Back Pain & Sciatica
Back pain and sciatica pain are closely related medical conditions. Many times, sciatica pain is the result of a medical back problem. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and consists of nerve roots in the lower back and runs through the buttock and down the back of each leg. Portions of this nerve branch out to the thigh, calf, foot and toes. Sciatica nerve pain is often characterized by the following symptoms.
- Low back pain that radiates down the leg
- Leg pain with burning and tingling
- Numbness in the leg or feet
- Continual pain on one side of the buttock
- Sharp pain
- Trouble sitting and getting up
Neck Pain & Headaches
Neck pain and migraines have a complicated relationship. While in some cases a severe injury to the neck can lead to severe headaches, in other situations neck pain could be the result of a severe migraine. Either way, it is never a good idea to assume that one is the result of the other. Seeking treatment for neck pain when the cause of your concern is actually a migraine will not lead to successful pain management. The best thing that you can do when experiencing neck pain and headaches is to consult with a physiotherapist to determine the cause of your pain, and to address the issue from there.
Unfortunately, one of the leading reasons as to why neck pain is often so difficult to treat is because it takes a long time before it is taken seriously. Waiting too long to address your neck pain following an injury can lead to severe pain—and can make the injury more difficult to manage. By the time people seek treatment for their neck pain and headaches, it’s not because of the occasional twinge, but rather for problems that have lasted several months. The most common reasons people seek treatment for neck pain and headaches include:
While there are some situations in which the cause of your headaches or neck pain may be clear, such as being in a recent car accident or suffering a sport-related injury, in many situations the cause is not as obvious. In some situations, serious pain can develop from issues that you may not take seriously, such as poor posture or even dietary concerns. Driving long distances or working for hours on end at your desk can also weigh heavily on your neck and can lead to chronic migraines. It is common for a physiotherapist to have to spend time working with you to determine what might have caused the pain in the first place. Determining the cause of the pain can increase precision for treatment in alleviating pain, as well as help you to prevent the injury from happening again in the future.
Unfortunately, one of the leading reasons as to why neck pain is often so difficult to treat is because it takes a long time before it is taken seriously. Waiting too long to address your neck pain following an injury can lead to severe pain—and can make the injury more difficult to manage. By the time people seek treatment for their neck pain and headaches, it’s not because of the occasional twinge, but rather for problems that have lasted several months. The most common reasons people seek treatment for neck pain and headaches include:
- Chronic migraines and tension headaches
- Loss of full neck functionality, including becoming unable to turn one’s head completely
- Soreness in the neck, shoulder and upper-back
- Stabbing pains, especially in the neck
- Pain radiating from the neck and shoulders to the fingertips
While there are some situations in which the cause of your headaches or neck pain may be clear, such as being in a recent car accident or suffering a sport-related injury, in many situations the cause is not as obvious. In some situations, serious pain can develop from issues that you may not take seriously, such as poor posture or even dietary concerns. Driving long distances or working for hours on end at your desk can also weigh heavily on your neck and can lead to chronic migraines. It is common for a physiotherapist to have to spend time working with you to determine what might have caused the pain in the first place. Determining the cause of the pain can increase precision for treatment in alleviating pain, as well as help you to prevent the injury from happening again in the future.
Shoulder Pain Relief & Rotator Cuff
The shoulder provides a versatile range of motion and is comprised of three bones: the humerus, the scapula and the clavicle. Its joint is the most mobile in the human body and allows circular, forward and backward movement. This wide range of motion is due to the rotator cuff, which is four tendons that connect the muscle to the bone.
There are a number of conditions that can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause is a rotator cuff injury. A rotator cuff injury can be due to tendinitis, bursitis or tears. Those who have to reach overhead repeatedly usually incur a rotator cuff injury like painters and tennis players. Bursitis is caused by an inflammation of its fluid-filled sacs. Rotator cuff tears or strains can occur after a fall or car accident. Any type of shoulder injury will typically cause a lot of pain.
