Our aim at St Kilda Physiotherapy is to restore pain free movement, function and strength when at home, work and playing sport.
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Back Injuries

On November 5, 2012   /   Latest News   /   2 Comments

Back Injuries

We are designed to be on the move. Some of us sit too long. Some of us lift incorrectly. We overload the spine-pain.
Your spine is well designed and protected. Despite this back injuries occur. We start with the structure.
A complex system of interlocking components make up your back.
Bones that make up your spine are called vertebrae. Joints occur between the vertebrae and ligaments bind these joints. Movement of the spine occurs at these joints and is powered by muscles.
Nerves exit the spine to the trunk and legs that control the muscles. The sciatic nerve travels down the leg. Discs separate the vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.
If any of these structures are injured you may experience pain in your back or your legs. You may also get pins and needles/numbness down your leg.
Fortunately severe injuries are quite rare, but strains are common and often very painful.
Ligaments can overstretch, muscles can tear,  joints can lock up and nerves can be irritated. Discs don’t slip as they are anchored to the vertebrae but they can be injured.
If this has happened to you, are in pain and not getting better physiotherapy is recommended.

Assessing Back Injuries

Assessing your back injury accurately and then providing safe, effective treatment.

The aims are healing, stretching, strengthening and immediate pain reduction.

Treating Back Injuries

Ultrasound,  joint manual therapy, massage and exercises start straight away. Taping may be needed.Advice on sport, correct lifting and posture also.
An explanation of where the injury is and expected recovery time is what everyone wants to know. X rays or other investigations if needed.
Also why the back injury occurred in the first place and to prevent recurrence.
So if you have hurt your back- early attention is the message so you can get on with things again – pain free.

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Sports Injuries

On October 9, 2012   /   Latest News   /   Leave a comment

Sports Injuries

As humans we are designed to move, exercise and be active. Lack of exercise can cause problems but exercise also has a downside-the potential for injuries.

Prevention of sports injuries involves warm up/stretches prior to exercise. This is especially important the older you get (over 30’s). At any age overdoing exercise can also cause sports injuries. We are also designed for a variety of tasks and activities. So if you are unlucky enough to be injured what do you do?

How to treat sports injuries.

The first 72 hours following a sports injury is the most important time for a speedy recovery. There are do’s and don’ts.

Minimising inflammation (swelling) is important early on. Rest, ice, compression and elevation form the RICE message.

It is also important to avoid heat, alcohol, running and massage. This forms the HARM message. When soft tissue damage has occurred (muscle, ligament or tendon) scar tissue replaces the injured tissue. It is important healthy, strong scar tissue is formed for quick recovery. A bulky, painful scar may form without early treatment and too much activity. This is prone to re-injury, ongoing pain and reduced function.

If you have a significant injury-pain, swelling and reduced function – Physiotherapy is important for a quick recovery and return to sport.

Electrotherapy (eg ultrasound, TENS), ice, taping, crutches, home exercises and advice is important for healing, reduction of pain, swelling control and early recovery.

Also important is assessment of the severity of the injury. Everyone wants to know when to return to their sport or activity.

Massage, heat and progression of exercises can commence after 72 hours once inflammation has reduced. Strengthening exercises are important and in the case of leg injuries, balance exercises too. Both for return to sport and prevention of injury recurrence.

A referral for physiotherapy is not required . If the injury requires xrays that can be organised. If further tests are needed this is best done through a medical practioner.

So exercise away!

If you get injured and you want to get back to sport quickly the message is early attention, early return to sport.
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Physiotherapy Practice

On August 9, 2012   /   Latest News   /   Leave a comment

 

Ten things Australia doesn’t know about physiotherapy practice

In some settings, Australians have a definite (if imperfect) vision of what physiotherapy is. Physiotherapists help people recuperate from knee and ankle injuries. They deal with rehabilitation after car accidents. And if you’re employed in healthcare by a sports team, then you must be a physiotherapist. (Take Eva Carneiro from Chelsea Football Club, who has become famous on the internet for being the team’s attractive’physio’. She’s actually a doctor.)

However, the APA often hears concerned members lament that the public generally doesn’t understand what they do. Australians don’t grasp the full scope of physiotherapy practice, only small sections of it.

So we asked prominent members of the Association, ‘What specific things do you want the public to know about physiotherapy?’

Click here to download the full article.

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