We offer an unparalleled, holistic approach to treating musculoskeletal pain of all kinds
“The Practice has an amazing atmosphere. Helpful, friendly and accommodating. The staff seem to enjoy each other so the overall time working out here is VERY enjoyable. Getting stronger each week has been fantastic – Thanks to the whole team!”
TREATMENT AT AHA
At AHA, we pride ourselves in adopting an interdisciplinary approach to treating musculoskeletal pain. As listed in the International Classification of Diseases, musculoskeletal conditions comprises more than 150 diagnoses that affect the muscles, bones, joints and associated tissues such as tendons and ligaments. It is with this awareness that we aim to care for and heal all patients who experience pain in their body to help them lead normal, pain-free lives.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION
(TMJ)
This condition is a result of prolonged forward head posture, or muscle tightness after an activity such as visiting the dentist. This is due to muscle imbalances and poor motor control of the jaw joints and muscles.
Symptoms include:
- Clicking of the jaw with or without pain
- Painful movements of the jaw
- Pain or tenderness around the TMJ that may refer to the ear or along the jaw which may be due to: (1) poor posture of the head, (2) poor muscle motor control or (3) prolonged dentistry that may result in muscle spasm.
It is treated with physiotherapy to improve mobility, motor control, and to release the muscle spasm, and recovery time is between 3 weeks and 3 months.
SHOULDER PAIN
- An ache in the shoulder/upper arm that gets worse with overhead activity or lying on the affected side.
- Shoulder pain & difficulty when lifting and lowering your arm.
- Loss of range of motion + stiffness.
- Rest from the aggravating activities.
- Conservative rehabilitation is recommended as the first step of treatment.
This consists of Biokinetic exercise rehabilitation which will increase shoulder control and strengthening of the surrounding shoulder muscles will help to maximise function and stability.
- The activities that aggravate the symptoms causing shoulder pain may be modified or completely avoided.
If you suspect that you may have a rotator cuff injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
- If conservative treatment doesn’t alleviate the symptoms, surgical repair of torn rotator cuff tendons or muscles may be required.
Physiotherapists and Biokineticists also provide Post-operative rehabilitation and would love to help you regain normal functionality.
A rotator cuff injury can take approximately 2-4 weeks to heal if the proper treatment is administered.
However, if surgery is required it may take up to 4-6 months.
- Pain caused by a shoulder injury.
- Repeated dislocations of the shoulder.
- Repeated instances of the shoulder giving out.
- Shoulder feels loose, like it may slip out.
If you suspect that you may have chronic shoulder instability, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
- Rest from the aggravating activities.
- Conservative rehabilitation is suggested as the first step of treatment. This consists of Biokinetic exercise rehabilitation which will increase shoulder control and strengthening of the shoulder muscles which will help to improve stability.
- If conservative treatment doesn’t alleviate the symptoms, surgical repair of torn or stretched ligaments may be required. After which rehabilitation will be required. Come through and see our Physiotherapists and Biokineticists for Post-op rehabilitation.
If you suspect that you may have chronic shoulder instability, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
This depends on the underlying pathology and method of management (conservative/surgical)
- Post-operative recovery can take up to 12-16 weeks with the correct treatment and care.
- Conservative recovery can be less than that, however the duration is dependent on the nature of the cause of the condition.
The pain and restriction comes on gradually, over time. It can be present for months and sometimes years. You may have frozen shoulder if you have:
- Stiffness and reduced mobility of the shoulder joint
- Dull or aching shoulder pain
- Pain may get worse at night
- Severely restricted movements
If you suspect that you may have frozen shoulder, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
- There are a few approaches to treat frozen shoulder, however it depends on the severity of the condition. The most effective treatments consist of a combination of Physiotherapy and Biokinetics, which is manual therapy, stretching and mobility exercises, and active and passive movements.
- Administering a corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint is another method to reduce the pain and improve the range of motion.
- In rare cases, surgery is required.
If you suspect that you may have frozen shoulder, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
There are different Phases of Frozen Shoulder:
1. Freezing Phase
- Development of a pain in the shoulder.
