Ankle Injuries

 

What is an ankle sprain?

 

 

An ankle sprain is the injury to the ligaments of the ankle. It is very common, especially in the sporting population. It often happens during activities that involve rapid changes in direction, running on uneven surfaces and landing on another person’s foot. The lateral ligaments (outside of the ankle) are the most commonly injured because they are weaker than those of the inside ankle. The severity of injury can vary and aside from ligament damage there may be fractures to the bone and damage to muscle tendons.

 

Signs and Symptoms

 

Audible (“hearing”) snap

Pain on inside or outside of the foot

Swelling (usually rapid onset)

Difficulty weight bearing

Feeling unstable

 

Treatment

 

The physiotherapist will provide a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the injury and decide upon the best course of action. Treatments aimed at decreasing swelling, improving strength and balance, increasing ankle range of motion and in meeting the lifestyle goals of clients may include the following.

 

Oedema (swelling) massage

• Soft tissue massage

• Joint mobilization

• Education and advice

• Electrotherapy

• Strengthening

• Stretching

• Hydrotherapy

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Headaches

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

Amongst all types of headache, cervicogenic headaches account for approximately 10-20% of all benign causes. The term “Cervicogenic” refers to any headache arising from the pain sensitive structures in the neck. Headaches are felt as a result of referral of pain from the joints, muscles and nerves of the upper neck joints, with pain felt as far as the frontal portion of the head. The cause of headache is often a result of direct trauma to the neck or with an awkward sustained posture common experienced by desk workers. Cervicogenic headache is one of the most treatable forms of headache, with research supporting physiotherapy as an effective mode of managing this condition.

What are the symptoms of these headaches?

Pain generally emanates from the back of the neck at the base of the skull, radiating forwards as far as the frontal portion of the head, temple and eye region on the affected side. Typically the headache is of a side-locked nature (does not cross the midline), but can affect both sides of the head in severe forms. Other common symptoms of cervicogenic headache are nausea and vomiting, photo-phobia (heightened response to light), dizziness, loss of balance and blurred vision.

How can an Integrated health physiotherapist help you?

Physiotherapists are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of clients with headache. As there are many different causes of headache a thorough evaluation of the cause is warranted. Our therapists are well trained to provide the best information and advice as to the management in the acute phase, as well as the provision of strategies to prevent future episodes of headache. In addition we can provide treatments to alleviate pain, joint stiffness, strengthen muscles and restore mobility of the cervical spine.

What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?

The Physiotherapist will provide a thorough assessment of joint function, strength and pain and investigate the impact of the disease on your lifestyle and mobility.

Treatments aimed at improving the overall quality of life and in meeting the lifestyle goals of clients may include the following.

• Manual therapy including massage and gentle joint mobilisation

• Postural advice

• Lifestyle and education

• Pain management strategies

• Provide a home exercise program

• Heat and cold treatments

• Electrotherapy

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common condition within the community. Symptoms of persistent joint stiffness, swelling and pain are the typical signs of an arthritic joint. Common sites of arthritis are the hands, feet, hips and knees, with the spine also commonly affected. Arthritis usually affects the group 50 years and over, with a gender preference to the aged female population. The damage to the joint surface caused by the effects of osteoarthritis can often be painful, limit mobility and effect quality of life and is particular worsened by the effects of aging.

What causes Osteoarthritis?

The exact cause of osteoarthritis has yet to be found, although a link between previous injury or repeated stress on a joint through lifetime activity has been put forward. There appears to be a high prevalence of Osteoarthritis in individuals who have completed jobs with physical labour and within the sporting population. Genetic factors and a family history of osteoarthritis have also been thought to increase the risk of developing the disease.

How can an Integrated health Physiotherapist help you?

Physiotherapists are highly skilled in the diagnosis, treatment and education of clients with osteoarthritis. Our therapists are trained to provide the best information in lifestyle or task modification and pain control as a means of managing the lifelong disease. In addition treatments to alleviate joint stiffness, strengthen muscles and restore mobility have been shown through research to lead to both symptomatic and lifestyle improvements in this population.

What will happen when I see a Physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist will provide a thorough assessment of joint function, strength and pain. More importantly, the therapist will investigate the impact of the disease on lifestyle and mobility.

Treatments aimed at improving the overall quality of life and in meeting the lifestyle goals of clients may include the following.

• Manual therapy including massage and gentle joint mobilisation

• Postural advice

• Lifestyle advice and education to prevent or slow disease progression

• pain management strategies

• How to exercise effectively and safely with osteoarthritis

• Proper and safe use of home and walking aids

• Hydrotherapy

• heat and cold treatments

• electrotherapy

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

 

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common conditions seen in clinical practice. It usually affects girls more than boys, with a large amount of those suffering from the condition being adolescents. It commonly occurs at a time of increased growth. The condition is often seen in those participating in activities that require a lot of running. Patellofemoral pain is the term used to describe pain in and around the knee cap (patella). Patellofemoral pain syndrome is the term commonly given to pain originating from the pattellofemoral joint, the joint between the knee cap (patella) and thigh bone (femur).

