Wednesday 10 September 2014

BACK WEEK : TOP TIP, LIFTING

When lifting, it's the way you lift that is most important, not just the weight you are lifting. When lifting, try to be as close to the object as possible, squatting to make the lift. Use your legs to lift. Don't torque your body or bend during the lift.

Tuesday 9 September 2014

BACK CARE TIP

  • Eat a healthy diet and exercise, as being overweight can be a cause of back pain

  • STAY ACTIVE, CALL US NOW 0325863240

Thursday 7 August 2014

DRY NEEDLING FOR NECK PAIN

Neck Pain
Dryneedling can decrease pain and increase motion.

“When you have neck pain, the muscles in your neck are often painful to the touch. The irritable, hard “knots” within the muscle or connective tissue that may cause pain over a large area are called trigger points.

The researchers studied 17 patients. All patient’s neck pain began within 7 days of the start of the study. Half of the patients received trigger point dry needling, and the other half received no treatment. The patients who received the dry needling had better results.

Immediately after the treatment, their pain decreased by 33%. One week after the treatment, their pain was 66% less. Also, those patients treated with dry needling were better able to bend their heads forward and backward and to turn their heads toward the painful side of their necks.”

Source: Mejuto-Vázquez (2014) Short-Term changes in Neck Pain, widespread pressure pain sensitivity, and cervical range of motion after the application of trigger point dry needling in patients with acute mechanical neck pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):261. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.0502

All rights are reserved to the author and JOSPT


WATCH MY CLIP ON EXERCISES!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdalRdB1X4

Friday 1 August 2014

PAIN IN THE NECK? WATCH THE CLIP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdalRdB1X4

Pain in the Neck? Stretches and strengthening are essential to overcoming the symptoms. 

When muscles cross over each other there can be problems with "adhesions". For instance the SCM and the scalenes. Both are neck flexors, but the SCM is a contralateral rotator and the scalenes an ipsilateral rotator. If one is inhibited, and they are functional opposites, or the "brakes" for each other's movements, then one has to work harder. That extra work can cause inflammation and "stickiness". This principle applies throughout the body. Correct these relationships and watch function and mobility improve.

Friday 11 July 2014

GOT THE FLU? TRY A PHYSIO...BALLITO PHYSIO TALKS ABOUT CHEST PHYSIO

CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY

WHAT IS IT
A treatment consisting of different techniques to aid the removal of secretions from the lungs. 


WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?
1. Postural drainage aids mucus removal from different lobes of your lungs using gravity. By placing yourself or your child in different positions, mucus drains to the bigger airways where it can be coughed up. 

2. Chest Percussions
Or Clapping or tapping also known as "tappy tap" by some of my paed patients. 
This technique involves a rhythmic tapping of the chest to loosen up thick mucus so that it can be expelled.


3. Controlled Coughing/Supported Coughing
To break down secretions and expel mucus.

4. Deep Breathing Exercises/Autogenic Drainage/Active Cycle of Breathing, Huffing (Forced Expiration Technique)
Works on different air pressure in the lungs to move the secretions to the larger airways. Improves the distribution of oxygen by expending the lung tissue.

5. Vibrations
Performed with breathing exercises to facilitate movement of secretions. Gentle vibrations applied manually to chest wall to break down secretions.

6. Incentive spirometers, Peak flow meters and Bronchovibes and nebulization are essential adjuncts to complete your chest physiotherapy treatment.

STAY ACTIVE, KEEP BREATHING AND GIVE US A CALL 0325863240

Monday 7 July 2014

SINUSITIS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY

WHAT IS IT?
Infection of the paranasal sinuses occuring when there is a collection of fluid causing pressure and pain. 
Common causes allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory infections.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
Headaches, facial pain, pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth, excessive nasal drainage, fever.