- Gets worse over time and may hurt more at night time.
- Limitation in shoulder movement.
- This phase can last from 6-9 months
2. Frozen Phase
- Pain may decrease, but stiffness in the shoulder will increase.
- Becomes more difficult to move your shoulder.
- Becomes difficult to complete day-to-day tasks due to the restriction.
- This phase can last from 4-12 months.
3. Thawing Phase
- The stiffness decreases and your range of motion slowly begins to return to normal.
- This phase can take from 6 months to 2 years.
The most common symptoms are as follows:
- Weakness and difficulty when lifting or rotating your arm.
- Shoulder pain when lifting and lowering your arm, or pain with specific movements.
- Pain at rest or night, especially if laying on the injured shoulder.
If you suspect that you may have a rotator cuff tear, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
- The first step is to rest from the activities causing pain.
In order to relieve the pain and restore the strength and movement to the shoulder, conservative treatment in the form of Biokinetics (exercise rehabilitation) is the best route.
Stretching, mobility exercises and basic muscle activations for strength are recommended for the initial phase of treatment.
- In the case of a complete (grade 3) tear; Surgical repair is required, followed by Post-Surgical rehabilitation from both Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
If you suspect that you may have a rotator cuff tear, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
A rotator cuff tear can take approximately 2-4 weeks to heal.
However, the duration depends on the severity of the injury.
- If a surgical repair of the injured muscle or tendon was performed, it will take considerably longer to heal and the rehabilitation process requires both Physiotherapy and Biokinetics.
Pain on the top of the shoulder, which gets worse when:
- Performing overhead movements
- Performing across the body movements
- Lifting heavy objects
Other symptoms:
- A hard lump on the top of the shoulder that can be seen and/or felt.
- Swelling and/or bruising
- Loss of shoulder movement
If you suspect that you may have an acromioclavicular joint injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
The treatment process depends on the type of sprain and its grade.
There are primarily 3 grades of AC-Joint sprains:
- Grade I: The acromioclavicular ligament is partially torn, and there is no injury to the coracoclavicular ligament.
- Grade II: The acromioclavicular ligament is completely torn and the coracoclavicular ligament is partially torn. The collarbone/clavicle is at an unusual angle.
- Grade III: Both the acromioclavicular ligament and coracoclavicular ligament are completely torn, and there is definite separation of the clavicle/collarbone.
Initial management for Grade I or II sprains include: rest, ice, and maybe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The arm may be placed in a sling.
For Grade III sprains, the sling is worn for 4 weeks.
Some Grade III sprains may require surgery if you’re a young individual, your job requires heavy lifting or if it’s a severe case.
If you suspect that you may have an acromioclavicular joint injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
These injuries can take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the grade of injury.
KNEE PAIN
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a condition in which the patella does not move in its natural line through the patella (trochlear) groove.
The cartilage under the kneecap may be damaged due to the incorrect tracking of the patella. It is the most commonly diagnosed anterior knee pain, and is due to injury or overuse
- Knee pain during squatting or climbing stairs
- Pain after sitting for long periods with knees bent
- Popping or crackling sounds in your knee when standing up or climbing stairs.
If you suspect that you may have patellofemoral pain syndrome, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Primary treatment involves:
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Placing a cold pack over the knee
- Compression
- Exercises to correct malalignment
The cause of PFPS has to identified, only then can the relevant treatment be prescribed.
Specific exercises from Biokineticists at can help develop knee range of motion, strength and endurance.
To find out what may be causing your knee pain, you can visit a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
It can take a minimum of 2-4 weeks to return to normal, pain-free knee movement.
If the PFPS was a result of physical trauma, it can take up to 5 months for complete recovery.
Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (ITBFS) is a common overuse injury that occurs in runners and cyclists.
The Iliotibial Band – a band of connective tissue on the outside of your leg, running from your hip to your knee – becomes tight or inflamed. In this state it causes a painful friction as it rubs against the lateral epicondyle of the femur (thighbone).
