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Do you experience pain when throwing? Whether this is sports related or just simply throwing the ball for your dog or with your kids, you could benefit from seeing a physiotherapist.
Pain with throwing activities could be due to any of the following (or a combination):
Shoulder pain is a very common problem that we all experience at different times throughout our lives. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint which allows movement in all directions, therefore increasing the likelihood of injury if not looked after. The shoulder requires a lot of stability to ensure it functions properly and reduce injury. It is important that we listen to our body when we are in pain, as it is telling us something is wrong. Left untreated, this could mean you are unable to throw the ball at all because the pain has become excruciating. Addressing the underlying causes will allow you to reduce the pain and improve overall function of your shoulder.
By ignoring the pain in your shoulder, increases the likelihood of this becoming a bigger problem. By seeing a physiotherapist, they will be able to identify the most probable cause and address this appropriately.
If you need to check your shoulder pain, please contact 07 4053 6222 to make an appointment.
For those with Migraine often the first thing they are told is… ‘we don’t know what causes migraine’ – not a great place to start! Then the consultation ends with something like ‘unfortunately this is something you have to live with’… and it is (because the research funded by pharmaceutical companies is focused on something in the head as being the cause), unless other possibilities are considered.
Despite decades of research by brilliant minds and funded by vast (pharmaceutical) financial resources focused on the cause as being within the head there is no agreement. The result… a band-aid! A great result for the pharmaceutical companies, but… for those with migraine?
Unfortunately, for the past 150 years it has been assumed that because of the throbbing nature of headache, the cause must be related to blood vessels inside the head. However, groundbreaking research over 20 years ago has shown that expansion of blood vessels is not the cause of Migraine.
Surely it is best to consider what is known about migraine. There is now widespread agreement that the underlying disorder in Migraine is a sensitised Brainstem… sounds serious (it isn’t), and… this is reversible.
The Brainstem stem also receives information from muscles, joints, ligaments and the disc from the top three joints in the neck… and research shows clearly that information from disturbances in the joints can sensitise the Brainstem… and 80-90 percent of migraineurs report accompanying neck pain/discomfort/ stiffness. Furthermore, many are frustrated that no-one is considering their neck, when their belief is that it is their neck – Migraine literally is a pain in the neck.
Determining if a disorder in the top three joints is responsible for sensitisation of the Brain stem in Migraine is straightforward.
By selectively moving each of the upper neck joints through their known (range of) movements in a smooth sustained manner, relevant (to Migraine) neck disorders can be identified. Temporary reproduction (and easing) of Migraine pain confirms a neck disorder as the sensitising source of the Brainstem in Migraine.
This examination is relatively easy by those skilled and experienced in the Watson Headache® Approach.
Furthermore, research has shown that treatment of relevant neck disorders using the Watson Headache®Approach desensitises the Brainstem – the only manual cervical approach which has been shown scientifically to affect the very core of the migraine process, and… without the side effects of the heavy-duty, anti-migraine medications – the Triptans – for e.g. Imigran, Relpax, Maxalt, Zomig etc.
If you are over medication (or have suffered significant side-effects), suspicious that your neck is involved, or that previous neck examinations and treatment has been inconclusive, and you are interested in making an appointment, please call: Proactive Physiotherapy Cairns 40536222
Migraine is a common condition affecting approximately 15% of the population and women are 3 times more likely to experience migraine. Of these, 60% of female migraineurs have Menstrual Migraine.
Of all types of migraines, those associated with menstruation (and often midcycle) tend to be the longest-lasting, most severe, and the most confusing and difficult to treat. It’s not surprising then that Menstrual Migraine is in the top 5 disabling conditions for women – Menstrual Migraine is a tough journey!
Historically, treatment has focused on artificially manipulating oestrogen levels. This is only natural because migraine or headache occurs around the time when there are the largest fluctuations of oestrogen (i.e. Day 1 and midcycle). Because of this the assumption is that oestrogen is responsible. But is it?
By definition (menstrual) migraine occurs on one side (and possibly swaps sides between episodes or within the same episode) of the head. How can oestrogen be responsible for this? Fluctuating oestrogen levels are not going to affect one side of the head!
Furthermore, research has shown that the hormonal patterns (i.e. the degree and pattern of hormonal fluctuations) of women with Menstrual Migraine are no different to those who are do not suffer Menstrual Migraine. This has prompted a leading authority to suggest that Menstrual Migraine occurs because normal oestrogen fluctuations are misread by an underlying disorder in the central nervous system, and recent research has identified this disorder – a sensitised Brainstem, the same disorder as in Migraine.
This recent development has significantly changed the treatment of Menstrual Migraine and involves specific anti migraine medication – the ‘triptans’ – which abort Migraine by DE-sensitising the Brainstem.
