BACK
&
NECK
PAIN
ARTHRITIC
PAIN
SPORTS
INJURIES
HEADACHES
KNEE
INJURIES
SHOULDER
CONDITIONS
FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS
OTHER
CONDITIONS
Back
and
Neck
Pain
Physiotherapists
are
the
health
professionals
most
commonly
used
by
medical
practitioners
and
specialists
when
referring
patients
for
the
treatment
of
neck
and
back
pain.
Back
and
neck
pain
can
be
caused
by
problems
with
discs,
joints,
muscles
and
ligaments.
These
structures
can
be
injured
as
a
result
of
acute
trauma,
poor
postural
habits
and
the
accumulation
of
physical
stress
on
the
spine.
Pain
can
also
occur
as
a
result
of
arthritis,
degenerating
discs,
muscle
tension,
muscle
weakness
and
normal
wear
and
tear.
Physiotherapists
are
university
trained
in
the
assessment
and
treatment
of
spinal
problems.
Physiotherapists
treat
back
and
neck
pain
using
a
variety
of
techniques.
These
techniques
include
joint
mobilisation
(a
gentle,
safe
form
of
manipulation),
traction,
heat,
laser,
ultrasound
and
exercises.
Advice
can
also
be
provided
on
ways
to
relieve
your
pain
by
correcting
its
cause,
for
example
the
correction
of
poor
postural
habits.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Arthritic
Pain
Have
you
been
told
there
is
nothing
you
can
do
about
your
arthritis?
There
are
many
different
types
of
arthritis,
the
most
common
form
being
osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
occurs
when
the
cartilage
lining
the
bones
in
the
joint
breaks
down
due
to
wear
and
tear
(degeneration).
In
cases
of
more
advanced
cartilage
degeneration
the
underlying
bone
in
the
joint
may
also
begin
to
erode.
The
result
of
cartilage
and
joint
degeneration
is
inflammation,
swelling,
joint
stiffness
and
pain.
The
joint
stiffness
which
occurs
with
osteoarthritis
is
often
the
major
cause
of
pain.
Specialised
physiotherapy
techniques
(joint
mobilisation)
in
combination
with
electrotherapeutic
modalities
and
exercise
can
safely
decrease
this
joint
stiffness,
thus
reducing
the
inflammation,
swelling
and
pain
in
the
damaged
joint.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sports
Injuries
Sports
injuries
not
properly
treated
can
lead
to
ongoing
problems
which
can
affect
your
sporting
performance
or
future
health!
Sports
injuries,
whether
they
are
recent,
or
old
injuries
continuing
to
cause
problems,
need
professional
assessment
and
management
to
ensure
no
unnecessary
complications
arise.
Injuries
left
to
heal
themselves
can
lead
to
long
term
residual
problems
due
to,
soft
tissue
adhesions
and
tightness,
joint
stiffness,
muscle
imbalance
and
a
deficiency
in
the
return
of
normal
muscle
strength.
Physiotherapists
are
highly
qualified
and
trained
in
the
assessment
and
treatment
of
sports
injuries
and
have
a
traditional
working
relationship
with
doctors.
With
a
comprehensive
knowledge
of
biomechanics,
tissue
pathology
and
tissue
healing,
experienced
physiotherapists
play
an
integral
part
in
the
treatment,
rehabilitation
and
injury
prevention
of
professional
athletes
in
sporting
teams
and
organisations
such
as
the
Australian
Olympic
Team
and
the
Australian
Institute
of
Sport.
The
physiotherapists
at
Benchmark
Physiotherapy
have
extensive
experience
in
the
treatment
of
both
non-elite
and
elite
athletes.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Headaches
(Cervical)
Headaches
may
be
caused
by
problems
which
have
developed
in
the
spinal
joints
of
your
neck
(cervical
headache).
The
spinal
joints
can
become
stiff
and/or
inflamed,
causing
the
surrounding
soft
tissues
and
muscles
to
spasm.
This
can
then
cause
local
pain
in
the
neck
and
associated
pain
to
spread
to
the
head
(referred
pain).
Cervical
headaches
can
be
effectively
treated
by
physiotherapy.
