All posts in Headache

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.

Fast, Effective Injury Management

Extra time to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence- Because your body deserves the best of care.

What a lousy winter!- Us Physios have been quieter this season as so many of the winter sports games were cancelled due to the fields turning to mud pools- but spring is in the air and that means a lot of you will be gearing up in your running activities- whether that be competitive or otherwise.

 So some advice on those calves and achilles problems…

Tendonitis– literally means inflammation of the tendon BUT there are NO INFLAMMATORY cells in so called achilles tendonitis- so if you’ve been treated for your achilles problems with anti-inflammatory medication and topical anti-inflammatory approaches its no wonder you may still have a problem. [ You can still have inflammatory changes in the peritendon but this is  less common].

So what is it?- it’s a tendonopathy!  That means the cells that make up your collagen tendon change:

• they increase or decrease in number.
• the collagen strands separate and unravel so the structure collapses a bit
• the substance around the collagen strands increases (so there’s comparatively less support structure there)
• vascularization increases (more blood vessels, more nerves and more pain!)

Why did I get it?  Can be overload of the tendon (i.e. overtraining) can just happen (a number of predisposing factors and unfortunately age and body fat are two of them)

So how do I get better?
The evidence points to exercise!

But isn’t  that how I got it in the first place!!

Yes BUT now you need specific “eccentric” exercises (that means that as the muscle is working it’s lengthening- that’s much harder than concentric exercise which works the muscle as it shortens).
Example of eccentric calf exercise off a step

 The amount of exercise will depend on your own individual presentation.

You may receive a strength- based programme or a pain based programme.

The type of exercise will also vary a little.

Is that all?

No- we’ll look at any other contributing factors-

▪ positional habits (high heels or sitting with your feet pointed all the time- leading to shortened calves)

▪ muscle imbalances                                                    ▪ joint movement restrictions

▪ running style                                                             ▪ training schedule

▪ biomechanical issues                                     ▪ shoes

But it’s not just your achilles that can be a tendonopathy-

▪ Tennis elbow

“It just won’t go away!!”

▪Rotator cuff shoulder problems

(especially supraspinatus)

▪ and those niggly adductor sprains

jumpers knee

(the patella/quads tendon)

So….

• If you have soreness in your achilles or any of the other areas mentioned either caused by injury or an ongoing chronic problem you will need help with adjusting your activity level and getting back to peak performance.

For all appointments call  04 499 3504.

Increasingly , acupuncture is becoming more widely used and accepted throughout the medical community. Many physiotherapists offer acupuncture as a treatment modality in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy management.  Physiotherapists who practice acupuncture go through post-graduate training of one to two years duration in order to become qualified acupuncturists.

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points located throughout the body to help relieve pain or have other therapeutic effects. Acupuncture originated in China some 5000 years ago, one belief is that soldiers who were wounded in battle experienced pain relief in other areas of their body, this lead to experimenting with arrows, sharp rocks and later, needles.

The traditional Chinese belief of health is based on a balance of yin and yang throughout the body.  The ancient Chinese people used to pay their doctors to keep them well, rather than to help fix them once they became ill.  The Chinese believe energy flows through the body between the organs along channels called meridians.  Acupuncture points are located along these meridians.

There are many modern theories as to why acupuncture works and there has been much scientific research carried out to help prove these theories. The ‘gate control’ theory involves acupuncture stimulating large, touch sensitive nerve fibres located throughout the skin and connective tissue, these override and can block the transmission of the smaller, pain nerve fibres at the level of the spinal cord, helping to reduce the sensation of pain. The neuro-endocrine theory works on the fact that acupuncture points are located close to nerve endings. When stimulated, these release certain neurotransmitters such as endorphin, a natural painkiller that resembles as opiates(i.e. Morphine).  These neurotransmitters are similar to ones released when we exercise and can have an effect of reducing the transmission of pain messages to the brain.

What can you expect from an acupuncture treatment? Pain relief may be immediate or develop over a few hours or days. Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect, with  pain relieving affects building up over a series of treatments. There are some side-effects, mostly they are rare, but can include light-headedness, dizziness, tiredness, slight bruising or muscle aching after treatment. Your physiotherapist will discuss these with you before treatment.

A number of disposable needles (3-5) may be used in each treatment, with treatment time usually lasting 15-20 minutes.  The needles used are extremely fine and usually cause little or no discomfort.

Acupuncture has a variety of uses in clinical physiotherapy practice and complements traditional physical therapy techniques.  Conditions commonly treated include osteoarthritis, muscle spasm, headaches, low back and joint sprains.

Philippa King is a physiotherapist at the Oamaru Physiotherapy clinic.  She is undertaking postgraduate study in Sports Medicine and Acupuncture.   Philippa is actively involved with North Otago Rugby, providing physiotherapy services for the Heartland team.

Source:  Oamaru Physiotherapy Clinic written by Mike Stewart and Michelle Sintmaartensdyk

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.

