Conditions

Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are very common and are caused by injuries affecting the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. As the shoulder has a high degree of flexibility, it is, therefore, less stable and more prone to injuries than other joints of the body.

Since the nerves that supply the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, conditions such as Vertebral Dysfunction commonly contribute to pain in the shoulder.

Physiotherapists can assist with the following shoulder pain conditions:

• Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
• Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension
• Rotator Cuff Disorders such as tears and strains
• Frozen Shoulder
• Arthritis of the Shoulder

Diagnosis

In order to determine the cause of your shoulder pain, your Physiotherapist will conduct a full physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination of the shoulder, cervical and thoracic spine.

You will be asked to perform shoulder range of motion and muscle strength tests. Where the pain is felt, both at rest and during movement of the shoulder provides important clues as to the cause of the shoulder pain. It may also be necessary to undergo specialized diagnostic tests such as XRay, Ultrasound and/or MRI scans.

Shoulder Pain Treatment

The initial objective of all shoulder injuries is to relieve pain and inflammation. Whilst many doctors will recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling, the benefit obtained by applying ice-packs can be equally, if not more beneficial.

As your shoulder begins to heal, it is vitally important to restore range of movement, and later to improve muscle strength so as to stabilize the shoulder and help prevent further injury and aggravation.

Your Physiotherapist will be able to assist you with a suitable shoulder range of motion exercises and shoulder strengthening and rehabilitation exercises during your recovery.

If you are one of the many Australians that suffers with neck pain, neck ache or neck stiffness, you will be pleased to know that our proven Physiotherapy approach may offer the solution you have been searching for.

Neck pain is very common with about one in 10 people having it at any given time. This comes as no surprise when we consider the activities of modern life such as sitting in front of a computer, watching prolonged periods of television and an increasing incidence of poor posture – particularly forward head posture.

Problems within the neck can also cause headache, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome and upper back pain.

We encourage you to contact us for a thorough assessment with one of our Physiotherapists if you regularly experience any of the following,:

• persistant neck ache first thing in the morning
• neck stiffness when reversing in the car
• clicking neck noise when turning
• constant aching neck muscles
• tingling in your hands or fingers

Causes

By far the most common cause of neck pain relates to the effects of poor posture. In order to understand the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so important.

Your head weighs about 5 kgs and in normal alignment it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work very hard to maintain this postion and easily withstand short periods of variation. The problem arises when we assume awkward positions for prolonged periods, the fine balance is disturbed and the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of your neck become strained and irritated. In fact, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm’s that your head is forward! Over time, the neck strain and pressure accumulates to a point where it becomes chronic and even the smallest changes in posture cause significant effects. Coupled with the stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise why neck pain is so common.

Other common causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis and sporting injuries.

Treatment

Thankfully, Physiotherapy offers a very effective treatment for neck pain. After conducting a complete history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, your Physiotherapist will recommend a course of treatment that aims to reduce pressure, restore movement and prevent recurrence. Typically, your Physiotherapist will recommend the following:

• postural advice and how to avoid further strain
• a series of spinal mobilisations to restore proper movement to the neck vertebrae
• massage to tight neck muscles
• neck exercises to encourage improved movement
• neck strengthening exercises
• heat/ice therapy to help manage your neck pain
• recommend a contoured pillow to provide corrct support while sleeping.

Does any of this relate to you? Give us a call to rid yourself of pain now!

Back pain is an extremely common condition with up to 80% of the population experiencing it at some time during their lives. Although the underlying pathology of back pain is usually not serious, it is an important cause of pain in the community and has considerable impact on the economy due to time taken off work. Whilst the vast majority of patients with back pain will recover within 6 weeks, a small number will go on to develop chronic back pain and a gradual deterioration in functionality.

Causes

Most causes of back pain are the result of irritation or poor function of the bones, joints, ligaments or muscles in your back. Such irritation can be the result of vertebral dysfunction, a common condition that occurs when the spinal vertebrae compress or irritate the delicate nerve structures of your back. Other causes of back pain include inflammatory arthritis (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, Rheumatoid arthritis), and fractures due to osteoporosis. Back pain may also be ‘referred’ from another location. Less common conditions causing back pain include cancer (usually from another source such as the prostate or lung), serious infections and compression of the spinal cord.

Assessment

Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed orthopaedic, neurological and spinal examination to determine the exact cause of your back pain. Other tests including x-rays and digital scanning may also be recommended.

