Pre and postnatal physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for pregnant and postpartum women. During pregnancy, physiotherapy can help alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, pelvic pain, and joint pain. It can also provide guidance on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent further strain on the body. Additionally, pre and postnatal physiotherapy can help prepare the body for labor and delivery by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving overall muscle tone. After childbirth, physiotherapy can aid in the recovery process by addressing issues such as diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postural imbalances. It can also provide support and guidance for new mothers as they navigate the physical challenges of caring for their newborn.
Pre and postnatal physiotherapy can be highly effective in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition, which can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, involves weakened or overactive pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy can help by providing specific exercises to strengthen and retrain these muscles. These exercises may include kegel exercises, pelvic floor muscle contractions, and biofeedback techniques. Physiotherapists can also provide education on proper bladder and bowel habits, as well as lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms. By addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, pre and postnatal physiotherapy can improve urinary and bowel control, reduce pelvic pain, and enhance overall quality of life for women.
Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?By Dr. Sean M.Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DNRecently I was presenting at the annual conference of Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF) and I was overwhelmed by one consistent question: why didn't you talk about collagen supplementation? My talk was specifically on orthopedics for older adults and naturally I focused on osteoarthritis (OA) and how important exercise and diet are for that condition. I did touch on some supplementation, but I left off collagen because my last examination of this supplement, using one of my favorite websites Examine.com, yielded mediocre results. However the participants at the sports medicine conference piqued my interest and convinced me that perhaps I had missed something -- almost every single one of these participants had some form of joint pain or stiffness and felt significantly better after taking collagen daily. So, back to the literature, and asking some of my clients, I went!What is Collagen?Collagen is a protein found in the body that provides structure and support to various tissues, including joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It may play a role in maintaining joint health and may have potential benefits for individuals with joint pain. A few small-scale studies have shown positive results in reducing joint pain and improving joint function when individuals with osteoarthritis took collagen supplements. These studies often used specific collagen formulations, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, which are broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption by the body. However, it's important to note that the findings of these studies are not yet conclusive, and more robust research is necessary.The ResearchIt's worth mentioning that joint pain can have various causes, and collagen supplementation may not be effective for everyone. Factors like age, underlying health conditions, overall diet, and lifestyle habits can also influence joint health. For instance, a meta-analysis on collagen supplementation for OA showed improvements in the WOMAC, a functional score for knee arthritis, but it didn't yield significant results for knee pain. Meanwhile, another review article looking at collagen supplementation for joint pain, muscle protein synthesis, and body composition found that collagen did significantly reduce joint pain (it had effect on the other metrics). Here's a nice table listed in the article:The joint pain included in the review included knee pain and Achilles tendinopathy, all predominately in an athletic population. Another glaring observation is several of these studies included physical therapy and exercise prescriptions with the supplementation (Yay! Nutrition and Physical Therapy), which can also alter the results and effects of collagen as well. It's important to see the doses varied in the studies from 5, 10, to 40 grams per day; moreover, the collagen can come in varying form from peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, to denatured collagen. Having such variability in the type of collagen also likely explains the variability in responses and data.DosingSo, roughly how much and what type of collagen should a client take? Well, many studies have used dosages ranging from 8 to 12 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen per day for joint-related benefits. Research suggests that type II collagen supplementation may help reduce joint pain and improve joint function in individuals with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. It is believed to work by helping to restore and support cartilage health, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting joint mobility. It's important to note that collagen supplements are available in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and liquids, and their concentration of collagen can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.It's also worth mentioning that collagen supplements are often combined with other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, which may influence their effectiveness. If you decide to try collagen supplementation for joint pain, it's a good idea to choose a reputable brand and look for products that have been tested for quality and safety. I suggest using Labdoor.com to help you or your client find a high-quality collagen supplement, if and when appropriate.SummaryIn the end, perhaps the participants at the ATAF conference were right -- there is something to say about collagen and joint pain. Not every study is exact and more research needs to be done on what dose, what age, what condition, and what exercises should be done with the collagen -- but that's why we practice physical therapy! Love to hear your thoughts and maybe some of your clients' responses to collagen. If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60! Earn CEUs in most states for PTs! Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
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Posted by on 2023-07-24
In this episode, Erson goes over a tough case of constant and flared up cervical pain with radiating complaints. What do you think of his solution? Have you ever had a similar case that responded to sustained holds better than repeated loading or traditional techniques? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-17
