Morayfield Bowen Therapy

18/07/2024

20/04/2024

Bingo! 👏🏻

26/06/2023

This study confirmed the efficacy of ISBT-Bowen Therapy for patients with MPS. It alleviates pain, improves functional outcomes, enhances quality of life, and relieves mood symptoms.

25/05/2023

Goji berries, which are increasingly popular, are tiny red fruits native to Asia. This article explains all you need to know about goji berries, including their nutrients, benefits, and downsides.

29/08/2022

QUADRATUS LUMBORUM - ANATOMY, FUNCTION AND RELEASE EXERCISE

QL ANATOMY
The Quadratus Lumborum Muscle which is present in the posterior abdominal wall situated deep inside the abdomen. This muscle is present dorsally to the iliopsoas muscle. This muscle courses from the iliac crest and attaches itself to the 12th rib and the transverse processes of 1st to 4th lumbar vertebrae. The quadratus lumborum muscle is rectangular in shape. The muscle gets its blood supply from the subcostal nerve and branches of the lumbar plexus. The quadratus lumborum muscle lies quite close to many vital organs of the body in the abdomen like the kidneys and colon.

QL FUNCTION
The main function of the quadratus lumborum is to provide stability to the body along with movement of the spine and pelvis. Since this muscle is used frequently day in and day out hence it is prone to strains and injuries resulting in quadratus lumborum pain. Certain activities like repetitive heavy lifting, sporting activities like rowing, golfing can strain the quadratus lumborum muscle. Treatment for quadratus lumborum strain is conservative with a period of rest along with using hot and cold therapy and back brace.

QL REFERRED PAIN
When muscle knots form in the Ql or it goes into spasm due to overload or injury, then it can give you real grief! Often this is more one-sided than the other also, giving you a real lopsided feeling and can make it seem like you have one leg shorter than the other or that your “pelvis is out” (which can’t really happen). The QL refers pain elsewhere and isn’t always felt at the muscle. The referred pain is generally felt in the outer hip and in the glutes and is often described as a deep ache but can be a sharp pain when moving. The trouble is that this muscle is very hard to stretch – but, it is quite easy to do a QL muscle release!

QL MUSCLE RELEASE
1. Position
Lie on your back and place a firm massage ball under your QL muscle, which you will find in-between the top of your pelvis and your bottom rib, off to each side of your spine.

2. Action:
Bring the knee on the same side as the ball up towards your chest, which puts pressure on the ball. Once you feel like you have the right spot (you will feel it!), holding onto your knee you can either:
1. Rock your knee out to the side and then in again and repeat, OR
2. Repeatedly bend your knee up and down towards your chest.
Slowly and gently work into it for 1-2 minutes on each side and feel free to move the ball up or down slightly to get the right spots.

Do this great myofascial release once a day for two weeks.

Tip: Help prevent this recurring and giving you ongoing trouble by strengthening your QL and the surrounding muscle so that they can handle everything that is asked of them!

09/08/2022

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, a major nerve in the upper extremity that travels down the arm and enters the hand through a very small gap called carpal tunnel located in the central part of the wrist, gets compressed in the carpal tunnel. This causes irritation of the nerve leading to tingling or pain. Typically, this disease affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling in the hand or fingers. Some individuals experience pain in the arm between their elbow and hand.

▪️Symptoms generally may occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
▪️Pain in the other fingers except little finger may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
▪️Hands and fingers get weak.
▪️Slight pain in forearm and wrist.
▪️Pain will be severe at night.
▪️Feeling of relief just by shaking out the hand.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is first treated by conservative method. The general treatment includes complete rest for the wrist by wearing a splint. Cold therapy helps a lot to relieve the swelling and inflammation.

Surgery is performed in severe cases. Carpal tunnel release is a very simple operation in which carpal ligament is cut in order to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This is done either by open technique or endoscopic technique.

Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is important in speeding up the healing process and to get the optimal results. Physiotherapy also decreases the likelihood of recurrences in the future. Physiotherapy may include:

▪️Soft tissue massage.
▪️Electrotherapy.
▪️Joint mobilization.
▪️Heat and ice treatments.
▪️Bracing or splinting.
▪️Exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
▪️Activity modification and training.
▪️Appropriate plan for return to activity.Soft tissue massage.

Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are really helpful for the prevention from re-occurrence of symptoms. Pain free exercises are recommended. Aim for a full, pain-free range of motion before moving on to strengthening exercises.

