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MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN & INJURY

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. Several structures in the neck can be a source of pain including facet joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves. A physiotherapist or doctor would be able to determine from their assessment if it is worth getting a scan to identify the specific structure involved. This may not always be necessary as it may not always change the treatment approach. Treatment for persistent neck pain is quite different to treatment of acute lower back pain/injury. We recommend seeking advice from a physiotherapist or doctor if your pain worsens with time, you develop new and concerning symptoms (e.g., fever, recent unexplained rapid weight loss, loss of control of upper limb muscles), you are concerned the pain is serious, or your pain has not improved in a week or so. Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan. This will be different for each individual and may include manual therapy if needed and exercise rehabilitation to regain mobility, strength, and general function. We don’t only consider the injury and return to play needs, we consider all possible contributing factors (mental health, diet, sleep, previous injuries, etc.). Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan. Initially we will aim to identify any possible serious pathology, screen for factors which may indicate a longer-recovery, and perform a comprehensive physical assessment. From this assessment we will determine if imaging or a referral is required and design a collaborative treatment plan. The treatment plan aims to get you back to the things that are meaningful to you. Our overall aim is to empower the individual to be in control of their recovery while we guide, assist and support them along the way.

 

neck
lowerback

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. For lower back majority of people have a complete resolution of their pain in 6 weeks time. Lower back pain and injuries can be extremely painful however, are rarely very serious (read more). For lower back pain it is important to screen for possible factors which may indicate a higher risk of pain becoming persistent and address these if possible. Remaining active, within reason, both physically and socially is important. Manual therapy and spinal manipulations can be helpful. Treatment for persistent back pain is quite different to treatment of acute lower back pain/injury. We recommend seeking advice from a physiotherapist or doctor if your pain worsens with time, you develop new and concerning symptoms (e.g., fever, recent unexplained rapid weight loss, loss of control of lower limb muscles), you are concerned the pain is serious or your pain has not improved in 6 weeks. Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan. Initially we will aim to identify any possible serious pathology, screen for factors which may indicate a longer-recovery, and perform a comprehensive physical assessment. From this assessment we will determine if imaging or a referral is required and design a collaborative treatment plan. The treatment plan aims to get you back to the things that are meaningful to you. Our overall aim is to empower the individual to be in control of their recovery while we guide, assist and support them along the way.

 

shoulder

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. If the pain lasts longer there could be several possible causes. These can either be very specific (e.g., dislocation, fracture, lesion) or be more difficult to identify (e.g., bursa, rotator cuff) which is also referred to as rotator cuff related pain. All of these can be very painful. A physiotherapist or doctor would be able to determine from their assessment if there is a specific/concerning cause for your pain or if it is likely to be rotator cuff related pain. To find out more about acute shoulder pain read our blog here. Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan. Initially we will aim to identify any possible serious pathology, screen for factors which may indicate a longer-recovery, and perform a comprehensive physical assessment. From this assessment we will determine if imaging or a referral is required and design a collaborative treatment plan. The treatment plan aims to get you back to the things that are meaningful to you. Our overall aim is to empower the individual to be in control of their recovery while we guide, assist and support them along the way.

 

elbow

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. Pain is often experienced on either the outside or inside of the elbow. Pain can persist for longer and can have a negative impact on people. This is when you may want to see a health professional for advice. Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan. Initially we will aim to identify any possible serious pathology, screen for factors which may indicate a longer-recovery, and perform a comprehensive physical assessment. From this assessment we will determine if imaging or a referral is required and design a collaborative treatment plan. The treatment plan aims to get you back to the things that are meaningful to you. Our overall aim is to empower the individual to be in control of their recovery while we guide, assist and support them along the way. This in the vast majority of times includes providing you with information on your condition and contributing factors. It may also include a short period of manual therapy, pain management strategies, swelling control, immobilization. Exercises are quite often given to assist in rehabilitating the injury, this is done in a gradual progressive manner and tailored to the individual needs.

