What is de Quervain Tenosynovitis?

de Quervain tenosynovitis affects two thumb tendons:  the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). The APL and EPB tendons travel side by side along the inside edge of the wrist. They pass through a synovial tunnel near the thumb side of your wrist. The tunnel helps hold the tendons in place. This tunnel is lined with a slippery coating called tenosynovium, which allows the two tendons to glide easily back and forth as they move the thumb. Inflammation of the tenosynovium and tendon is called tenosynovitis. In de Quervain tenosynovitis, the inflammation constricts the movement of the tendons within the tunnel. Causes of de Quervain Tenosynovitis de Quervain tenosynovitis is basically a combination of overuse and poor hand on wrist posture. Repeated hand and thumb motions such as grasping, pinching, squeezing, or wringing may lead to the inflammation of tenosynovitis.  Holding your hand at an angle to your wrist creates a compression point that excessively rubs the tendon. This inflammation can lead to swelling, which restricts the smooth gliding action of the tendons within the tunnel. Scar tissue from a previous injury can make it difficult for the tendons to slide easily through the tunnel. Arthritic diseases that affect the whole body, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause tenosynovitis in the thumb. Symptoms of de Quervain Tenosynovitis de Quervain usually starts as soreness on the thumb side of the forearm, near the wrist. When left untreated, pain may spread up the forearm or further down into the wrist and thumb. The two tendons may actually begin to creak as they move through the constricted tunnel. This noise is called crepitus. You may notice swelling along the tunnel near the edge of the wrist. Grasping objects with the thumb and hand may become increasingly painful. de Quervain Tenosynovitis Diagnosis? The diagnosis of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is normally confirmed by your physiotherapist on clinical examination.  Read full article: de Quervain tenosynovitis Treatment of de Quervain Tenosynovitis Your physiotherapist is the best person to individually advise you how to treat your de Quervain tenosynovitis. Until you are assessed, please try the following: Read full article: de Quervain tenosynovitis Thumb-Spica Splint Your physiotherapist or doctor may want you to wear a special forearm and thumb splint called a thumb-spica splint. This splint keeps the wrist and lower joints of the thumb from moving. The splint allows the APL and EPB tendons to rest, giving them a chance to begin to heal. Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Helpful Products for de Quervain Tenosynovitis Related Injuries Carpal Tunnel Syndrome de Quervain Tenosynovitis Finger Sprain Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Overuse Injuries RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury

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What is Plica Syndrome?

What is a Plica? A plica is a fold of synovial membrane most commonly in the anteromedial aspect of the knee. Plica are present in about 50% of the population and are thought to be the remnants of embryonic connective tissue that failed to fully resorb during your foetal development. Luckily, most plicae are asymptomatic. While your knee potentially has four plica it is the medial plica that is most likely to be symptomatic (Dupont 1997). It runs parallel to your medial patella just below your medial retinaculum and inserts into your fat pad. What is Plica Syndrome? Plica syndrome is essentially an inflammed plica. Your plica can catch during: repetitive knee straightening and bending, blunt trauma or knee twisting, fat pad irritation, altered knee motion, internal knee derangements eg meniscal tears. (Schindler 2004) This is particularly the case if you have experienced persistent pain and weakness in the quadriceps muscles. Plica syndrome often does not always occur in isolation, but concurrently with other knee conditions such as meniscal injuries, patellar tendonitis and Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease. What are the Symptoms of Plica Syndrome? Plica syndrome can be suspected when you have: Anteromedial knee pain - esp medial femoral condyle. Visible and palpably tender plica. Audible clicking or snap during knee motion - painful arc 30 to 60 degrees. (Dupont 1997). Positive Duvet test: pain eased by using a duvet between your knees to ease pain in bed. Pain with activities: ascending and descending stairs, squatting, rising from a chair and/or sitting for extended periods. (Shetty et al 2007). Quadriceps atrophy is common on chronic cases. How is Plica Syndrome Diagnosed? Your physiotherapist will be able to clinically diagnose plica syndrome. It is more important that you have your knee thoroughly assessed by a physiotherapist or sports doctor to exclude other knee pathologies, in particular meniscal injuries. X-ray may be useful to rule out other associated pathologies but will not identify a plica. MRIs can identify plica inflammation. However, MRI is more useful for diagnosing other pathologies that may be related to the plica irritation. A comprehensive examination by your physiotherapist or sports physician is preferable.  Plica Syndrome Treatment Studies show that about 60% of patients with plica syndrome will settle successfully with conservative physiotherapy treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. (Lu et al 2010). Your treatment will aim to: Read full article here: Plica Syndrome http://bit.ly/Hd95AB Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Braces for Plica Syndrome Many patients will try a knee brace. Brace that improve patellofemoral joint alignment seem to be the most effective to ease plica-related pain. Patellofemoral Brace An effective patellofemoral brace can be useful as an alternative to kneecap taping. More information or to purchase online: Plica Braces ITB Roller Excellent for stretching your tight thigh structures: ITB, quadriceps and hamstrings. More information or to purchase online: ITB roller More Advice For more advice, please consult your knee physiotherapist. Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Plica Syndrome Treatment Options Read full article here: Plica Syndrome Helpful Products for Plica Syndrome