Given that Menstrual Migraine and Migraine share a common underlying disorder i.e. a sensitised Brainstem, it is not surprising that the triptans have been shown to effectively abort Menstrual Migraine. However, this can be costly and unfortunately triptan medication does not prevent recurrence.
A potential source of Brainstem sensitisation is a disorder in the upper neck and there are signs and symptoms supporting this possibility.
Firstly, Menstrual Migraine is a one-sided headache, so is Cervicogenic (neck-related) Headache.
Secondly, a one-sided headache that can occur on the other side between episodes, or within the same episode, is a Cervicogenic Headache; this behaviour is often present in Menstrual Migraine.
The possibility that upper neck disorders are sensitising the Brainstem in Menstrual Migraine is further strengthened by recent research demonstrating significant neck abnormalities in women with Menstrual Migraine.
Given that Menstrual Migraine and Cervciogenic (neck-related) share similiar presentations, the presence of neck disorders symptoms in Menstrual Migraine, and that neck disorders can sensitise the Brainstem, it seems logical that a skilled examination of the neck occurs when investigating the cause of Menstrual Migraine.
For a skilled examination of the upper neck please call: Proactive Physiotherapy 40536222
TDN is a highly effective technique that is used to relieve pain and muscle tension. It involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into a trigger point, or a painful
knot in the muscle. This technique is also known as intramuscular stimulation (IMS).
TDN target trigger points, which are a taut band of muscle fibres that can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. By inserting a needle into these trigger points, the physiotherapist can release the tension and encourage the muscle to relax. The needle also stimulate the body’s natural healing process leading to improve blood flow and oxygenation of the affected area.
TDN is a safe and minimally invasive procedure and is typically well-tolerated by patients. The procedure is performed by a licensed physical therapist who has completed specialised training in TDN. The therapist will evaluate your condition and determine if TDN is an appropriate treatment option for you.
TDN is often used to treat chronic conditions such as neck and back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, etc. It can also be used to manage pain and muscle tension associated with overuse injuries and sports injuries. In addition, TDN can be paired with other physical therapy techniques such as stretching and massage for optimal results.
If you suffer from chronic pain or muscle tension, TDN may be a viable treatment option. Call our clinic on 40536222 to book in with our physiotherapists to determine if TDN is right for you.
Think about the anatomy of the human body for a moment. You have the bony, relatively stable pelvis and you have the bony, relatively stable ribcage. Between these two areas, you have only your spine holding you up. Most of your spinal movement is achieved through this section of the spine and it is also the area that is most commonly injured. The body’s way of combating the lack of support in this region is through a unit of muscles called the core. Unfortunately, due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, as a population we are losing the ability to effectively activate and utilise our core muscles, which leads to injury and the development of poor posture.
Activating and strengthening the core is the fundamental principal of Clinical Pilates. The early stages of core strengthening should be very gentle to the body, but somewhat taxing to the mind, focusing on opening the nerve pathways that allow co-ordinated contraction of the core muscles. A high degree of concentration is required during this early phase and this sets the foundation to progress safely through to very high level physical activity.
Due to the highly individualised and tailored nature of Clinical Pilates, it is a safe and, indeed, ideal form of exercise for pregnant and post-natal women. The Pilates Clinician is able to adapt and prescribe exercises that will help to maintain and/or regain pelvic floor and deep abdominal function, prevent poor posture and reduce the
risk of pregnancy related pain. It is an excellent way to prepare the body safely for the birthing process. Similarly, Clinical Pilates is an empowering way for women and men to overcome continence issues related to reduced pelvic floor strength.me
Clinical Pilates is a well researched method of improving posture, decreasing pain and realigning the spine. As opposed to group Pilates classes, it involves an individualised program based on a musculoskeletal assessment of each person. Close physiotherapy supervision and the use of Clinical Pilates equipment such as the reformer, the trapeze table and the barrel allows the exercises to be graded and tailored to the specific needs of each individual. It also provides the flexibility to adapt exercises to ensure that any underlying condition is not exacerbated. This provides the perfect environment to retrain faulty patterns of movement, improve posture and correct any biomechanical faults.
Clinical Pilates has been gaining popularity throughout Australia and the world as a method of rehabilitation from injury, posture improvement and general spine maintenance for the past 10 years. The evidence-base for this cutting edge form of exercise rehabilitation continues to grow and improve with the use of technology such as Real Time Ultrasound to ensure precision in the integration of core control into Pilates exercises and ultimately, functional and sports specific activities.
There are several classes available. Please contact 07 4084 0602 to find out more.
