Month: August 2023

Sports physiotherapists promote safe physical activity participation. They also provide professional services to players requiring treatment for acute injuries.

Although the physical changes of OA identified by x-ray cannot be reversed, physiotherapy can significantly improve pain, movement and strength in people with this condition.

1. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on physiotherapy technique that can decrease patients’ levels of pain and improve their functionality [8,9]. It involves the physical therapist applying passive movements to the joints and the related soft tissue structures, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Its objective is to modulate pain, increase the range of motion of the joint, reduce soft tissue inflammation, instill relaxation, and improve repair or extensibility or stability of contractile and noncontractile tissue.

In a recent systematic review of 22 randomized controlled trials, a physiotherapy intervention including manual therapy was associated with a significant reduction in pain (VAS and Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index) scores. The studies included a total of 2,199 participants who had symptom duration of approximately 7.5 years and were randomly assigned to either a group receiving a physiotherapy treatment including manual therapy or a control group. Physiotherapy interventions in the trial included various techniques such as mobilization, muscle stretching, and passive physiologic movement of the knee, hip, and lumbar spine. The control groups received non-specific treatments such as sham ultrasound and non-forceful manual contact, education brochures, exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electro-acupuncture, rehabilitation or oral administration of NSAIDs.

Sports physio in Canberra will not only be able to identify the injury, but also be able to assess the biomechanical factors contributing to the problem and then implement a strategy to correct the dysfunction. They may use a combination of the following physiotherapy techniques:

Abbey Physio is dedicated to helping individuals recover from injury and return them back to their pre-injury level of function at all age and abilities, from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete.

Our physiotherapists are highly trained in the assessment and treatment of injuries resulting from sporting and exercise activities at all levels and ages. They can advise you on the appropriate training, recovery, and injury prevention strategies for your injury and are happy to work with your other health professionals, including surgeons, sports doctors, and GP’s. We can also liaise with your insurance company and medicare to ensure you get the best possible care.

2. Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy, also known as pool-based physical therapy and aquatic exercise, is a safe and effective treatment option for anyone who wants to lose weight, build muscle, or improve their posture. The warm water encourages deep breathing and relaxation which helps relieve stress, while the resistance of the water increases muscle strength in a way that is gentle on joints.

Unlike a gym, where the weight of barbells and other equipment puts strain on the joints, resistance from the water is uniform throughout the whole body. This means that even someone with a severe injury can safely and effectively perform resistance training in the water, preventing any joint damage or discomfort.

The buoyancy of the water reduces the force of gravity on muscles and joints, while allowing the individual to move freely in the water without fear of falling or hurting themselves. This makes it ideal for those with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The warmth of the water relaxes muscles and increases blood flow, which decreases swelling, eases pain, and improves movement.

During therapy sessions, an experienced physiotherapist will supervise the client, ensuring safety and proper form during each exercise. They may ask questions about the client’s medical history and their lifestyle, as well as what sports they play, in order to better assess the patient’s needs and determine whether or not aquatic therapy is an appropriate treatment technique for them.

In addition to the physical benefits of the warm water, aquatic therapy provides social interaction and can be done solo or with a group, depending on the patient’s preference and ability. This can help patients overcome any apprehension they may feel at first, which will help them stick with their sessions and progress towards their goals.

Aquatic therapy is a highly effective method for managing osteoarthritis and reducing symptoms of other chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia and back pain. As a result, it has become increasingly popular for individuals to use water-based exercises in place of traditional land-based workouts. However, it is important to note that anyone who wishes to use water-based exercises must be trained in aquatic therapy by a qualified physiotherapist and have an up-to-date CPR certification, as well as certification in oxygen administration, automated external defibrillation, and blood-borne pathogen awareness (check your local codes for requirements). Those who are interested in learning more about this technique can contact a reputable physiotherapy company like HydroWorx, which offers a variety of high-quality water exercise equipment and accessories.

3. TENS

In the field of sports physiotherapy, TENS is a physiotherapy technique that involves the application of low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to provide pain relief. The intensity of the TENS pulses can be adjusted, depending on the patient’s tolerance. TENS can be used on the muscles, joints, ligaments and soft tissues of the body. It is a highly effective and non-invasive treatment for pain management.