Sign up for our free newsletter! Related Injuries ACL Tear Chondromalacia Patella Discoid Meniscus Fibromyalgia Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome Knee Arthritis Knee Bursitis (Patellar Bursitis) Knee Ligament Injury Knee Meniscus Injury Knee Replacement Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Osgood Schlatter Disease Patella Tendonitis (Tendinopathy) Patellofemoral Pain (Kneecap Pain) Plica Syndrome Sinding Larsen Johansson Syndrome Stress Fracture Thigh Strain

Arm or Shoulder Pain? Do You Need an Arm Sling?

Shoulder pain or arm pain can occur when the weight or your arm drags upon your injured shoulder or neck muscles and ligaments.  Sometimes a simple solution is the arm sling (or shoulder sling) that supports the weight of your arm while your injury heals. An arm sling (shoulder sling) is designed for shoulder pain, post-injury or post-operative rest and protection. to immobilise your shoulder. Plus, an arm sling is a visible clue for other people to give you a wide berth! This arm sling is a strong a cotton shoulder sling with adjustable velcro straps, and includes an extra strap to hold the arm against the body. It is suitable for post-operative shoulder patients. This arm sling is suitable for: shoulder pain shoulder dislocation rotator cuff tears post-shoulder surgery More info or Buy Online Arm Sling http://bit.ly/1d0G9GL

More info or Buy Online Arm Sling http://bit.ly/1d0G9GL

Who is Gabrielle Moore?

	Gabrielle Moore
	Remedial Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage
Gabrielle Moore has always been inspired by the power of massage, particularly remedial therapy, to heal the body.  After initially training in early childhood education, Gabrielle’s desire to help people drove her to study remedial massage therapy. She graduated with a Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy from the Australian College of Natural Medicine (now the Endeavour College of Natural Medicine) in 2008. Prior to commencing work at PhysioWorks, Gabrielle worked for four years with physiotherapists and pilates instructors on Brisbane’s southside. She has worked with everyone from rough and ready tradesmen to elegant professional athletes such as members of the Queensland Ballet Company. Gabrielle’s training and experience has reinforced her belief that a successful therapy must extend beyond the pure mechanics of the massage to include an effective and productive rapport with the patient – providing a holistic approach. Whether you are an office worker, labourer, nurse, teacher, dancer, footy player or athlete, Gabrielle is looking forward to looking after your massage needs. If you need a fantastic remedial massage, then you won’t be disappointed with Gabrielle Moore. As a remedial massage therapist with Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT),  private health fund rebates are applicable.   Book Online Now!     Sandgate Clinic Phone 3269 1122

What is a Spondylolisthesis? Is it as Bad as it Looks?

As you are probably aware, your spine is made up of a series of connected bones called "vertebrae."

In about 5% of the adult population, a crack develops in one of the vertebrae and may later develop as a stress fracture. Due to the constant forces the low back experiences, this fracture does not usually heal like a normal bone.

This type of fracture is called a spondylolysis and may cause no problem at all unless you are a sportsperson. However, sometimes the cracked vertebra does slip forward over the vertebra below it. Once this slippage occurs, the condition is known as a spondylolisthesis and can more readily cause pain or discomfort.

This is most common leavl that a spondylolisthesis occurs is at L5/S1 (the point at which the fifth lumbar vertebra articluates with your sacrum.

What are the Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis may not cause any symptoms for years (if ever) after the slippage has occurred. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

Read full article: Spondylolisthesis - http://bit.ly/H3FkSi

How is Spondylolisthesis Diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist will begin by taking a history and performing a physical examination.