According to the Continence Foundation of Australia, over 50% of women who have given birth have some stage of prolapse. Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when the ligaments and connective tissue supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and bowel/rectum) are damaged/stretched causing them to bulge into the vagina.
What causes Prolapse?
Childbirth is the most common cause of prolapse as the baby can stretch or tear the supporting tissue on its way down the vagina. The baby can also tear/stretch the pelvic floor muscles at birth.
Other causes include:
What are the common types of prolapse?
What are the symptoms of prolapse?
The symptoms of prolapse depend on the type of prolapse and how much pelvic organ support you have lost. In the early stages of prolapse it might be completely asymptomatic, but a GP/Physiotherapist may see it when you have an internal exam completed.
You may notice symptoms such as:
So how can a Pelvic Physiotherapist help with your prolapse symptoms?
Depending on the degree of prolapse your GP may advise you to see a Pelvic Physiotherapist before a gynaecologist as it can often be treated without surgery.
This approach involves:
We can offer some relief to you if you have been experiencing any or all of the symptoms listed above. Contact Proactive Physiotherapy today and organise your confidential appointment with one of our Pelvic Physiotherapists: 07 4053 6222.
Image by Advanced Gynecology
The Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ in short is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and is the most frequently used joint in the body. Considering how often we use our TMJ in a day as we eat, drink, talk or yawn… that’s a lot! When your jaw hurts, clicks, locks or is unable to open or close properly, you could be experiencing what we know collectively as TMJ Dysfunction.
Most people living with TMJ Dysfunction are often (but not necessarily) teeth grinders or clenchers. It can be a part of a bigger picture where it is sometimes accompanied by headaches, dizziness, facial pains, tinnitus (ear ringing), or upper neck pain. Milder forms of TMJ Dysfunction may just cause you a painless click in the jaw. However, did you know that over a period of years, a seemingly harmless click in the jaw can wear out the joint quicker?
There can be various causes and contributing factors to your TMJ Dysfunction and a physiotherapist with advanced training in jaw dysfunction can help to identify these factors, diagnose a jaw dysfunction, treat your jaw, and work alongside your dental practitioner to achieve a positive outcome.
If you are experiencing issues with your TMJ or feel the need to have it checked, the next step is to call our clinic on 40536222 to book in with our physiotherapists today.
Treatment techniques are aimed at improving/restoring the normal alignment of the jaw and may include treatment such as:
If your jaw is affected by a closing disorder, then your physiotherapist may refer you back to your dentist for their assistance in managing your TMJ dysfunction. The dentist will be able to provide you with a plate that will prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth at night whilst you sleep.
With the appropriate treatment, TMJ dysfunction usually resolves successfully, with many studies showing that the majority of patients (75%) improve within a 3-month period of commencing treatment. Most patients will notice a good improvement within the first 3-4 weeks of treatment.
If you would like assistance managing and resolving your TMJ dysfunction, please call us on (07) 40536222 to book an appointment with Julie who has a special interest in treating this condition.
By Rejoice Mojo
Osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes the skeleton to weaken and the bones to break, has been widely viewed as a “woman’s disease.” Current research and statistics have revealed that it poses a significant threat to millions of men globally. Moreover, among men whose lifestyle habits put them at increased risk, few recognise the disease as a significant threat to their mobility and independence. Fortunately, in the past few years, osteoporosis in men has been recognised as an important public health issue.
Often called a “silent disease”, osteoporosis progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs. It develops less often in men than in women as men have larger skeletons, their bone loss starts later and progresses more slowly as they have no period of rapid hormonal change and bone loss. Bone is constantly changing, old bone is removed and replaced by new bone. For most people, bone mass peaks during the third decade of life. By this age, men typically have more bone mass than women. After this point, however, the amount of bone in the skeleton begins to decline slowly as removal of old bone exceeds formation of new bone. Men in their fifties do not experience the rapid loss of bone mass that women do in the years following menopause, but by age 65 or 70, men and women lose bone mass at the same rate, and the absorption of calcium decreases in both sexes.
Sadly, Osteoporosis is greatly under-diagnosed, and under-treated in Asia Pacific which includes Australia. Over the next two decades, 319 million people within Asia Pacific aged 50 and above are projected to be at high risk of osteoporosis fracture.
Fractures resulting from osteoporosis usually occur in the hip, spine, and wrist which can lead to loss of independence with patients commonly unable to work, drive or complete everyday household tasks.
Several risk factors that have been linked to osteoporosis in men include:
It’s not all bleak, however, as Healthy Bones Australia and other organisations are working hard to implement policies to improve current management of Osteoporosis. As prevention is always better than cure, you could be proactive and assess your level of risk using an online tool called ‘Know your bones’.
Once diagnosed, in addition to medications, you will need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of Osteoporosis. Exercise is a major part of management, as bones require weight-bearing to maintain their strength.
