Physio Talk

Stem cell therapy for knees

 
Feb 26, 2013

PHYSIO TALK

Recently I went to an orthopedic update and one of the main topics of interest was the future of stem cell therapy.

 The results at this stage are very positive but the surgeons are eagerly awaiting the results of a study which will be published in May 2013 which will give us results for a larger group of people.

Stand up for health's sake

 
Sep 14, 2012

Tanya_pepper

PHYSIO TALK with TANYA PEPPER

Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

BY 2020, experts predict the majority of the health budget will be spent on health-related problems associated with obesity and alcohol.

This is a scary prospect when you consider all the other health problems and that these two could be reduced or eliminated with a little more self control, respect for one’s self and knowledge.

Proper posture prevents pain

 
Jul 20, 2012

Tanya_pepper

PHYSIO TALK with TANYA PEPPER

Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

WITH more and more people working from home, it is important your work station is set up correctly.

Your work station should be positioned to cause the least amount of stress on your body. Prolonged hours of poor posture or repetitive work habits, often in a stressful environment, can result in significant overuse injuries.

Stretch yourself to sleep

 
Jun 01, 2012

Tanya_pepper

PHYSIO TALK

By Tanya Pepper, Stanwell Park Physiotherapy 

NOCTURNAL cramps, night cramps or cramps that you get while you are asleep, affect between 38-50 per cent of the elderly.

The cramps often cause sharp, intense pain that can last up to several minutes resulting in sleep disturbances. About 20 per cent of sufferers experience these cramps during the day as well.

Exercise to manage asthma

 
Apr 13, 2012

Tanya_pepper

PHYSIO TALK

By Tanya Pepper, Stanwell Park Physiotherapy 

ASTHMA is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Asthma seems to be genetic or environmental or a combination of both with Australia having one of the highest prevalence in the world with 10-15 per cent of the population being diagnosed with asthma. Avoidance of such triggers as cigarette smoke, allergens and air pollution can be ways of reducing asthma attacks.

Look at that body

 
Mar 02, 2012

Tanya_pepper

PHYSIO TALK

By Tanya Pepper, Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

HAVE you ever looked at yourself in photos or in the mirror and seen your body leaning to one side and your head tilted? Do you spend hours slouched in front of the computer, sitting with your legs crossed?

These postures can become habits, putting abnormal stress on the spine that, over time, can lead to muscle weakness, tightness and even osteoarthritis.

Up to our necks in headaches

 
Jul 07, 2011

PHYSIO TALK with TANYA PEPPER

Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

DO you suffer from headaches? There are more than 300 types of headaches with many different symptoms and causes. One of the most common types of headaches is a cervicogenic headache. In simple terms, this is a headache which comes from your neck and is commonly seen in patients between the ages of 20 and 60.

Cervicogenic headaches usually occur when the neck loses range of movement and excessive stress is placed on the upper joints of the neck. This may occur due to an event such as trauma from a car accident. However, more commonly, it is due to repetitive or prolonged stress being placed on the neck from poor posture, whether slouching in front of the TV, at work, on the computer, sitting on the train or driving.

Sciatica: a real pain in the butt

 
Jun 03, 2011
PHYSIO TALK with TANYA PEPPER
Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

SCIATICA or a pinched nerve is usually a term used to describe pain that runs down the back of the leg. The sciatic nerve branches off the spinal cord from the lower back (L4 and L5) and runs down through the buttocks, then the hamstring, onto the calf and finishes at the foot.

While sciatica is most commonly a result of a disc herniation or slipped disc pressing onto the nerve, any cause of irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve can reproduce the symptoms of sciatica. Other causes include irritation of the nerve from adjacent bone, such as with moderate to severe osteoarthritis, tumours, muscle injury, internal bleeding, infection and postural changes with pregnancy.

Getting pain off your back

 
Apr 27, 2011

PHYSIO TALK with TANYA PEPPER
Stanwell Park Physiotherapy

BACK pain is a very common problem that will affect 80-90 per cent of the population at some stage of their lives. Of these, 80-90 per cent will get better within 12 weeks but, unfortunately, about half of all people who get back pain will have further episodes.

The spine, as the main structure of the body, has a significant role in not only protecting the spinal cord but also providing support for the pelvis, legs, ribcage, arms and skull.

The main structures which make up the back are:

  • Vertebrae – boney structures which, when stacked together, form a loose S-shape. Each of these bones contains a roundish hole that, when stacked, creates a channel that surrounds the spinal cord. Each vertebra is joined by a pair of small joints known as facet joints.
  • Intervertebral discs – round spongey pads of cartilage that have a jelly-like centre. These discs maintain the space between the vertebra to allow for flexibility and act like shock absorbers throughout the spine to cushion the bones as the body moves.
  • Spinal nerves – branches of nerves from the spinal column that lie between the vertebrae. These nerves relay messages from the brain to and from the muscles and joints of the body.
  • Spinal ligaments – connective tissues that hold the spine together.
  • Muscles – provide structural support and allow for movement.
  • The spine has four regions. Starting at the top is the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-7), then 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-12), followed by five lumbar vertebrae (L1-5) and lastly the sacrum and coccyx.

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