Other causes of shoulder pain include a pinched nerve, frozen shoulder or a dislocated shoulder. A pinched nerve is when another structure is impinging on a nerve. It’s quite painful. A frozen shoulder is where muscles, ligaments and tendons stiffen and become difficult to move. Activities are generally limited. With a dislocated shoulder, the ball of the humerus comes out of the shoulder socket. And with age, the soft tissues around the shoulder can degenerate and cause pain. Most people will incur some type of shoulder pain in their lifetime.
There are a number of conditions that can cause shoulder pain. The most common cause is a rotator cuff injury. A rotator cuff injury can be due to tendinitis, bursitis or tears. Those who have to reach overhead repeatedly usually incur a rotator cuff injury like painters and tennis players. Bursitis is caused by an inflammation of its fluid-filled sacs. Rotator cuff tears or strains can occur after a fall or car accident. Any type of shoulder injury will typically cause a lot of pain.
Other causes of shoulder pain include a pinched nerve, frozen shoulder or a dislocated shoulder. A pinched nerve is when another structure is impinging on a nerve. It’s quite painful. A frozen shoulder is where muscles, ligaments and tendons stiffen and become difficult to move. Activities are generally limited. With a dislocated shoulder, the ball of the humerus comes out of the shoulder socket. And with age, the soft tissues around the shoulder can degenerate and cause pain. Most people will incur some type of shoulder pain in their lifetime.
Hip and Knee Pain
There are a variety of causes for both hip pain and knee pain. While the hip joint can withstand a good amount of wear of tear, it’s not indestructible. With age and usage, the hip cartilage can wear down. Muscles and tendons in the hip can also get overused. The anatomy of the knee is complex; it has bones, pads of cartilage and a joint capsule. Injury or aging can cause joint pain in the knee.
Motor Vehicles Injury
Head and back injuries from a car wreck are typically the most serious. Head injuries can lead to vision problems, skull fractures and concussions. With a concussion, you may experience dizziness and headaches. Another common car accident injury is herniated disk. Neck and chest injuries are also common, with whiplash being the most common accident injury. Whiplash can be very painful and restrict movement. Sudden movement of the neck and head in a car accident can cause whiplash. Blunt force trauma from a car accident can collapse lungs and break ribs.
Indeed, car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries. For a quicker recovery, it’s best to engage in physical therapy treatment.
Indeed, car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries. For a quicker recovery, it’s best to engage in physical therapy treatment.
Workplace Injuries
Injured workers are a lot like injured athletes; only the playing field is different. And like an athlete’s injury, doctors typically recommend physical therapy to treat a work injury. If you need physical therapy for a work injury, workman’s compensation should cover the costs for treatment. At the same time, there are some basic rules to get that treatment covered with a workman’s comp claim.
First of all, the physiotherapy treatment needs to be ordered by your treating physician, and Workcover must give approval. If you don’t get approval for work injury rehab, there are some steps you can take to get the treatment approved.
First of all, the physiotherapy treatment needs to be ordered by your treating physician, and Workcover must give approval. If you don’t get approval for work injury rehab, there are some steps you can take to get the treatment approved.
- Ask the doctor’s office to file a Workcover form requesting approval
- Get a worker’s compensation lawyer
Sports Injury
There’s always a certain amount of risk for sports-related injuries when playing sports. Contact or collision sports have higher injury rates, such as soccer, baseball, basketball and rugby. Twice as many males suffer sports-related injuries compared to females due to the types of sports they play. Whether you’re a seasoned and trained athlete or weekend warrior, there’s always a chance of incurring a sports injury.
Myofascial Trigger Point
Myofascial trigger points, also known as trigger points, are described as hyperirritable spots in the skeletal muscle. They are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers.[1] They are a topic of ongoing controversy, as there is limited data to inform a scientific understanding of the phenomenon. Accordingly, a formal acceptance of myofascial "knots" as an identifiable source of pain is more common among bodyworkers, physical therapists, chiropractors, and osteopathic practitioners. Nonetheless, the concept of trigger points provides a framework which may be used to help address certain musculoskeletal pain.