HOW CAN PHYSIO AID THIS CONDITION?
Ultrasound therapy, Manual massage and drainage, Dry needling, Nebulization
Excellent results normally achieved in two or three sessions, depending on severity of condition and patient's compliance (eg. no smoking and attending follow up sessions)
  • A Alternative sinusitis treatmentHerbs for alternative sinusitis treatment:·         Echinacea – Boosts the immune system to fight infection
    ·         Ginger root –Crushed and applied to the forehead and nose to stimulate circulation and drainage
    ·          Anise, fenugreek, marshmallow and red clover – Help to loosen secretions and clear congestion
    ·         Bitter orange oil – can be used to swab nasal passages for local relief.

  • STAY ACTIVE. CALL US ON 0325863240

Friday 4 July 2014

CARPAL TUNNEL SURGICAL RELEASE

To satisfy your curiosity about surgical Carpal Tunnel release
Revision Carpal Tunnel Release
Orthopaedic Principles
Revision Carpal Tunnel Release in a Case of Proximal Median Nerve Hematoma Injury and Mild Compression Extended Version Complications following carpal tunnel release are uncommon with patients...
After watching the surgical carpal tunnel release, check out the my stretches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqNFtFyWgeo



STAY ACTIVE. 0325863240

CONGRATS DR PATEL.

Our practice applauds Dinesh Surendra Patel on his new venture. Congratulations and we wish you many years of success. Dr Patel has moved from the Casualty Unit at Alberlito Hospital into his private practice in 18 San Hall Office Park. His dedication to the Ballito community and high standard of care makes him a medical asset to Ballito.

Photo: Our practice applauds Dinesh Surendra Patel on his new venture. Congratulations and we wish you many years of success. Dr Patel has moved from the Casualty Unit at Alberlito Hospital into his private practice in 18 San Hall Office Park. His dedication to the Ballito community and high standard of care makes him a medical asset  to Ballito.

Wednesday 2 July 2014

BALLITO PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE TURNS TWO!

The 1st of July marked 2 years of dedicated service to the Ballito community. It is my driving force, my daily motivation to open these doors. I would not reach this milestone without the support and encouragement of my friends and family.

My referring doctors, it has been an honor to provide my service to your patients. We have a group of the most dynamic, educated and humble Doctors on the North Coast. I thank you.

Most of all to my patients of whom I continue to learn from, strive to please and appreciate being a physio because of them. It is their kind words, ongoing support and consistent loyalty that has got me to this milestone.
THANK YOU.






Friday 27 June 2014

PHYSIOTHERAPY ON ITB

Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome

WHAT IS IT?
A sharp disabling pain referring down the outside of your thigh, down to the knee.

The ITB is a thick band of tissue called fascia and originates on the outside of the hip and inserts into the side of the patella (knee cap) and the tibia, (shin bone). 
ITB  also attaches into the glutes and tensor facia lata muscle.



Causes
  • Too much too soon, ie not increasing distance when running gradually. The rule is 10% increase weekly
  • Poor training, Improper footwear 
  • Sudden addition of hill running to training
  • Muscle imbalances including weakness of the hip abductors, dominance of the gluteal muscles.
  • Poor flexibility/ tightness of lower limb muscles.
Prevention
Stop in the name of pain! If you feel discomfort on the outside of the knee when walking, running, get it checked out! 
TEST IT: If you walk with a stiff legged gait, and the pain goes away, you likely have this syndrome.

Treatment – See a Physio!
  • Ice to decrease inflammation. At least 4 times per day for 10 minute intervals.
  • Relative rest! Alternate running with another activity to prevent further tissue damage eg. swimming
  • Decrease the intensity of training session.
  • Stretching exercises.
  • Physiotherapy treatment to decrease inflammation and pain, stretch and strengthen and prevent re-occurrence.
  • Control any excessive pronation with orthotics if needed or change your footwear.
  • Foam roller.
Stretches
  • Stretches must be done slowly and gradually
  • Repeat five times or more each stretch.
  • Stretch often, Stretch both legs.
What to stretch, Piriformis and Iilotibial Band
Click the link for piriformis and watch the space for ITB stretches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxy8_dacMUY

Strengthening
Once the acute painful stage has subsided, Start 5 repetitions and progress to 3 sets of 20 repetitions with increasing resistance with weights or a resistance band.
  • Side Lying Abduction
Photo of lying on side raising a leg upwards
  • Side Lying with knees bent
Photo of lying on side, legs together and bent at the knee
Photo of pulling the knees apart
STAY ACTIVE!
I

3 EFFECTIVE CALF STRETCHES

CLICK THE LINK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I_sjY6JmdQ

Wednesday 25 June 2014

BALLITO PHYSIO TALKS HAMSTRING STRAINS.

