Injuries and conditions
Low Back Pain: How it Happens, and What to Do About It
Ankle sprains are all too familiar, with many of us having experienced the discomfort and pain they bring. But what exactly happens when we sprain our ankles? The answer lies in the overstretching of ligaments—strong, fibrous bands of tissue that provide stability around the ankle. In the case of lateral ankle sprains, the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle are overextended, resulting in pain, bruising, and swelling. This type of sprain often occurs when the toes turn inward, and the ankle rolls outward.
Read MoreExperiencing pain in the groin, quad, or hip joint can be perplexing, given the intricate network of structures around the hip and pelvis. Pinpointing a specific diagnosis is challenging due to the interconnection of these structures, which work collaboratively for hip movement and stability. The complexity underscores the importance of a comprehensive examination, as highlighted by current best evidence, especially for athletes presenting with groin pain (Thorborg et al., 2018).
Read MoreThe shoulder, our body's most mobile joint, serves as a stable base for a myriad of upper limb movements, from daily tasks to intricate activities like playing the piano. Given its constant engagement in our daily lives, the shoulder is prone to occasional overuse injuries, leading to that irritating shoulder "niggle." If you find yourself experiencing constant soreness, difficulty with overhead activities, or pain while lowering the arm, you might be grappling with a common issue. Let's delve into the causes and potential solutions for this nagging shoulder discomfort.
Read MoreIn the quest for the elusive "good" posture, many of us have received advice from various sources, urging us to sit up straight, pull our shoulders back, and work diligently. Whether from parents, bosses, or well-intentioned physiotherapists, the emphasis on maintaining a specific posture in the workplace is common. But does it truly prevent injuries, and is there a universally agreed-upon definition of "good" posture?
Read MoreOur bodies are intricate marvels designed for movement, and complications arise when we succumb to a sedentary lifestyle, particularly concerning our spine. The concept of a perfect posture is a myth; instead, the key lies in adapting to different positions. Rather than rigidly adhering to one stance, consider the wisdom in regularly changing postures to keep your body agile and pain-free.
Read MoreAnterior knee pain, a common discomfort experienced in the front of the knee, can stem from various structures such as the patellar tendon, the knee joint, the knee cap (patella), or the fat pads surrounding the patellar tendon. At Aspire Physiotherapy, a prevalent condition we encounter is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), where pain arises around or beneath the patella. This type of pain is often linked to irritation of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ), the joint beneath the patella.
Read MoreLateral epicondylalgia, more commonly known as tennis elbow, is a condition characterized by pain over the lateral elbow, often stemming from muscle overuse or direct trauma to the area. While prevalent in individuals aged 35-54, particularly those engaged in repetitive hand tasks, tennis elbow does not discriminate and can affect anyone. Research indicates that over 50% of individuals being treated for tennis elbow report ongoing symptoms even after 12 months. However, with the right treatment plan and care, recovery becomes more attainable.
Read MoreMedial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints, is an overuse injury affecting the lower leg. Characterized by increased pressure along the tibia (shin bone), MTSS manifests as pain along the inside and/or posterior part of the tibia. This condition often arises from a combination of physical activity changes, muscular imbalances, biomechanical issues, and external factors.
Read MoreThe universal annoyance of a persistent headache is an experience many of us have encountered, each describing the discomfort in unique ways - a tight elastic band, a throbbing pain, or a sensation linked to head movements. Interestingly, these nuances in headache perception can offer valuable insights into the potential causes. Extensive research has identified over 300 headache triggers, but they can generally be categorized into three types: migraines, tension-type headaches, and cervicogenic headaches.
Read MoreBeing inactive and sedentary, is not a natural thing for us to do as our bodies are made to move. This can lead to increased tension/tightness, reduced strength, endurance and activity in the muscles that stabilise our spine and posture. On the other hand, if we have a labour-intensive job which includes heavy and/or repetitive work, we can overload our back muscles. If we don’t allow these muscles to rest and recover, then this can be a potential cause of LBP. LBP is quite interesting in the way that it is not totally a physical problem. High stress and anxiety levels can greatly impact on our pain levels. By relaxing and reducing stress, we can directly reduce our pain. It may be tempting to just rest and recover during an LBP episode, but it is crucial that you try to remain active and return to movement slowly. This will reduce stiffness and relieve muscle spasms.
Read MoreAcupuncture can refer to a wide variety of techniques including traditional Chinese medicine, segmental needling, and dry needling. Reactivate the muscles and improve its ability to learn new movements (improved motor programming) (Hui et al., 2005, 2009). Increases the body’s ability to uptake opioids (pain reducing chemicals) leading to increased pain reductions (Harris et al., 2009). Increase blood flow to the muscle, and improving its potential for healing (Kimura, Masuda & Wakayama, 2006). Reduce swelling and inflammation through the release of cortisol (Roth, Maret-Maric, Adler & Neuenschwander, 1997).
Read MoreAny sport or activity that requires fast direction changes, jumping, landing, cutting, twisting, starting and stopping has a potential for ACL injuries. These injuries typically happen when your knee goes into a hyperextended position or excessively rotated position for example when it buckles inwards during landing. After an ACL injury there are two treatment options: high quality rehabilitation alone or ACL reconstruction surgery together with high quality rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is similar for both options of treatment and lasts for about 6-9 months.
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