- Pain on the outside of the knee
- Aching, burning or tenderness over the lateral bony prominence above the knee
- Feeling a click or snap on the outside of the knee
- Knee pain that warms up with activity
- Pain that comes on with knee flexion
If you suspect that you may have iliotibial band friction syndrome, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Primary treatment involves:
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Placing a cold pack over the outside of the knee
Next, exercises to correct form and biomechanical errors are needed.
If one of the causative factors is the incorrect footwear, you may be required to get shoe inserts or better shoes.
Biokineticists will provide:
- Exercises to stretch ITB and strengthen the relevant muscles.
- Advice on adjusting training schedule to prevent this from happening again.
- Tips on best warm up and cool down practices
If you suspect that you may have iliotibial band friction syndrome, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Approximately 4-8 weeks.
Due to it being an overuse injury, the ITB also needs to rest and recover.
Also called Jumper’s Knee, Patellar Tendinitis is an injury caused by overloading the patella tendon, resulting in knee pain. The patella tendon is the connective structure between the bottom of your kneecap (patella) to the top of your tibia (shin bone).
- Pain at the front of the knee: at the base of the kneecap, on the patella tendon, or on the tibial attachment of the tendon.
- Pain at the beginning of the activity but warms up.
- Pain with resisted knee extension.
- Knee pain may be aggravated with climbing stairs or standing up from a chair.
If you suspect that you may have patellar tendinitis, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Primary treatment involves:
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Placing a cold pack over the front of the knee, below the kneecap
Patella tendinitis is treated by:
- Correcting muscular imbalances; stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones.
- Evaluating and reinforcing proper technique
- Adjusting training schedule
- Practicing of proper warming up and cooling down exercises.
If you suspect that you may have patellar tendinitis, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Approximately 6 weeks after rehab treatment begins.
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a major connective tissue within the knee.
The ligament can be sprained, torn or completely ruptured during movements such as:
- Suddenly stopping or decelerating
- Sudden change of direction
- Jumping
- Landing
- Traumatic force to the knee
- A feeling of instability or ‘giving way’ of the knee when standing on the injured leg
- Decreased of range of motion
- Rapid swelling after incident
- Severe knee pain + unable to resume activity
If you suspect that you may have an ACL injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Primary treatment involves:
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Placing a cold pack over the knee
- Elevation of the leg
Next depending on the severity of the injury, you may begin with Physiotherapy or Biokinetics or you may have to go for surgery to reconstruct the injured ligament.
Biokinetics will help you:
- Regain your range of motion
- Strengthen all surrounding muscles
- Learn the proper techniques for landing, cutting and turning
- Return to sport or other activities
If you suspect that you may have an ACL injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
- Grade 1 injury: (~3 weeks)
- Grade 2 injury: (~3 months)
- Grade 3 injury: (~9-12 months)
Grade 1 & 2 sprains/tears may only require conservative rehabilitation, such as that from a Biokineticist.
A Grade 3 tear, is a complete rupture of the ligament will require surgery, followed by Physiotherapy and Biokinetics.
The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is a ligament on the inside of the knee which prevents the knee from bending inward.
An MCL injury could be a sprain or tear to this ligament, and a common mechanism for an MCL injury is to be hit on the outside of the knee, forcing it inward.
- Swelling at the knee
- A popping sound on injury.
- Tenderness and pain along the inner aspect of the knee.
- Feeling of instability; the knee wants to give up.
- Look for catching or locking within the knee.
If you suspect that you may have an MCL injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Primary treatment involves:
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Placing a cold pack over the knee
- Elevation of the leg
- Using crutches to stay off that leg
Next depending on the severity of the injury, you may begin with Biokinetics or you may have to go for surgery to reconstruct the injured ligament.
Biokinetics will help you:
- Regain your range of motion
- Strengthen all surrounding muscles
- Learn the proper techniques for landing, cutting and turning
- Return to sport or other activities
If you suspect that you may have an MCL injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Depending on the severity of the injury, and the compliancy to the program, It could take days, weeks or months.
A Grade 1-2 injury may take ±2-6 weeks, with the proper rehabilitation.
A Grade 3 injury will require surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation from a Physiotherapist and Biokineticist. This may take a few months.