Wrist Flexor Stretch against a chair

Method:

Starting Position:
Stand next to a chair. Lean forward and place your outstretched hand on top of the chair’s sitting surface with the palm facing and in contact with the surface of the chair.

Action:
In a slow and progressive manner push the wrist against the chair’s surface until you feel the resistance of the end of range. At end of range, hold the position for 15 seconds whilst breathing slowly and deeply. Ensure you keep the elbow fully extended throughout the exercise.

07/08/2022

🔈 HEADACHE AT THE BACK OF THE HEAD

There are many different types of headaches. One of the more common headaches is the suboccipital headache.

At the base of the skull there is a group of muscles, the suboccipital muscles, which can cause headache pain for many people. These four pairs of muscles are responsible for subtle movements between the skull and first and second vertebrae in the neck.

When the suboccipital muscles go into spasms they can entrap the nerves that travel through the suboccipital region. By compressing the suboccipital nerves they set off a series of events that lead to either a tension or a migraine like headaches.

CAUSES

The suboccipital muscles commonly become tense and tender due to factors such as

- Eye strain, wearing new eyeglasses.
- Sitting at a computer with our head forward and our head slightly tipped these muscles are doing a significant amount of work. This poor posture eventually causes the muscles to become tired, fatigue, and injured.
- Grinding the teeth, slouching posture, and trauma (such as a whiplash injury).

SYMPTOMS

Common signs and symptoms of a headache stemming from the suboccipitals include

- Pain, stiffness, and a dull ache in the upper neck and base of the skull
- Pain on the back of the head, and pain in the forehead and behind the eyes.
- Sometimes there may be visual disturbances or nausea, but those tend to be more common in migraine type headaches.

TREATMENT

People often feel relief when icing, stretching, or rubbing the suboccipital muscles. In the early stages rubbing the suboccipital region can reduce or eliminate a headache.

When the headaches progress often palpating the suboccipital muscles intensifies the headache. Some people feel a tension band or headache that moves towards the eye. When pushing on the suboccipital muscles, it may increase the intensity of eye pain.

Suboccipital headaches are improved with over-the-counter NSAIDs, ice, stretching, therapy, electric, ultrasound, and cold laser treatments. Goals of treatment are to decrease muscle spasms of the suboccipital muscles and trapezius. The poor posture of slouching forward and tipping the head up causes additional injury and spasms to the trapezius and upper back muscles. Treatment always looks at improving these muscles as well.

Treatment will focus on improving posture when standing and sitting, to relieve stress and strain on the muscles. In addition massage therapy is excellent at decreasing muscle spasms, pain, tenderness, and tension in these muscles. Stretching will be utilized to enhance flexibility. Strengthening exercises will be utilized for the weak muscles of the neck and shoulder complex.

Graston Technique is a very effective tool at decreasing the scar tissue and spasms associated with poor posture, headaches, and suboccipital spasms. Often people with suboccipital headaches have had poor posture for many years, and grass and helps decrease the fascial adhesions and scar tissue from years of poor posture.

28/07/2022

🔈 TIGHT INTERCOSTAL MUSCLES AND SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR DYSPNEA

Chest wall or Rib Pain is an annoying pain, which is quite common following intercostal muscle spasm or muscle sprain. An individual can sprain any muscle of the body, including those in the chest area resulting in severe pain. Intercostal muscle sprain results in severe spasmodic shooting pain.

Intercostal Muscles facilitate breathing. The muscles between the ribs are known as intercostal Muscles. Intercostal Muscles have a very vital role to play when it comes to movement of the ribs like while breathing.

The 11 groups of intercostal muscles lie on right and left side. Three layers of intercostal muscles are attached to upper and lower rib known as intercostal space. The three layers of intercostal muscles are outer layer known as external oblique, middle layer known as transverse intercostal muscles and inner layer known as internal oblique intercostal muscles. The function of the Intercostal Muscle is to stabilize the structure of the chest wall. The Intercostal Muscles also join the ribs together. The external and internal intercostal muscles fibers run in opposite oblique direction. Middle muscle layer runs in horizontal direction.