A palpable step or depression may be present to indicate the likelihood of a spondylolisthesis. Your physiotherapist may order X-rays of your back. However, sometimes it is difficult to see on a plain, so additional tests may be needed.

A CT scan or MRI scan can show a crack or defect in the bone more clearly. They will also show whether any of the nearby discs have suffered any wear and tear because of the spondylolisthesis.

If a spondylolisthesis is present, it is graded as I (mild), II, III or IV (severe) based on how far forward the vertebra has slipped.

Treatment for Spondylolisthesis

If your physiotherapist or doctor determines that a spondylolisthesis is causing your pain, they will usually try nonsurgical treatments at first.

Read full article: Spondylolisthesis 

Surgery?

Surgery is reserved for a very small percentage of patients whose pain cannot be relieved by nonsurgical treatment methods. If a spinal nerve is being compressed by the forward slip, surgery may be needed to reopen a "tunnel," or space, for the nerve.

Alternatively, a stabilising procedure or fusion may be recommended. This will stop any further slippage of the vertebra and also will prevent recurrent nerve pressure from developing at this site. Your options are best discussed with your Orthopaedic Surgeon.

FAQs about Spondylolisthesis

Read full article: Spondylolisthesis 

Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online

Helpful Products for Spondylolisthesis

Related Injuries

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Back Muscle Pain

Bulging Disc

Core Stability Deficiency

Degenerative Disc Disease

Facet Joint Pain

Fibromyalgia

Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears

Pinched Nerve

Piriformis Syndrome

Pregnancy Back Pain

Sacroiliac Joint - SIJ Pain

Which Back Brace? Is the 2060 best for you?

The Abdominal Binder 2060 is a quality breathable fabric back brace for use while working, walking, sitting or driving. A special elastic panel construction provides even back and abdominal support, while preventing a brace roll over common in other brands. This back brace has contour adjust-ability between your waist and hips to easily accommodate for the person with an hourglass figure. The Back Brace 2060 provides excellent relief for: Back Injuries More info or Buy Online Back Brace http://bit.ly/17L8JHy

More info or Buy Online Back Brace http://bit.ly/17L8JHy

Shoulder Exercises... Try these resistance band exercises.

38 Shoulder Exercises - Resistance Band Exercises

PhysioWorks has designed you a group of38 shoulder exercises utilising resistance band exercises that are regularly used in our clinics. These shoulder exercises are now available for you online now. The shoulder exercises include: easy-to-understand descriptions  clear and concise illustrations Download your shoulder exercises now and start safely exercising your shoulders effectively right now! To perform these shoulder exercises you will require resistance band, which is also available on our website. Not sure if you'll find the shoulder exercises download useful? It's risk-free!! Our Shoulder Exercises - Resistance Band Exercises has an unconditional 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.  FAQs' about Resistance Bands What Force Can Resistance Band Generate? More info or Download Now Shoulder Exercises http://bit.ly/H3E2GN

More info or Download Now Shoulder Exercises http://bit.ly/H3E2GN

Choice magazine has found that online weight plans are set up to fail

People who sign up to an online weight loss program may find the only thing that gets lighter is their wallet, a Choice survey says.

Choice put five of Australia's most popular online diets to the test but found many were not only expensive but unrealistic.

The Ashy Bines Bikini Body Challenge, SureSlim, Weight Watchers and The Biggest Loser Club - which demand fees of up to $83 a week - were all put to the test.

But many eating plans were not based on scientific evidence, were overcomplicated and did not fit with a healthy, balanced diet.

In the Ashy Bines program, the listed nutritionist isn't even a registered dietician, Choice says.

"For the amount of money you're spending, you'd be better off seeing your GP or an accredited dietician," Choice spokeswoman Kate Browne said.

Many online diets champion "crash weightloss" instead of long-term health, she said.

The Michelle Bridges program, costing $199 for 12 weeks, fared best, but the survey noted customers might not be able to keep up with the prescribed exercise regime without a personal trainer of their own.

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/2013/10/10/09/56/online-weight-plans-set-up-to-fail-choice

What to do?

If you need help losing weight, you should consider the individualised advice of a dietitian who can recommend things specific to you and your needs.

For more information or to book your appointment with Rachel Haddow, our Registered Dietitian please contact us today.

Clayfield Ph 3862 4544

Sandgate 3269 1122

Who Needs a Sports Massage? Why? When?

What is a Sports Massage?

Sports massage is treatment given with the understanding not only of anatomy and physiology but also of the particular demands placed upon the body by the client and their specific sport. 