BACK PAIN
The thoracic spine is the longest region of the spine composed of 12 vertebrae. It runs from the cervical spine of the neck down to lumbar spine of the lower back. It provides postural stability and aids in the maintenance of an upright posture. It also serves as attachment points for the ribcage.
- Muscle Strain –The muscle has small strings called fibres, if they are overstretched they can be pulled and torn. The cause of this cause of back pain could be due to heavy exertion and sudden activities, poor posture or overuse. Injury of these muscles may result in back pain with movement, disuse of the muscles, weakness, stiffness, spasms and sometimes swelling around the area. It takes ±3 – 6 weeks for the muscles to recover.
- Nerve Root/Nerve Irritation or Damage – A nerve (nerve root) forms part of the wiring system the body has to pass and receive messages to different areas. The irritation can happen on the joint level (by a disc bulge or herniation, inflammation) and tissue level (connective tissues, muscles). This then might cause decreased sensation, sciatica, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, weakness and pain in the area and referring to specific areas depending on the nerve root/nerve being irritated/damaged.
Recovery is slower but can be from 3 -6 months depending on the severity of injury and sometimes if no recovery is noted, surgery is indicated.
- Facet Joint Dysfunction – These are the joints on either side of the spinal column, which also allows for mobility and stability and, just like most of the body joints, it can degenerate, be inflamed and can be affected by poor posture and joint overuse. This can then cause pain on both sides or one (if only one side is affected), stiffness and decreased range of motion.
- Disc Herniation (and Bulge) – A disc has 2 parts: the inside gel-like structure called nucleus pulposus and an outside hard part called annulus fibrosus. Under stress or heavy loads, falls, and trauma the inside part can push the layer outside and bulges out or can have minor tears that herniates/comes out from the outer cover (disc herniation).
It might not completely tear and that’s where the conservative treatment is indicated but if it completely tears so that the inside, soft, gel-like part comes out then surgery is indicated to fix the tear. This causes (back) pain with movement especially bending over, coughing and sneezing since it increases pressure on the spine, pain across the back, stiffness, and less range of motion. The bulge or herniation, in terms of direction, can be central with the possibility to compress the spinal cord or towards the sides with the possibility to compress/put pressure on the nerves exiting the spine. Most people recover in 6 weeks.
- Arthritis – This is a degeneration on the joint level affecting bones, discs, ligaments and muscles around the area. Degeneration could either be primary (due to aging and overuse) or secondary (following trauma or injury). The affected joint becomes stiff and painful, with limited use of the joint and often swells.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
LOWER BACK PAIN
Spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition and can be attributed to both the narrowing of the spinal and nerve root canal and the enlarging of the facet joints. It’s most common causes are osteoarthritis and the body’s natural aging process, yet other contributors are trauma or previous surgery. The narrowing of the spinal canal creates less space for the nerves to function. This compression causes inflammation and swelling resulting in lower back pain, sciatica; weakness or numbness in the back and down the legs.
Symptoms may develop over time but could also present suddenly:
- Intermittent pain with specific activities e.g. walking
- Dull ache or sharp lower back pain
- Tingling, numbness or pain in the buttocks, thighs or calves
- Neurogenic claudication (Cramping and weakness in the calves)
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Patient education
- Postural correction
- Physiotherapy
- Strengthening of the core stabilizers & functional muscles (Biokinetics)
- If the patient does not respond to conservative rehabilitation, or the condition is severe, surgery may be required. It is imperative to get assessed by the relevant professionals.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
Lumbar Spondylosis is arthritis or osteoarthritis of the vertebrae which results in pressure being placed on the vertebral nerve roots, leading to lower back pain. It is a degenerative disorder that is caused by the “wear and tear” of the vertebrae and is therefore considered an age-related condition. Age causes physiological changes to the skeleton’s composition – as a result the body compensates and creates osteophytes (bone spurs) which cause rigidity of the spine leading to stiffness and pain.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
- Lower back pain/ stiffness in the mornings
- Intermittent lower back pain, with flare-ups
- Pain with walking or standing for too long
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
- Resting from aggravating activities
- Patient education
- Postural correction
- Physiotherapy
- Strengthening of the core stabilizers & functional muscles (Biokinetics)
- Low impact/non-weight bearing exercises, like swimming or cycling
- If the patient does not respond to conservative rehabilitation, or the condition is severe, surgery may be required. It is imperative to get assessed by the relevant professionals.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
Lumbar discs are subject to constant abnormal pressure due to improper biomechanics, movement patterns or trauma, which can cause degeneration or damage to the annulus fibrosus (Thick fibrous ring that protects the centre of the disc called the nucleus pulposus). Injury to the annulus fibrosis can cause protrusion of the nucleus pulposus which can place stress on the spinal cord and nerves, causing referred pain down the legs (sciatica). Discs most commonly injured are at L4 & L5 as well as L5 & S1. Mechanisms associated with this injury are forward flexion coupled with rotational movements, which place a lot of stress on the lumbar spine and resulting in lower back pain.
