Don’t Suffer Alone with Pain from a Prolapsed Disc!

Author: Rebecca Garrod |Published: 26/02/2014

The pain from a prolapsed disc is usually very painful and it is caused when a disc between the vertebrae bulges out of its normal place (commonly called a slipped disc).  As a result, it may press on nearby nerves causing even more pain.  It may be that coughing or moving may worsen the pain and you may experience pain, tingling or loss of feeling in your arm if the disc is touching a surrounding nerve.

Prolapsed Disc

Patients suffering from a prolapsed disc are almost always referred for physiotherapy, as it is important to keep moving for a speedy recovery.  Physios will use a variety of techniques including manual therapy, massage and acupuncture.

Are you or someone you know suffering from a prolapsed disc?  Don’t suffer! Our specialist physios are able to see you at home or work and we are often able to arrange the first appointment within 24 hours.  For more information and contact details please visit our local Physio Comes To You page.

Last Review Date: 26-02-2014

What Everyone Ought to know about the Gluteus Medius Muscle

Author: Rebecca Garrod |Published: 13/02/2014

When you walk, run or jump, the gluteus medius muscle is crucial in keeping you stable.  When there are problems with this muscle you may develop what is known as a trendelenburg gait or limp.

Whilst standing on one leg, your gluteus medius should contract and prevent the hip on the other side of your body from dropping.  However, when there are problems with your gluteus medius, your body may compensate by changing your movement pattern and this will put strain on other parts of the body such as your back, hip, knee and ankle.  The gluteus medius muscle also plays a role in tilting the pelvis sideways, taking the leg out to the side and also stabilising the head of the thighbone.

gluteus-medius

Test your gluteus medius now by standing in front of a mirror on one leg and see if the hip on the other side of your body drops.  Although this is not necessarily evidence that you have problems with your gluteus medius, it may indicate instability in this area. 

Faulty movement patterns, knees that collapse inwards, lower back issues and poor posture can all contribute to gluteus medius problems.  However, under the supervision of your physiotherapist, the following exercises can help strengthen your gluteus medius:

On your side with your legs on top of one other, bend your knees 90 degrees.  Keeping your feet together gently lift up your top knee.

On your side with your legs on top of each other, lift your top leg without bending your knees. 

Stand on one leg, and lift your opposite leg as if stepping onto a step. Contract the muscles within the standing leg. Check your pelvis is not dropping by doing this exercise in front of a mirror. 

Walk sideways like a crab with a TheraBand around your hips to add resistance.

Standing on one leg, push into your heel and squat down.  Make sure you are not dropping your pelvis and that your knee or ankle is not collapsing inwards. 

It may be that your gluteus medius is strained and if so it may contract and become painful.  If this happens, the muscle may need releasing.  A foam roller over the area can really help to release any tension.

Are you experiencing problems or pain in your hip?  Do you suspect it may be caused by problems in your gluetus medius?  Our specialist physios are able to see you at home or work and we are often able to arrange the first appointment within 24 hours.  For more information and contact details please visit our local Physio Comes To You page.

Last Review Date: 13-02-2014

Runner’s Knee and the Role of Physio

Author: Rebecca Garrod |Published: 10/02/2014

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a knee problem seen in runners, hikers, cyclers and weightlifters and is more commonly known as Runner’s Knee.  You may experience a sharp tingling just above the knee joint or swelling up to your lower thigh.  The pain will be felt when your foot strikes the ground.

The best way to treat Runner’s Knee is to avoid weight bearing, apply ice packs, use an elastic bandage around the knee and keep it elevated.  When the pain and inflammation is reduced your physiotherapist can help you to regain a wide range of motion in the area.

If you have been affected by Runner’s Knee your physio will also look at exercises to strengthen your gluteals (muscles around your bottom) and may also refer you to an orthopedic shoe specialist for insoles so that your body is aligned properly when you move.

Runner's Knee

Are you or someone you know suffering from Runner’s Knee? Our physiotherapists can see you in your home and we can set up an initial appointment within 24 hours. For more information and contact details please visit our local Physiocomestoyou page.

 

Last Review Date: 10-02-2014

Why is Massaging Your Baby So Important?

Author: Rebecca Garrod |Published: 04/02/2014

Baby massage is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their babies and research shows that it builds trust; helps relieve postnatal depression as well as relaxing your baby releasing trapped wind.  It also helps develop your baby’s coordination and body awareness.  Massaging your baby at the end of the day or before naptime also helps them drift off to sleep.

There are additional benefits for babies with special needs including socialisation, improved eye contact and relaxation of tight muscles.  Some babies are especially sensitive to touch and massage can help settle their sense of touch enabling them to accept different textures and not become overpowered.

Baby Massage

Our highly specialist paediatric physiotherapists can teach you the theory behind baby massage how to perform it effectively. Physiocomestoyou can see you and your baby in the comfort of your own home and we can usually set up an initial appointment within 24 hours. For more information and contact details please visit our local Physiocomestoyou page.

Last Review Date: 04-02-2014