When Rosco twisted his knee at work he thought nothing of it. That is until he was playing footy and twisted awkwardly on his knee. What had Rosco done to his knee? After a Rosco hobbled into the clinic, we assessed his knee and discovered the tell-tale signs of a knee meniscus tear. What is a Knee Meniscus?Your knee meniscus is a fibrocartilage that separates thigh bone (femur) from your shin bone (tibia). It is commonly referred to as your "cartilage". Each knee joint has two menisci: a medial and lateral meniscus.The menisci of the knee have unique shape. They are a wedged, kidney shape. The menisci act like a wedge to assist with the rotational stability created by the anterior cruciate ligament. The menisci also act as a shock absorber. As we walk, run, and jump the knee absorbs tremendous forces. The menisci help to absorb these forces so that the bone surfaces are not damaged. The amount of force increases exponentially as the speed of movement increases from walking to running to jumping. The menisci disperse the compressive forces over the entire knee rather than isolating them.  What is a Meniscus Tear?In the younger population, your knee meniscus is usually torn traumatically, by a twisting on a slightly flexed knee.The traumatic type of meniscal injuries are most often sports-related. The meniscus can be torn anterior to posterior, radially (parrot beak), or can have a bucket handle appearance. In the older adult, the tear may be due to a natural age-related degeneration of the meniscus or a rough arthritic femoral bone surface tearing into the softer meniscus. In this case, surgery may be required to attend to both the meniscal repair and to repair the damaged joint surface. Depending on the type of tear, meniscus repair be complicated. Large meniscal tears that are inadequately treated may cause premature degenerative bony (arthritis) changes. Signs and Symptoms of a Meniscus TearThe history of a painful twist occurring on a slightly flexed knee will indicate the likelihood of a meniscal tear. You may also experience clicking, popping, or locking of the knee. These symptoms are usually accompanied by pain along the knee joint line and a joint swelling.Clinical examination may reveal tenderness along the knee joint line. You will usually notice it is painful to squat. Your physiotherapist or doctor will use McMurray's test and other clinical tests to confirm a meniscal tear diagnosis. X-rays or MRI?A MRI scan is the most accurate non-invasive test to confirm a meniscal tear. X-rays do not show meniscal tears.Do Meniscal Tears Heal?Meniscal blood supply is limited: the menisci get nutrition from blood and synovial fluid within the joint capsule. Your meniscus has two distinct regions that affect their ability to heal.We call these the Red Zone and the White Zone.  The red zone has blood supply, whereas the the white zone doesn’t have a blood supply and won’t heal naturally. Red Zone: The outside of the meniscus has a blood supply from the synovial capsule. Lateral meniscal tears may heal without the need for surgery. White Zone: The inside of the meniscus gets its nutrition from the synovial fluid. Due to this, tears of the inner meniscus do not usually heal due to a lack of blood supply to trigger an inflammatory response. These injuries often require surgery. Treatment Options for a Knee Meniscus TearA small meniscal tear, or a tear in the red zone, will usually respond quickly to physiotherapy treatment. One of the major roles of your meniscus is shock-absorption. Luckily, the other vital shock absorbers around your knee are your muscles.Researchers have discovered that if you strengthening your leg muscles, your bone stresses will reduce as your muscle strength improves and your knee becomes more dynamically stable. Your physiotherapy treatment will aim to:
Meniscal injuries are commonly associated with other knee injuries, which need to be treated in conjunction with your meniscal tear.  How Long Does Meniscal Healing Take?Your meniscus tear will commonly take up to six or eight weeks to fully heal. As mentioned previously, some meniscus tears will require surgery.Your physiotherapist will guide you as to what is most likely for your knee injury. It is important to avoid activities and exercises that place excessive stress through your meniscus and further delay your healing. In some cases, your physiotherapist may advise you to keep weight off your knee. In this instances, crutches may be recommended. Everyone is different, so be guided by your physiotherapist. Will You Require Surgery for a Meniscus Injury?Most surgeons will recommend a few weeks of physiotherapy treatment prior to contemplating surgery.Pre-operative physiotherapy has two main benefits:
 Generally, the best treatment option is to repair the torn meniscus and save as much of the shock absorber as possible. This will leave you with near "normal" structures and decrease the likelihood of degenerative arthritic changes in later life. Post-Surgical Physiotherapy for Meniscal InjuriesResected Meniscal TearsPhysiotherapy rehabilitation for resected meniscal tears can normally be reasonably aggressive, targeting early return to function.You will be progressed through rehabilitation as your pain and swelling allow. Most arthroscopic patients can return to normal function within 3 to 6 weeks. Post-Meniscal RepairRehabilitation after a meniscus repair is usually different than a resection due to healing time require where a meniscus has been stitched. Most surgeons will have you non-weight bearing for 4 to 8 weeks to allow the meniscus to heal before commencing weight-bearing exercises.Physiotherapy rehabilitation should focus on early mobilisation of the knee (tibiofemoral) and kneecap (patellofemoral) joints, plus strengthening of your quadriceps, hamstrings and leg muscles. Your treatment guidelines will be similar to the nonoperative approach taking into consideration the findings and operative procedures performed. For more specific information, please ask your physiotherapist. Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Common Treatments for a Knee Meniscus Tear
Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online FAQs about Knee Meniscus TearsWhat is Pain?Physiotherapy & Exercise When Should Diagnostic Tests Be Performed? How Does Kinesiology Tape Reduce Swelling? How Can You Prevent a Future Leg Injury? How Do You Improve Your Balance? How Much Treatment Will You Need? How to Stretch? Sports Injury? What to do? When? What are the Common Massage Therapy Techniques? What are the Early Warning Signs of an Injury? What Can You Do To Help Arthritis? What is Sports Physiotherapy? When Can You Return to Sport or Work? Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Helpful Products for Knee Meniscus Tears Related InjuriesACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) InjuriesChondromalacia Patella Discoid Meniscus Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome Knee Bursitis (Patellar Bursitis) Knee Ligament Injury Knee Meniscus Injury Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Osgood Schlatter's Disease Patella Tendonitis (Tendinopathy) Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Kneecap) Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online  |
Thursday, February 28, 2013
What is a Knee Meniscus?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
What's the Difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a university qualified health professional who can work in any industry where food is concerned.
Dietitians must have a minimum of 4 years study and are trained to understand the latest
scientific evidence for food, its nutrients and how they affect your health.
There is no limit to where a Dietitian can work if there’s food around; sports nutrition, weight
loss, cooking classes group presentations in community centres and in private practice.
Did you know that dietitians can help guide people on a group or individual basis, constructing meal plans, give guidance on how food may prevent an improved a number of conditions such as:
- Chronic diseases: heart disease, diabetes
- Cancer
- Healthy and individual weight loss
- Allergies and intolerances
- Digestive issues
- Elite sports performance
- General health and wellbeing
What makes a dietitian so unique is that their training enables them to work not only with one issue, but multiple health related issues at one time and how they affect not just your health but the health of your family, friends and even colleagues.
An APD is trained to practice nutrition that is in-line with ‘best evidence-based practice’.
This means, we make it our mission to be up-to-date with current, scientifically proven research in the food and health industry to ensure our patients are getting the best treatment and education proven by rigorous science.
At this point you may be wondering “but what is the difference then between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?”
Answer: All Dietitians are also Accredited Nutritionists, however Nutritionists are NOT all
Dietitians.
Both professionals do similar training up until a point where Dietitians then do further study to enable them to work with diseases and other complex conditions on an individual basis.
Nutritionists mainly work in the community with groups of people and their main role is to help promote health in the way of health promotion and prevention.
Do you need an appointment with a Dietitian or a Nutritionist?
Book your appointment with our Accredited Practicing Dietitian and Sports Dietitian, Rachel Haddow, today. Visit http://physioworks.com.au/therapists/rachel-haddow#.USxCResY3Ds.
Clayfield - Phone 3862 4544
Sandgate - Phone 3269 1122
For even more information on Dietitians and Sports Dietitians, visit:
http://daa.asn.au/for-the-public/find-an-apd/what-is-an-accredited-practising-
dietitian/ and
www.sportsdietitians.com.au
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Which TENS Machine or Electrical Muscle Stimulator is Best for You?
How to Choose the Best TENS Machine or Electrical Muscle Stimulator for Your Needs
Simply answer a few questions and a few seconds later, the Best Tens Machine or EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulator) for your specific needs will be instantly identified.
Click here now to discover the best machine for your needs:
FREE Online Interactive TENS/EMS Decision Tool.
Choosing the Best TENS machine or EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulator) for your individual needs is sometimes difficult.
To help you, PhysioWorks has designed a TENS/EMS Decision Tool.Simply answer a few questions and a few seconds later, the Best Tens Machine or EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulator) for your specific needs will be instantly identified.
Click here now to discover the best machine for your needs:
FREE Online Interactive TENS/EMS Decision Tool.
Information about TENS Machines & EMS Units
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Monday, February 25, 2013
What is Scoliosis? How to detect it at home.
If you are a parent of a child in their teens, then scoliosis is definitely a condition that you can keep your eye on. In fact, early signs of scoliosis can be present from 8 years of age.
Here's some more information to keep you better informed about scoliosis.
