Physiotherapy Blog

Musculoskeletal injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to chronic conditions like tendonitis and back pain, are some of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care and/or physiotherapy treatment. Initially, they can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, overuse, poor posture, or aging. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and surgery are often used to address these conditions, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary and alternative therapy. Fortunately, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting it may be effective in promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving function. Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. By targeting specific points, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote natural healing.  How does acupuncture work for musculoskeletal injuries? Acupuncture can be used on many different body areas Pain management: One of…

What is metatarsalgia? Metatarsalgia is a general term used to describe pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Particularly, this is pain around the metatarsal heads—the bones just before your toes. While it’s not necessarily a condition in itself, it signals an underlying problem in foot structure, biomechanics, or lifestyle. The pain feels like or is often described as: A sharp, burning, or aching sensation in the front part of your foot The feeling of walking on a pebble Numbness or tingling in the toes What causes this foot pain? Metatarsalgia can develop from a variety of factors, including: 1. Overuse and high-impact activities Runners, jumpers, and dancers often put repetitive stress on the forefoot. Ultimately, the large forces going through the area can affect the tissues leading to inflammation and pain 2. Improper footwear Wearing high heels or tight shoes can shift your body weight forward onto…

What is a scaphoid fracture? A scaphoid fracture is one of the most common types of wrist fractures, particularly among young adults and athletes. The scaphoid bone is one of the eight small bones in the wrist, located in the middle of the joint closer to the thumb side. Functionally, it helps to connect the forearm bones (radius and ulna) to the hand bones (metacarpals). A fracture of the scaphoid typically occurs when an individual falls onto an outstretched hand (commonly shortened to FOOSH), causing the wrist to bend backward in an awkward position. The impact can break the bone,…

Pregnancy is a time of immense physical and emotional changes. As your body adapts to the growing baby, many women experience various discomforts and physical challenges. One of the less discussed, but relatively common issues is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Unfortunately, this condition can significantly impact a woman’s comfort and mobility during pregnancy. What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD)? Firstly, the sacroiliac joints are located at the base of the spine where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the end of the spine) meets the bones of the pelvis. Importantly, these joints play a role in transferring weight and forces…

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, affecting millions of people. Common causes may include poor posture, prolonged static or sitting times, and weak core and lower body muscles. While many people focus on core strengthening to alleviate back pain, the role of the gluteal muscles is often overlooked. Ultimately, strengthening the glutes can play a crucial role in preventing and managing low back pain. As physiotherapists, we emphasize a holistic approach that includes glute activation and strengthening exercises to support the lower back and improve overall movement patterns. What is the role of the…

If you’ve ever experienced pain and stiffness in your shoulder, you know how difficult it can make everyday tasks—reaching for something on a shelf, putting on a jacket, or even combing your hair. One possible reason for this kind of shoulder pain is frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis. In this blog, we’ll break down what frozen shoulder is, how it happens, and how Physiotherapy Treatment can help you recover and regain full use of your shoulder. What is a frozen shoulder? Frozen shoulder occurs when the tissue around your shoulder joint (called the “capsule”) becomes inflamed, thickened, and tight. Consequently, this makes it harder to move your shoulder and causes pain. In some cases, the pain can also get worse at night, making it difficult to sleep. Usually, this condition develops slowly, often over the course of months or even years, and in a predictable pattern. Unfortunately, frozen…

What is a fibular fracture? The fibula is one of two bones in the lower leg, the other being the tibia. Fractures of the tibia and fibula are common in those who have low bone density, specific diseases or anatomical features resulting in changes in bone structure. Also,the likelihood may also depend on the activity level, sports and types of training individuals do.  Fibular fractures can happen anywhere along the shaft of the bone. Fortunately, due to the smaller size and degree of weight bearing of the fibula relative to the tibia, a fibular fracture is considered less severe.  How do…

What is a cervicogenic headache? Firstly, the term “cervicogenic” means produced by the neck. Thus, cervicogenic headaches arise from structures in the neck. Namely, the upper cervical and atlanto-occipital joints are affected, and the resultant pain is perceived in the head and face.  The main symptoms of a cervicogenic headache are a combination of unilateral pain (more or isolated pain on one side), and diffuse shoulder and arm pain on the same side of the headache.  Why do these headaches happen? A cervicogenic headache is thought to be a referred pain from irritation in cervical structures. Specifically, it is the structures that…

What is a total hip arthroplasty? Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), or a hip replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged bone and cartilage in the hip joint. Instead, it replaces it with prosthetic components mainly using two techniques. The type of technique used will be discussed between you and your surgeon and is influenced by demographic and lifestyle factors. 1: Cemented: Used more in geriatric (older) populations or patients who have a more sedentary lifestyle  2: Non-cemented: Indicated for younger populations, or patients having active lifestyles Why do people get hip replacements? On the left shows a healthy hip with…

The hip joint is one of the most important joints for athletes, it is used in movements such as running, jumping, changing in direction, and kicking. In high impact sports, the chance of injuring the hip increases. For example, this can range from minor muscle strains to major structural pathologies, including fractures. Even with the best preventative strategies, hip injuries do occur in sports either from overuse or acute trauma. However, athletes can get back to full recovery and performance if the injury is diagnosed early and managed appropriately. Types of Hip Injuries Muscle Strains Kicking is a common method…