out the most suitable programme for your situation.
Arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of most common causes of chronic pain. Physiotherapy can assist you to maintain your independence by safely improving your flexibility, strength and mobility.
How We Can HelpÂ
Don’t let pain stop you from exercising or losing weight! At Free2Move many clients with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia attend our exercise programmes every week. Our Physiotherapists support them in safely improving their strength, mobility, posture and body awareness without aggravation of pain.
Our Clinical Pilates Studio Programme is the most popular way to begin exercising for people arthritis, because of the benefits of strengthening your core muscles. Our Pilates machines help you build strength safely and gradually, beginning with partial weight bearing exercises (usually done lying down) and progressing to full weight bearing.
Feldenkrais is the gentlest of the classes we offer at Free2Move and often the best way to begin if you are in a lot of pain. Our clients with various forms of Arthritis have found Feldenkrais extremely helpful for relieving and managing pain. It’s relaxing and enjoyable!Not sure which exercise programme is best for you? Discuss it with one of our friendly and experienced Physiotherapists.
Book an individual assessment now
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Lumbar Disc Injury Overview
Lumbar Disc Injury Overview
What is a Lumbar Disc Injury
What is a lumbar disc injury? What’s the difference between a disc bulge a disc herniation and a disc prolapse?
Disc injuries are one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Recovery often takes longer than with other types of back pain. With professional help from your Free2Move Physiotherapist, you can promote optimal recovery and reduce down time. The first step is education. We believe it’s very important that you understand the nature of disc injuries. Managing your injury effectively right from the beginning will save you a lot of pain and reduce overall medical expenses.
A disc bulge occurs when a weakness in the outer wall allows the disc to change shape. The material on the inside bulges outwards deforming the outer wall, which may put pressure on sensitive surrounding structures including the nerve roots. This is a common and less severe form of disc injury.
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A disc herniation (also called a disc prolapse) occurs when pressure on the disc causes the softer nucleus material to crack the outer wall of the disc and leak out.Physiotherapy, clinical Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method can all be useful modalities in the recovery process
Read more about lumbar disc injuries and how to recover in the shortest possible time.
Jodie in India with Equal Health 2011
Jodie in India with Equal Health 2011
Jodie Krantz traveled as a volunteer physiotherapist to the province of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Here she spent 2 weeks in Tiruchiparelli (Trichy) with a team of doctors, nurses, physios, dentists and opticians, providing much needed health service to extremely poor villagers. The trip was exceptionally well organised by Equal Health, a non-government organisation based in East Perth.
Jodie with local Physiotherapist and translator Yogeshwari AKA Yogi. Yogi was due to be married to another Physio on 16th March. It was an arranged marriage and she’d only met him briefly once. She was very excited and optimistic.
Jodie with Rice Workers near Amur in Tamil Nadu, Southern India.
Helpers and potential patients arrive at the venue for our clinic – a cinema complex in Trichy.
Equal Health ‘Trichy Team’ boys in their costumes for the Bollywood Dance Competition. These Australian team members helped make our journey so much fun. David (Optometrist), Rob (Physio), Blue (Dentist), Bill (Doctor), John (Doctor) and Paul (Team Leader / Optical Dispenser) incognito.
Australian Equal Health girls (Trichy team) dress up for the Bollywood Dance Competition in Chenai, southern India. Girls from back left Kylie, Sally (aka as Salvita because Sally meant “sputum” in Tamil) Lynette, Natarsha, Thien Nien, Gay, Andrea and I. Natarsha ran Yoga classes for us in the mornings.