Author: Edgewater Physiotherapy

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterised by a lateral curvature of the spine. A spine may consist of multiple curves that resembles the letter ‘S’ or a single curve that resembles the letter ‘C’.Types and Causes of Scoliosis:Structural scoliosis (due to the musculoskeletal system...

Ankle Sprain occurs when the ligaments on the outer aspect of the ankle is overstretched beyond their limit. In severe ankle sprains, the ligaments not only rupture but there may also be avulsion fractures and broken bones present.The most common ankle sprains are known as...

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation to many of the joints in the feet and hands. In other words, the immune system attacks the healthy tissues of the body instead of the viruses, bacteria or fighting infection.  Risk factors: -      Family/ Genetic history-      Gender: women >...

Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy is a common condition that can develop during or following pregnancy. In short, pelvic girdle pain is pain in the pelvic joints. Causes:Pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy consists of many uncomfortable symptoms caused by stiffness or misalignment of the pelvic joints....

Knee osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage (the cushion between the joints which functions as a shock-absorber) wears away, resulting in the joints rubbing against one another. Causes:Age Gender: Women > 55 years old Overweight Previous knee injury Hereditary Infection Repetitive stress injuries ie....

Cervicogenic headache is referred to as pain in the head, where the cause stems from the cervical spine, disc, nerves, and or soft tissues around the area. Causes:Excessive strain secondary to poor postures while working ie. Prolong sitting, awkward neck posture Recreational or sporting injury...

Spinal stenosis is a condition characterised by narrowing of the spinal canal (space), which can progress to compression of the spine and or spinal nerves. Spinal canal refers to the space at each spinal level where the nerves exit to the specific structures they serve....

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of heel pain, where the plantar fascia underneath the foot is inflamed.The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that is found underneath the heel bone, and extends from the sole of the...

Piriformis Syndrome is a musculoskeletal condition in the hip where the sciatic nerve is irritated and or compressed by the piriformis muscle as it passes through the buttocks. This results in buttock and or hip pain, and altered sensation from the back of the thigh...

Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects more than 1 million Australians (especially the middle aged to elderly women population), which results from bone loss as part of the natural ageing process. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures (broken bones) which can further cause changes...

Wry neck is a common neck condition characterised by neck muscle spasms, severe pain and stiffness in the neck and or upper back. Wry neck is where the joints of the neck are locked or an injury to the disc. This results in limited neck...

Whiplash is an injury when the soft tissues of the neck stretch beyond their full capacity/range of motion following a traumatic incident. The sudden acceleration - deceleration force placed on the neck results in rapid forward, backward and unrestrained movements of the head and neck.  Causes:...

The sacroiliac joint connects the lower back to the pelvis. More specifically, it is the joint between the ilium and the sacrum. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction is the abnormal movement of the sacroiliac joint as a result of excessive movement or stiffness (asymmetric sacroiliac joint movements)...

A hamstring strain is a common lower limb injury that involves more than one of the hamstring muscles: semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris. A hamstring strain results from overstretch or rapid contraction of the hamstring muscles, causing rupture within the fibres of the musculotendinous unit.A hamstring...

Total knee replacement surgery is a surgical technique where the diseased knee joint (usually secondary to osteoarthritis) is replaced with a prosthesis (artificial joint material). Total knee replacement may be necessary for patients whose knee joints have been damaged by osteoarthritis or a similar ailment. Osteoarthritis...

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe pain around the kneecap (patella) and front of the knee. It can impact different people in different ways, with recovery times depending on the severity of the condition.  Some of the main causes include:Weakness of...

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which there is forward slippage of one vertebral body onto the vertebral body beneath it. Most commonly presenting in the lower back, Spondylolisthesis can also present in the neck, causing significant pain and discomfort.Causes:Some of the more common causes...

A muscle cramp is a spontaneous and uncontrolled spasm in a muscle. A muscle cramp can be painful and last for anywhere from under a minute to hours at a time. While muscle cramps will typically resolve on their own, they can occur regularly if...

Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to assess, diagnose and treat conditions of the musculature and skeleton. If you have been experiencing pain or discomfort that has limited your muscular strength, or range of motion, you might benefit from treatment in the form of physiotherapy.Physiotherapy doesn’t...

The upper spine consists of 12 bones (known as vertebras) from T1-T12. Each vertebra in the upper spine joins with the vertebra below and above via a disc that acts like a cushion. These vertebras, discs and facet joints on either side of the spine...

Iliotibial Band Syndrome is a common knee condition where pain is present on the outer part of the knee, caused by the iliotibial band (long band connective tissue) rubbing against the femoral epicondyle (thigh bone). This results in local tissue and iliotibial band inflammation and...

Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury found more commonly in jumpers and joggers as a result of constant repetitive action or movement. Achilles tendinopathy causes swelling, stiffness and pain to the Achilles tendon, the tendon that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone.Risk factors:...

Adductor tendinopathy is a condition where there is overuse of the adductor (groin) muscle tendon that results in groin pain.Causes of adductor tendinopathy:Gradual wear and tear of the tendon secondary to ageing or overuse (from prolonged and repetitive activities that places strain on the...

Acute neck pain includes localised pain anywhere from the base of the skull to the back of the neck, and to the upper regions of the shoulder. Acute neck pain is usually present for less than a duration of six weeks, and the intensity and...

A bulging disc (also known as a slipped disc or protruding disc) is an injury that occurs anywhere along the spine, but more commonly in the lower back between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies, or the fifth lumbar vertebral body and the sacrum....

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that is marked by irritation or inflammation of a tendon, which causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. One of the most common causes of Golfer's elbow is the overuse of the tendon. Activities may include continual bending...

Tennis Elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is a condition where the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow are inflamed, and become tender and painful.It is called ‘tennis elbow’ because your forearm muscles, which attach to the outside of...

Sciatica is a condition to describe nerve pain in the back and leg caused by compression and/ or irritation of the sciatica nerve. Sciatica usually affects one leg and the symptoms include(s): Shooting pain or burning sensation in the buttock or lower back which radiates...

Low back pain is a common and painful condition that affects the lower portion of the spine. Low back pain can develop over time as a result of age-related changes to the spine. Alternatively, low back pain can also occur as a result of an accident.  Some...

Approximately 80% of adults at some stage in their life will experience low back pain. Both men and women are equally affected. The symptoms and intensity of low back pain can vary between individuals, from a dull and constant ache to a sudden sharp sensation (which...