Treatment

Physiotherapy treatment of back pain focuses on restoring function to poorly moving spinal joints, as well as reducing muscle tension and increasing muscle strength. This results in improved movement, reduced pain and deceased nerve irritation. Treatments are tailored to the individual case usually consisting of spinal and soft tissue mobilisation, postural education, strengthening exercises, stretching and heat/cold therapy.

Please contact us to arrange your comprehensive lower back consultation to help identify the exact cause of your back pain and begin a course of corrective care today!

Arthritis is a term used to describe 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically our joints. As our population ages, the number of people with arthritis is growing. The most common forms of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Juvenile arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• Scleroderma

The symptoms and problems related to arthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each another) and surrounding structures. This can cause joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with your activities of daily living and have a significant impact on your quality of life. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with over 3 million Australians affected. This comes at a great cost to our economy in medical care and indirect costs such as loss of earnings and lost production.

There is a belief that arthritis is simply a consequence of age, however it is not a natural part of ageing. In fact a high number of all people suffering from the disease are actually of working age. There is no cure for arthritis yet, however research suggests that early intervention and rehabilitation can delay the onset of the disease and may reduce the number of cases of osteoarthritis by a significant amount. While the condition is usually manageable, it invariably impacts on a patient’s quality of life and includes varying degrees of discomfort and pain. Are you or a loved one suffering? Call us now to get the help you need.
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au

The body’s nervous system is not immune to damage and dysfunction. Like muscles, bones, joints and ligaments; our nerve pathways can also experience trauma and irregularities. In many neurological conditions, the problem is caused by abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves in the body. There is a range of symptoms that effect people who suffer from neurological conditions including muscle weakness and paralysis, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion and pain. Let us tell you about some of the neurological conditions that we treat:

Stroke

A stroke can happen in two main ways:

1. Blocked Artery: A blood clot or plaque blocks a blood vessel in the brain (ischaemic stroke).
2. Bleed in the brain: A blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures (haemorrhagic stroke).

The brain is divided into several areas that control different functions. These include how you move your body, receive sensory messages (such as touch, sight or smell), use language and think.

Every stroke is different and each person suffering a stroke will have different problems and different needs. The way in which you might be affected depends on where in the brain the stroke happens and how big the stroke is. A stroke on the right side of the brain generally causes problems on the left side of the body. A stroke on the left side of the brain causes problems on the right side of the body. Some strokes happen at the base of the brain and can cause problems with eating, breathing, movement, balance and co-ordination.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the control of body movements. 
It is predominantly diagnosed in the middle to later years (50-75 years), however up to 20% who are diagnosed, are between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease vary between individuals.

Three main symptoms include:

• Tremor: This usually begins in one hand and then spreads to the leg, before crossing to the other side. Typically it is most noticeable at rest and when stressed or tired, and disappears during movement and when asleep.
• Rigidity or stiffness: The muscles seem unable to relax and are tight, even at rest. You might feel that your muscles will not do what you want them to do.
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement): The brain is not able to control smooth and delicate movements. Fine motor coordination is reduced with handwriting often smaller. Many experience “freezing” or periods of immobility.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system is part of the body’s communication system. It is made up of the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerve. Scars appear in the central nervous system as inflammation created by the body’s immune system cells breakdown myelin, the insulating material that covers the nerve fibres. This can result in impairment of motor, sensory and cognitive functions to varying levels of extent.

The cause and cure of MS is still very much unknown. It is estimated that 23 000 Australians have MS. The frequency and severity of attacks cannot be predicted. Every case of MS is different to another. Some people may have one or two episodes and then remain symptom-free for the rest of their lives. In others with MS, it can progress steadily over many years, which results in a slow deterioration of an individuals functional capabilities.

Symptoms of MS can be any combination of the following:

• Motor control – muscular spasms and problems with weakness, coordination and balance
• Fatigue
• Other neurological symptoms – including vertigo, pins and needles, neuralgia and visual disturbances
• Continence problems – including bladder incontinence and constipation
• Neuropsychological symptoms – including memory loss, depression and cognitive (thought-related) difficulties.

Other Neurological conditions include:

Motor Neuron Disease

Guillain Barre Syndrome

Peripheral Neuropathy

Brain Aneurysm

Brain Tumors

Spinal Cord Tumors

To find out more information, or to book a time to get started on the management of your neurological condition, call us now for an expert plan, treatment, and support system. At My Mobile Physio, we are committed to delivering the best and most tailored designed physiotherapy solution to ensure the highest quality of life possible.