Any
of
the
symptoms
listed
below
could
indicate
that
your
neck
is
the
source
of
your
headache:
-
Your
pain
radiates
from
the
back
to
the
front
of
your
head
-
Your
headache
becomes
worse
with
prolonged
sitting
posture
(eg
sitting
at
the
computer)
-
Your
headache
is
aggravated
by
repetitive
movements
or
postures
- Your
headache
is
always
more
severe
on
the
same
side
of
your
head
-
Your
headache
persists
after
your
doctor
has
checked
for
other
causes
Physiotherapy
can
successfully
treat
cervical
headaches
using
specialised
techniques
to
decrease
stiffness
and
inflammation
in
the
spinal
joints
of
your
neck.
These
techniques
include
joint
mobilisation
(a
safe
and
gentle
form
of
manipulation),
soft
tissue
massage,
stretching
and
strengthening
exercises
to
improve
muscular
imbalance,
and
postural
assessment
and
correction.
Physiotherapy
treatment
may
also
include
laser,
heat,
and/or
ultrasound.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Knee
Injuries
There
are
many
types
of
knee
injuries
and
conditions,
which
can
be
treated
successfully
by
physiotherapy.
These
range
from
ligament
and
cartilage
problems
to
tendon
and
muscular
strains.
Physiotherapists
are
experts
in
assessing
the
cause
of
your
knee
pain
and
in
treating
the
problem
effectively.
Three
of
the
most
common
types
of
injuries
are
explained
below.
Ligament
sprains
or
tears
-
Ligaments
provide
stability
to
the
knee
by
providing
extra
support
around
the
knee
capsule
and
joint.
When
a
ligament
is
over-stretched
the
ligament
fibres
can
be
damaged,
resulting
in
pain,
swelling
and
in
many
cases,
joint
instability.
Cartilage
tears
(Meniscal
tears)
-
The
cartilage
acts
as
a
shock
absorber
in
the
knee
joint
and
assists
the
ligaments
in
providing
stability.
Cartilage
can
be
damaged
over
a
prolonged
period
as
a
result
of
natural
wear
and
tear
or
when
the
knee
is
injured.
Knee-Cap
Pain
(Patellofemoral
pain)
-
In
the
normal
knee,
the
patella
(knee
cap)
glides
up
and
down
through
a
groove
in
the
bottom
of
the
thigh
bone
(femur)
when
the
knee
is
moved.
If
the
patella
does
not
move
smoothly
through
this
groove,
an
increase
in
pressure
on
the
underneath
surface
of
the
patella
is
created,
causing
pain
and
inflammation.
Abnormal
movement
of
the
patella
can
be
caused
by;
muscle
imbalance,
a
shallow
groove
in
the
femur,
soft
tissue
tightness
and
pronated
(flat)
feet.
Pain
generally
develops
over
a
period
of
time
and
can
manifest
as
either
a
dull
ache
and/or
a
sharp
pain.
The
pain
tends
to
be
aggravated
by
any
bent
knee
activity
such
as
kneeling,
squatting,
sitting
for
prolonged
periods,
or
when
negotiating
stairs.
It
is
important
that
the
correct
diagnosis
is
made
for
all
knee
injuries
and
that
treatment
commences
as
quickly
as
possible.
Treatment
techniques
can
include
specific
strengthening
exercises
using
electromyographic
(EMG)
biofeedback
to
correct
muscle
imbalances,
soft
tissue
massage,
joint
mobilisation,
and
the
fitting
of
custom
made
orthotics
to
correct
excessive
foot
pronation
(which
has
a
direct
link
to
patellofemoral
pain).
Electrophysical
modalities
such
as
laser,
interferential,
ultrasound
and
heat
may
also
be
used
to
enhance
healing
and
provide
pain
relief.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Shoulder
Conditions
The
shoulder
joint
is
an
extremely
flexible
joint
which
allows
us
to
move
the
arm
in
all
directions.
This
wide
range
of
joint
movement
however
means
the
shoulder
is
very
susceptible
to
injury.
Some
common
shoulder
injuries
are:
Rotator
cuff
tear
–
the
rotator
cuff
is
made
up
of
four
muscles
which
attach
to
the
shoulder
joint.
Injury
or
repetitive
use
of
the
arm
can
lead
to
a
tear
in
one
or
more
of
these
muscles.
Early
physiotherapy
assessment
and
treatment
can
help
avoid
surgery.
Some
tears
however
may
need
surgical
repair.
In
these
cases,
patients
are
referred
by
the
surgeon
to
a
physiotherapist
to
provide
in
post
surgical
rehabilitation.