TENS has been shown to reduce both evoked and spontaneous pain in individuals with OA. However, little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of TENS in reducing deep-tissue hyperalgesia induced by OA. This study was designed to compare the effects of HF-TENS, LF-TENS and placebo TENS on deep-tissue hyperalgesia in individuals with knee OA. This study also assessed the effects of these treatments on 6-MWT performance.

A key component of a physiotherapy program for people with OA is the promotion of functional exercise and maintenance of mobility. However, many individuals with OA are not able to perform normal activities without experiencing pain. This study evaluated the effect of kinesiotherapy, ultrasound and TENS treatment on improving the 6-MWT walking capacity of individuals with knee OA.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three TENS groups: HF-TENS, LF-TENS or placebo TENS. They were then asked to perform the 6-MWT with no pauses or stops and their 6-MWT performance was recorded. The examiners who performed the testing were blinded to treatment group and did not disclose the nature of the control TENS to the participants.

The results indicated that HF-TENS and LF-TENS significantly increased 6-MWT distances, while placebo TENS did not. HF-TENS and LF-TENS reduced both evoked and spontaneous pain, and HF-TENS significantly improved deep-tissue pain sensitivity. However, HF-TENS and LF-TENS did not improve the TUG or WOMAC score.

Patients who suffer from a sport injury should seek out a specialist physiotherapist to ensure that they receive the best care possible. Those who ignore their injuries can face more serious problems down the line, including a longer recovery time. Our team of physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and treat sports injuries in Alexandria, Erskineville, Newtown and Marrickville. They can help you recover from your injury and prevent future sports injuries from occurring.

4. Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can be used to manage osteoarthritis, a condition which causes painful inflammation in the joints. These injections can reduce the swelling of the affected area, which in turn helps to relieve the pain. The physiotherapist will assess the condition of your joint to ensure that it is appropriate for an injection and will then inject the medication into the affected area. It is possible that you may experience some discomfort from the injection, but this usually settles within a few hours and can be eased with some simple painkillers like paracetamol.

Several different types of steroids are available for injection, and the choice will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of arthritis you have, the extent of your symptoms, other treatments you are receiving and your overall health. Doctors generally limit the number of injections they give in a particular joint to about three to four per year. This is because repeated injections can weaken bone, ligament and tendons in the affected area.

The injection is given into the joint using a small needle. Depending on the size of the needle, you may feel some discomfort at the injection site, but this is typically mild and short-lived. If you are taking blood thinners, steroid injections can cause bleeding at the injection site. Doctors will only carry out steroid injections in these circumstances with great caution and care.

A steroid injection can also increase your blood sugar levels and is not recommended for people with diabetes whose blood sugar is not well controlled. It is not advisable to have steroid injections in areas where you have an infection or are expecting an operation. Physiotherapists will advise you on whether you are able to have an injection in your affected area if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should avoid consuming alcohol around the time of your injection. You should also be aware that steroid injections can affect your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, particularly in the first two days after the injection. Some doctors will not allow you to have an injection close to the time of vaccination, and you will need to check with your healthcare team if this is the case.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to treat chronic pain. The treatment has been proven successful in a number of scientific studies and can help to trigger the body’s natural healing response.

It increases blood flow to the area and can help to break down scar tissue, which can be a cause of pain. The treatment usually takes a few minutes and is comfortable for most patients.

Exploring the Frontiers of Migraine Treatments

Migraine is a common, debilitating disorder with significant economic costs and reduced quality of life. It is the costliest neurological disorder and is associated with a wide range of adverse effects, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and chronic pain conditions. In addition, migraine has been linked to obesity and cardiovascular events in women.1,2,3

The diagnosis of migraine should be made by a physician who is experienced in the management of headache disorders and can distinguish it from other primary and secondary (including temporomandibular joint dysfunction) headache disorders, as well as from tension-type headache (TTH). TTH lacks the classical features of migraine, such as bilateral pain, pulsating character or aggravation by routine physical activity4.