With the Soccer fever in the air, I dedicate this blog to a common injury on the field. Infact Team USA's striker Jozu Altidore picked up a hamstring strain in his match against Ghana on June 16th resulting in him sitting out of the 2-2 draw against Portugal. 

What is a Hamstring Strain?

A hamstring strain is is characterised by partial or complete tear of one or more of the hamstring muscles as seen in the figure below. The hamstrings is made of 3 muscles:
  • biceps femoris
  • semimembranosus
  • semitendinosus
Hamstring strains are graded according to severity and symptoms. The strain can range from a grade 1 to a grade 3 tear and classified as follows:
  • Grade 1: a small number of fibres tear causing some pain, but allows full function.
  • Grade 2: More of fibres are torn with moderate loss of function. (Most Common)
  • Grade 3: Complete Tear of all muscle fibres resulting in major loss of function.

Causes 

Occur due to a sudden contraction of the muscle often when they are in a position of stretch.  They are commonly seen in running sports. 

Signs and symptoms of a hamstring strain

sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh, increasing with activity.
Swelling, muscle spasm, weakness, and bruising in the back of the thigh.

Diagnosis of a hamstring strain

A thorough examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose a hamstring strain

Treatment

Your physiotherapy treatment will aim to:
  • Reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Normalise your muscle range of motion.
  • Strengthen your hamstrings and other lower limb muscles.
  • Improve your proprioception and balance.
  • Improve your technique and function eg running, sprinting, jumping, hopping and landing.
  • Minimise your chance of hamstring re-injury.

Monday 9 June 2014

PLANTAR FASCIISTIS/ HEEL PAIN

Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis 
Plantar fasciitis is the biggest cause of heel pain.

What is the Plantar Fascia
It is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot. This fascia prevents over fattening of your normal arch of your foot. Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of this connective tissue

Risk Factors
You are more likely to develop this condition if you are:

Active - Repetitive excessive stress. ie. Running, ballet dancing and aerobics.

Overweight/Pregnancy - Carrying around extra weight increases the strain and stress on your plantar fascia..

On your feet – Jobs that require prolonged standing/ excessive walking ie factory workers, teachers and waitresses.

Flat Feet or High Foot Arches – Changes in the arch of your foot changes the shock absorption ability and can stretch and strain the plantar fascia.

Incorrect Footwear - Wearing shoes with poor support.

Weakness in Foot Arch Muscles.

Can It Be Treated
The good news is that it is reversible and very successfully treated.


-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroid). 

-correct your foot and leg biomechanics 
-Physiotherapy

-foot devices such as orthotics.

STAY ACTIVE

Thursday 5 June 2014

CALF STRAINS

CALF STRAINS 

What is a calf strain?

A strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon. People commonly call such an injury a "pulled" muscle. A calf strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons in the back of your leg below your knee.

How does it occur?

A strain of your calf muscles can occur during a physical activity where you push off forcefully from your toes. It may occur in running, jumping, or lunging.

What are the symptoms?

A calf muscle strain may cause immediate pain in the back of your lower leg. You may hear or feel a pop or a snap.

You may get the feeling that someone has hit you in the back of the leg. It is hard to rise up on your toes. Your calf may be swollen and bruised.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine your lower leg. Your calf muscles will be tender.

How is it treated?

