Category: Physiotherapy

My Doctor Told Me I Got A BULGING DISC? (Back Pain)

Posted on Education, Physiotherapy

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.

For more health related information do subscribe to our Youtube Channel

Health Kick 101 – All about health and fitness

Posted on Physiotherapy

Melanie is the founder of Capital Physiotherapy Health Group.

Melanie started this practice believing that she can introduce a better quality of care to Australia.
Capital Physiotherapy philosophy was always around a high client contact, high client care model. We have strong emphasis on proper diagnosis and also medical referral where it’s appropriate.

Melanie graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne. Melanie is a Certified APPI instructor (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute). She also did multiple sports, dancing, pre and postnatal as well as dry needling courses. She is also trained to perform Pre-Pointe, Pilates and running assessment. Melanie has a keen interest in treating and educating clients to help individuals recover and achieve their personal health goals.

Starting this Vlog Channel she would hope to reach more people to educate and promote healthy living in a casual and fun way!

Wry Neck

Posted on Physiotherapy

Wry neck is the sudden onset of moderate/severe pain in the neck. The pain is usually one sided. This pain is accompanied by muscle spasm which causes you to turn your head away from the painful side.

Cause of Wry neck

The exact cause of wry neck is not known however with diagnostic imaging intervertebral discs (which initially were thought to be the cause) have been ruled out. It is thought that one or more facet joints in the neck is the cause of the symptoms. These joints being put under stress in certain sleeping positions or neck positions. It is as if these joints become “locked”.

Who is at risk of Wry neck

Anyone is at risk of wry neck. It has been found that the most common age group for this condition is 12-30 years old

What to do at home

If you wake with similar symptoms to those described above the following steps can be taken at home to ensure maximum comfort before getting yourself to your nearest physiotherapist.
1 – Take analgesics – Paracetamol or Anti inflammatory drugs (nurofen/voltaren)
2 – Apply a cold pack – Approx 15 min at a time 3-4x daily.
3 – Maintain good posture (Upright, shoulders back and chin tucked in)
4 – Make sure you sleep on a low pillow

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy treatment includes but is not limited to the following
1 – Soft tissue massage
2 – Mobilisation of the facet joints
3 – Gentle stretching
4 – Postural advice
5 – Ice/heat

Importance of Core Strength/Stability

Posted on Physiotherapy

Many people have heard the term core stability bandied but few know exactly what the term actually means. In actual fact, core stability is as important in everyday life as it is in the gym. It helps to prevent injuries in activities such as sitting, driving, gardening, shopping and DIY.

Core stability basically refers to stability of the spine. The “core” is a group of muscles in your back and stomach which help support your spine and keep your body stable/balanced. These muscles are extremely important in allowing you to perform everyday activities safely.

It has been shown that those who do not have good core strength/activation are far more likely to sustain an injury to their back. A weak core also increases your chance of injuries elsewhere as more load will be placed on other muscles.

The core comprises a lot of muscles however the most important muscles of the core are two muscle groups you probably haven’t heard of.

Transverse abdominus

This is the deepest of the abdominal muscles. Think of it as a corset or a weightlifters belt – wrapping around the spine for support, protection and stability.

Multifidus

Is a group of small muscles close in to the spine. These muscles respond to the movement and action of the transverse abdominis. They are also the first to start to waste away in an episode of back pain.

If you are fairly sedentary (desk job). There is no doubt you have a weak core. Combine that with sitting all day and it is a disaster waiting to happen. A qualified physiotherapist can develop a suitable core strengthening program for you which will help prevent injure. PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE!!!

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0401 865 333 (South Yarra) or 0406 067 105 (Balwyn). We are happy to help!

It’s PAINFUL help me!

Posted on Physiotherapy

Many people come to see a physio when they are hurt and in pain. This could be due to a sports injury, a workplace incident or more commonly, those niggles that seem to never go away or even gets worse over time.

Whatever it is, pain is only a part of the injury. More than likely, there is a root cause of the pain or injury. You can take medication which will help to reduce the pain but without finding out the root cause, whether it’s next week or next month, it will most likely come back. So what can you do?

It’s important that you get to the bottom of your injury. That is why our consultation is longer than the industry normal, as this gives us a chance to delve deep into your history. At Capital Physiotherapy, our consultation involves a series of pinpointed questioning and movement tests to find out exactly why you are in pain. There may be areas of your body that is too tight or weak. There may be areas that has poor stability and poor muscle activation. Whatever it is, we will find them, provide you with an accurate diagnosis and start the treatment plan straightaway!

Remember, pain is simply a sensation that you feel when something is not right with your body. Panadol can mask the pain and let you do your normal activities, but if the pain continues, it is highly recommended that you see your trusted physiotherapist.
At Capital Physiotherapy, we also do running assessment and work ergonomic assessment. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to let us know if we can help you!