Acute treatment for migraine includes medication, preferably with a preventive component, and ancillary therapies, such as non-pharmacological techniques, dietary supplements and biofeedback. However, evidence for a number of ancillary therapies is limited. In particular, acupuncture and psychophysiological therapy do not appear to be effective. In addition, many of these interventions are expensive and may not be available to all patients.

Preventive medications that have been shown to be effective include topiramate, onabotulinumab and CGRP monoclonal antibodies. Topiramate is the drug of choice owing to its lower cost, while onabotulinumab and erenumab are currently restricted to those patients in whom two or more other preventive medications have failed122,123.

Patient preference surveys have shown that a number of attributes drive patient decisions regarding the use of new preventive migraine treatments, such as a reduction in migraine frequency and/or severity, and consistent treatment effectiveness. In addition, patients appear to value a lower risk of side effects when choosing an additional treatment option.

A stepped care approach is recommended for the treatment of migraine, with an initial dose and dosing regimen that is tailored to the individual patient’s response. Treatment adherence is generally poor, but simplified dosing schedules have been found to increase compliance32. Ideally, pausing of preventive medications can be considered after six to 12 months of successful treatment, as this minimizes unnecessary drug exposure and allows some patients to manage their symptoms with acute treatments alone.

Non-Invasive Treatments

Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses sound waves to help heal injured tissue. It can be used in place of surgery to treat many injuries, and it also helps with pain that doesn’t respond to medication. The treatment is not painful, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. It may take several sessions for the injury to fully heal.

The shockwaves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. They trigger the formation of new tissue and increase blood flow to the area. In addition, they help break down calcific deposits embedded in the damaged tissue. This type of treatment is especially effective for chronic aches and pains in the feet and back.

When the shockwaves hit the damaged tissues, they cause a mechanical reaction in the tissue that has been found to improve bone and tendon healing. It also promotes the growth of new blood vessels and increases cell membrane permeability. The shockwaves are delivered through a small device that looks like an ultrasound wand. They can be delivered over a large surface area or targeted to specific areas. The treatment is not painful, although there may be slight discomfort depending on the area being treated and how close it is to a bone. Your practitioner may rub a gel on the treatment area to reduce your discomfort.

There are some situations where this treatment is not appropriate. For example, it should not be used on people who have a blood-clotting disorder or a circulation problem. This treatment is also not good for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Shockwave treatment is also not a good option for people with open wounds or tumors. It is important to discuss all of your options with your healthcare provider to make sure this treatment is right for you.

A medical procedure is considered non-invasive when there is no skin break or contact with the mucosa or internal body cavity through a natural or artificial body opening. For example, a deep palpation exam or an ear examination fall into this category, but a rectal exam does not. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is another non-invasive medical treatment that has been shown to be effective in breaking down kidney stones and gallstones.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For those that have not found relief through medication or other non-invasive treatments, shockwave therapy may be a viable option. It works by sending sound waves into the body to stimulate healing and break up scar tissue. The shockwaves create micro-cavitation bubbles that penetrate the tissues, triggering the cell regeneration process to heal damaged tissues and increase blood flow in the area. The treatment can also help to relieve pain by over-stimulating the pain transmission nerves.

Shockwave therapy can be used for many types of injuries and conditions, including plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, tendonitis in the shoulder and achilles tendinitis. It is usually performed by a physical therapist and can be done at the comfort of your own home. The therapist uses a hand held device that is connected to a machine that turns compressed air into sound waves. A gel is applied to the skin before the shockwaves are delivered. Depending on the area, the therapist can use either focused or radial shockwave therapy.

During the shockwave treatment, a small amount of inflammation will occur in the treated area, but this is normal and helps with the healing process. You may experience pain in the days following the shockwave treatment, but this is also normal and should subside. It is recommended that you avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen after the treatment, as they can counteract the effect of the shockwaves.

Shockwave therapy has been around for a while as a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones and orthopedic injuries. More recently, urologists have started to offer it as a non-invasive treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is still considered experimental, but it has shown promising results so far. It is typically offered to patients that have not responded to phosphodiesterase inhibitors or other medication options. If you are interested in learning more about if this is the right treatment for you, talk to your urologist. They can advise you on the best protocol to follow. They can also direct you to a reputable provider of shockwave therapy. The urologist will likely recommend that you perform Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles in conjunction with the shockwave treatment to improve your chances of getting an erection.