Rotator
cuff
impingement
–
this
occurs
when
one
of
the
rotator
cuff
tendons
is
pinched
in
the
shoulder
(subacromial
space)
causing
inflammation,
pain
and
weakness.
This
can
then
lead
to
a
tear
in
the
rotator
cuff
if
the
problem
is
not
treated.
Physiotherapy
is
essential
in
the
management
of
Rotator
Cuff
Impingement.
Frozen
Shoulder
(Adhesive
Capsulitis)
–
Frozen
Shoulder
is
an
extremely
painful
and
debilitating
condition
characterized
by
pain
and
stiffness
of
the
shoulder.
The
condition
can
last
for
up
to
2
years
but
is
eventually
self
limiting.
Fortunately
once
cured
it
almost
never
comes
back
on
the
same
shoulder.
It
often
comes
on
for
seemingly
no
reason
at
all
but
may
follow
a
traumatic
incident,
shoulder
surgery,
or
even
breast
re-construction.
The
onset
of
this
condition
is
usually
gradual.
It
effects
mainly
the
over
40’s
and
mostly
women
(60%).
Physiotherapy
is
recommended
by
shoulder
specialists
as
an
important
part
of
management.
Arthritis
–
this
generally
occurs
due
to
wear
and
tear
and
effects
both
the
bony
and
muscular
structures
of
the
shoulder.
Physiotherapists
are
trained
to
accurately
assess
the
shoulder
and
to
treat
your
pain
effectively
with
both
hands-on
techniques
and
a
carefully
designed
home
strengthening
and
stretching
programme.
Ultrasound,
electrical
stimulation,
laser
and
heat
may
also
be
used
to
enhance
healing
and
provide
some
pain
relief.
Shoulder
problems
are
best
treated
early
to
prevent
them
becoming
chronic,
however
longstanding
problems
can
also
be
treated
effectively
by
accurate
diagnosis
and
treatment.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Foot and Ankle Conditions
There are many types of foot and ankle conditions which can be treated successfully by physiotherapy. These range from ligament and joint problems to tendon and muscular strains. Physiotherapists are experts in assessing the cause of foot pain.
Some of the most common types of injuries are:
Ankle Sprains – These typically occur when the foot is twisted or rolled to the side. When this movement is excessive the ligaments are over-stretched and the ligament fibres are damaged, resulting in; pain, swelling and in many cases joint instability.
Plantar Fasciitis (most common form of heel pain) – The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the base of the toes which supports the arch of the foot. If the foot rolls excessively inwards (excessively pronates) then the plantar fascia is stretched causing pain and inflammation in the heel or arch of the foot. Overuse, inappropriate footwear and age are also contributing factors. Heel spurs are a sign of chronic stretching of the plantar fascia, and are rarely the actual cause of the pain. The fitting of custom orthotics is often required to treat this problem and they can provide a significant reduction in pain. Custom orthotics can be fitted at our clinic (see foot products).
Osteoarthritis of the foot – The foot is made up of 26 bones and there are many small joints between these bones. Over time the cartilage between these bones becomes worn which leads to pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling. Poor foot alignment (e.g. excessive pronation) can also exacerbate this condition.
Achilles tendonitis – Biomechanical stress from muscle weakness, muscle tightness and sometimes injury or pressure can cause a painful achilles tendon. Excessive rearfoot pronation can also contribute to biomechanical stresses. Achilles tendonitis can be a stubborn chronic condition. Physiotherapy can help this condition by providing specific evidence based exercises and by correcting biomechanical problems.
Physiotherapy Treatment:
Techniques used in the treatment of foot and ankle problems can include; joint mobilisation, stretching, strengthening and proprioceptive exercises, soft tissue massage, and the fitting of affordable custom made orthotics to correct excessive foot pronation. Electrophysical modalities such as laser, interferential, compression therapy, ultrasound and heat may also be used to enhance healing and provide pain relief.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Other
Conditions
Treated
Include:
-
Joint
&
muscular
pain
-
Correction
of
spinal
scoliosis
-
Rehabilitation
following
surgery
-
Workplace
injuries
-
Core
stability
exercises
-
Motor
vehicle
injuries
-
Postural
correction
-
Exercise
programs
-
Pre-surgery
exercise
preparation
-
Application
of
waterproof
fibreglass
casts
&
splints
for
fractures
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