The trigger point model states that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns which associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere. There is variation in the methodology for diagnosis of trigger points and a dearth of theory to explain how they arise and why they produce specific patterns of referred pain.
The trigger point model states that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns which associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere. There is variation in the methodology for diagnosis of trigger points and a dearth of theory to explain how they arise and why they produce specific patterns of referred pain.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull. If there is an injury to this joint or it becomes damaged, it can cause TMJ syndrome. TMJ can also be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, gum chewing, arthritis, teeth grinding or jaw injury. Symptoms of this TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw, jaw popping, headaches, sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, pain in the temple and earache. It’s important to realize that the temporomandibular joint is a complex and important structure comprised of bones, tendons and muscles, and you may have pain on one or both sides of the jaw.
Post-Surgical Rehab
Rehabilitation is a big part of recovering after having surgery. It’s important to understand that post-surgical rehab is a long process. While surgery can be done within a few hours, rehabilitation may take many months and even up to a year. And while the actual timeframe for recovery depends on many factors, it’s important that you are totally committed to the process. Keep in mind that post-surgical rehab is a progressive activity. For example, workloads on a repaired joint are done gradually. It’s a complex process that’s a bit like baking bread. You’ve got to wait for the dough to rise before you put it in the oven. It’s the same with recovering from surgery. You have to wait some time to help the biological process do its work.
Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain
You likely will never realize how dependent your day to day life is on the functional and pain-free use of your hands, wrists and elbows until you experience an injury or other cause of chronic pain that impedes your ability to do tasks freely and without discomfort. Hand, wrist and elbow pain creates a huge complication in your life, preventing you from being able to engage in the simplest of tasks without discomfort. Depending on the severity of the pain, issues with your hands, wrists or elbows could prevent you from being able to drive, work on the computer, cook dinner, use your phone, do tasks around the house, and so much more.
What makes matters even more complicated is the interconnected nature of your hands and arms. Injury to one part of your hand or arm could cause pain throughout the entire area. Hurting your finger could cause pain in your hand, and a cramp in your palm could lead to discomfort through your wrist and arm.
Leaving hand pain, wrist pain, or elbow pain to heal on its own is a bad idea. Regardless of how hard you try to rest these areas, chances are the constant need to complete even minor tasks will continue to aggravate the pain and may cause you enhanced discomfort. If you experience pain that lasts longer than a day or two, it is a good idea to contact your physical therapist to gain understanding about the reason for the pain, and to explore different treatment and pain management options.
What makes matters even more complicated is the interconnected nature of your hands and arms. Injury to one part of your hand or arm could cause pain throughout the entire area. Hurting your finger could cause pain in your hand, and a cramp in your palm could lead to discomfort through your wrist and arm.
Leaving hand pain, wrist pain, or elbow pain to heal on its own is a bad idea. Regardless of how hard you try to rest these areas, chances are the constant need to complete even minor tasks will continue to aggravate the pain and may cause you enhanced discomfort. If you experience pain that lasts longer than a day or two, it is a good idea to contact your physical therapist to gain understanding about the reason for the pain, and to explore different treatment and pain management options.
Foot and Ankle Pain
The ankle is a hinged joint formed by the meeting of three bones- the tibia, fibula and the talus. Its bony knobs on the side are known as the malleoli. All in all, the ankle is a complex structure. These structures provide stability for walking and standing. In addition, ligaments on the outside of the ankle provide stability. There are also tendons that attach to the ankles’ muscles.
Arthritis
The two types of arthritis that typically result in arthritic pain are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is common for those over age 60, but it can also be the result of injury, poor mechanics and overuse. This type of arthritis is characterized by a breakdown of cartilage which surrounds joints. It is cartilage that is responsible for distributing forces and lubricating joints. When you don’t have enough of it, the bones rub together and cause pain. Bone fragments can also break off and bone spurs can grow. The spine, knees, hips and hands are the common sites for osteoarthritis. In addition to pain, there’s a decrease in flexibility, and an increase in stiffness and tenderness.