Alternative Migraine Treatments

Many migraine patients look outside the traditional pharmacological approach for treatments, and a variety of alternative therapies have been suggested. Some of these have been shown to be effective, while others haven’t been well-studied. It’s important to discuss all of your options with your doctor and be able to understand the risks involved in any treatment that hasn’t been approved by the FDA.

Medications used for abortive (symptomatic) treatment of migraine range from simple analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen to medications that suppress the release of brain chemicals that cause pain. These include a group of drugs called triptans, which are usually taken just before the start of an attack and can prevent or abort an attack in more than 90% of migraineurs. Anti-seizure medications and a class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, such as rizatriptan and almotriptan, also are commonly used. Other atypical abortive treatments, such as intranasal ergotamine and dihydroergotamine, can be used for patients who don’t respond to or tolerate oral medications.

There is some evidence that acupuncture reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, but there’s also no evidence that it can prevent an attack once it’s started. A 2016 study of 105 migraineurs who were randomized to receive 8 sessions over 6 months of either acupuncture, sham acupuncture or medication treatment found that acupuncture improved headache days per month, NSAID and opioid use and HIT-6 scores compared to sham acupuncture and medication. Acupuncture involves sticking needles into various points in the body to alleviate pain.

Other mind/body treatments for migraines include dietary supplements and relaxation techniques. Supplements that have been shown to help with migraines include riboflavin, CoQ10, magnesium, feverfew and butterbur. Meditation, tai chi and yoga are mindfulness-based therapies that have been shown to be helpful. Biofeedback is a type of relaxation training that helps you learn to control your body’s signals, such as muscle tension and heart rate. A machine records these and displays them on a screen to help you relax your muscles.

Anecdotal reports suggest that a daith piercing, the piercing of the innermost cartilage fold in the ear, can ease migraines. The earlobe isn’t recommended for this type of piercing, however, because it can lead to ringing in the ears and tinnitus.

Many people have foot and ankle problems. These problems are not normal and should be examined by a podiatrist.

A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the feet and ankles. They can help with many issues such as:

Wearing the Right Footwear

The feet are a very important part of the body. They work in tandem with every muscle and joint to provide a foundation for all the activities of daily life. If they are not properly supported, then problems can arise that affect the knees, ankles, back and hips. The right footwear can help reduce these problems and improve posture.

A podiatrist can advise you on the best shoes for your feet. They will consider the shape of your foot and the types of activities that you do as well as your personal style. They will recommend shoes that are comfortable, breathable and have good arch support. They will also take into account your medical history and medications that you may be taking.

They can advise you on a wide range of styles and brands of shoes that are appropriate for your specific needs. They can advise you on the best shoes for walking, sports, work and leisure activities. They can also assist you in finding a shoe that will be suitable for different foot conditions and health issues, including diabetes and arthritis.

Wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause serious long term damage to the feet and legs. This can result in a variety of conditions, such as corns, bunions and hammertoes. It can also lead to more serious conditions, such as deformities, loss of fatty tissue and even amputations.

Your podiatrist will recommend footwear that can correct problems and prevent them from getting worse. They can also recommend orthotics, which are a biomechanical insert that is custom-fitted to your feet by your podiatrist and helps to support the body in an optimal position when weight bearing.

While it is true that in the past podiatrists have tended to be more conservative in their footwear recommendations, there has been a shift in both the podiatric profession and the industry. There are now a number of fashionable and comfortable shoes available that are both stylish and supportive. These are often designed to accommodate different foot shapes and can be found in a range of price points.

Keeping Your Feet Clean

The human feet are a remarkable feat of biomechanical engineering. Each one has 26 bones, 33 joints (all of which move), and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments that are all working together perfectly to keep us moving. But because we take our feet for granted, they are often neglected.

That’s why it’s important to keep up with the basic foot care tips, like washing your feet daily and regularly checking for any changes in color, texture or temperature. You should also wear socks made of breathable fabrics that can help your feet stay dry. Finally, inspecting your toenails for signs of infection and trimming them regularly is vital.

