Physiotherapy Conditions
St Kilda Physiotherapy treats the following conditions:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Sports Injuries
- Repetetive strains
- Post surgical rehabilitation
Physiotherapy Conditions:
Back pain
Almost 2/3 of the population experience low back pain in their lives and require physiotherapy. The pain may spread to your legs, perhaps due to sciatica, and you may get pins and needles and numbness (parasthesia) too. Upper and mid back/chest pain is less common.
Often the cause is injury-such as lifting incorrectly – or it may be postural or due to overuse. Ligaments,muscles and joints are usually injured. Discs and nerves less common.
Neck pain
Maybe due to injury or posture. Ligaments, muscles are usually the cause again. Pain may radiate into the shoulders, upper back and arms with parasthesia. Tends to respond quickly when treated promptly by physiotherapy. Sleeping on the right pillow is important and learning to relax as tension often tightens neck muscles.
Headaches
Headaches can arise from neck problems. They tend to be dull, worse to one side, develop gradually and can occur with dizziness and light headedness. You may or may not have neck pain as well.
Sports Injuries
Sport and exercise in general have excellent health benefits. The flip side are the injuries. Contact sports that involve a lot of running and twisting attract the most injuries. Shoulder, knee injuries and ankle/feet injuries are seen the most. Tendon, muscle, ligament, cartillage and bone pathology need to be assessed thoroughly so treatment is effective.
Assessment of technique, changes in footwear and running surfaces/distances are especially important with overuse injuries as is the age of the athlete.
Repetitive Strain
Can be due to sport played, work, housework, gardening-anything that involves overuse of a part of your body. If it is at work an ergonomic assessment is important. Pain is usually due to tendon, muscle, ligament or nerve damage and can be treated with physiotherapy.
Post surgical Rehabilitation
You may need physiotherapy following hospital surgery. Liason with the hospital is important for best outcome. Examples of surgeries that require physiotherapy are knee ACL reconstructions, shoulder rotator cuff repairs, knee/hip joint replacements and low back fusions. Restoring strength, range of movement and function is the key. Hydrotherapy and gym programs may be necessary.
Diagnostic tests may be necessary. You can be referred for Xrays.Ultrasound, Bone scans, MRI, CT tests should be referred by a medical practioner.
