Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: treatment
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.
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.