Rheumatoid arthritis is when the body attacks itself; it’s an autoimmune disease. The lining of the joints gradually becomes inflamed. Symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, inflammation, swelling and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is often found in the feet, wrists and hands. However, if it isn’t properly treated, it can spread to other areas like the knees and hips. Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fever, weight loss, decreased appetite and continual exhaustion. Physiotherapy can help both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is when the body attacks itself; it’s an autoimmune disease. The lining of the joints gradually becomes inflamed. Symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, inflammation, swelling and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is often found in the feet, wrists and hands. However, if it isn’t properly treated, it can spread to other areas like the knees and hips. Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fever, weight loss, decreased appetite and continual exhaustion. Physiotherapy can help both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic Pain Syndromes
Pain is a problem that can severely affect your life and keep you from completing or enjoying daily activities. Physiotherapy services can help relieve symptoms and dramatically improve your ability to function normally. A physical therapist can evaluate your personal situation and create a treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your pain. Call us today to learn how we can help relieve your pain.
Whenever a person is injured, pain signals travel from the injury through the spinal cord and to the brain. Pain normally becomes less severe as an injury starts to heal. Chronic pain, however, is different. Your body will keep sending pain signals to your brain, sometimes even after the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last from several weeks to several years. It can hinder your ability to move easily and effectively. Pain can make it difficult to engage in daily activities and complete normal tasks.
Chronic pain comes in many forms. It can occur in any part of the body. It can be sharp or dull and intermittent or steady. Chronic pain can affect you more than just physically. It can take a mental and emotional toll as well as drain your energy and motivation. It’s important to address your chronic pain as soon as possible by visiting a trained physiotherapist.
Whenever a person is injured, pain signals travel from the injury through the spinal cord and to the brain. Pain normally becomes less severe as an injury starts to heal. Chronic pain, however, is different. Your body will keep sending pain signals to your brain, sometimes even after the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last from several weeks to several years. It can hinder your ability to move easily and effectively. Pain can make it difficult to engage in daily activities and complete normal tasks.
Chronic pain comes in many forms. It can occur in any part of the body. It can be sharp or dull and intermittent or steady. Chronic pain can affect you more than just physically. It can take a mental and emotional toll as well as drain your energy and motivation. It’s important to address your chronic pain as soon as possible by visiting a trained physiotherapist.
Neurological Disorders
A neurological physical therapist is one who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement difficulties due to an injury or disease of the nervous system. A neurologic clinical specialist (NCS) is a physiotherapist who has advanced training in neurological therapy. These specialists develop a plan of care using a variety of treatment techniques to help restore function and help you move better with a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Neurological conditions are challenging and having a team of these specialists on your side is very beneficial. Studies have shown that physical therapy is very beneficial to those who suffer from neurological conditions.
Fibromyalgia
Most of us can deal with a little pain. We may have the occasional ache from overdoing it at the gym or a twinge from bumping our shins on the bed, but most of the time we can ignore it, take an anti-inflammatory and go about our day. But when pain is widespread throughout your body and is accompanied by fatigue, changes in mood and sleep patterns, you may be dealing with a more serious physiological condition. Sound familiar? Call us to find out more about your symptoms and get a jump start to recovery.
Fibromyalgia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms. Typically, a person who is experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas of the body, changes in mood or muscle pain can be diagnosed with this condition. While it is unclear what causes fibromyalgia, some believe the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body that activates the fight or flight response. Many people first experience symptoms after a physically or emotionally traumatic event. Others begin having pain after bouts of chronic stress or depression while some have symptoms that build over time. Fibromyalgia tends to affect women more than men and if you have a family member with the condition, you are more likely to experience it as well.
Fibromyalgia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms. Typically, a person who is experiencing debilitating fatigue, tender areas of the body, changes in mood or muscle pain can be diagnosed with this condition. While it is unclear what causes fibromyalgia, some believe the pain is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body that activates the fight or flight response. Many people first experience symptoms after a physically or emotionally traumatic event. Others begin having pain after bouts of chronic stress or depression while some have symptoms that build over time. Fibromyalgia tends to affect women more than men and if you have a family member with the condition, you are more likely to experience it as well.