Category: Education

Ergonomics

How posture affects the spine

In a person that sits with normal posture, the curvatures of the spine assume an “S-shape.” This allows even distribution of body weight loads throughout the spine. Over-time with prolonged sitting, the postural muscles of the back can fatigue leading to the adoption of poor posture. In a person with sitting posture the natural curvatures of the spine can become “C-shaped which leads to an abnormal distribution of body-weight loads on the spine. In particular, excessive stress is placed on the lower back, neck and upper thoracic areas which can lead to symptoms such as pain and stiffness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good posture: S-shaped spine             Poor posture: C-shaped spine

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics utilises sciences such as anatomy, physiology and engineering to design tools that allow people to work more safely and comfortably in their work environments to help reduce the risk of poor health outcomes and improve performance.

How can Capital Physiotherapy implement ergonomics to help you?

Capital Physiotherapy can incorporate ergonomics into their physiotherapy assessment and treatment to help improve posture in the workplace and thus reduce symptoms associated with poor sitting posture. Our physiotherapists can provide advice about alterations to the workplace environment to improve aspects such as desk height, chair set-up and positioning of desk items to aid the adoption of good posture. At Capital physiotherapy, we can also determine which muscles and joints are affected by poor posture and provide treatment to reduce symptoms associated with muscle tightness, joint stiffness, muscle weakness and altered muscle activation.

Some of our treatments may include:

• Taping
• Massage
• Muscle activation, strengthening and stretching exercises
• Dry needling
• Hands-on manual therapy
• Education about posture

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Posted by Capital Physio -Leah Christoforou

Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SIJ pain) is pain felt at or near the sacroiliac joints of your pelvis as a result of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These are joints located at the 2 dimples of the lower back. The pain often feels deep within your lower back and can occur on one or both sides of your back. In some cases, pain radiates down to the buttock and the back of the thigh.

While pain may begin at any time during pregnancy, SIJ pain on average begins in the 18th week of pregnancy and becomes more intense as the pregnancy progresses. The pain usually spontaneously resolves within 3 months post delivery. But in some cases it can become chronic and disabling.

This video will educate mother-to-be on SIJ pain, when and how it happen and what should be done to treat this issue.

For further help, please visit our main page at www.capitalphysiotherapy.com.au

If you do suffer from back pain, I highly suggest you seek professional help ASAP.

At Capital Physiotherapy, we can accurately diagnose your pain and give you tips and strategies to help make your pregnancy journey a smooth and pain-free experience.

How Does it Feel?

People with SIJ dysfunction may experience:

• Pain that may be sharp, stabbing or dull, localized to 1 side of the pelvis/low back, groin, or tailbone.
• Pain that may radiate down to the knee.
• Pain with movements, such as standing up from a sitting position, turning in bed, or bending/twisting.
• Muscle tightness and tenderness in the hip/buttock region.
• Pain with walking, standing, and prolonged sitting.
• Pain that is worse when standing and walking, and eases when sitting or lying down.

Shoulder impingement syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when there is impingement of tendons or bursa in the shoulder from bones of the shoulder. Overhead activity of the shoulder, especially repeated activity, is a risk factor for shoulder impingement syndrome. Examples include: painting, lifting, swimming, tennis, and other overhead sports. Other risk factors include bone and joint abnormalities.

With impingement syndrome, pain is persistent and affects everyday activities. Motions such as reaching up behind the back or reaching up overhead to put on a coat or blouse, for example, may cause pain.

Over time, impingement syndrome can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons(tendinitis) and bursa (bursitis). If not treated appropriately, the rotator cuff tendons can start to thin and tear.

For more information, book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists for a more tailored recovery program that suits you best.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzNlDUtncKA

BULGING Disc? Herniated Disc?

One of a common reason for lower back pain is due to a bulging disc. But what exactly is a disc?
The disc is a gel like substance that sits in between our bones in the spine, the vertebrae). These discs acts to help with: shock absorption, spinal stability and allows a more efficient movement from the spine. The discs are made up of two parts: the more elastic outer shell, which keeps the shape of the disc together, and the gel like inside.

In normal movements, the disc will get compressed and extend in certain parts, depending on the movement. For example, bending forwards will result in the front part of the disc to be compressed, while the back part will be distended.

When you have a ‘disc bulge’, what happens is, instead of the outer elastic part keeping the disc’s shape, it has protruded out (this is called Bulged Disc). Depending on the severity of the injury, the gel like content can actually seep out as well! (This is called a Herniated Disc). 

Symptoms

Apart from pain, this bulging disc may be severe enough that it touches the nearby nerve root. When this occurs, you may also experience the following symptoms: pins and needles, numbness, burning, electrical shocks as well as loss of power in your legs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is important that you seek a trusted physiotherapist that will be able to do a comprehensive assessment on you to get the correct diagnosis quickly. Without the right diagnosis, your treatment will be ineffective.

At Capital Physiotherapy, our initial appointment is 60 minutes, instead of the normal 20-30 minutes. This allows our physiotherapists the time to complete a full assessment so that the right treatment be implemented. The quicker your back is treated, the better your outcome is!

We are well equipped at providing you the best care to get you back on your feet. Treatments may include:

• Mobilisation
• Massage
• Electrotherapy
• Exercise prescription, including building core strength
• Pilates equipment, including: reformers and Wunda Chair.

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