Torticollis

August 1, 2011 / Jane Watson / No comments

Torticollis is a condition which is found in babies usually up to 12 months, where their head is held to one side. As well, they are inclined not to turn their head to the opposite side. The problem is  due to a shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and is usually congenital, that is, present at birth. This muscle can feel tight and there may be a small lump present as well. Due to the head being held to one side and spending long periods of time on their back, the baby will often develop a flat spot on their head, termed positional plagiocephaly.

Physiotherapy for this condition involves some gentle stretching of the tight muscle and frequent positioning of the head to facilitate movement towards the opposite side. The mother can be shown how to achieve this with activities which promote the baby turning the head towards the desired side as well as some stretching. Such activities and stretches can be done frequently during the day as part of daily routine such as playtime, dressing, feeding and as part of their interaction with other family members. Tummy time should be done afew times a dayas it encourages normal use of neck muscles against gravity and takes pressure off the “flat spot”.

The problem can clear up within weeks when a suitable home programme is instituted.

Category: Child Physiotherapy /

Chronic Pain

May 22, 2011 / Jane Watson / No comments

I recently completed a course on Chronic Pain at The Pain Management and Research Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital. This presented some very interesting research done in the last 10 years on chronic pain including reasons for and management of chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects 17% of males and 20% of females in NSW. Pain can persist when underlying pathology is no longer present. Current research has replaced the traditional biomedical model of pain to include the biopsychosocial model of pain. The basis for this model is that pain pathways can also be affected by psychological factors and attitudes which increase central nervous system sensitivity resulting in higher pain levels. Pain cannot always be explained or equalled to underlying pathology. Patients often spend huge amounts of time and money on unnecessary medical investigations.
Early identification of risk factors and patient education can minimise the risk of transition from acute to chronic pain. If chronic pain is correctly diagnosed an appropriate management plan can be put in place.

Category: Chronic Pain /

Use an Expert

December 9, 2010 / Jane Watson / No comments

If you have pain, exercises should be commenced only after your problem is assessed by someone who is qualified to deal with injuries. It’s not a case of one size fits all. If people start doing the wrong exercises they could easily make their condition worse. Exercises should be prescribed after a thorough objective and subjective assessment by someone who has knowlege and experience in dealing with conditions which present with pain, movement impairment or malalignment .

A good assessment will determine which exercise is right for each patient. This may involve moving into the pain or avoiding pain depending on the nature of the underlying pathology and medical history. Exercises are usually directionally specific. There may be times when exercise may be contraindicated altogether. The patient’s response to movement gives valuable information used to determine the nature of the underlying condition and the type of exercise which will be used as a treatment technique.

When exercises are used to promote tendon healing, the starting point of the exercise is important. This will usually be the point at which pain is felt. The healing process is actually stimulated by the exercises and therefore they will need to produce some pain. Exercises will then be upgraded over time changing resistance, range, amplitude and/or other factors depending on the patients particular requirements. 

Also taken into account should be the needs of the person, the sport they play, the goals they wish to achieve, their lifestyle and personal preferences.

Category: Exercise /

Lumbar Rolls

November 23, 2010 / Jane Watson / No comments

When sitting for proplonged periods it’s wise to place a lumbar roll in the small of the back.  It’s common for back pain to begin after sitting in a slouched position for too long. When travelling an inflatable back cushion can be purchased at a low cost and could save you from spoiling your holiday by getting a bad back!

Category: Travelling Tips /

Back pain prevention

November 7, 2010 / Jane Watson / No comments

The spine is designed to be in the upright position. If you are bending or sitting for a prolonged period, stand up and lean back afew times. This reverses stress on soft tissue and bony structures in the low back. Arching the back in standing is a simple exercise and is very effective for preventing acute onset of low back pain.

If sitting for long periods, use a lumbar cushion. This maintains the normal curves in the spine (which is designed to be in the upright position) and prevents undue flexion stress. Over time this can cause stretching and deformation of soft tissue and bony structures which can lead to pain.

Some form of exercise 2 or 3 times a week is advisable, especially if you have a sedentary job. Walking and swimming are ideal because the spine remains in a neutral position. This promotes general mobility and strength and can be a healthy form of relaxation.

Category: Back Care, Mckenzie Method /
 
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