TOP 10 SPORT INJURIES- THE NEXT 5

Rib and Thoracic Sprains

Poor flexibility of the arms and shoulders can be a factor in rib and thoracic sprains but often its just bad luck.  Twisting sports like hockey and golf cause thoracic sprains.

Hamstring Injury

These often occur during sprinting following inadequate warm-up – they are often also a result of underlying muscle imbalance and sciatic nerve irritation.

Tip:  Ensuring you use your muscles correctly and have a good warm-up before strenuous activity will help prevent injury

Anterior Knee Pain/Patello – Femoral Pain

“Runners knee” – most often caused by muscle imbalance and biomechanical issues.  An old ankle injury restricting movement will cause compensation mechanisms which may lead to knee pain.  Weak butt and hip muscles and poor flexibility in the hip will also be a problem

Tip:  Make sure you get any injuries treated to ensure full rehabilitation and remember to do regular stretches.

Calf and Shin Strains

This can be caused by training on uneven surfaces but training in the wrong footwear can also be a problem.  Endurance athletes are most at risk.  Biomechanical issues, muscle imbalances and overuse can also be a cause.

Tip:  Check out your footwear and be mindful of the surfaces you train on.  See your physio to ensure correct biomechanical and muscle balance during your training.

Foot Pain

Again, can be caused by training surfaces and changes in the amount of training.  Footwear is also important.

Tip:  Invest in good training shoes and include some balance work in your training (standing on one foot doing heel raises or bending the knee.

REMEMBER IF YOU NEED HELP WITH ANY INJURIES

– JUST CALL US

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.

Made a promise to yourself to get fit this year? If you did you’re not alone. Many of our patients make this same promise to themselves but find it hard to get motivated. The physiotherapists in this practice can help!

We can recommend exercises that are designed specifically for you to achieve your desired level of fitness. The more you repeat and become aware of an activity, the easier it becomes. Our practice looks at types of exercises /activities, specific workloads durations of activities, sessions and intensity guidelines and can devise a plan to help you achieve your target fitness level.

To help we have six tips to help you become motivated  and fit this year.

Tip 1)              Start slow

If you’ve been inactive for some time it’s important to start slowly and gradually build up. Begin with low impact activities such as walking, swimming or using an exercise bike. We can help suggest an appropriate level to start at based on your current fitness.

Tip 2)              Know yourself

Talk to us about your medical history or any problematic areas which may affect your choice of activity. We can help make exercise safer.

Tip 3)                          Warm up

Remember to warm up, warm down and stretch before and after gentle activity minimise muscle soreness. If you’re not sure we can show you some warm up techniques.

Tip 4)              Come prepared

Make sure you have appropriate footwear for your activity and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated.

Tip 5)              Venues

Gyms are great places to get active but you must ensure that

you are well supervised. Not a gym person? –

Then try some else, – go bush walking or go for a bike ride!

Even simply take the stairs, walk to the station or local shops!

Better still see us for regular assessment and instruction.

Tip 6)              Record your progress

Keep a diary or log of your progress it will serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come and give you encouragement if you’re feeling disheartened. Reward yourself which something healthy when you achieve mini goals.

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.

When your physiotherapist suggests that some exercise would be good for you, have you ever stopped to consider why?

Consider no longer; listed below are the many benefits gained by some regular exercise.  If you are unsure as to how to start, or what to do, your physiotherapist can help advise you.

 50 Reasons to exercise                     

1. Reduces your risk of getting heart disease
2. Reduces the risk of developing hypertension and helps control the blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure
3. Helps in weight reduction
4. Increases circulating levels of ‘good’ cholesterol
5. Improves the likelihood of survival of a myocardial infarction  (heart attack)
6. Improves the circulation to your heart
7. Reduces the circulating levels of triglycerides in your blood
8. Helps to alleviate low back pain
9. Helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis

10. Helps reduce the long term  risk of obesity

11. Reduces medical and health care expenses

12. Helps maintain weight loss, unlike dieting alone

13. Increases muscle strength

14. Improves your ability to recover from physical activity

15. Lowers you heart rate in response to submaximal activity

16. Increased the density and breaking strength of ligaments and tendons

17. Can help relieve the pain from tension headaches

18. Helps reduce and prevent the immediate symptoms of menopause

19. Assists in efforts to stop smoking

20. Helps to combat substance abuse

21. Reduces the risk of developing colon cancer

22. Helps relieve constipation

23. Reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

24. Helps preserve lean body tissue (especially important in older people)

25. Improves mental cognition in older people

26. Improves balance and coordination

27. Helps retard bone loss as you age

28. Helps older people maintain an independent lifestyle

29. Slows the rate of joint degeneration in people with osteoarthritis

30. Maintains or improves joint flexibility

31. Improves pain tolerance and mood in those who suffer osteoarthritis

32. Helps to resist upper respiratory tract infections

33. Improves respiratory muscle strength and endurance which is especially important in asthmatics

34. Helps to boost creativity

35. Improves your decision making abilities

36. In kids, increases the density and breaking strength of bones

37. Helps relieve many of the common discomforts of pregnancy

38. Reduces the risk of endometriosis

39. Reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer

40. Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer

41. Helps speed up recovery from chemotherapy

42. Helps to increase the tissue responses to insulin, for better control of blood sugar in diabetes

43. Enhances sexual functions

44. Helps you to more effectively manage stress

45. Reduces anxiety levels

46. Helps alleviate depression

47. Improves you mood

48. Improves the function of your immune system

49. Gives you more energy to meet the demands of daily life

50. Improves your overall quality of life

So get up and get active! It doesn’t have to be hard, walking is great. Try get to the stage where you are a bit puffed but can still hold a conversation, and if you can do more than that, that’s fantastic. It’s a great time to get outdoors and make the most of the longer days heading into summer.

