What is Frozen Shoulder? Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. Then, frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement. What does a typical case look like? Often, signs and symptoms begin slowly, and start getting worse. Over a long period of time, symptoms get better, usually within 1 to 3 years. Additionally, having to keep a shoulder still for a long period increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder. For example, this might happen after having surgery or breaking an arm. Treatment involves range-of-motion exercises. Sometimes, treatment involves corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint. Rarely, arthroscopic surgery is needed to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely. It’s unusual for this condition r to reoccur in the…

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neurological disorder. It  occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. Importantly, the median nerve provides feeling to the thumb, index, and middle finger, and part of the ring finger (but not the little finger). Also, it controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb. Sometimes, thickening from the lining of irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and compresses the median nerve. For example, a common sign is that you might wake up and feel you need to “shake out” your hand or wrist. What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome? Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms start gradually and includes: Tingling or numbness – You may notice tingling and numbness in the fingers or hand. Usually the thumb…

Image by stockking on Freepik Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia, is swelling and pain of the tendons that bend your wrist backwards away from your palm. Usually, it is diagnosed in both men and women between the ages of 30 and 50 years. What is tennis elbow? Firstly, tennis elbow is inflammation or, in some cases, micro tearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. As a result, the forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse— repeating the same motions again and again. Ultimately, this leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. What are the causes of tennis elbow? 1.  Overuse Recently, studies show that tennis elbow is often due to damage to a specific forearm muscle. The ECRB (extensor carpi radialis brevis) muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is…

Image by creativeart on Freepik Chronic pain is a complex and pervasive health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While physical factors like injuries and medical conditions play a significant role in chronic pain, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that psychological factors, particularly stress, can also contribute to the development and exacerbation of chronic pain. In this blog post, we’ll explore the intricate relationship between stress and chronic pain and how understanding this connection can lead to better management and relief. The Stress Response and Chronic Pain Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, triggering the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In the short term, this “fight or flight” response can help us cope with immediate threats. However, when stress becomes chronic, as is often the case in our fast-paced modern lives, it can have detrimental effects on…

Image by jcomp on Freepik In our modern, sedentary lifestyles, many of us find ourselves sitting for prolonged periods at desks, in front of computers, or hunched over smartphones. This can lead to poor posture, discomfort, and even health issues. However, initiating postural changes frequently throughout the day can be a simple yet effective way to mitigate these problems and promote overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons why changing your posture is recommended and how it can benefit your health and productivity. 1. Relieves Muscular Tension One of the primary reasons for postural changes is to relieve muscular tension. When you maintain the same posture for an extended period, certain muscles can become overworked and fatigued, while others weaken from underuse. Frequent changes in posture help distribute the load evenly, preventing muscle imbalances and reducing tension. 2. Supports Spinal Health Sitting in one…

What is shockwave therapy? Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a modality used as treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions – typically chronic (more than 3 months), such as but not limited to: Patient receiving shockwave therapy on their heel. Image by pvproductions on Freepik Plantar Fasciitis Achilles Tendinopathy Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Calcific Tendonitis Morton’s Neuroma Importantly, SWT can facilitate the body’s ability to regenerate new tissue and can decrease your pain by stimulating your nerves at the site of the injury.  Not only that, it encourages tissue healing by increasing circulation around injured soft tissues and stimulating cells that generate new bone and connective tissue – triggering and accelerating the body’s natural healing response. Additionally, it breaks down calcified deposits such as in the case of Calcific Tendonitis. How does it work? Shockwave Therapy transforms electricity into shockwaves that are transmitted into the tissue with…

When most people think about physiotherapy, they usually think about getting treated for a muscle pain, or other strain or sprain. However, the benefits of physiotherapy extend beyond just the musculoskeletal tissues of the body. In this blog post, we discuss through some of the lesser known conditions or symptoms that can improve with physiotherapy Pelvic health physiotherapy for pelvic pain or dysfunction Firstly, pelvic health physiotherapy may be right for you if you experience pain or dysfunction in the pelvic area. This may include but is not limited to pain during intercourse, and pain or abnormal control over urination and bowel movements (urgency, incontinence, retention) and prenatal and post-natal care. Both men and women may benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy. Cancer rehabilitation Secondly, physiotherapy can help manage the many side effects of cancer treatment after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Addressing these side effects can help you increase the quality…

Hip bursitis is a common yet painful condition that affects many individuals. This condition often leads to discomfort, limited mobility, and decreased quality of life. Fortunately, physiotherapy can be an effective approach to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance strength. In this blog, we will explore what hip bursitis is, its symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help in managing and treating this condition. Understanding Hip Bursitis Hip bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae in the hip joint. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around joints. In the hip, two bursae commonly become inflamed: the trochanteric bursa on the outside of the hip and the iliopsoas bursa on the inside. Diagram showing greater trochanteric bursitis Causes of Hip Bursitis Repetitive Overuse:  Firstly, continuous activities that involve repetitive hip movements, such as running, cycling, or climbing…

Image by wavebreakmedia_micro on Freepik Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) is a therapeutic technique that has gained popularity for its potential to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. Often compared to acupuncture, dry needling is a distinct approach to addressing muscle knots and trigger points in the body. In this blog, we’ll explore what trigger point dry needling is, how it differs from acupuncture, how it works, its potential pain level, and what to expect during and after the treatment. What Is Trigger Point Dry Needling? TDN is a therapeutic procedure that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points in the muscles known as trigger points. Trigger points are tight knots of muscle fibers that can cause pain, limited range of motion, and discomfort. Consequently, this technique aims to release these knots, providing relief to the patient. How Is Trigger Point Dry Needling Different…

IASTM, or Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a manual therapy technique used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals. It is used to diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal conditions. In this blog, we’ll explore what IASTM is, how it works, and the conditions in which it can be beneficial. What is IASTM? The hawk tool is a type of IASTM instrument that we frequently use at PhysioNow IASTM involves the use of specially designed instruments, like above, often made of stainless steel or plastic, to assess and treat soft tissue abnormalities. These instruments have various shapes and edges that allow the practitioner to detect and treat adhesions, fascial restrictions, and other soft tissue abnormalities. Additionally, IASTM practices have been further refined into methodologies to be followed by clinicians, an example of which is called the Graston Technique. How does it work? The process typically involves…