Erson tells a story of getting back to rock climbing after a 20 year break. After a finger injury that wasn't healing, he got some totally unexpected great advice from another climber. What do you think of the solution and has anything similar ever happened to you? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-06
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a prevalent and burdensome condition that affects many individuals. Recent research suggests that the cervical spine, specifically the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis, may play a role in the development of TTH. This nucleus facilitates the exchange of pain signals between the upper cervical spine and the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in headache generation. Links between the upper cervical spine and TTHStudies have shown that individuals with TTH often exhibit musculoskeletal impairments. Common findings include forward head posture and restricted cervical range of motion. These physical dysfunctions may contribute to the headache symptoms experienced by TTH patients. Neck pain and sensitivity in the cervical spine are frequently reported alongside TTH and may worsen the clinical presentation of the headache. These symptoms could be epiphenomena resulting from the sensitization of the trigemino-cervical nucleus caudalis.While forward head posture is a common observation in TTH, its direct relevance to the headache remains a topic of debate. Similarly, the relationship between restricted cervical range of motion and TTH is not well understood. It is uncertain whether these musculoskeletal impairments are causative factors or consequences of the headache.Clinicians often use the cervical flexion-rotation test to assess upper cervical spine mobility, which has proven useful in diagnosing cervicogenic headache. However, its application and significance in TTH are not extensively studied. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of this test in TTH diagnosis and management.Another intriguing observation is the reproduction of headache pain through manual stimulation of the upper cervical spine in both cervicogenic headache and TTH. This suggests that referred pain from the cervical spine may be involved in the pathophysiology of primary headaches. Understanding this mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for TTH.Additionally, trigger points in the neck-shoulder muscles may contribute to TTH symptoms by generating muscle referred pain. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas, including the head, and may exacerbate the headache experienced by individuals with TTH. Managing TTH in practiceA multidisciplinary approach involving physical therapy interventions targeting musculoskeletal impairments, exercise, and psychological aspects is essential for the management of TTH. The effectiveness of cervical treatment approaches varies, and personalized strategies should be tailored to individual patients. Understanding the role of the cervical spine in TTH and differentiating between cervical components and sources can aid in the recognition and treatment of diverse headache presentations. Our cervical spine models help professionals manage the connections between TTH and the role of the cervical spine. Check out my exclusive blue nucleus anti-nocebo version!via Dr. Jerome Fryer - Dynamic Disc Designs Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-05
There are several exercises that can be done during pregnancy to prevent or alleviate back pain. One effective exercise is the pelvic tilt, which involves lying on your back with knees bent and gently tilting the pelvis forward and backward. This exercise helps strengthen the abdominal and back muscles, providing support to the spine. Another beneficial exercise is the cat-camel stretch, which involves getting on all fours and arching the back up and down. This stretch helps improve flexibility and relieve tension in the back. Additionally, gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help strengthen the core and improve overall posture, reducing the risk of back pain. It is important to consult with a physiotherapist or healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Yes, it is generally safe to receive physiotherapy treatment during pregnancy. Physiotherapists who specialize in pre and postnatal care are trained to provide safe and effective treatments for pregnant women. They have a deep understanding of the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and can tailor treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each individual. Physiotherapy treatments during pregnancy may include manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, education on proper body mechanics, and advice on pain management strategies. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or exercise program during pregnancy to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation.
Pre and postnatal physiotherapy can be instrumental in addressing diastasis recti, a condition characterized by the separation of the abdominal muscles. Physiotherapists can provide specific exercises to strengthen the deep core muscles and promote proper alignment of the abdominal muscles. These exercises may include gentle abdominal contractions, pelvic floor exercises, and modified planks. Additionally, physiotherapists can provide education on proper body mechanics and postural alignment to prevent further strain on the abdominal muscles. By addressing diastasis recti, pre and postnatal physiotherapy can help improve core strength, reduce back pain, and restore abdominal function.
There are several common postnatal conditions that can be effectively treated with physiotherapy. One such condition is pelvic floor dysfunction, which can manifest as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, or pelvic organ prolapse. Physiotherapy can help address these issues through pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback techniques, and lifestyle modifications. Another common postnatal condition is diastasis recti, which involves the separation of the abdominal muscles. Physiotherapy can provide exercises and guidance to strengthen the core muscles and promote proper alignment of the abdominal muscles. Additionally, physiotherapy can help with postural imbalances, back pain, and musculoskeletal issues that may arise from the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
There are several exercises and stretches that can aid in postnatal recovery. One effective exercise is the pelvic tilt, which helps strengthen the core and stabilize the pelvis. Another beneficial exercise is the bridge exercise, which involves lying on your back with knees bent and lifting the hips off the ground. This exercise targets the glutes and core muscles, helping to improve overall strength and stability. Gentle stretching exercises such as cat-camel stretch, child's pose, and chest stretches can also help alleviate tension and improve flexibility. It is important to consult with a physiotherapist or healthcare provider before starting any exercise program postpartum to ensure safety and effectiveness, especially if there were any complications during childbirth.