 

wristhand

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. There are numerous different injuries and causes for pain that can affect the hand and/or wrist. Occasionally surgery may be required (e.g., full tears, fracture). Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan either following your injury, before surgery (if required) and following surgery. Rehabilitation goals are to get you back into your normal life. Early on this may require pain management strategies (e.g., manual therapy, self-management techniques), swelling control and/or immobilization (e.g., bracing, taping). This will be in addition to exercise to regain function in the affected area. Initially this often includes gentle mobility exercises and/or stretches followed by a gradual progressive program to regain strength. At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control.

knee

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. There are numerous different injuries and causes for pain that can affect the knee. Occasionally surgery may be required (e.g., full tears, fracture). Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan either following your injury, before surgery (if required) and following surgery. Rehabilitation goals are to get you back into your normal life. Early on this may require pain management strategies (e.g., manual therapy, self-management techniques), swelling control and/or immobilization (e.g., bracing, taping). This will be in addition to exercise to regain function in the affected area. Initially this often includes gentle mobility exercises and/or stretches followed by a gradual progressive program to regain strength. At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control.

 

hip

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. There are numerous different injuries and causes for pain that can affect the hip region. Occasionally surgery may be required (e.g., full tears, fracture). Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan either following your injury, before surgery (if required) and following surgery. Rehabilitation goals are to get you back into your normal life. Early on this may require pain management strategies (e.g., manual therapy, self-management techniques), swelling control and/or immobilization (e.g., bracing, taping). This will be in addition to exercise to regain function in the affected area. Initially this often includes gentle mobility exercises and/or stretches followed by a gradual progressive program to regain strength. At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control.

 

anklefoot

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. There are numerous different injuries and causes for pain that can affect the ankle and foot. Occasionally surgery may be required (e.g., full tears, fracture). Our physiotherapist and exercise physiologist are able to assist you in a rehabilitation plan either following your injury, before surgery (if required) and following surgery. Rehabilitation goals are to get you back into your normal life. Early on this may require pain management strategies (e.g., manual therapy, self-management techniques), swelling control and/or immobilization (e.g., bracing, taping). This will be in addition to exercise to regain function in the affected area. Initially this often includes gentle mobility exercises and/or stretches followed by a gradual progressive program to regain strength. At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control. Podiatrists are often involved in rehabilitation. We work closely with several Podiatrists in Geraldton to ensure that there is ongoing multidisciplinary care.

 

radiculopathysciatica

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. Radiculopathy, radicular pain, sciatica are all different names used when nerves are irritated or compressed and lead to pain and possibly other symptoms (pins and needles, numbness, loss in strength). Radicular pain and radiculopathies can occur anywhere along the spine from the neck all the way to the lower back. While sciatica specifically refers to the sciatic nerve being affected (legs). In severe radiculopathy cases surgery may be required (e.g., significant loss in movement/strength and no sensation). However, in most cases conservative treatment is recommended. This may include a short period of manual therapy (e.g., manipulation, massage), advice on physical activity, exercise (often gentle mobility and nerve mobilization movements). Rehabilitation goals are to get you back into your normal life. At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control.

 

peripheralentrapmentneuropathies

As with most acute onset of pain and minor injuries, these often resolve within a few days. Entrapment neuropathies refers to nerves getting compressed or irritated leading to different symptoms which may include pain, numbness, pins and needles and others. The most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome, others include cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and others. These neuropathies can occasionally be challenging to identify in the clinic. Our physiotherapist are able to reach a certain suspicion and determine if further medical treatment is required or it can be managed conservatively. This may include a short period of manual therapy (e.g., manipulation, massage) and immobilization (bracing) advice on physical activity, exercise (often gentle mobility and nerve mobilization movements). At Adapt Movement we also acknowledge and screen for possible barriers to recovery and risk of development of persistent pain. Our approach is that we treat the whole person, not only the diagnosis. We ensure that rehabilitation is collaborative, where you always remain in control.

 

hypermobility

Hypermobility can be a symptom of a conditions (e.g., Ehlers Danlos Disorder or hypermobility spectrum disorder) or occur in a single joint. For some people joint hypermobility does not cause any issues or pain. For some sports it does increase the risk of injury. There is also higher prevalence of pain in hypermobile people vs non-hypermobile people however, this relationship is not fully understood. We have written up a blog if you would like to know more (link to blog). Exercise can provide several benefits, specifically strength and proprioception training seem to play an important role. Our physiotherapists and exercise physiologist will be able to complete a comprehensive assessment and develop an exercise program and advice on how to best manage your hypermobility.

 

MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN & INJURY TEAM

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