Happy Thursday to you!
Today I’ve got an informative guest post on the top 7 most treated physiotherapy ailments and tips on prevention and treatment. Not something I generally post about but I found a few helpful tips on some of the things that I personally deal with (hernia) and passed along this post to my mama who deals with arthritis. Read below to see if you’re dealing with one of these issues and hopefully you can find some help on treatment and how to prevent these ailments!
Top 7 Most Treated Physiotherapy Ailments
Among physiotherapists, there are some ailments that crop up again and again. It’s helpful to be aware of these and know how to treat and prevent them. Everyone from those in allied health jobs to the average person just looking to stay healthy could benefit from learning how these are prevented and treated.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This condition occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to certain joints, leading to pain and swelling. It primarily affects the synovium, or outer covering of the joint, and can spread across the joint, causing swelling and the bone and cartilage to break down. There is no known way to prevent it, although early treatment can stop it from spreading. At Philip Naiman Physiotherapy, this condition is treated through exercise, strengthening the muscles and joints. Hydrotherapy can also ease the symptoms. You can learn more about Philip Naiman Physiotherapy and how they treat Rheumatoid arthritis through various exercises.
Osteoarthritis
This condition causes the joints to become painful and stiff. It can affect any joint and the exact causes are not known, but you can help prevent it by exercising your joints carefully, taking care not to put much stress on them, by having good posture and not staying in the same position for too long, and also maintaining a healthy weight. Osteoarthritis is treated by exercising the joints regularly and losing weight.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve runs from the back of your pelvis down through your buttocks to your feet, and when it is irritated or compressed, this is called sciatica and can be excruciatingly painful. You can help prevent it by not straining your back when you lift things, maintaining a supportive posture, and staying in shape. A physiotherapist can recommend exercises that strengthen the muscles, and painkillers are also usually prescribed. For tips on maintaining a healthy posture, visit www.spine-health.com.
Neck strain
Necks are particularly susceptible to strain from sudden movements and physiotherapists recommend stretches, strengthening exercises and aerobic conditioning to relieve symptoms. Again, good posture can help prevent this. Also avoid sleeping on your front, and take regular breaks at work. (See www.nhs.uk/conditions/Physiotherapy for more information.)
Hernia
This condition is caused by an internal part of the body pushing through muscle tissue, causing a painful swelling. Most often it occurs in the chest and hips. Posture and strengthening exercises are recommended as treatment, and lifting and breathing techniques can help prevent this by easing strains on the body.
Bursitis
This is an inflammation of a bursa, a sac of fluid that forms over the joints to help cushion them. It often occurs in the shoulder, elbow, knee or hip and is caused by injury or repetitive strain. Warming up properly before exercise and not putting too much strain on the joints can help prevent it. Ice packs and painkillers are prescribed to help reduce the swelling.
Dislocation
Two bones separate at the joint, usually after an accident. This dislocation will need to be X-rayed and treated. When recovering from a dislocation, you may be prescribed exercises to reduce stiffness and pain and to build up strength. The best prevention is to take precaution to avoid heavy falls.
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QUESTION: Do you or someone you know suffer from any of these ailments?? Ever work with a physiotherapist?
splendid…lindsay