The McKenzie Method, a widely used approach for the classification and treatment of sciatica, employs a comprehensive system to assess and manage this condition. It categorizes sciatica into three main subgroups: derangement, dysfunction, and postural syndrome. The derangement subgroup involves a mechanical displacement of the intervertebral disc, causing nerve root compression and resulting in leg pain. Dysfunction refers to a loss of normal movement in the spinal joints, leading to irritation of the nerve root. Lastly, postural syndrome is characterized by pain arising from prolonged poor posture. Treatment within the McKenzie Method focuses on specific exercises and movements tailored to each subgroup. For derangement, directional preference exercises are utilized to centralize and alleviate leg pain. Dysfunction is addressed through mobilization techniques to restore normal joint movement. Postural syndrome is managed by correcting posture and implementing ergonomic modifications. By accurately classifying sciatica and employing targeted interventions, the McKenzie Method offers a comprehensive approach to effectively treat this condition.
Individuals with osteoporosis can benefit from specific exercise guidelines to improve bone health. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and dancing, are recommended as they help stimulate bone formation and increase bone density. Resistance exercises, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, can also be beneficial as they help strengthen muscles and bones. It is important to engage in exercises that target different muscle groups and incorporate a variety of movements to promote overall bone health. Additionally, balance and posture exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can help improve stability and reduce the risk of falls, which is particularly important for individuals with osteoporosis who are at a higher risk of fractures. It is crucial for individuals with osteoporosis to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified exercise specialist to develop a personalized exercise program that takes into account their specific needs and limitations.
Craniosacral therapy, a gentle hands-on technique that focuses on the craniosacral system, has been suggested as a potential method to alleviate symptoms of migraines. This alternative therapy involves the manipulation of the bones and tissues in the head, neck, and spine to improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and release any restrictions or tensions in the craniosacral system. While there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, some individuals have reported positive outcomes in terms of reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. It is important to note that craniosacral therapy should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, but rather as a complementary approach to managing migraines.
Therapists utilize gait analysis as a valuable tool to detect and assess abnormalities in a person's walking pattern and subsequently develop appropriate interventions. By carefully observing and analyzing the individual's gait, therapists can identify deviations from the normal biomechanical patterns, such as asymmetry, limited range of motion, or irregular foot placement. They may also employ various measurement techniques, including video recording, force plates, and motion sensors, to gather quantitative data on the person's gait parameters, such as step length, cadence, and ground reaction forces. This comprehensive analysis allows therapists to pinpoint specific areas of dysfunction and design targeted interventions, such as corrective exercises, gait training, or orthotic prescriptions, to address the identified abnormalities and improve the individual's overall walking ability and functional mobility.
Swimmers can greatly benefit from incorporating exercises that focus on improving shoulder stability. One highly effective exercise is the prone Y-T-W exercise, which targets the muscles in the upper back and shoulders. This exercise involves lying face down on a mat or bench and lifting the arms up in a Y shape, then a T shape, and finally a W shape, while engaging the shoulder blades and keeping the core stable. Another beneficial exercise is the external rotation exercise, which specifically targets the rotator cuff muscles. This exercise can be performed using resistance bands or dumbbells, with the swimmer holding the weight in one hand and rotating the arm outward against the resistance. Additionally, exercises such as the plank and side plank can help improve overall shoulder stability by engaging the core and promoting proper alignment. By incorporating these exercises into their training routine, swimmers can enhance their shoulder stability and reduce the risk of injury.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has shown promising results in improving the quality of life in cancer survivors. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of MBSR on various aspects of well-being, including physical, psychological, and social domains. By incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, body awareness, and gentle movement, MBSR helps cancer survivors develop a greater sense of self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience. This holistic approach addresses the unique challenges faced by cancer survivors, such as anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue. Moreover, MBSR fosters a sense of community and support among participants, which can further enhance their overall quality of life. The integration of MBSR into the standard care for cancer survivors has the potential to significantly improve their well-being and promote long-term recovery.
Hydro-massage therapy has been shown to effectively alleviate muscle soreness and promote recovery in athletes. This type of therapy utilizes water jets to provide a deep tissue massage, targeting specific muscle groups and increasing blood flow to the area. The combination of water pressure and heat helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, which can aid in the recovery process. Additionally, hydro-massage therapy can help to flush out metabolic waste and toxins from the muscles, further enhancing the recovery process. Athletes who incorporate hydro-massage therapy into their post-workout routine may experience faster recovery times, reduced muscle soreness, and improved overall performance.
Yes, there are specific exercise protocols that can be used to improve core stability in patients with scoliosis. These protocols typically involve a combination of exercises that target the muscles surrounding the spine, including the deep abdominal muscles, the erector spinae muscles, and the muscles of the pelvic floor. Some common exercises used in these protocols include planks, side planks, bird dogs, and bridges. These exercises help to strengthen the core muscles, improve posture, and increase stability in the spine. Additionally, incorporating exercises that focus on balance and proprioception can also be beneficial for patients with scoliosis, as these exercises help to improve body awareness and control. It is important for patients with scoliosis to work with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or exercise physiologist, to develop an individualized exercise program that takes into account their specific needs and limitations.