Specialist in Neck, Back & Sports Injuries
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Category: Therapy

Rainham PhysioTherapy
By Jacob fit tip friday, Medical Monday, Physio, Therapy, Treatments, Work Injury

Facet Joint Arthropathy rehabilitation.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM FACET JOINT ARTHROPATHY?!

The facet joints are found between the vertebrae of each segment of your spinal column. Osteoarthritis can develop in these joints and may be called facet arthropathy or facet joint osteoarthritis.

Facet arthropathy is degenerative arthritis which affects the facet joints of the spine.

Healthy Facet joints help keep the normal alignment of the vertebrae and limit motion.

Causes

Arthritis in the facet joints can develop from:

  • Wear and tear that decreases space between vertebrae causing facet joints to rub together
  • A previous back injury
  • Fractures
  • Torn ligaments
  • Disc problems

Due to the additional stress caused by these circumstances affecting the facet joints, bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) can develop and cartilage can deteriorate.

Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom associated with facet arthropathy. The pain is typically worse following sleep or rest. Pain associated with facet arthropathy may be exacerbated by twisting or bending backward. Low back pain is the most frequent complaint but it does not typically radiate down the legs or buttocks unless spinal stenosis also is involved.

Facet arthropathy Treatments

Oral medication may be prescribed including:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Corticosteroids

Other treatment options include:

  • Traction
  • Strengthening and aerobic exercise
  • Spinal manipulation

When it comes to strengthening exercises, Go to our instagram page @rainhamphysiotherapycentre for more information.

By Jacob 0 Comments fit tip friday, Medical Monday, Physio, Therapy, Treatments

Scoliosis rehabilitation.

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?!

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side.

It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15.

Scoliosis doesn’t normally improve without treatment, but it isn’t usually a sign of anything serious and treatment isn’t always needed if it’s mild.

Signs of scoliosis include:

  • a visibly curved spine
  • leaning to one side
  • uneven shoulders
  • one shoulder or hip sticking out
  • the ribs sticking out on one side
  • clothes not fitting well

Some people with scoliosis may also have back pain. This tends to be more common in adults with the condition.

Treatment for scoliosis depends on your age, how severe the curve is, and whether it’s likely to get worse with time.

Many people won’t need any treatment and only a small number will need to have surgery on their spine.

  • Babies and toddlers may not need treatment as the curve might improve over time. A plaster cast or plastic brace may be fitted to their back to stop the curve getting worse as they grow.
  • Older children may wear a back brace to stop the curve getting worse until they stop growing. Sometimes surgery may be needed.
  • Adults may need treatment to relieve pain, such as painkillers, exercises, spinal injections and, very occasionally, surgery.

In around 8 in every 10 cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. This is called idiopathic scoliosis.

scoliosis may also be caused by:

  • the bones in the spine not forming properly in the womb – this is called congenital scoliosis and is present from birth
  • an underlying nerve or muscle condition, such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy – this is called neuromuscular scoliosis
  • wear and tear of the spine with age – this is called degenerative scoliosis, which affects older adults

If you feel you have scoliosis, feel free to call us at Rainham Physiotherapy Centre on 01634 377 638 and book in to see one of our physiotherapists.

By Jacob Exercises, fit tip friday, Medical Monday, Physio, Therapy, Work Injury

Lordosis rehabilitation.

WHAT IS LORDOSIS?!

Everyone’s spine curves a little in your neck, upper back, and lower back. These curves, which create your spine’s S shape, are called the lordotic (neck and lower back) and kyphotic (upper back). They help your body:

* absorb shock

* support the weight of the head

* align your head over your pelvis

* stabilize and maintain its structure

* move and bend flexibly

If your lumbar curve arches too far inward, it’s called lordosis, or swayback. This can lead to excess pressure on the spine, causing pain and discomfort. It can affect your ability to move if it’s severe and left untreated. There’s little medical concern if your lower back curve reverses itself when you bend forward. You can probably manage your condition with daily exercises.

You should seek physiotherapy help if the curve remains the same when you bend forward.

The easiest way to check for Lordosis is to lie on your back on a flat surface. You should be able to slide your hand under your lower back, with little space to spare.

Someone with lordosis will have extra space between their back and the surface. If they have an extreme curve, there’ll be a visible C-like arch when they stand. And from the side view, their abdomen and buttocks will stick out.

The most common symptom of lordosis is muscle pain. When your spine curves abnormally, your muscles get pulled in different directions, causing them to tighten or spasm. You may also experience limited movement.

