Articles & Posts in Category: News

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Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although they share similar symptoms, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and treatment approaches. In this blog post, we will discuss the key differences between OA and RA and explain how a physiotherapist can help manage the symptoms of both conditions.

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?
Osteoarthritis affects the entire joint, particularly the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. The cartilage changes over time due to factors such as genetics, age-related changes, and mechanical stress on the joint. The capacity of the cartilage to tolerate normal loads may change, resulting in joint discomfort and stiffness. This condition typically affects weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, and spine. Over time, the cartilage providing a smooth surface for the joint to glide on thins and becomes less resilient. Consequently, the joint may not function as smoothly, resulting in discomfort and limited mobility. Read more

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By Emily Hodkinson

What does “whiplash” mean?

Whiplash describes the acceleration-deceleration forces placed on the neck which may occur in motor vehicle collisions.1 These forces can cause injury to the structures around the neck and other parts of the spine and can be likened to an ankle sprain. Like ankle sprains, there can be pain and stiffness soon after the injury. Unlike an ankle sprain, where you might see swelling or bruising, a whiplash injury cannot be seen from the surface which can feel frustrating. Whiplash can also be associated with headaches, dizziness and sometime pins and needles and/or numbness down the arms. Some people are quite worried about their symptoms, but it is important to understand that most symptoms are mild and will improve, although time frames vary from individual to individual. No two whiplash injuries are the same, which is why individualised treatment is essential.

What happens when you have had a whiplash injury?

If you have recently sustained a whiplash injury, it can be an overwhelming and stressful time as you deal with insurance companies, car repairs and pain. In the early days after injury, managing pain and stress are important. Your local physio will discuss strategies that can help reduce your pain and techniques to maintain some gentle physical activity. Read more

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Osteoarthritis is the most quickly growing cause of disability in the world. Although it is more common in older adults, osteoarthritis can also affect Australia’s working age population i.e., those aged between 15-64 years. Osteoarthritis is commonly found in the hip and knee and can result in pain, impact on daily activities and reduce quality of life. It is important to note that the impact of osteoarthritis varies significantly between individuals. For some, it may cause mild discomfort, while others may experience more persistent, severe pain.

While you may worry that exercising with osteoarthritis could harm your joints and cause more pain, high quality research shows that people can, and should, exercise when they have osteoarthritis. In fact, current national and international clinical guidelines recommend education, exercise and weight loss as first line treatment for people with osteoarthritis. Read more

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A woman’s life is typically marked by several unique life stages such as, menarche, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. These stages are exclusive to women, and as such can provide specific challenges to a woman’s quality of life. One area of the body commonly impacted by these life stages, and the changes that come with them, is the pelvic floor. A group of small, but very important muscles, found at the base of the pelvis, the pelvic floor has a huge role to play throughout a woman’s life and is often overlooked. Pelvic floor dysfunction has been found to impact at least 25% of women at some stage of their life before they turn 80, and even doubles after this. Read more

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Pregnancy is a time of major change in someone’s life. Arguably some of the most incredible and fascinating changes during this life stage, are those that occur to a woman’s body. From the moment of conception, right up to and beyond delivery, a woman’s body undergoes major physical, hormonal and physiological changes. One part of the body that is crucial in supporting these changes is the group of muscles known as the pelvic floor.

What is the pelvic floor and what does it do?

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles found at the base of the pelvis. Formed by several layers of muscle and other important tissues like ligaments; the pelvic floor acts as a “hammock” or “sling” with roles both pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy, including:
supporting the organs within the pelvis (bladder, bowel, uterus, vagina) Read more

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By Hayley Thomson

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, resulting in brain damage or even death. Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke. The good news is, even small increases in physical activity can have a significant impact on stroke risk. In fact, every additional 15 minutes of daily exercise has been shown to be associated with a 24% reduction in stroke risk. So, what does this mean for you? It means that even if you’re short on time, a little bit of exercise can go a long way to improving your health.

Here are some tips on how to increase your physical activity to reduce the risk of stroke: Read more

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By Hayley Thomson

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. It can cause long-term disability, cognitive impairment, and even death. However, many strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and managing medical conditions which raise your risk of stroke.

Recommendations in order to reduce the risk of stroke include: Read more

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By Adam Shaw

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as ‘shin splints’, is a condition characterised by pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the tibia (also known as your shinbone). MTSS is a common injury among athletes and runners, typically seen in sports that involve repetitive stress on the lower leg bones, such as running, jumping, and dancing.

What causes MTSS?

MTSS is caused by repetitive stress on the lower leg bones, particularly the tibia (shinbone). The stress leads to inflammation and irritation of the muscles, tendons, and periosteum (the membrane that covers the bone). The main contributing factors to MTSS include: Read more

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What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylalgia or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is the most common overuse condition affecting the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect anyone, not just tennis players, and is prevalent in those engaged in activities involving repetitive forearm and wrist movements. It is estimated that up to 3% of the general population will experience this condition at some point in their lives.1 In this blog, we will explore the leading causes, common signs and symptoms, and management of tennis elbow from a physiotherapist’s perspective.

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By Jess Norton

Recovering from an ACL injury? Here’s why late-stage rehab is essential in getting you back in the game.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common knee injuries in the active population. There are both surgical and non-surgical management options following ACL injury with a rehabilitation period recommended with both management pathways. The rehabilitation process is designed to run in phases over 9-12 months and begins early after injury.

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