- Lower back pain with resulting radicular pain
- Relief of pain when lying on side
- Aggravated by sitting or lumbar flexion
- Pain worse in the mornings
- Coughing and sneezing may cause back pain
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
- Relief is found in a supine position with hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees (less intradiscal pressure)
- Postural correction and biomechanical correction for ADLs
- Physiotherapy
- Restoring muscle strength and control of abdominal and pelvic stabilizers (Biokinetics)
- If the patient does not respond to conservative rehabilitation, or the condition is severe, surgery may be required. It is imperative to get assessed by the relevant professionals.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
Lumbar radiculopathy is the irritation of the lumbar nerves exiting the spinal canal, causing radicular pain in the lower extremities, like the thigh, calf and foot. Pain felt in the extremities is often worse than the back pain. E.g. the piriformis syndrome. Lumbar radiculopathy is caused by injury, compression or inflammation to the lumbar nerves either caused by disc herniations, foraminal stenosis or injury.
- Lower back pain
- Tingling, weakness, numbness, burning or aching in the legs
- Sciatica
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
- Postural correction and biomechanical correction
- Physiotherapy
- Stretching of lower extremities and strengthening of core and pelvic stabilizers (Biokinetics)
- If the patient does not respond to conservative rehabilitation, or the condition is severe, surgery may be required. It is imperative to get assessed by the relevant professionals.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
Facet joint sprains usually occur with a forward flexion and rotation movement, like lifting a baby out a car seat, or transferring some objects from one shelf to the opposite side. The initial pathology includes synovitis of the joint capsule resulting in hypomobility from recurrent irritation of the facet joint. These inflammatory changes cause swelling and resultant lower back pain. These injuries either have a specific inciting event or can be the result of chronic repetitive stress that caused gradual onset of pain. The pain can usually be indicated at a specific point. This type of lower back pain can be described as a deep, sore sensation that gets sharper or more intense with specific movements, located centrally or laterally to the spinous process area.
- Localized back pain in response to movements
- Limited Range of motion
- Pain with hyperextension
- Pain upon palpation of facet joints.
- Patient presents with hyper lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
Biokineticists and Physiotherapists can provide the following:
- Restore movement and function of spine
- Postural correction and musculoskeletal balance
- Patient education – movement patterns and avoiding hyperextension
- Individualised exercise prescription – with exercises such as stretching the hamstring and Iliopsoas complex and strengthening abdominal and pelvic stabilizers.
- If the patient does not respond to conservative rehabilitation, or the condition is severe, surgery may be required. It is imperative to get assessed by the relevant professionals.
The DBC program specializes in the holistic treatment of this condition, using evidence-based methods and the conservative rehabilitation required.
If you suspect that you may have this condition, make an appointment and receive professional treatment from qualified GPs, Physiotherapists and Biokineticists.
HIP PAIN
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a relatively common condition that is mostly prevalent in people aged 50+ years and older. Over time, the protective cartilage within the hip joint wears out. Often mistaken with normal degeneration, OA is a disease process that causes damage to the surfaces of the hip joint. It is inflammatory in nature and is a chronic illness.