🔒 CAUSES OF INTERCOSTAL MUSCLE SPRAIN

* Upper Body Twist
* Forceful Twist Of Upper Body
* Forceful Swing Of The Arm
* Direct Chest Wall Impact

🔒 SYMPTOMS OF INTERCOSTAL MUSCLE SPRAIN

Sudden Acute Intense Pain
* Pain is localized over the sprained muscles.
* Pain intensity is severe, sharp and intense pain.
* Pain is associated with tenderness. Patient feels severe pain with palpation or examination of the area of the chest with sprain intercostal muscles.
* The main symptom of an Intercostal Muscle sprain is severe and constant pain in the chest wall area.
* If left untreated, after some time the pain may start occurring with movement or activities like breathing, coughing, sneezing etc.
* It is a self-limiting medical condition and usually resolves on its own after a few days.

🔒 SWELLING AND TENDERNESS

* Swelling is observed over the sprained intercostal muscles.
* Swelling is secondary to subcutaneous hematoma or inflammation of the muscles.

🔒 SHORTNESS OF BREATH OR DYSPNEA

* Patient complaints of shortness of breath also known as dyspnea.
* Shortness of breath is secondary to increase of pain intensity during inhalation.
* Patient stops taking deep breath when pain become severe and act of breathing results in short of completing of inspiration.

🔒 CHEST WALL STIFFNESS

* Patient complaints of chest wall stiffness.
* Patient prefers to take shallow breath.
* Stiffness is localized around the tender chest wall area.

🔒 TREATMENT FOR INTERCOSTAL MUSCLE SPRAIN

As stated above, Intercostal Muscle Sprain is a self-limiting medical condition and resolves itself within a few weeks. There may be steps taken to calm down the pain and inflammation that a person experiences with Intercostal Muscle sprain. Conservative treatment helps a long way in relieving symptoms and may include:

* Adequate rest
* Applying ice to the affected area
* Cold compresses
* Limited stretching exercises
* Physical therapy and/or massage therapy

25/07/2022

🔈 INFLAMMATION: TISSUE RESPONSE TO INJURY

The inflammatory response is a natural defence mechanism that is triggered whenever body tissues are damaged in any way. Most of the body defence elements are located in the blood and inflammation is the means by which body defence cells and defence chemicals leave the blood and enter the tissue around the injured or infected site. Inflammation occurs in response to physical trauma, intense heat and irritating chemicals, as well as to infection by viruses and bacteria.

The inflammatory response:

1. prevents the spread of damaging agents to nearby tissues
2. disposes of cell debris and pathogens
3. sets the stage for the repair process.

The four cardinal signs of inflammation are redness, heat, swelling and pain. Many experts consider impairment of function to be the fifth cardinal sign of inflammation.

The inflammatory process begins with chemical “alarms” a series of inflammatory chemicals that are released in the extracellular fluid. Injured tissue cells, phagocytes, lymphocytes, mast cells and blood proteins are all sources of inflammatory mediators, the most important of which are histamine, kinins, prostaglandins, complement, and lymphokines.

Though some of these mediators have individual inflammatory roles as well, they all promote dilation of the small blood vessels in the vicinity of the injury. As more blood flows into the area local hyperemia (congestion with blood) occurs which accounts for the redness and the heat of the inflamed area.

These chemicals also increase the permeability of local capillaries. Consequently, exudates, fluid containing proteins such as clotting factors and antibodies, seeps from the bloodstream into the tissue spaces.

This exudate is the cause of the local oedema or swelling that in turn, presses on adjacent nerve endings, contributing to a sensation of pain. Pain also results from the release of bacterial toxins, lack of nutrition to the cells in the area, and the sensitising effects of released prostaglandins and kinins. If the swollen and painful area is a joint, normal movement may be inhibited temporarily in order for proper healing and repair to occur.

Although at first, oedema may seem to be detrimental to the body, it isn’t. The entry of protein-rich fluids into the tissue spaces helps to dilute harmful substances, which may be present, brings in large quantities of oxygen and nutrients necessary for the repair process, and allows the entry of clotting proteins which form a gel like fibrin mesh in the tissue space that effectively isolates the injured area and prevents the spread of bacteria and other harmful agents into the adjacent tissues. It also forms a scaffolding for permanent repair.

19/07/2022

🔈 TIBIALIS ANTERIOR TENDONITIS - SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENT OPTIONS

▶️ WHAT IS TIBIALIS ANTERIOR TENDONITIS?

The tibialis anterior is a muscle which lies at the front of the shin and attaches to several bones in the foot via the tibialis anterior tendon. The tibialis anterior is primarily responsible for moving the foot and ankle towards the head (dorsiflexion – figure 1), and, controlling the foot as it lowers to the ground during walking or running.