If you notice any of these issues or have other concerns about your feet, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist has a unique education and training that makes them an expert in the foot, ankle and lower leg. Look for a doctor with the letters DPM after their name to ensure you’re seeing a true foot and ankle specialist.

Podiatrist Claremont can provide a range of services, including nail and minor-soft-tissue surgical procedures. They can also treat some conditions caused by other medical problems, such as diabetes. For example, some diabetics have a problem called morton’s neuroma, which causes pain and a feeling that there is something stuck between the third and fourth toes. A podiatrist can give shots and recommend orthotics to relieve the condition.

Other conditions that podiatrists may treat include bunions, calluses, and heel pain. Heel pain is commonly associated with running or poorly-fitting shoes. The cause is often a buildup of calcium at the base of the heel, which can lead to inflammation and pain. In some cases, a podiatrist will remove the calcified tissue.

Podiatrists are also often consulted about sports injuries to the foot and ankle, especially running-related injuries. They can recommend stretches, ice packs, and orthotics to prevent or treat injury. They can also prescribe medications to ease pain and swelling, and perform surgery if necessary.

Keeping Your Feet Warm

Your feet do a lot of work for you. They support your weight, allow you to run and walk, and help you stand upright. As such, it’s important to take care of your feet so they can keep you healthy. A podiatrist is a health specialist who specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions. They can treat everything from ingrown toenails to diabetic foot complications. They can also perform surgeries and prescribe orthotics to help treat foot problems.

Many people suffer from cold feet during the winter because of a lack of blood flow to their extremities. This can weaken the immune system and cause various chronic diseases. However, there are some things you can do to warm your feet up and boost the immune system in the process. Some of these include wearing thick and insulated winter footwear, keeping the body warm by covering it with appropriate clothing, and eating foods that increase circulation.

A foot specialist can help you prevent or treat a wide range of foot and ankle problems including bunions, ingrown toenails, calluses, heel pain, sports injuries, and diabetic foot complications. They can also prescribe orthotics, shoes or in-shoe padding to help alleviate your symptoms. They can even use cryotherapy to freeze off plantar warts.

If you are suffering from a condition that causes cold feet, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you see a podiatrist, the better the chances of preventing further damage and improving your condition.

After completing four years of undergraduate study, podiatrists spend another four to seven years in medical school learning how to treat their patients’ feet and ankles. After graduating, they can then spend up to three years in a hospital performing a residency. This is where they learn how to practice as a physician and deal with real-life patient situations. After their residency, they can choose to specialize in a specific area of podiatry such as treating diabetes or treating children’s foot issues. They can also get additional certifications to expand their skills. In addition, podiatrists can also join a fellowship to further improve their skills and knowledge in a specific field of podiatry.

Keeping Your Feet Dry

Keeping your feet dry is essential to the prevention of a variety of foot problems including fungi, bacteria and cracked skin. Dry feet are less prone to irritation and are also less prone to developing painful neuromas (a condition that causes burning, tingling and sharp pain in the toes).

To keep your feet from drying out, make sure you wash them regularly with mild soap and then thoroughly dry them. Do not walk around with wet feet because it will encourage the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections and odors. It is best to wear shoes that fit well and to avoid socks made of cotton because they hold moisture next to your skin, which can lead to a variety of problems.

Some health conditions that can affect the feet include diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to see a podiatrist often because foot problems can get worse over time if they are not treated properly.

A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and disorders of the feet and lower legs. They are also experts in the prevention of foot problems. They are trained to perform surgery on the feet and ankles and can also prescribe medications, perform lab tests and order X-rays.

Although podiatrists are doctors, they do not attend traditional medical school. They have their own schools and professional associations, and they have the title Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or DPM. In the United States, podiatrists can reset broken bones and perform surgeries on their patients’ feet.

When you go to the podiatrist, they will start by taking a complete history of your foot and leg problems. They will ask you to walk, move your toes in different directions and to stand on one foot. They may also take an X-ray or do other imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan or an MRI.

A podiatrist can help you with a wide range of foot problems, from sports injuries to deformities caused by aging or by diseases such as diabetes. They can also help with foot problems related to other medical conditions such as heart disease and obesity.