- Pain and stiffness at the hip joint.
- A gradual worsening of pain over time.
- Pain/stiffness after sitting for a while, or when getting out of bed.
- Pain may start to occur at rest or in the evening.
- Difficulty with moving the leg, decreased range-of-motion.
- Resting from activities that aggravate the pain.
- Decrease the loading on the joint by switching to activities with a lower impact.
- Exercises prescribed by a Biokineticist will help increase the strength of the surrounding muscles and the range of motion of the hip joint.
- Anti-inflammatories are used to control the inflammatory flares that come and go over time.
- Physiotherapy can help regain any lost movement and function and to make you stronger again.
If the condition is to severe for conservative rehabilitation, surgery may be required.
If you suspect that you may have hip osteoarthritis, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
This depends on the stage of the condition. There is no cure for OA, but there are many ways to manage the pain and remain functional. If caught early your biokineticist and physiotherapist can help you maintain a very healthy and strong hip joint.
An injury of a structure called the hip labrum – a ring of connective tissue on the rim of the hip socket (the acetabulum). The labrum functions as (1) a shock absorber, (2) a seal to keep the femur within the acetabulum, and (3) provides a ‘lubricated’ surface for smooth movement at the hip joint.
Some common symptoms of a hip labral injury include:
- Pain and stiffness at the hip or groin.
- Clicking, locking, catching or even giving way of the hip.
- Limited range of movement at the hip.
- Pain gets worse with walking, standing or sitting for a long time.
Physiotherapists and Biokineticists work together to:
- Improve range of motion at the hip joint.
- Decrease pain.
- Regain functionality through stretching and strengthening exercises.
This will improve the muscular control around the hip and will teach you how to move the hip in a way that will promote healing of the injured tissue.
- A Doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and injections to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Surgery may be indicated for some cases – further investigation will be required if there is no response to conservative rehabilitation.
If you suspect that you may have a hip labral injury, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Anything from 6 weeks from initial injury, depending on the chronicity of the problem.
If a surgery was performed, it could take ±4-6 months to make full recovery if one is compliant with all their post-operative Physiotherapy and Biokinetics rehabilitation sessions and exercises.
The piriformis muscle is a deep muscle at the back of the hip joint. It is very close to the big nerve that runs down the back of the leg and if the muscle is overactive or tight it may put pressure on that nerve. In some cases, the nerve runs through the muscle, and these people are prone to develop piriformis syndrome where the nerve gets pinched. Mostly though, the pain is merely due to an overactive piriformis muscle and is easily remedied.
- A deep pain/ache in the buttocks.
- Pain or pins & needles that run down the back of the thigh and calf.
- Pain after sitting for a long time.
- Reduced range of motion at the hip joint.
- A Physiotherapist can manually release the piriformis muscle and alleviate the pressure on the nerve, and mobilise the nervous system to be less sensitised and thus, decrease the symptoms.
- A Biokineticist can teach and prescribe specific exercises to stretch the piriformis muscle, increase range of movement around the hip joint, and strengthen the relevant muscles to correct any muscle imbalances.
If you suspect that you may have piriformis syndrome, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
This varies tremendously between patients, if you think you may have this problem consult a biokineticist or physiotherapist to determine your prognosis.
ANKLE PAIN
A common injury in which the ligaments on the outer/lateral aspect of the ankle are stretched due increase load. Symptoms include swelling, redness, discomfort, possible ankle instability depending on the grade of the tear. Initial treatment involves limiting weight-bearing activities, ice, elevate and rest, and Physiotherapy. Final phase rehabilitation will include strengthening and proprioceptive exercises (Biokinetics). Grade 3 tears require surgical repair.
Grade 1 and 2 tears take ±4-6 weeks to recover.
If you suspect that you may have a lateral ankle sprain, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
A common injury amongst football players and ballerinas caused by forced dorsi- or plantar-flexion (upward and downward movement of the foot at the ankle joint) which results in impingement on the overlying tissues.