Sports massage is done with the principal mandate of returning you to your desired sports activity with the same or an even better level of function. Sports massages can include more aggressive techniques that approach muscles more deeply.

Sports massage will often utilise a variety of modalities such as remedial massage, trigger point therapy, cross fibre techniques and deep tissue work. Primarily though, the difference lies with function. That is, returning you to your chosen activity in optimal functional.

How Does a Sports Massage Differ to Regular Massage?

Regular massage usually means those treatments offered at beauty spas or relaxation clinics. Both environments offer valid treatment for overworked, stressed muscles.

However, sports and remedial massage differs in both its purpose and the techniques used. While nearly all massage therapists can perform regular massage, only those with specific sports massage skills are adequately equipped to perform a sublime sports massage.

What is a Pre-Event Sports Massage?

A pre-event massage is a short, specific treatment given immediately before (30 minutes- 24 hours before) a sports event.

The goal of a pre-event massage is to ...

Read full article about sports massage

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What is a Post-Event Sports Massage?

Recovery is the primary purpose of post-event sports massage.  Athletes push themselves harder during an event than while training.  It's your competitive spirit pushing you to the limit. For example, during a marathon most athletes run a greater distance during the event than they've ever run during their training.  A massage afterward is vital to assist a hasty pain-free recovery.

Your sports massage therapist will aim to ...

Read full article about sports massage

Common Massage Treatment Styles

• Deep Tissue Massage

• Lymphatic Drainage

• Relaxation Massage

• Remedial Massage

• Sports Massage

• Swedish Massage

• Therapeutic Massage

Common Massage FAQs

• Which PhysioWorks Clinics Offer Remedial Massage?

• What’s the Difference Between Remedial & Relaxation Massage?

• What are the Different Massage Styles and their Benefits?

• What Can You Expect at a PhysioWorks Massage?

• What Causes Post-Exercise Muscular Pain?

• What is the PhysioWorks Massage Guarantee?

• Why are PhysioWorks Massage Therapists in High Demand?

• What About Private Health Fund Rebates?

• How Can I Purchase a Massage Gift Voucher?

• What are the Common Massage Therapy Techniques?

• When is the Best Time for Your Pre and Post Event Massage?

Who are the PhysioWorks Massage Therapists?

Read full article about sports massage therapists

Got a Bunion? Here's a bunion splint that could help you at home.

Hallux Valgus - Bunion Splint

You can treat your foot bunion by simply wearing night bunion splint. A foot bunion (known medically as Hallux Valgus) is a deformity of your great toe that results in an angulation of your forefoot and great toe. Wearing a bunion splint at night has been shown to provide some foot bunion correction. By simply wearing you foot bunion splint every night, you can stretch the toe joint capsule that enables your toe alignment to passively correct. Better bunion treatment results will occur when you undertake a series of foot and bunion exercises as prescribed by your physiotherapist who specialises in bunion treatment. You may also find that off-the -shelf orthotics or orthotics prescribed by your podiatrist may assist the success of your bunion treatment. More information about Bunions More info or Buy Online Bunion Splint http://bit.ly/16oRy3N

More info or Buy Online Bunion Splint http://bit.ly/16oRy3N

What is your Scapulohumeral Rhythm? Why is it important?

Your shoulder-scapula joint motion has a normal functional motion patterns known as scapulohumeral rhythm - to provide you with pain-free and powerful shoulder function. When elevating your shoulder overhead roughly one-third of your shoulder motion occurs at your scapulothoracic joint and two-thirds at the glenohumeral joint. However, it is the timing and coordination of your shoulder muscles and how they control your scapulohumeral rhythm that is the most important factor. Alteration of this normal scapulohumeral movement pattern results in shoulder injuries, pain and impingement. Read full article here: Scapulohumeral Rhythm http://bit.ly/19Jfz4d What are the Symptoms or Abnormal Scapulohumeral Rhythm? Poor shoulder blade stability results in abnormal tipping and rotation of your scapular, which causes your acromion (bone) to pinch down into the subacromial structures (eg bursa and tendons) causing impingement leading to swelling or tears. Typically signs of abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm includes shoulder pain, instability and clicking. Researchers have identified abnormal scapulohumeral rhythm as a major cause of rotator cuff impingement. Your shoulder physiotherapist is an expert in the assessment of scapulohumeral rhythm. They will observe your shoulder motion and perform strength and control tests to assist their diagnosis. X-rays, MRI’s, ultrasound scans and CT scan are unable to determine scapulohumeral rhythm dysfunction. Scapulohumeral Rhythm Correction Read full article here: Scapulohumeral Rhythm Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Helpful Products Available Online Shoulder Injuries Acromioclavicular Joint Injury Bicep Tendonitis Fibromyalgia Fractured Shoulder (Broken Shoulder) Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Overuse Injuries Pinched Nerve Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinitis Rotator Cuff Injury Rotator Cuff Tear RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury Shoulder Arthritis Shoulder Bursitis Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Impingement Shoulder Tendonitis Stress Fracture Swimmer's Shoulder

Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online Now! 

