Shoulder pain
Pain in the shoulder region is often given the term”frozen shoulder”. It is characterised by a progressive tightening of the capsule surrounding the ball and socket of the shoulder joint. Over time this produces a painful limitation of upper limb movement. In some cases, the pain can radiate as far down as the wrist and it can interfere greatly with everyday activity. This type of pain can result from degenerative joint disease eg. Osteoarthritis, or following trauma, injury or a period of immobility. Other sources of shoulder pain can originate from irritation to nerves, tendons and soft tissues around the neck and shoulder region. A thorough assessment with a physiotherapist will help diagnose the cause of pain and assist in choosing the appropriate plan of treatment to restore movement, function and prevent further injury to the shoulder.

Headaches
There can be numerous causes for headaches. One of the most common is due to excessive tension in the muscles which move the neck and shoulders causing stiffness in the spinal joints of the neck. Tension in the muscles which move the jaw can also produce headaches especially if you grind your teeth. Physiotherapy can help by identifying and correcting aggravating postures, promoting relaxation and restoring mobility of the joints and soft tissues at fault. Acupuncture can also assist in the treatment of headaches.

Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis. It is often given the term “wear and tear”. It occurs when the smooth covering of the joint surfaces wears away causing inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. The condition gradually develops over time and can affect multiple joints including hips, knees, feet, hands and shoulders. When it occurs in the neck and lower back, it is called spondylosis. Physiotherapy cannot alter the disease process within the joints but plays a vital role in pain management improving mobility, co-ordination and posture. Treatments may include heat and cold therapy, acupuncture and relaxation techniques, tailored exercise programmes and practical advice regarding the pacing of everyday tasks to promote independence.

Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is the term given to the overuse of muscles, tendons, joints and nerves of the upper limb. It usually occurs as a result of repetitive movement over a prolonged period of time. Commonly related to poor workplace postures or movements, the incidence of RSI has sharply risen due to increased use of keyboard and office work Although musicians, shop staff and factory workers can also be at risk. In addition to preventative advice, including assessment of the workplace or aggravating activity, physiotherapy may involve stretching exercises, postural taping, acupuncture and electrotherapy to restore mobility and normal function of the affected structures.

Sports injury
The unpredictable changes of direction, movement and speed during sporting activity of all types can result in injury. These may include direct impact to the body, ligament sprain, muscles strains and tears, tendonitis and even broken bones! Physiotherapy may include advice and management of the injury in its acute phase using electrotherapy, heat/cold therapy and appropriate use of tape, braces and supports. It can guide you through graded rehabilitation exercises to help your safe return to sporting activity as soon as possible.

Neck pain and whiplash injury
Neck pain can sometimes result from the sudden action of lifting something heavy, repetitive movement, or prolonged poor posture when driving, at work, DIY activity or even from your sleeping position. Often severe pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles of the neck occurs following road traffic accidents. This type of injury is known as “whiplash” and, if not treated early, the symptoms may become chronic and take longer to resolve. Treatment may vary according to the nature and cause of the neck pain and can include joint mobilisation, electrotherapy, acupuncture and advice regarding exercise and postural re-education to prevent reoccurrence of pain. We can advise on orthopaedic pillows and supports to minimise effects poor sleeping postures upon the neck and spine.

Back pain and sciatica
Sixty per cent of adults suffer from back pain each year and half of these become chronic sufferers. In many cases, back pain results from poor posture, or occurs suddenly following sports injury or lifting something heavy. Causes of mechanical back pain include inflammation, degeneration or damage to spinal joints, vertebral discs, spinal muscles/ligaments and nerves. “Sciatica” is the term given to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve and often radiates pain into the back of the leg. In rarer cases, back pain is associated with progressive, degenerative disease processes of the spinal bones and joints. Physiotherapy treatment for back pain, following accurate assessment and diagnosis, may include pain relief, hands-on spinal mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation, acupuncture, traction and exercises to strengthen the muscles which support the spine. If you are prone to episodes of back pain and sciatica, physiotherapy can also provide expert preventative advice.