Ice or Heat?

Let’s take a look at the therapeutic use of ice and heat. As a rule of thumb, you should apply an ice pack as soon as possible after an injury; applying it for 10-15 minutes, and repeating after 60-90 minutes. Make sure that the ice pack is dry, and covered in a layer of material. … Continue reading Ice or Heat?

TemporoMandibular Disorder

Let’s take a look at temporomandibular disorder (TMD).   TMD is a problem affecting the muscles and joints between the lower jaw and the base of the skull. Up to 30% of adults will experience TMD at some point in their lives. The condition itself isn't usually serious, and the symptoms – pain, jaw joint … Continue reading TemporoMandibular Disorder

Posture

Let’s take a look at posture.   There is a lot of misinformation, and fear in relation to posture; but ultimately there is no such thing as a frankly “wrong posture”; or a “right posture” for that matter. What is most important is that you don’t maintain any one posture for too long. Having said … Continue reading Posture

Lumbar Disc Injuries

Slipped disc Let’s take a look at lumbar disc injury; also falsely known as “slipped disc” – please note, the disc does not slip, this is a horrible term that deserves to be consigned to the dustbin of the English language! Lumbar disc injuries are most common in people aged between 30 and 50. They affect … Continue reading Lumbar Disc Injuries

Neck Pain

Let’s take a look at neck pain. Neck pain is common, but not normal. Causes include trauma, poor posture, muscle strain, bone abnormalities, and more, the vast majority are not serious. Diagnosing neck pain may require X-rays, MRIs, and other imaging tests, though often imaging may show abnormalities that aren’t causing any pain. Consequently, imaging … Continue reading Neck Pain

Facet Syndrome

Let’s take a look at facet syndrome. Facet syndrome is the irritation of the structures that form the facet joints – the small joints in the spine, which control movement. These can be irritated by pinching or stretching of the capsular ligaments which surround the joint, as a result of repeated micro-trauma, or as a … Continue reading Facet Syndrome

Sports Taping

Let’s take a look at Sports Taping. Kinesiology taping (KT) differs from traditional taping with Zinc Oxide tape (ZnOT). ZnOT is a rigid, inflexible tape used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement. The effect of ZnOT is to prevent injured tissue moving too far and being re-injured; or to reduce … Continue reading Sports Taping

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Let's take a look at thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS is a term used to describe the compression of the brachial plexus; a grouping of nerves in the neck and shoulder region. Compression of these structures can cause pain, tingling, numbness and weakness from the shoulder and into the arm – often described as ‘sciatica … Continue reading Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome

Let’s take a look at piriformis syndrome.AKA deep gluteal syndrome (DGS). Piriformis syndrome is a form of sciatica where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is a muscle deep in the buttocks and is a primary stabilizer for the hip, lifting and rotating the thigh away from … Continue reading Piriformis Syndrome

Tension Headaches

This week is National Stress Awareness Week brought to you by @ISMA and @Mind, so it seems a good time to take a look at tension headaches. Tension headache is a neurological disorder characterized by a predisposition to attacks of mild to moderate headache with few associated symptoms. This is the most common type of … Continue reading Tension Headaches