Respiratory conditions encompass a number of diseases that affect the lungs or their components, and they are characterised by impairment of the gas exchange process in the lungs. Respiratory conditions represent a significant burden on the Australian community, and in particular amongst older people. There are many respiratory conditions/diseases out there but the most common can be split up into OBSTRUCTIVE or RESTRICTIVE conditions.

The 2 most common obstructive respiratory conditions are Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Asthma: a common disease of the airways which causes the muscles in the airways to tighten and the lining to become swollen, inflamed and producing a sticky mucous. These changes cause the airways to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Most people only have asthma when they inhale a trigger such as pollen or exercise without the correct preparation. With good management, people with Asthma live a normal, active life.

COPD: an umbrella term for a group of obstructive airways disorders including Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. A long-term condition which leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and more difficult for air to get in and out of the lungs.

A restrictive lung condition stops the lungs from expanding how they should, making it more difficult to breathe. 2 common restrictive conditions are Pneumonia and Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pneumonia: an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria or viruses. The alveoli (small air sacs in the lungs) in one or both lungs become filled with pus and fluids, which interferes with gas exchange and can make it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can affect all ages but the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Pulmonary Fibrosis: a respiratory condition where by scars are formed in the lung tissue, gas exchange is reduced and subsequently patients suffer from perpetual shortness of breath.

The symptoms you may experience with a respiratory condition vary between individuals, they may include:

• Shortness of breath (on exertion or at rest)
• Cough
• Coughing up mucus/sputum
• Wheezing
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Fatigue
• Increased susceptibility to chest infections
• Chest pain
• Depression

Respiratory physiotherapy services can be used at all ages and all stages of respiratory disease. Traditionally physiotherapists aid the mobilisation and removal of secretions from the lungs, however this is only one of the many problems physiotherapists can address:

• maintain/improve exercise tolerance
• improve function and activities of daily living
• control breathlessness and reduce work of breathing
• improve the efficiency of ventilation
• mobilise and aid the expectoration of secretions (mucus/sputum)
• improve knowledge and understanding
• reduce pain
• improve mobility

If you suffer from an acute or chronic respiratory condition and would like help managing your symptoms and improving your function, give My Mobile Physio a call now.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospital admissions in people aged 65 years and over. A staggering 40% of adults over the age of 65 years of age fall each year. Furthermore, at least 40% of people who have been hospitalised because of a fall, will then require subsequent care in a nursing home.

Falls often occur in people who have problems with balance. Several body systems working together are responsible for balance: the visual system (eyes), the vestibular system (ears) and proprioception (the body’s sense of where it is in space).   Balance disorders often cause an individual to feel unsteady when standing or walking. They can be accompanied by feelings of dizziness, spinning, or floating. When there is a loss of function in any of these systems, balance problems and falls are often the result.

Human balance depends on the interaction of our senses and our ability to control the movement of our bodies. These abilities decline significantly as we age, which can lead to falls, even when there are no identifiable neurological or musculoskeletal problems.

If you’ve had a fall in the past six months, your chances of falling may be increased. There are many factors that can increase the risks of falling.

These include:

–  Hazards in the home:

• Poor footwear that is loose or does not fit well
• Indoor hazards such as internal steps, rugs on the floor, slippery floor tiles, inadequate lighting at night in hallways
• Outdoor hazards such as uneven or slippery footpaths, overgrown gardens or steps that don’t have handrails

–  Sensory and balance problems:

• Muscle weakness
• Reduced vision
• Poor balance
• Decreased sensation

–  Medications

The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to help prevent falls and minimise your injuries if you do fall. Knowing your risk factors and taking a few precautions is a good start!

Things you can do to reduce your risk of falling include:

• Eat healthily
• Keep fluid intake adequate
• Maintain an active lifestyle, with regular exercise
• Take medication only as prescribed
• Wear comfortable, firm-fitting, flat shoes with a low wide heel
• Wear shoes that have adequate grip to avoid slippery surfaces
• Do not walk in socks

At My Mobile Physio, our balance exercise programs and falls prevention strategies place significant importance on vision, lower limb strength and sensation, reaction time and postural stability. Our skilled physiotherapists provide expertise in balance and mobility problems for older people. We will identify the main factors causing your unsteadiness or falls, develop a management plan with you and provide you and your carers with information and support.

To find out more information, or to book a time to get started on addressing you or your loved ones recurrent falls and balance problems, call us now for an expert plan, treatment, and support system. At My Mobile Physio, we are committed to delivering the best and most tailored designed physiotherapy solution whilst ensuring you maintain dignity, confidence and independence.