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Physiotherapy and the treatment of Headaches

Headaches are a common cause of pain and discomfort. They can affect how well you are able to function. There are two main classes of headaches – primary and secondary

Tips for Winter Sport

In order to succeed this winter sport season, you need to be prepared. In this blog we talk about some of the different ways you can get the most out of your body, while reducing your risk of injury.

Earlier Physiotherapy Improves Outcomes in Nontraumatic Knee Pain

Abstract: A recent study finds that physiotherapy within two weeks of a medical consult for nontraumatic knee pain correlates with reduced healthcare utilisation compared to no physiotherapy. Early physiotherapy reduces the chance of narcotic-taking by 33% and reduces the chance of surgery by 42%. Earlier referrals reduced the risks better than later referrals. The current study adds to a body of evidence demonstrating that earlier referrals to physiotherapy achieve better outcomes.

Hamstring Strains: Risk Factors and the Rehab Program with Zero Reinjuries

Hamstring strains rank among the most com- mon injuries in high speed running sports. With recurrence rates ranging between 20% and 33%, even with rehabilitation, interest in improving outcomes continues.

Medial tibial stress syndrome: causes, treatment and prevention

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) (‘shin splints’) is a generalised term for a condition which causes localised pain on the lower inner aspect of the shins. The condition can be seen to be on a continuum of pathology causing shin pain.

Hamstring Strains: Risk Factors and the Rehab Program with Zero Reinjuries

Hamstring strains rank among the most common injuries in high-speed running sports. With recurrence rates ranging between 20% and 33%,1-3 even with rehabilitation, interest in improving outcomes continues. Doctors frequently prescribe physiotherapy but with little official guidance on whom to refer, when to refer, or what to look for in rehabilitation programs.

The Most Effective Rehabilitation for Cervical Radiculopathy

October 2017 Abstract: Participants in a recent study of rehabilitation for cervical radiculopathy (CR) realised a 60% improvement in pain at four weeks and an 88% improvement in pain at eight weeks. While previous studies show rehabilitation helping patients with CR, the combined manual therapy and exercise therapy approach used in the current study may have resulted in outcomes improved over what is often seen.

Earlier Physiotherapy Equals Faster Recovery In Acute Muscle Strain

Occasionally, patients with acute conditions may consider delaying physiotherapy. They commonly consider two rationales. One, there is concern that rehab during an acute injury phase may interfere with the initial healing response. Two, economic considerations tempt patients to see if their injuries can heal sufficiently without rehab, before electing physiotherapy. In truth, for many diagnoses, both of these rationales prove counterproductive.

Which is better for Neck Pain Manual Therapy or Exercise Therapy?

When considering the number of years lived with disability, spine/neck/back pain stand apart as the most important disabling condition worldwide

The Clinical Course of Neck Pain

A recent study correlates muscle-fat infiltration of multifidi with decreased physical ability among seniors with low back pain (LBP). This adds to previous studies finding that asymmetrical multifidus atrophy predicts low back pain recurrence and that lower muscle quality predicts decreased physical function among people without LBP. The persistence of multifidus atrophy and fat infiltration, even among so-called spontaneous resolvers, and its causal role in chronicity underscore the importance of active approaches toward LBP treatment.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome The Evidence in Sum

Current evidence reveals that patellofemoral pain syndrome is common and exhibits a strong tendency toward chronicity. Targeted quadricep strengthening appears to be the most validated intervention at present, but evidence is building in support of other strengthening and stretching. Referrals for organised exercise intervention appear to add to the results of usual care plus patient education.

Achilles Tendinopathy Improved by Foot Orthotics: Proving the Concept

Custom-made, semi-rigid foot orthotics have been shown to relieve Achilles tendinosis symptoms up to 92% within one month. The exact mechanism by which this relief is achieved has been largely theoretical. The first-ever investigation of foot orthotics and Achilles tendon loading finds that orthotics significantly reduce the load on the tendon, the duration of maximum load, and the rate at which that load is applied.

Physiotherapy/Advanced Imaging as First Management Strategy for Acute Low Back

Patients who receive a physiotherapy referral for uncomplicated low back pain cost $6,273 less than patients receiving an advanced imaging referral, even when the cases are propensity matched. Physiotherapy provides an active solution to LBP that gives patient’s confidence to stay active and reduce recurrence.

Physiotherapy Helps Fall Risk Even with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The extent to which painful osteoarthritis of the knee can prevent physiotherapy from reducing fall risk has been a subject of ongoing research. A recent review and meta-analysis concludes that certain physiotherapy approaches can reduce fall risk 55% - even in the presence of painful osteoarthritis of the knee.