The patella is enveloped by the quadriceps tendon, and is attached to the front of the tibia (shin bone). In a normally functioning knee, the patella is aligned in the middle of the patellofemoral joint, so that the forces running through the patella are evenly distributed throughout any knee activity. In those suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome, the patella is usually malaligned with the femur, which places more stress on the patellofemoral joint during knee activity. Due to this malalignment, inflammation (swelling) and pain can be caused in the patellofemoral joint.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome usually experience pain when undertaking activities that bend or straighten the knee. It is also more common to experience the pain during weight bearing activities. The pain is usually felt at the front of the knee or under the knee cap. It presents usually as a sharp pain when undertaking the aggravating activity, and as a dull ache once the activity is stopped. Activities that commonly cause patellofemoral pain syndrome include:

• Walking up or down stairs
• Walking up hills
• Running
• Squatting
• Jumping

 

Diagnosis of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

While x-rays and other imaging can be used, a thorough examination by a physiotherapist is usually enough to diagnose a patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

 

Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Most patients suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome will settle well with an individualized physiotherapy program which typically includes:

• Soft tissue massage
• Stretching
• Icing regime
• Strengthening exercises
• Electrotherapy
• Education regarding avoidance of aggravating factors
• Taping

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction

What is Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction?

 

Pelvic girdle pain is common in a variety of population groups. The pelvis is the largest bone in the skeleton and are comprised of three joints, which in turn are held together by a strong network of ligaments. These ligaments can be compromised when there is an increased load through the lower back and pelvis, such as an acute sporting injury, heavy-lifting at work or during pregnancy. Current research dictates that patterns of asymmetry and dysfunction of the hip and trunk musculature are the primary cause of pelvic girdle pain.

 

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Dysfunction

 

• pubic pain or tenderness

• lower back pain

• difficulty/pain rolling over in bed

• difficulty/pain with stairs, getting in and out of cars, sitting down or getting up, putting on clothes, bending, lifting, standing on one foot, lifting heavy objects, etc.

• sciatica (pain in buttocks and down the leg)

• clicking/popping in the pelvis or hip when walking

• lower back/pelvic joint stiffness

• bladder dysfunction

• knee pain

 

 

Treatment of Pelvic Girdle Pain

 

A physiotherapist may use a variety of techniques to treat pelvic girdle pain. These may include:

 

• deep tissue work

• stretching

• mobilisations or manipulations

• individual strengthening program

• dry needling

• ultrasound

• taping or use of a pelvic brace

 To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

 

 

Sciatica is a term given to symptoms which arise as a result of irritation of the sciatic nerve. Most symptoms clinically manifest as sharp radiating pain, pins and needles, temperature disturbances, numbness and/or weakness of the buttocks and legs. Symptoms may be felt as far down as in the feet and toes, and usually only affect one side more commonly.
 
There are many different causes for sciatica symptoms. These include but are not limited to:

 

• Disc bulge
• Spondylolisthesis
• Narrowing of spinal cord canal
• Spinal cord degeneration
• Infection
• Tumour
• Muscular tightness

 
Physiotherapy through thorough assessment can offer accurate diagnosis for the symptoms and the most probable contributing factors for such an injury. Physiotherapy treatment focusses on manual therapy (which includes massage and joint mobilisation), postural re-education, and ongoing strengthening rehabilitation for individuals who suffer from sciatica. Treatment may however vary from person to person and may greatly depend on the severity and cause of your symptoms.
 
If you are experiencing sciatica symptoms, and would like to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists,  contact your local Integrated Health Physiotherapist.  

 

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.

Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a very common injury caused by overuse of the long wrist and finger extensor muscles, the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers backwards. These muscles are located on the outside of the arm just above the elbow, and run over the back of the wrist into the hand and fingers. Tennis elbow is not limited to those who play tennis. It usually is suffered by those who repetitively extend their wrist against resistance. This includes those who do manual work which has a lot of gripping activities, working at computers, and playing racquet sports.

Signs and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

An onset of symptoms usually occurs when there is an increase in the aggravating activity, or a change in the conditions in which wrist extension is occurring. An increase in work hours, or carrying heavier objects can cause symptoms. A change in technique such as when changing from squash to tennis, or conditions hitting wet (heavier) balls for example, could result in Tennis Elbow. Typical symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain in the elbow with shaking hands

• Pain with carrying bags

• Pain with opening jars

• Pain in the elbow radiating into the forearm

• Loss of grip strength in the affect side

• Elbow and wrist stiffness, particularly in the mornings

Diagnosis of Tennis Elbow

A thorough examination by a physiotherapist is usually enough to diagnose a patient with tennis elbow. Sometimes, an ultrasound or an MRI of the elbow can be used to diagnose tennis elbow. However this is rarely needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

A physiotherapist is able to treat tennis elbow through the use of various techniques. As each patient’s tennis elbow has a different cause, a physiotherapist is required to give an individualized management and exercise program for a patient suffering from tennis elbow.

Typical treatment can include:

• Soft tissue massage
• Mobilisations
• Ultrasound
• Dry-needling
• Stretching
• Advice regarding technique and posture to avoid injury progression
• Education regarding lifestyle changes prevent injury progression
• Use of a Tennis Elbow brace
• Icing regime

To make an appointment, please contact your nearest clinic.