Elbow problems

Tennis or golfers elbow are both painful elbow conditions that are regularly treated with physiotherapy. Golfers elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow. They are usually due to overuse of the forearm muscles during tasks which include gripping or repetitive movement such as a keyboard or mouse use. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness and an inability to grip. Treatment may involve mobilisation of joints and soft tissues, electrotherapy or acupuncture.

Shoulder pain

There are a number of possible causes of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tears are common as a result of a fall, a sports injury or rotator cuff degeneration due to advancing age. Rotator cuff tears cause acute pain and loss of movement of the shoulder joint and eventually may cause muscle weakness. If untreated they may lead to a frozen shoulder, whereby the shoulder becomes stiff and painful with significant loss of function.

The shoulder area comprises of three joints and is known as the shoulder complex. Due to its complex biomechanics the quicker advice and treatment is sought, the more likely you are to avoid secondary problems.

Pain can occur from cervical spondylosis, which is degenerative wear and tear of the spinal joints. Acute injuries such as whiplash from a road traffic accident also leads to pain. Treatment may consist of massage, electrotherapy or acupuncture to help reduce the pain, muscle spasm and stiffness. Advice will be given regarding posture and home exercise programme.

Biomechanics can be used to treat a wide range of conditions including, heel or arch pain, shin splints, knee, hip or lower back pain. Achilles pain, recurrent ankle sprains and bunion pain. Here at Friarswood we offer bespoke custom made insoles.

Foot and ankle problems

Ligament sprains are a common injury and after the initial pain and swelling has resolved it is important to stimulate the balance receptors in the ligaments around the ankle, otherwise there is a strong possibility of re-injury

Calf muscle strains may be due to inadequate warm up and stretching, or due to a sudden burst of activity ie running. Treatment including ultrasound, massage, stretches and a progressive rehabilitation programme is crucial to ensuring muscle/tendon healing and to prevent re-injury or persistent tendonitis.

Plantar fascilitis is a very painful foot condition due to inflammation and tightening of the soft tissue under the sole of the foot. Pain is most commonly felt under the heel. It usually responds well to physiotherapy and treatment may include a biomechanical assessment of the foot and lower limb, ultrasound, massage, stretches and insoles may be recommended.

Incontinence can affect both women and also some men. Leakage may occur during activities such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, running or other form of exertion or exercise which can include dancing. For some women it may become a problem after childbirth and for many, it becomes more of a problem as we get older.
Treatment involves strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and retraining the bladder if necessary. The results are extremely good when the treatment programme is followed and we tailor treatment plans for each persons needs.

Physiotherapy can help a great deal by gentle exercise, positioning and advice about daily activities and most importantly, a lot of help and advice about core muscle strength and posture. We will guide you carefully through your pregnancy and help you afterwards.

Once your physiotherapist feels that you no longer require “hands on” treatment, they may transfer you to one of their group sessions where you can continue to strengthen in a class environment.

Treatment may include: spinal mobilisations and massage; electrotherapy such as interferential; ultrasound or acupuncture; a home exercise programme to stretch and strengthen the area; and advice regarding back care and prevention of future problems.

Sciatica

Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve. Symptoms may include low back pain and further referred symptoms into the lower limb, for example lower limb numbness, tingling and/or weakness. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain, together with exercise, to allow disc mobilisation and restoration of function as quickly as possible. Back care advice on how to prevent future injury will always be given.

Neck pain

Neck pain symptoms may arise from incorrect posture, spinal joint degenerative conditions or from whiplash.   Postural habits, such as sleeping positions or using a laptop/tablet on your knee, or from poor general posture in standing or sitting can lead to neck pain.  Pain can occur from cervical spondylosis, which is degenerative wear and tear of the spinal joints.   Acute injuries such as whiplash from a road traffic accident also leads to pain. Treatment may consist of massage, electrotherapy or acupuncture to help reduce the pain, muscle spasm and stiffness.  Advice will be given regarding posture and home exercise programme.

Headaches

May be caused by joint stiffness, tightness or spasm in the neck muscles. In these cases physiotherapy may be appropriate and helpful in resolving such symptoms. Treatment techniques would be the same as described in the “neck/whiplash” section.