Physiotherapy, an integral component of healthcare, encompasses various techniques aimed at restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. Among the diverse modalities within physiotherapy, manual therapy stands as a cornerstone in the rehabilitation process, offering many benefits to patients seeking recovery and improved well-being.

Understanding Manual Therapy
Manual therapy in physiotherapy involves hands-on techniques administered by skilled physiotherapists, many of whom have undertaken post-graduate studies in applying manual therapy techniques. These techniques may help diagnose, treat, and prevent various musculoskeletal conditions. The key principle underlying manual therapy is applying pressure, manipulation, mobilisation, or massage directly to affected body tissues, such as muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

As a physiotherapist, I treat many children with different pain conditions, so when I came across a journal article published in the journal Nursing Children and Young People titled "Factors Influencing Pain Management in Children", I was keen to have a read. The article discusses an essential aspect of paediatric care, which is the management of pain in children. 

Every child will experience an ankle or knee injury sustained while playing sports quite differently. Although the diagnosis or type of injury may be the same, each child may present with very different levels of pain and dysfunction. As such, all healthcare providers must understand what factors can impact how a child feels after an injury and how this may affect their treatment and recovery. 

Biceps tendinopathy involves irritation or damage to the biceps tendon, typically caused by overuse or repetitive strain to the shoulder. Biceps tendinopathy is a condition I treat regularly and is a common problem for new Mums who are doing much more lifting and carrying while looking after the little bubs than they may be used to. 

The pain associated with biceps tendinopathy is usually around the front of the shoulder and may radiate to the upper arm. It is also common to feel generally tense and sore in the surrounding shoulder muscles and sometimes the neck. Picking up and lifting with the affected arm is usually the most pain provocative activity; a feeling of weakness is also common. 

Diagnosis of biceps tendinopathy requires a thorough physiotherapy assessment to exclude other possible causes of pain. Sometimes, an ultrasound scan may be requested to confirm the diagnosis. 

As we age, maintaining good health and preventing injuries becomes increasingly important. One of the most common and potentially severe issues older adults face is the risk of falls. Falls can lead to fractures, hospitalisations, and a decline in overall quality of life. However, with proper awareness, precautions, and lifestyle adjustments, many falls can be prevented. I'll explore some essential tips for preventing falls in older adults, allowing them to maintain their independence and well-being.

A paper by Kundakci et al. (2022) titled "International, multidisciplinary Delphi consensus recommendations on non-pharmacological interventions for fibromyalgia" was published in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism and provided some excellent recommendations regarding how to treat this challenging pain condition comprehensively without the use of medications. As is often the case, a team approach is likely most effective.

The study aimed to develop a consensus on non-pharmacological interventions for Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. 

Are you someone who exercises regularly but otherwise spends a lot of time sitting on the couch, watching TV or scrolling through your phone? If so, you may be suffering from Active Couch Potato Syndrome, a condition that can harm your health in a number of ways.

One of the most significant dangers of Active Couch Potato Syndrome is its impact on your physical health. Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a range of health problems, from back pain and poor posture to heart disease and obesity.

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a regulated allied healthcare profession that focuses on the treatment of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain through the use of physical methods such as exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, as well as medical acupuncture and dry needling. Non-physical methods include advice and education about the nervous system's role in pain and how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, stress and activity can impact healing and recovery are also part of the physiotherapy treatment process.

Research has shown that pain, disability, quality of life and fear-avoidance of movement all improve by simply walking for those with chronic low back pain. 

The effects of walking are similar to other forms of exercise that may be used to treat low back pain, such as stretches and strengthening exercises for example.

Last year, we published a blog about Long-Covid, what it is and how physiotherapy can help you.

In this follow-up, I describe how Medical Acupuncture may help alleviate the symptoms of Long-Covid.

A quick recap: The umbrella term Long-Covid describes the persistence of symptoms for longer than four weeks, while Post-Covid refers to symptoms that persist for longer than 12 weeks. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. 

Some common Long-Covid symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headaches, confusion, or seizures
• Reduced concentration or "brain fog."
• Joint or muscle pain
• Chest Pain or tightness
• Cough
• Loss of Smell (anosmia)

The symptoms of Long-Covid may resemble those of chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalitis or other post-viral syndromes, such as EPV and herpes zoster. 

More recent data has shown that Long Covid and Post Covid affect mostly young women below 40 years old. 

My patients often ask me the differences between a Physiotherapist and an Exercise Physiologist (EP).