First-Line Treatment for Tennis Elbow- Physiotherapy Preferred

Tennis elbow recurrence rates have been measured as high as 72% at one year - especially if patients were treated with corticosteroids. A study out of the University of Queensland earlier this year shows that physiotherapy proves the most cost-effective means for improving quality of life, compared to placebo or corticosteroid as first-line interventions. Combining corticosteroid with physiotherapy may negate the positive effects of physiotherapy. One-year recurrence rates with physiotherapy alone have been measured between 5% and 8%.

Does Running Cause Arthritis?

It is a popular belief that the wear and tear of running spurs osteoarthritis of the knees and other joints. But, is this notion true?

Exercise with Your Dog

Many people find that dogs are their perfect exercise partners. There’s some science and data to explain why this relationship works. Here’s some good reasons to make your dog part of your exercise routine.

Ice Baths

There are a lot of theories out there, but most have to do with exposure to cold temperatures constricting blood supply to your lower extremities (lower body).

Losing Weight on the Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Walking and running are great ways to exercise. Because they are weightbearing exercises they are great for bone health and joint health. They can be a great cardiovascular workout and can burn calories and assist with weight loss.

The health benefits of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness

This article in the British Columbia medical Journal 2016 examined the health benefits of high levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness.

The IOC consensus statement on youth athletic development

Even though the benefits of physical activity for young people is unquestioned, implementing widespread sustainable and fun participation and success is still challenging. These challenges present for all stakeholders including coaches, parents, and most importantly the athlete themselves. It is complicated by gender issues, variance in biological maturity, and therefore different responses to training, very injury types and risks, and different psychological needs

The Real Cause of Many Sports Injuries

Why can one person compete in an Ironman triathlon without injury while person of the same gender and age can become injured from a short run? Why do so many injuries occur at the beginning of the season? Why are there sudden increases in injury rates after increasing intensity? Why do some teams seem more injury-proof than others? Why in the clinic do we now see more injuries in teenagers that we did 20 years ago?

Cancer & Exercise

Cancer is a major public health concern in Australia. One in two Australians over the age of 85 years will develop cancer.1 Causes of cancer are multifactorial. Participating in exercise can assist with reducing the likelihood of the development of cancer (particularly breast and colorectal cancers). Exercise has also been associated with benefits during and following treatment of cancer.2

Patellofemoral Pain

In July, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published the consensus statement of the 5th International Patellofemoral Pain Research Symposium which was led by Dr. Natalie Collins of The University of Queensland.1 Our own practice principal, Cameron Bulluss, attended the after conference

Benefits of Exercise and Choices on Aging

It is common to see 2 people of the same age and have them look more than 10 years different. A lot of things are responsible for this including genetics, but we know one thing for sure, the person who exercise and makes good dietary and other health choices is going to look younger than the one who does not

Preventing Hamstring Strains

People who are in running sports are particularly prone to these, particularly AFL and soccer. They can leave you out for up to 3 months and once you have had a hamstring tear your risk of reinjury is relatively high.

The Health Benefits of Swimming

A new study that evidences the health and wellbeing benefits of swimming has been released by Swim England

Does Cold Weather Make Arthritis Worse?

Some patients swear that they can predict the weather from the behaviour of their arthritic joints or they complain the joints get worse in winter. What is the truth?

The effectiveness of pre-activity stretching on injury rates in sport

As our society becomes more sedentary, the importance of physical activity and sport has become perhaps even more important for public health. There are enormous benefits in regular exercise and sport including improvements in lean muscle mass, improved blood markers, enhanced respiratory capacity, reduced obesity and improved blood sugar.

10 Things Not To Do If You Have Lower Limb Tendon Pain

Tendon pain is one of the most common things dealt with in a Physio clinic. Examples included rotator cuff pain, Achilles tendon pain and the lateral elbow or tennis elbow. Physio and researcher Jill Cook provides these tips.

How to Limit the Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle

Moving your body at least every half an hour could help to limit the harmful effects of desk jobs and other sedentary lifestyles, research has revealed. The study found that both greater overall time spent inactive in a day, and longer periods of inactivity were linked to an increased risk of death.

Osteoporosis

In this blog post we will address the issue of Osteoporosis, looking at how it is measured, and what the recommendations are for Vitamin D, Exercise and sun exposure.

Orthotics and the treatment of patellofemoral pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome or pain arising from the front of the knee is common in both athletes and the non-athletic population. One survey of over 2000 runners presenting to a sports medicine Centre it accounted for 19% of running injuries. It is present in as much as 25% of the general nonathletic population and although it occurs in all age groups is more common during adolescence and young adults.