Here's some more information to keep you better informed about scoliosis.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a medical condition where your spine is curved from side to side. The spine of an individual with a typical scoliosis may look more like an "S" than a straight line.  A scoliosis is named according to where the apex of the curvature in the spine occurs. Most commonly these curves occur in the thoracic (mid-back) and thoracolumbar (junction between the thoracic and lumbar) areas of the spine. Scoliosis does not commonly occur in the neck. Early adolescence, specifically between 11 and 14 years of age is the ideal time to screen your spine for scoliosis. Scoliosis can progress during adulthood if not treated during youth. Therefore, being checked and treated at any stage can greatly improve your comfort, muscular strength and mobility. What Causes Scoliosis?Several types of scoliosis exist:Structural (Idiopathic) scoliosis has genetic roots. A family history of scoliosis, particularly along the female side can increase your likelihood of having it by up to 20%. Idiopathic scoliosis usually develops in early adolescence between the ages of 11-14, with a higher incidence occurring in females than males (10:1). Progression of scoliosis is also more common in females than males. If left undiagnosed and untreated in adolescence, the curvature in the spine can progress. Functional scoliosis can develop in adulthood, often in response to an injury or repetitive practice of asymmetrical activities (i.e. tennis, golf swing etc). It is a curvature in the spine that has formed from overuse of muscles on one side of the side and under use of muscles on the reciprocal side. Since it is muscular based, it can reverse with appropriate treatment and exercise. Pathology-related scoliosis can arise in people with neuromuscular disease such as muscular dystrophy or in response to a severe injury to the spinal cord such as quadriplegia. What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?Physical signs in children after the age of 8 that parents should suspect is scoliosis:
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?Checking for scoliosis is normally undertaken during a routine clinical examination by your physiotherapist or doctor. Your physiotherapist will examine your spine, shoulders, rib cage, pelvis, legs and feet for abnormalities and asymmetry. If they suspect a significant scoliosis, they will arrange for X-rays to confirm your cobb angle - or severity of scoliosis.  A significant curvature in the spine detected in adolescence will require a review from an orthopaedic spine specialist. What are the Treatment Options for Scoliosis?PHASE I - Pain AlleviationWhile not all scoliosis sufferers experience pain or discomfort a percentage do. In these patients the provision of pain relief does assist with patient compliance with corrective or prevention exercises. Pain relief can be achieved through a variety of techniques:
PHASE II - Rectifying Imbalances (Strengthening and Stretching!)As your pain and inflammation settles, your physiotherapist will turn their attention to optimising the strength and flexibility of your muscles on either side of the scoliosis. They will also include adjacent areas such as the hip and shoulder region that may impact upon your spinal alignment. The main treatment aims will include restoring normal spine range of motion, muscle length and resting tension, muscle strength, endurance and core stability. Taping techniques may be applied until adequate strength and flexibility in the targeted muscles has been achieved. PHASE III - Restoring Full FunctionThis scoliosis treatment phase is geared towards ensuring that you resume most of your normal daily activities, including sports and recreational activities without re-aggravation of your symptoms. Depending on your chosen work, sport or activities of daily living, your physiotherapist will aim to restore your function to safely allow you to return to your desired activities. Everyone has different demands for their body that will determine what specific treatment goals you need to achieve. For some it be simply to walk around the block. Others may wish to run a marathon. Your physiotherapist will tailor your back rehabilitation to help you achieve your own functional goals. PHASE IV - Preventing a RecurrenceSince scoliosis in many cases is a permanent structural change in the skeleton, ongoing self-management is paramount to preventing re-exacerbation of your symptoms. This will entail a routine of a few key exercises to maintain optimal strength, flexibility, core stability and postural support. Your physiotherapist will assist you in identifying which are the best exercises to continue in the long-term. In addition to your muscle control, your physiotherapist will assess you hip biomechanics and determine if you would benefit from any exercises for adjacent muscles or some foot orthotics to address to correct for biomechanical faults. Some scoliosis results from an unequal leg length, which your therapist may address with a heel rise, shoe rise or a built-up foot orthotic. Rectifying these deficits and learning self-management techniques is key to maintaining function and ongoing participation in your daily and sporting activities. Your physiotherapist will guide you. What Results Can You Expect?If you have mild to moderate scoliosis, you can expect a full return to normal daily, sporting and recreational activities. Your return to function is more promising when you are diagnosed and treated early. Individuals with more moderate to severe spinal curvatures may need to be fitted for orthopedic braces in order to halt curve progression. In some severe cases during adolescence, surgery is indicated. Both of these latter two pathways are overseen by an orthopaedic specialist who may require monitoring the progress of the curve with routine x-rays. More AdviceIf you have any concerns or questions regarding your scoliosis, please ask your physiotherapist or doctor. Common Scoliosis TreatmentsScoliosis FAQ'sHelpful Scoliosis ProductsRelated Conditions |
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Hip Pain... is it a Gluteal Tendinopathy?
