Welcome to our Summer newsletter. We are hoping the weather holds up for Wimbledon and Murray remains injury free after his recent bad back. On that note in this issue we will focus on back pain related to increased activities after a sedentary week and how we can minimise the risk of injury and pain.
STAFF CHANGES
We are sorry to say goodbye to Clare Luther who has carried out our ergonomic work place assessments for the past few years. She is moving on to pastures new.
In her place we are delighted to welcome Amanda Marsh to our team. Amanda qualified from Kings College London in 1989 and has gained post graduate qualifications in sports physiotherapy, acupuncture and ergonomics. For the past 10 years she has worked as clinical lead physiotherapist at Guys and St Thomas’. She has joined our team to carry out (in house) ergonomic work place assessments. She is a member of ACPOHE (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics).
Please contact the clinic on 020 7497 8974 if you require any work place assessments.
BACK PAIN IN THE WEEKEND WARRIOR
Physiotherapists along with other health professionals recommend exercise for all the proven benefits; prevention of heart disease, diabetes and depression to mention a few.
After a long week of sitting, computer work and commuting the majority of us relish the thought of getting out at the weekends. This may include going for a long walk, gardening or more strenuous exercise.
All too often on a Monday morning the phone rings with patients complaining of back and/or neck pain following recreational sports/gardening. Common complaints include a history of a mild ‘niggle’ whilst sitting for long periods during the weeks before. This is then triggered by a more strenuous activity at the weekend, typically involving sports/activities that require bending and twisting (tennis, golf and cricket). More recently we are seeing many cyclists with similar complaints.
This type of musculo-skeletal pain is very common. It is sometimes referred to as postural low back pain which after sitting in a fixed position for long periods the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) that support the spine can become tight resulting in some underlying joint stiffness. Lack of use can cause weakness of the abdominal (core) and spinal muscles.
What can physiotherapy do to help?
At an initial assessment the physiotherapist will take a detailed history of the problem and run through a series of gentle movements and feel the spinal muscles and joints to establish where the problem is.
From this the appropriate treatment will be discussed. In the acute stage this will include gentle manual therapy and advice to settle the problem down. Once the initial acute phase has settled the most important part of the treatment is to educate the patient on how to look after their spine. This is usually through stretching and strengthening exercises and postural advice. Ergonomic advice (how to sit at the desk/computer to minimise strain on the body) is also given and if needed a visit to the work station can be arranged.
We always say prevention is better than a cure. So if you are suffering with a niggle in your back or neck please feel free to call us for advice on 020 7497 8974 or email us oninfo@coventgardenphysio.com
PODIATRY
Sas Ahmadi (previously a podiatrist with BodyFactor) continues to offer biomechanical assessments with a view to fitting customised orthotics for optimum performance.
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We continue to offer womens health, ante and post natal physio,ergonomic assessments, pre and post op rehabilitation using manual therapy, exercise, acupuncture and functional training.
For more information please call us on: 020 7497 8974
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