Philippa King is a physiotherapist at the Oamaru Physiotherapy clinic.  She has a postgraduate diploma in Sports & Exercise Medicine.  Philippa was the physiotherapist for the champion 2010 Heartland Rugby Team.

Source:  Oamaru Physiotherapy Clinic written by Mike Stewart and Michelle Sintmaartensdyk

Fast, Effective Injury Management

Back and neck pain are common problems experienced when travelling or staying away from home- so here are some ideas to help you enjoy a more comfortable Christmas and summer break.

In the car

• Make sure you sit with good posture- if your car doesn’t have enough low back support use a rolled up towel (pick the right size!) or buy a purpose-designed lumbar roll from us.
• Don’t allow your chin to poke forwards as you peer out the windscreen- especially at night! – this is a very common habit and can result in a stiff and sore neck. The back of your head should be just touching the headrest support and your chin should be tucked towards your Adam’s apple.
• Take breaks – get out and walk about every hour or so even if just for a few minutes.

On the plane

If you are headed to Aussie or further afield don’t fall asleep in an awkward position- try and keep your back in its normal alignment (again a small lumbar roll can help with this) and use a horse shoe shaped neck support to help stop your neck kinking into the wrong position.

Remember sustained positioning when your joints are not in neutral alignment can cause damage and pain – so avoid it.

If on a long flight- get up and walk every 2 hours.  This will also help your circulation.

In bed

Lots of people suffer as a result of sleeping in a strange bed- while there’s not a lot you can do about the bed itself you can alter the pillows (or take your own).

The pillow’s purpose is to fill the space between the head and neck and the mattress.  If you sleep on your back your pillow should be fairly flat.  If you’re on your side that pillow should fill the space between your shoulder and head to ensure your neck is held straight and doesn’t drop down toward the mattress (too flat pillows)  or is pushed away (too many pillows)-it should be ‘just right’.

And remember we will be open between Christmas and New Year to help ease any aches and pains.

Have a safe and happy Christmas and an Injury Free New Year.

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.

STOP PRESS Sportswide CBD:

Opened recently on 22 Willeston Street (also access through Old Bank Arcade and the BNZ Food Court).  Great rates and an awesome location right in the heart of the city.  The ideal place to continue your rehab to a better you!  For more info contact Jenny on 894 7711 or pop in and see them.

ATTENTION ALL OFFICE WORKERS

Tips and suggestions for aches and pains at work

Without doubt most of our clients in the central city spend their day primarily behind a PC.

While advanced technology and increased automation comes with major benefits, the toll on our bodies can be high – we just weren’t designed for prolonged static postures- hunting and gathering were supposed to be our thing!

So…      

• Make sure your workstation is suitably set up for you- after all you wouldn’t attempt a days cycling on a bike that didn’t fit you. If you would like us to send a diagrammatic sheet of how your workplace should be set up then- call us on 499 3504.
• Don’t sit there all day!  Make sure you get up (even to walk around your desk) every hour or so- you can do some general ‘pause’ exercises in this time. When you’re busy- that’s when you really need to take your breaks and micropauses- this is often when people miss them!
• Remember your micropauses– a micropause is taken every 3-5 minutes (NOT every 15-20 as many people believe).

  For a micropause all you need to do is take your hands off the PC and shake them around for a moment and then you can get back to work again!

  Get some postural advice from your Physio– maybe you are not activating the correct postural muscles, or you are repeatedly using some muscles at the expense of others. If your postural muscles are weak you’ll need some prescribed exercises to strengthen them up.

• Don’t hope that aches and niggles will go away- they generally don’t.  It usually means you are specifically aggravating a certain structure.
• Remember that prolonged sitting with poor posture can place stress and strain on muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves in the neck, upper back and shoulders, forearms and wrist. If allowed to continue this may cause eventual breakdown of the tissue causing pain, swelling, muscle spasm and weakness.
• So best get those niggles and aches addressed before you progress to long term damage and chronic pain.
• Try not to let other people’s stress and lack of organisation stress you- let others know that you need time to complete work for their potential deadlines.
• Stress often manifests itself physically and can add to your problems.

We can help: Education and rehabilitation

• postural correction
• relaxation massage/advice on self relaxation
• workstation set-up advice
• assessment and management of any underlying tissue strains/microtrauma
• muscle balance assessment
• home and work exercise plan

For all appointments call 04 499 3504.