Tag: physio Cooroy

What are spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis

One of the primary roles of the spine is to protect the spinal cord. This means that the spine needs to be strong while maintaining the flexibility required for a movable trunk. While the spine is very sturdy, spinal injuries do occur. Health professionals often use terms to describe and classify injuries of the body, two of these terms that you may have heard are Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis.

What are they?

Spondylolysis refers to a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. This is the part of the vertebra that connects the body of the vertebra with the rest of the vertebra that surrounds the spinal cord. A separation of this fracture where the body of the vertebra is displaced forwards or backwards is called a spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis is a progression of spondylolysis and is given grades to classify its severity. Both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis commonly affect the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, found at the base of the lower back.

What are the causes?

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis can be a result of trauma with the spine being moved forcefully into extension, particularly in younger people. Certain sports such as gymnastics, football and weightlifting require repetitive backward movements of the spine and this can eventually lead to a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. Growth spurts in teens have also been known to be responsible for the development of these conditions.

 

In older adults, common causes of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis are degenerative changes in the spine due to aging, osteoporosis, infection or even a tumour. Some people have a genetic vulnerability in this area of their spine making them more susceptible to developing spondylolysis and then spondylolisthesis.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Many people with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis may be asymptomatic, which means they perform their normal activities without experiencing any symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, common complaints are pain and tightness, much like a muscle strain, spreading across the lower back. This pain may be eased by bending forwards and aggravated by walking, running or leaning backwards.

 

In more progressive cases of spondylolisthesis, the shift of the vertebral body can cause narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to nerve compression. This may cause hamstring tightness and even numbness and weakness of the lower limbs, affecting gait and daily activities.

 

How can physiotherapy help?

 

Your physiotherapist will work closely with you and any relevant medical professionals to determine exactly what is needed for your particular condition. Severe instability in the spine may require stabilization surgery, however this is rare and in most cases symptoms of spondylolisthesis can be improved with regular physiotherapy management.

 

Physiotherapy that focuses on strengthening and improving the flexibility of both the lower back and the abdominal muscles has been shown to have positive effects on both pain and function for those with symptomatic spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.

 

Speak to your physiotherapists for more information regarding your individual condition. None of the information in this newsletter is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual injury.

Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing pain in the heel or into the arch of the foot. The Plantar fascia is a connective tissue which runs underneath the foot from the heel bone to the base of the toes forming the foot’s arch. Often injury is due to repetitive load and less commonly due to a traumatic injury. Due to the insertion of the plantar fascia on the heel bone often it will present as heel pain on walking.
Causes:
Repetitive or prolonged activities i.e. runners, dancers, gymnasts
Sudden increase in exercise or load
Poor foot posture- flat feet or high arches
Poor hip and knee muscle strength and control
Calf muscle tightness or joint stiffness
Inappropriate footwear
Signs and symptoms to be aware of are morning pain with the first few steps which eases with movement, an initial onset of pain with exercise which eases as you warm up, tenderness on the arch of the foot or the heel and pain when walking with no shoes or flat soles. With a progression of symptoms people may experience constant pain with walking which increases with loading and exercise.
A Physiotherapist will be able to diagnose plantar fasciitis by thorough assessment to target the cause and best management approach individually for you. Treatment may consist of advise on appropriate footwear, arch support when required, soft tissue release, joint mobilisation and home exercises of stretching and muscle strengthening. A Physio is then able to rehabilitate a patient through a gradual return to exercise to prevent reoccurrence of the injury.
If you have been experiencing heel or arch pain a physiotherapist at Hinteractive Physio can assess and diagnose the source of your symptoms to assist with the best treatment and management. Call us today on 54425556 or email us hinteractivephyio@gmail.com is you have any questions of enquires.

Clinical Pilates – What is It and Is it for Me?

Pilates is one of the most popular forms of exercise worldwide.  It is a mind-body conditioning exercise program that utilises a variety of different exercises to improve core muscle awareness and strength as well as posture, balance and flexibility.  Pilates classes are taught by a variety of different instructors in various locations.  A lot of Pilates classes are taught in fitness centres by fitness instructors and may not be specifically targeted to different populations or injuries/physical limitations.

Clinical Pilates combines traditional Pilates exercises with the knowledge and skills of a physiotherapist (or other suitably qualified health professional).  This enables the physiotherapist to specifically choose, modify or adjust exercises that meet an individual’s needs based on careful observation and clinical assessment.  The specific choice of exercises can be the difference between an exercise program that is effective and one that is not or has a potential for increased injury risk.  Clinical Pilates teaches body awareness, optimal posture and movement patterns, flexibility, improved balance and reaction time as well as improved local and global muscle strength.

 

At Hinteractive Physio, we offer clinical Pilates in either a mat or equipment (Pilates reformer machine) based setting.  Clinical Pilates is generally suitable for most people, however those who find it difficult to get on and off the ground, may prefer the Pilates equipment classes.  Classes run for just under 60 minutes and if clinically required for injury or condition management may be claimed through your health fund.  You will need to make an appointment with a physiotherapist for a Pilates assessment.  During this assessment, the physiotherapist will take a history of current and past conditions, assess your physical limitations or requirements for optimal functioning, assess your core muscle activation and control levels, and teach you the basic terms and positions that you will require for your Pilates program.  This initial Pilates assessment is claimable through your private health insurance.  If you have any questions regarding clinical Pilates or if it may be of benefit to you, please contact our friendly staff on 5442 5556 or drop in to the clinic at 3/11 Garnet Street Cooroy.  Alternatively, a current timetable and class information is available on our website: www.hinteractivephysio.com.au

 

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