What Causes a Bunion?

What is a Bunion? A bunion is a deformity of the big toe. A bunion is a toe that points at a sideways angle towards your second toe. There is also a characteristic bump on the inner side of the foot. As the bunion becomes more prominent, bunion pain can develop. The medical term for a foot bunion is hallux valgus. What Causes a Bunion? Bunions are a result of complex biomechanical changes that occur in your feet. The type of footwear that you wear does cause bunions. We know that foot bunions occur in about 30% of the population of most Western countries but only 3% in Eastern countries. They are seen most commonly in women and become more common as people get older. Tight-fitting shoes are thought to be the main cause of bunions.. Shoes such as high heels and shoes with tight toe boxes (eg womens fashion shoes and cowboy boots) are particularly damaging to the toes. These shoes have a sloping foot bed and a narrow toe box. The slope causes the front of the foot to bear your weight, which encourages your forefoot to widen. Also, the angle pushes your toes into the narrow toe box, causing the toes to become angled and squeezed together. With prolonged wearing of constraining footwear your toes will adapt to the new position and lead to the deformity we know as a foot bunion. Footwear is not the only cause of a bunion. Injuries to the foot can also be a factor in developing a bunion. Poor foot arch control leading to flat feet or foot overpronation does make you biomechanically susceptible to foot bunions. A family history of bunions also increases your likelihood of developing bunions. Many people who have a bunion have a combination of factors that makes them susceptible to having this condition. For example, if you are a women over the age of forty with a family history of bunions, and often wear high-heeled shoes, you would be considered highly likely to develop a bunion. Bunion Treatment Read full Bunion article. http://bit.ly/193vdGN Bunion Night Splints Bunion Night Splints are an option for stretching and re-aligning your toe joint. The most popular bunion splints that we recommend are: Darco Toe Alignment Splint More info: http://bit.ly/UFsRIZ Hallux Valgus Night Bunion Splint More info: http://bit.ly/QHqVM9 More Bunion Advice If you have any concerns or have some specific questions regarding your condition, please ask your physiotherapist. Contact Physio Works or Book Online Read full Bunion article. http://bit.ly/193vdGN Bunion Related Products Bunion Related Conditions Bunion Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs) Metatarsalgia Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Pinched Nerve Plantar Fasciitis Stress Fracture

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Kinesiology Tape for your Lower Back

What is Kinesiology Tape for your Lower Back? Lower Back Kinesiology Tape is a professionally engineered, dynamic therapeutic support for your lower back muscles. Finally, no low back pain and support that you can count on! Kinesiology tape helps you by: Improving feedback and timing of your back muscles. Decreasing back pain and enhancing lower back support while still being able to move freely. Restoring normal muscle activation. Improving muscle performance. Aiding in the prevention of further back injury. Providing your back additional protection during your healing phase. SpiderTech Lower Back Kinesiology Tape uses a high-grade cotton material with 100% acrylic, hypoallergenic adhesive. The kinesiology tape is water-resistant and breathable, and can be worn for up to 5 days. Lower Back Kinesiology Tape may assist the following conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis Back Muscle Pain Bulging Disc Core Stability Deficiency Degenerative Disc Disease Facet Joint Pain Fibromyalgia Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears Osteoporosis Overuse Injuries Pinched Nerve Piriformis Syndrome Pregnancy Back Pain Sacroiliac Joint - SIJ Pain Scheuermann's Disease Sciatica Side Strain (Abdominal) Spinal Stenosis Spondylolisthesis Spondylolysis (Back Stress Fracture) Spondylosis (Spine Arthritis) Stress Fracture How to Apply Lower Back Kinesiology Tape More info or Buy Online Kinesiology Tape http://bit.ly/193ulBT	More info or Buy Online Kinesiology Tape http://bit.ly/193ulBT