Today musculoskeletal physiotherapy is a specialised area of  physiotherapy.
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Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the term used for special handling techniques to promote healing of joints and soft tissues. Let’s takes a brief look at some of the techniques in a little more detail.

Myofascial release is a type of massage that stretches the fascia and releases bonds between the fascia in order to relieve pain. The fascia is the thick band of tissue beneath the skin that covers muscles, organs and bones. The connection between muscles and fascia is what is called the myofascia system. The fascia can become tightened or restricted by stress, injury, inflammation and poor posture. Massage therapy is often used successfully in treating sprains and strains by manipulating specific muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.
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There are two forms of myofascial release – the direct and the indirect method. The direct method gets to the deep tissue to stretch and elongate the fascia. The indirect method is a gentle stretch that brings blood to the tissues and allows the fascia to ‘unwind’ itself.

Joint mobilisation is a common practice among physiotherapists where a joint is moved passively to achieve three different but complementary therapeutic effects. Physiotherapy researchers and other scientists have shown that:
Firstly their is an effect on the nervous system to stimulate production of the body’s own natural opioids for pain control.
Second, demonstrated improvements in muscle function occur.
Thirdly, there are improvements in range of movement.
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Hence jont mobilisation is indicated with restriction of joint (or muscle motion) or pain. It can also assist in the reabsorbing of scar tissue, promote muscle healing and joint mobility.

Manipulative Therapy is a joint mobilisation that involves a high speed low force technique at one specific joint that may result in a popping sound, called cavitation. It is has beneficial effects similar to those of joint mobilisation regarding pain control.

Take care when considering manipulative therapy, as nowadays it is being offered by non-professionals and persons who are not properly trained. Contact your Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in Hampton on 9533 5305 to discuss any concerns you may have.

The overriding symptom of all these conditions is pain. In the case of an injury that affects the bone, or in osteomyelitis, this type of pain is more severe than muscle pain. Tendon and ligament pain, as occurs in tendonitis, is less severe than bone pain. Chronic pain may accompany the musculoskeletal pain. This is chronic pain and is real and can be debilitating if not managed.

Some conditions may cause pain by compressing a nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive strain injury that compresses the median nerve, causing pain and a burning sensation along the course of the nerve. In fibromyalgia, the pain is widespread and the locations difficult to pinpoint.

As your physiotherapist in the treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions, we not only treat pain, but also deal with the accompanying muscle weakness, loss of stability and decrease in functional use of the body part. Pain may be treated with deep heat such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or manipulation. Cold packs may be used initially with pain resulting from an injury.

The importance of exercise in dealing with musculoskeletal conditions can never be overstated. Exercise improves flexibility, promotes movement, and increases blood flow to the area. It also helps to reduce pain. Strengthening exercise is important to restore function and condition to weak muscles.

In severe cases such as arthritis and muscular dystrophy, it may be necessary to provide walking aids or wheelchairs to assist with mobility. If the condition has resulted from a work or overuse injury, we can advise on proper ergonomics or modifications to your technique.
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After surgery, the best means of treating these painful conditions once the patient is medically stable, is with physiotherapy. It completes what surgery or any other previous medical intervention began, and helps you become as independent as possible. Come see us, your specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist in Hampton Bayside and we will help you on the road to recovery sooner than you think.

Today we will discuss ways in which you can protect your spine from injury. Your spine is made up of three main regions: the cervical spine, also referred to as the neck; the thoracic spine or “mid-back” and the lumbar spine or “lower back”, which bears a great deal of the body’s weight and is vulnerable to strain or injury. You can protect your spine and keep it healthy by paying attention to the following.

Ergonomics
This has to do with fitting the job to the person, and looks at the way you position your body during the performance of your duties. If you are an office worker, proper posture while seated is crucial to maintaining the health of your spine. The backrest of your chair should allow for a slightly reclined position, while the seat should slope for a slightly lower than 90 degree angle for your knees. Your feet should be firmly planted on the floor. Placing your monitor so that your eye level is direct with the centre of the screen will prevent strain to the cervical spine. Your arms should hang naturally and when typing, forearms should be parallel with the floor, with wrist in a neutral position.

Exercise
Poor posture places a tremendous strain on the spine and discs. By strengthening the some muscles of your abdomen and trunk, you can provide greater support to your spine and alleviate pain and injury. Train yourself to stand and sit upright by exercising these core muscles and by focusing on your posture. In some cases, if you haven’t exercised in a long while, you may feel pain after exercising. Stretching after exercise, followed by a nice warm bath, will help reduce pain. Please be sure and consult your doctor before beginning any spinal exercises as your spine can be easily injured by improper movements.

Sleep
After a good night’s sleep, you should awaken refreshed and energised, but some people wake up with pain and stiffness in their neck or lower back. It could be that they slept on the wrong type of mattress or in the wrong position. You should sleep in the position that best supports the natural curve of the spine. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your knees; if you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your back and one under your head. Avoid sleeping on your stomach if you can, but if not, place a pillow under your stomach. You may want to remove the pillow from under your head in this position.
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Peak MSK Physiotherapy in Hampton Can Assist YouWhatever your occupation may be, you need to protect your spine from injury. In some cases, a combination of all of the above may be necessary to keep your spine healthy. Your Peak MSK physiotherapist can help you decide which ones you should adopt. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how we will be able to assist you to stay smart about your spine.