 

Make an appointment with your Physio if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as:

* numbness

* tingling

* electric shock pains

* weak bladder control

* weakness

* difficulty maintaining muscle control

 

Treatment for lordosis will depend on how severe your curve is and the presence of other symptoms.

Treatment options include:

* medication, to reduce pain and swelling

* physical therapy, to strengthen muscles and range of motion

* weight loss, to help posture

* surgery, in severe cases with neurological concerns

By Jacob 0 Comments fit tip friday, Medical Monday, Personal Training, Physio, Therapy, Treatments, Uncategorized, Work Injury

Kyphosis rehabilitation.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM KYPHOSIS?!

Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. The condition is sometimes known as “roundback” or—in the case of a severe curve—as “hunchback.” Kyphosis can occur at any age, but is common during adolescence.

In the majority of cases, kyphosis causes few problems and does not require treatment. Occasionally, a patient may need to wear a back brace or do exercises in order to improve his or her posture and strengthen the spine. In severe cases, however, kyphosis can be painful, cause significant spinal deformity, and lead to breathing problems.

The signs and symptoms of kyphosis vary, depending upon the cause and severity of the curve. These may include:

  • Rounded shoulders
  • A visible hump on the back
  • Mild back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Spine stiffness
  • Tight hamstrings (the muscles in the back of the thigh)

Rarely, over time, progressive curves may lead to:

  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
  • Loss of sensation
  • Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties

Specific exercises can help relieve back pain and improve posture by strengthening muscles in the abdomen and back. Certain exercises can also help stretch tight hamstrings and strengthen areas of the body that may be impacted by misalignment of the spine.

The main exercises we’d recommend are I’s, Y’s and T’s. Try 3 sets of 10-15 reps per angle to stretch then the back and stretch your chest and shoulders.

By Jacob 0 Comments Exercises, Medical Monday, Physio, Therapy, Work Injury

Achilles Tendinitis rehabilitation.

ACHILLES TENDINITIS REHAB

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under physiotherapist supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.

The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.

You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

When to see a a physiotherapist?

If you experience persistent pain around the Achilles tendon, seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe. You may have a torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon.

If you feel that you’re suufering from Achilles Tendinitis, feel free to call us here at Rainham Physiotherapy Centre on 01634 377638 and get booked in with one of our highly experienced physiotherapists.

By Jacob 0 Comments Exercises, Medical Monday, Physio, Sporting, Therapy, Work Injury

Shoulder pain rehabilitation

SHOULDER PAIN REHAB

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Rotator cuff injuries are the most common shoulder injuries and occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters, carpenters, and people who play baseball or tennis.

The risk of rotator cuff injury also increases with age.

Many people recover from mild rotator cuff injury with physical therapy exercises like the ones we’re performing above, which improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.

Sometimes, rotator cuff tears may occur as a result of a single injury. In those circumstances, physiotherapy care should be provided as soon as possible. Extensive rotator cuff tears may require surgical repair, transfer of alternative tendons or joint replacement.

The pain associated with a rotator cuff injury may:

  • Be described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder
  • Disturb sleep, particularly if you lie on the affected shoulder
  • Make it difficult to comb your hair or reach behind your back
  • Be accompanied by arm weakness

If you feel like you’re suffering from a rotator cuff injury, contacts us here at rainham physiotherapy centre on 01634 377638 to enquire about booking in for a session.

By Jacob 0 Comments Exercises, Medical Monday, Physio, Therapy

Bicep strain rehabilitation.

💪🏼BICEPS REHAB💪🏼

 

The bicep muscle is one of the most important for your upper body strength. An injury to this hardworking muscle can make day-to-day tasks difficult.

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We most often see bicep injuries at the connection point with your shoulder. Strains or tears can develop in the ligaments. The tendons can also slip out of the groove at the top of the humerus — the bone of the upper arm — that holds the muscle in place.

These conditions result in bicep tendonitis, which is a strain or tear in the tendons that can cause a great deal of pain.

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Since these kinds of injuries usually develop slowly over time, they are hard to prevent. Be sure to listen to your body when an activity is causing pain that goes beyond temporary muscle soreness.

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Advice to speed recovery:

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As with strains in other joints, you can use anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling. Also, apply these three at-home treatments:

* Rest: Take a break from the activity that’s causing pain or soreness.

* Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and minimize swelling.

* Elevation: Sit propped up instead of lying flat. Keep your injured joint above the level of your heart.

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Once you feel you can begin to strengthen the bicep again, try the exercise above. Lift a dumbbell with your strong arm and then pass it to the injured arm and lower the weight slowly with good control. Start light and build the weight up when you can comfortably perform 10 reps. The exercise should be pain free, if you feel any pain during the exercise, stop.