How to Manage a Lumbar Herniated Discs

It is common in clinical practice to be faced with patients who have indications that they have a lumbar herniated disc. This is often accompanied by nerve root compression and significant pain particularly pain, pins and needles and numbness. This is a common problem, but in spite of this understanding of the cause and treatment options is still poor in the community and in some parts of the medical profession and allied health.

The Next Evolutionary Phase in Unweighted Rehab - Alter G

Unweighted rehab has traditionally been accomplished through aquatic therapy (pool time) or harness systems. Unweighting can be useful in the rehabilitation of various mala- dies. The technique allows earlier and more intensive active exercise therapy before patients are ready for full weightbearing.

Anterior Cruciate Injuries in Children and Teenagers

Over the last two decades the number of ACL injuries amongst children and adolescents has increased by 2.3% per year. The ACL is an important ligament, and provides stability to the knee in situations which involve rotation and hyper-extension. The stability provides protects the meniscus and joint surfaces. Any damage to a meniscus in the knee can increase joint contact stresses by up to 500% and in many cases can be a predisposing factor for osteoarthritis later in life. Osteoarthritic changes are often seen at 10 years post injury.

Evidence-based Medicine Practice in Sports Physical Therapy

This commentary from The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy in 2012, by Manske, and Lehecka, argues provides an excellent commentary on the value of evidence-based practice in Sports Physical Therapy. This text is a summary of this article.

Use of Braces in the Treatment of Knee Pain

Common questions we are asked about knee braces

Promoting improved clinical and business outcomes through work-based learning

It is well recognised in practice and in the literature Eraut (1998) that a formal education and training provide only a small part of the preparation for work. This is evident with healthcare, in allied health, where Physiotherapy achieve the technical competency for a qualification, yet present to work lacking both technical skills and higher order transferrable skills.

Knee Injury Prevention in Football

Knee injuries constitute a serious problem in many team field based sports but are especially common in football due to the 360 degree nature of the sport. In Football the sport involves sudden change of directions, pivoting/cutting, accelerations/decelerations and jumping/landing which are all common mechanisms for knee injuries.

Relaxation Techniques for during Pregnancy and Labour

The following can be extremely useful for helping to calm your mind and body during those stressful and tiring times during pregnancy and birth:

Should articular cartilage lesions with ACL ruptures be treated at Recontruction

This review looks at 2 papers, one from Northern Europe in 2015, and one from North America in 2015. Articular cartilage damage often occurs at the time of ACL injury and whether to treat this or not has never been clearly established. Using micro fracture of the subchondral bone proposes to induce a fibrocartilaginous healing of the defect, but its efficacy is unclear. These reviews look at 2 papers.

Anterior Cruciate Injuries are frequently associated with fractures

This study in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy evaluated the contact and shear forces during nine weight-bearing exercises. Most of the studied functional exercises are commonly used in lowly rehabilitation. Estimated loading on the tibia femoral and patellofemoral joints can then be used to great different exercises and provide insights for the staging of rehabilitation programs following the injury or surgical intervention. During rehabilitation, the challenge is to protect the joint structures from excessive forces, while providing sufficient stimuli to regain muscle control and strength to restore normal function.

Fractures associated with an ACL injury need o be taken seriously

This editorial discusses the significance of fractures associated with an ACL injury.

Exercise & PCOS

Abstract: Polycystic ovary (ovarian) syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder affecting 12-18% of Australian reproductive-aged women and up to 21% in high risk groups. PCOS can affect women of all shapes and sizes.

Knee Injury Prevention in Football

Shoulder Injuries in Throwing – Chris Hook (Physiotherapist)

Shoulder injuries are common especially in sports. Many sports involve repetitive overhead motions and this can place extremely high stresses through the shoulder. These activities can include but not limited to throwing, bowling, serving, swimming and some track and field activities

Back Pain: Immediate Physiotherapy Cost-Effective at Improving Quality of Life

For decades, the dominant philosophy governing treatment recommendations for uncomplicated low back pain (LBP) was that LBP was a self-limiting “injury” that healed on its own in the majority of cases.

New Research Shows Physiotherapy Helps Even with Longstanding Whiplash Symptoms

There are many people out there who already have long-standing neck pain – probably due to a neck injury that happened months or years ago? What can they do to reduce their pain? The official recommendations are for people to remain active and use neck exercises.

Tips for Sedentary Workers

Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that office workers spent between 65% and 75% of their working hours sitting down, with half sedentary for long periods.

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