So, if you have any concerns, give us a call and get physically active to save your bones. Let’s get all the men in our lives on board!
If you would like to make an appointment with our physiotherapist to discuss Osteoporosis, please contact 07 4053 6222 or book an appointment now!
“Cervicogenic” refers to ‘neck-related’ and therefore the cause of ‘Cervicogenic Headache’
lies in the neck; more specifically, research has shown that the cause will be found in the top three spinal segments or joints.
Consequently, head pain is referred from a disturbance of any structure supplied by the top three spinal nerves. These structures include an intervertebral disc, small muscles, joints and their associated ligaments and capsules.1
Recognising Cervicogenic Headache from symptoms only, according to some authorities, can be problematic. One of the confusing phenomena about Cervicogenic Headache is that its symptoms can present as Migraine, Tension Headache or even Cluster Headache.
So even though you may have been given a diagnosis of Migraine, Tension Headache, Cluster Headache or other forms of headache, it may actually be a ‘Cervicogenic Headache’, which means it is treatable.
Authorities agree and research has shown that the most convincing confirmation of Cervicogenic Headache during the physical examination is reproduction of usual head pain and easing of the pain as the technique is sustained, when examining the upper neck joints.
The Watson Headache® Approach by selectively stressing specific joints in a smooth, gradual, sustained manner not only confirms Cervicogenic Headache, but also specifically the joints involved. This takes the guesswork out of examination and treatment, significantly increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
The Watson Headache® Approach is internationally recognised for its unparalleled diagnostic accuracy, differing from established, general, non-specific approaches.
Examination of the upper cervical spine could prevent a lifetime of medication because of your Headache or Migraine, could be a Cervicogenic Headache and Cervicogenic Headache can be treated successfully.
Commencement of treatment can only be justified by temporary reproduction of usual head pain.
Furthermore, appreciable changes in headache or migraine need to be evident within 4-5 treatments to support ongoing treatment (if required).
Ongoing, ineffective treatment is unacceptable to all.
For further information, please contact: Julie Faulks @Proactive Physiotherapy 40536222
Posted by Adam Norris in Physio on September 21st, 2022
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of severe pelvic pain for women. It affects 1 in every 10 women during reproductive age. Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue resembling the endometrium lining is found outside the uterus- usually around the reproductive organ or between the pelvic organs. It can be found higher in the abdomen but is less common.
For a definitive diagnosis to be made laparoscopic surgery must be completed to confirm the presence of this tissue.
Common symptoms associated with endometriosis are:
ABSOLUTELY! Pelvic physiotherapy can have a key role in helping to manage the symptoms of endometriosis. Here is what we can help you with:
An overactive pelvic floor is one of the most common complaints with pelvic floor dysfunction in women exhibiting symptoms of endometriosis. This abnormal muscle tension in the pelvic floor develops as a response to the pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. This progresses so that even when pelvic pain isn’t present the muscles are still contracting. This dysfunction often becomes a secondary source of pain and can also lead to painful intercourse, problems emptying bladder/bowel and incontinence.
So how can we help?
2. Neuromuscular re-education
It is not uncommon to find women adapting “pain postures” due to pelvic pain. Most of these postures involve being hunched forward or curled in a ball to reduce pain. This in turn leads to shortened and tight muscles and weak muscles. We have a variety of muscle release techniques and strengthening problems to help combat this.
We can offer some relief to you if you have been experiencing any or all of the symptoms listed above. We do not need a diagnosis of Endometriosis to start helping you!
Contact Proactive Physiotherapy today and organise your confidential appointment with one of our Pelvic Physiotherapists.
References:
Endometriosis Australia | About Endo. (2020). Endo-Aust. https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/about-endo
Evans, S. F., & Bush, D. (2016). Endometriosis and pelvic pain. Susan F Evans Pty Ltd.
Hirsch, M., Duffy, J. M. N., & Farquhar, C. M. (2021). Re: Assessment of levator hiatal area using 3D / 4D transperineal ultrasound in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis and superficial dyspareunia treated with pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy: randomized controlled trial. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 57(5), 849–849. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.23636
Orbuch, I. (2019). Beating endo: a patient’s treatment plan for endometriosis.
Posted by Adam Norris in Physio on August 31st, 2022
Hamstring tears or strains are typically caused by stretching the soft tissues and muscles beyond their limits. Diagnosing a hamstring strain and what grade it is must be done by a qualified physiotherapist.
In many cases, the patient will suffer from a hamstring tear or strain when running. Other causes of hamstring tears or strains:
Ensuring you see a physiotherapist gives you the most effective way of achieving optimal recovery. The correct rehabilitation must be done to meet your needs and goals.