| When Pheobe, an enthusiastic runner who is preparing for a mid-year marathon, presented with lateral hip pain we suspected it was a tendonitis or bursitis, but what was the actual cause. We assessed Pheobe and videoed her running style to conclude that she had developed a gluteal tendinopathy as a result of muscle fatigue and "poor hip core" control. What is Gluteal Tendinopathy? Gluteal tendinopathy is the most common hip tendonitis (hip tendon injury).  Your gluteal tendons are the tough fibres that connect your gluteal muscle to your hip bone. A tendon injury may seem to happen suddenly, but usually it is the result of many tiny tears to the tendon that have happened over time. Tendinopathy or its aliases: tendonitis and tendinosis are all tendon injuries. Tendon injuries can develop in many different parts of the body. Essentially, wherever there is a tendon that attaches a muscle to a bone you can suffer a tendinopathy. Tendinopathy (tendon pathology) describes two conditions that are likely to occur together: tendon inflammation, known as tendonitis, and tiny tears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon, known as tendinosis. Your gluteal (buttock) muscles control your hip joint movement. Gluteal tendinopathy is injury to the gluteal tendon complex and is often associated withtrochanteric bursitis. What Causes a Gluteal Tendinopathy?The most common onset of gluteal tendinopathy is due to poor hip and gluteal muscle control that leads to overstressing of the gluteal tendons, causing pain and hip-pelvis instability.Continued hip instability can cause you to walk or run with poor control, which causes you hip bursa to become under friction load, leading to trochanteric bursitis. What are the Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy?Gluteal tendinopathy usually causes lateral hip pain, muscular stiffness, and loss of strength in the hip muscles.The pain may get worse when you use the tendon eg running or hopping. You may have more hip pain and stiffness during the night or when you get up in the morning. Pain is often worse when you lie on your affected hip. The lateral hip may be tender, red, warm, or even swollen if there is inflammation of the hip bursa. How is a Gluteal Tendinopathy Diagnosed?In most cases, your doctor or physiotherapist will accurately suspect your gluteal tendinopathy diagnosis in their clinic.If your symptoms are severe or you do not improve with early treatment, specific diagnostic tests may be requested, such as an ultrasound scan or MRI. How is Gluteal Tendinopathy Treated?In most cases, you can start treating your hip tendon injury at home using a RICE regime.Rest the painful area, and avoid any activity that makes the pain worse. Apply ice or cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, as often as second hourly, for the first 72 hours. Keep using ice as long as it helps. Do gentle hip range-of-motion exercises and stretching to prevent stiffness. Have your your hip joint and muscle function assessed by your physiotherapist. Undertake a “Hip Core Stabilisation Program”. This is vital to prevent a recurrence. Visualise and retrain your hip muscle control via Real-time Ultrasound. Modify your return to sport under the advice of your physiotherapist. Despite the common use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications the cause is related to hip control, so it is your control that should be retrained as a priority. Persisting tendon injuries are best managed by exercise under the guidance of your physiotherapist. Should your tendinopathy be slow to improve you have the option of a steroid injection under ultrasound guidance. For the best long-term results, you should continue to strengthen your hip rather than rely solely of the steroid effects. In severe cases, hip surgery may be required. How to Return to Sport after Gluteal TendinopathyAs soon as you are cleared by your physiotherapist, you can return to your activity, but take it easy for a while.Don't start at the same level as before your injury. Build back to your previous level slowly, and stop if it hurts. Warm up before you exercise. After the activity, apply ice to prevent pain and swelling. Continue your hip stabilisation exercises. If these steps don't help, you may require a re-visit to your physiotherapist. It may take weeks or months to fully rehabilitate a gluteal tendinopathy. Be patient, and stick with your treatment. If you start using the injured tendon too soon, it can lead to more damage and further time delays. If you have any concerns please seek the advice of your physiotherapist. Common Gluteal Tendinopathy TreatmentsFAQ's about Gluteal TendinopathyHelpful Gluteal Tendinopathy ProductsRelated Hip Injuries |
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Back in Stock... the Posture Brace 2175
This popular posture brace has been difficult to stock in recent times. We're now informed by our supplier that the supply chain is back to normal, which is great news for those of you with posture problems and need an effective, simple and confortable posture brace. What is the Posture Brace 2175 ?The posture brace 2175 offers you the best posture brace to support you in the best posture. This posture brace focuses on improving your upper back posture, thoracic spine and scapluae (shoulder blades) posture. This provides you with an improved postural platform for your head and neck to then easily achieve their best postural position. Plus, the posture brace 2175's elastic properties allow for flexibility in movement in both sitting and standing postures. Posture Brace 2175 Features
Indications for using the Posture Brace 2175
Posture Brace 2175 SizingMeasure around chest under armpits.
How to Wear your Posture Brace 2175
|  More info or buy at: http://bit.ly/XsOuJL |
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