If you suspect that you may have an anterior ankle impingement, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
Also known as an eversion/medial ankle sprain. This is the disruption of the ligaments on the inner/medial aspect of the ankle due to a large force. It is a relatively rare injury compared the common lateral ankle sprain.
Initial treatment involves limit weight bearing activities, ice, elevate and rest and physiotherapy. This is followed by rehabilitative exercises prescribed by a biokineticist, addressing range of motion, strengthening and balance.
Grade 3 tears require surgical intervention followed by the above mentioned treatments.
Grade 1 and 2 tears require 4-6 weeks recovery time.
If you suspect that you may have a deltoid ligament sprain, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
This is a condition characterized by the ankle ‘giving way’ when walking or doing other activities that may not be considered as strenuous.
- Swelling either constantly or intermittently.
- Pain or tenderness around the ankle joint.
- Repeated ankle sprains.
- A wobbly feeling.
Primary treatment involves:
- Taping or bracing for support.
- Ankle rehabilitation to strengthen the joint.
Specific rehabilitative exercises prescribed by a Biokineticist will address components such as strength, flexibility and balance.
If you suspect that you may have chronic ankle instability, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that develops over time as a result of repetitive trauma/forces applied to a bone without sufficient time for healing and recovery.
- The source of the pain can be identified by placing one’s finger on the site.
- Pain/aching at the site of the fracture.
- Pain gets increasingly worse with activity, and decreases with rest.
- Pain that may be present at rest.
- Rest from aggravating activity.
- Significantly reduced/complete avoidance of weight-bearing activities – i.e. with the use of crutches.
- Patients with stress fractures may need to be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation as surgery may be indicated in some patients.
- A Biokineticist can also evaluate, and prescribe gradual progressions for exercises and activities once the stress fracture is near the end of the healing process.
If you suspect that you may have a stress fracture, make an appointment with a Biokineticist or Physiotherapist to determine the treatment solution for your condition.
DIETETICS
With an individualised approach to a person’s eating habits, food choices and nutrition education it will allow a patient to achieve their personalised goals.
Diabetes is a disease in where the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired. This results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
There are 2 types of Diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 1 Diabetics are insulin-dependent as their body does not produce enough or any insulin to metabolise carbohydrates in food. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin, however either the amount produced is insufficient for the body’s needs, or the body’s cells are resistant to it.
Both forms of diabetes require medication, exercise and an appropriate diet. Each person’s nutritional prescription or advice will be different from the next. A personalised approach is always best to ensure you achieve the best control possible with your current lifestyle and habits.
Besides raised fasting blood sugar levels, the most common symptoms are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Blurry Vision
- Low energy
- Wounds or bruises that don’t heal well.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition of the digestive system.
For an IBS diagnosis you should have recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day a week in the last 3 months; along with two or more of the following:
- Issues related to going to the toilet
- Associated with a change in a frequency of stool
- A change in form (consistency) of stool
- Symptom type and severity may vary between individuals but the condition is often lifelong. Symptoms may also become more prevalent during times of stress or after eating certain foods.
(Referencing: http://www.eatfitsa.com/bloating-diet/)
An IBS tailored diet is really important if you suffer from IBS. Most people believe diet is the main cause for their IBS symptoms. However, it is a multifactorial condition. A Registered Dietitian trained in the management of IBS as well as the low FODDMAP diet can assist a patient to support them to make the right dietary changes for optimum symptom relief.
Most common symptoms experienced are: abdominal pain, stomach cramps, bloating, excessive wind, change in stool consistency or frequency (diarrhoea and/or constipation).
IBS is a lifelong condition, however each person will respond differently and depending on severity of their IBS the recovery time will be different.
Similar to Diabetes, insulin resistance is when cells in your muscles, body fat and liver start resisting or ignoring the signal that the hormone insulin is sending to the body. This often causes the body to store energy as fat instead of the cells getting sufficient energy.
Insulin resistance is tested with a blood test done via a laboratory.
Exercise is always recommended as well as Individualised Carbohydrate prescription and personalised nutritional recommendations.
Depending on an athlete’s current physical levels, their sport of choice and intensity of training will depend on what advice and energy requirements to be calculated and implemented.