To treat this condition:

Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a cloth on the area every 3 to 4 hours, for up to 20 minutes at a time.
You could also do ice massage. To do this, first freeze water in a Styrofoam cup, then peel the top of the cup away to expose the ice. Hold the bottom of the cup and rub the ice over the calf for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this several times a day while you have pain.
Raise your leg on a pillow when you sit or lie down.
Use an elastic bandage around your calf as directed by your provider.
Use crutches, if it is too painful to walk.
Take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days.
You may have physical therapy, which may include treatment of the muscle tissue by a therapist using ultrasound or muscle stimulation.
Your healthcare provider or therapist may tape the injured muscles while they are healing to help you to return to athletic activities.
Follow your provider’s instructions for doing exercises to help you recover.
After you recover from your acute injury, use moist heat for 10 to 15 minutes at a time before you do warm-up and stretching exercises. Do not use heat if you have swelling.
While you are recovering from your injury, you will need to change your sport or activity to one that does not make your condition worse. For example, you may need to swim instead of run.

How long will the effects last?

The length of recovery depends on many factors such as your age, health, and if you have had a previous calf injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild calf strain may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer to recover. You need to stop doing the activities that cause pain until the muscle has healed. If you continue doing activities that cause pain, your symptoms will return and it will take longer to recover.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your activities depends on how soon your calf recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury has occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better. The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury.

You may safely return to your activities when, starting from the top of the list and progressing to the end, each of the following is true:

You have full range of motion in the injured leg compared to the uninjured leg.
You have full strength of the injured leg compared to the uninjured leg.
You can walk straight ahead without pain or limping.
How can calf strains be prevented?

Calf strains are best prevented by warming up properly and doing calf-stretching exercises before your activity. This is especially important if you are doing jumping or sprinting sports.

Monday 2 June 2014

TENNIS ELBOW

 Tennis elbow is caused by a strain to the tendons in your forearm.
 You may feel pain in your arm and tenderness in your elbow.
•  It can often be easily treated and your pain should ease within 2 weeks.
•  If you can, avoid repetitive movements of the elbow and hand.
•  You can take painkillers to ease pain. Taking them before exercise can help you stay active without causing extra pain.
•  Using an ice pack or hot-water bottle and learning how to protect your joints will help.
•  Try the exercises suggested here to help ease pain and prevent  future symptoms.

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, STAY ACTIVE.

Friday 30 May 2014

Tuesday 27 May 2014

CORRECT DESK AND STANDING POSTURES

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, CORRECT YOUR ERGONOMICS. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR BODY, YOUR PAIN AND STAY ACTIVE.

Wednesday 30 April 2014

RESISTANCE TRAINING - THERABAND

RESISTANCE TRAINING IA AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF REHABILITATION AND PROGRESSION. 
Theraband is  a cost effective tool to achieve strength, fitness and rehabilitation goals in the comfort of your own home. Different resistance levels are determined by thickness of the band therefore allowing simple progression of exercises. 
Resistance exercises aids controlled force on muscles, increasing strength and range of motion and improving coordination. Theraband costs less, is portable and versatile with unlimited uses.
Sold at Most Physiotherapy rooms, Get one today.
EXAMPLE OF USING A RESISTANCE BAND
1. BICEPS CURLS
Begin with standing onto a THERA-BAND under your feet and around your hands as seen below. Remember to keep your back and elbows straight. Slowly bend your elbows against the resistance, contracting and tightening your biceps. Perform 2 sets, 10 reps without eliciting pain.

Tuesday 29 April 2014

PAIN IN THE BUTT? YOU MIGHT HAVE PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME


DO YOU HAVE PAIN IN THE BUTTOCKS REFERRING TO THE BACK OF THE THIGH. OFTEN TERMED SCIATICA OR PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME.

CLICK MY LINK FOR EFFECTIVE STRETCHES AND INFO ON PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxy8_dacMUY

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, STAY ACTIVE.

Friday 25 April 2014

FUNNY FRIDAYS : PHYSIO CLIP

CLICK THE LINK FOR SOME HUMOUR SURROUNDING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

ONE FOR THE CHARLIE CHAPLIN FANS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s558DwU19hA


UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, STAY ACTIVE AND KEEP LAUGHING!

Thursday 24 April 2014

TEXT NECK : GLOBAL EPIDEMIC

CAN GADGETS BE HARMFUL?

TEXTNECK
We all enjoy the convenience of the digital world we live in. With information at our fingertips, a loved one is just a bbm away and getting engaged isn't real unless we upload a post on Facebook.

Kindles, ipads, iphones, blackberries... How did we ever live without it. Ever heard "too much of a good thing..." Well these mobile devices have their advantages BUT are the reason for the escalating statistics of back and neck pain.

Carpal Tunnel is so 1990, the new techno induced injury is Text Neck. Dr. Dean Fishman (a Chiropractor in Florida, has coined the phrase text neck for technology induced injuries.

WHAT IS TEXT NECK
Text Neck is a term used to explain the repetitive strain injury caused by excessive texting and overuse of all of our other favourite handheld electronic devices.



WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
Adopting this forward flexion of the cervical spine for prolonged hours results in a decreased curvature of the cervical spine and these postural changes results in muscle imbalances causing pain, headaches, referred pain into the hands and lower back ache.

In other words...
TOO MUCH TEXTING=HUNCHED POSTURE=PAIN

HOW TO PREVENT IT?... There's An App for That!!!
There is an app for Android devices that flashes a green light when you are holding the device correctly and a red light if not... how cool is that?!?
Take regular breaks
Call instead of texting
Hold the Device up infront of you so your head picks up and not hunched over when using the device.
Do the prescribed exercises to follow on our next Youtube Clip on Text Neck.

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, STAY ACTIVE AND STOP TEXTING.

MAYBE THIS WOULD BE BETTER... LOL

Wednesday 9 April 2014

KNOW YOUR PAIN.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAIN IS THE KEY TO OVERCOMING IT

CLICK THE LINK TO UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN.

GO ON... BE IN CHARGE OF YOUR PAIN, DON'T LET THE PAIN CONTROL YOU!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4b8oB757DKc

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN STAY ACTIVE AND PAIN FREE.

Thursday 27 March 2014

Wednesday 26 March 2014

RUNNING YOUR FIRST MARATHON, BROWSE THESE TIPS



PHYSIO TIPS FOR A COMRADES RUNNERS.
1.     REST AND RELAX. :
3 weeks before the race, slow down on your training, maintain the intensity but decrease the time you spend working out gradually.
·          3 weeks to go: 75 % of your normal workout.
·          2 weeks to go 50 % of your normal workout.
·          Last week : 25% of normal workout.
        This will leave you well-rested, but still alert and sharp, when you step over the line.
2.     Slow Down!
Pace yourself so you have enough fuel for the final km’s. Even though you are well rested, don’t run too fast at the start.
3.     Walk it off:
Speed walk the water stops. It is imperative to stay hydrated during a race. You need at least two cups of fluid at each water stop. But, if you are run through the stations you end up spilling half on your shirt! There is no recovery if you get dehydrated on race day.
4.     Take it in.
Take in nutrients. Water alone will not sustain your energy levels. Even if you have gulped down a sizable breakfast, fuel up with a type of energy bar during the race.
5.     Cover up!
Warm cloths and a throw-away blanket to the start of the race. Sitting on the icy ground in the cold for two hours to is not a comfortable way to prepare for your run. Cold or stiff before the race will land you in some trouble.
6.     Stay Positive, You will do it!
Always stay positive. For every runner, you will experience pain and self doubt, your body will say no. Stay positive and think of just outing one foot in front of the other and don’t give in to your negative thoughts.
7.     'High-five" a fellow runner every 10 kms.
This will help keep you motivated, and put into perspective whether you’re on point or will be crawling to the finish.
8.     Don't be intimidated.
Don’t get scared by the serious runners. Everyone will seem strong and fit. Looks mean nothing as everyone starts strong. Stay determined as this is your race.

HAVE FUN, STAY STRONG, TAKE IN THE SUPPORT FROM THE CROWDS AND GET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO CHEER YOU ALONG THE WAY.

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, STAY ACTIVE AND KEEP RUNNING.

           Lianca Dookran          
"Hands On Physio on Hand"
032 5863240     0727294763

Check out our BLOG!

*** OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT IN OUR PHYSIO ROOMS FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.