Whenever the tibialis anterior muscle contracts or is stretched, tension is placed through the tibialis anterior tendon. If this tension is excessive due to too much repetition or high force, damage to the tendon can occur. Tibialis anterior tendonitis is a condition whereby there is damage to the tibialis anterior tendon with subsequent inflammation and degeneration.

▶️ SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TIBIALIS ANTERIOR TENDONITIS

Patients with tibialis anterior tendonitis usually experience pain at the front of the shin, ankle or foot during activities which place large amounts of stress on the tibialis anterior tendon (or after these activities with rest, especially upon waking in the morning). These activities may include walking or running excessively (especially up or down hills or on hard or uneven surfaces), kicking an object with toes pointed (e.g. a football), wearing excessively tight shoes or kneeling. The pain associated with this condition tends to be of gradual onset which progressively worsens over weeks or months with continuation of aggravating activities. Patients with this condition may also experience pain on firmly touching the tibialis anterior tendon.

▶️ CAUSES OF TIBIALIS ANTERIOR TENDONITIS

Tibialis anterior tendonitis typically occurs due to activities placing large amounts of stress through the tibialis anterior muscle. These activities may include fast walking or running (especially up or downhill or on hard or uneven surfaces) or sporting activity (such as running or kicking sports). Patients may also develop this condition following direct rubbing on the tibialis anterior tendon. This may occur due to excessive tightness of strapping or shoelaces over the tendon.

▶️ TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment for patients with tibialis anterior tendonitis is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence. Treatment may comprise:

- soft tissue massage
- electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound)
- anti-inflammatory advice
- stretches
- joint mobilization
- dry needling
- ankle taping
- bracing
- the use of crutches
- ice or heat treatment
- exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance
- education
- activity modification advice
- biomechanical correction
- footwear advice
- a gradual return to activity program

▶️ EXERCISES

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Your physiotherapist can advise when it is appropriate to begin the initial exercises and eventually progress to the advanced and self massage exercises. As a general rule, addition of exercises or progression to more advanced exercises should take place provided there is no increase in symptoms.

🔑 Foot and Ankle Up and Down

Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 2). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

🔑 Foot and Ankle In and Out

Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 -20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Reference: Physio Advisor

12/07/2022

🔈 MERALGIA PARESTHETICA - FRONT THIGH PAIN

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. The cause of meralgia paresthetica is compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface of your thigh.

Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes.

In most cases, you can relieve meralgia paresthetica with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include, physical therapy, medications to relieve discomfort or, rarely, surgery.

Symptoms
Pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper thigh, might cause these symptoms of meralgia paresthetica:

* Tingling and numbness in the outer (lateral) part of your thigh
* Burning pain on the surface of the outer part of your thigh

These symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body and might intensify after walking or standing.

Causes
Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or pinched. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and doesn't affect your ability to use your leg muscles.

In most people, this nerve passes through the groin to the upper thigh without trouble. But in meralgia paresthetica, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes trapped — often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along your groin from your abdomen to your upper thigh.

Common causes of this compression include any condition that increases pressure on the groin, including:

* Tight clothing, such as belts, corsets and tight pants
* Obesity or weight gain
* Wearing a heavy tool belt
* Pregnancy
* Scar tissue near the inguinal ligament due to injury or past surgery
* Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica.

Risk factors
The following might increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica:

* Extra weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
* Pregnancy. A growing belly puts added pressure on your groin, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes.
* Diabetes. Diabetes-related nerve injury can lead to meralgia paresthetica.
* Age. People between the ages of 30 and 60 are at a higher risk.

10/07/2022

🔈WHAT IS T4 SYNDROME?

T4 syndrome, also known as Upper Thoracic Syndrome refers to the pain in the upper back and is a much under-recognized or diagnosed condition. The spinal cord is divided into 5 segments: Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx. The cervical segment has 7 segments (C1-C7), the thoracic has 12 segments (T1-T12), the lumbar has 5 segments (L1-L5), the sacral also has 5 segments which are fused (S1-S5), the coccyx has only 1 segment.

T4 syndrome typically indicates pain in the 4th vertebrae of the thoracic segment of the spine. T4 syndrome is 3-4 times more common in females than in males.

💡 The Typical Symptoms of T4 Syndrome or Upper Thoracic Syndrome Include:

➡️ Diffused pain in arms
➡️ Paraesthesia in whole arm or the fore-arm
➡️ Extreme hot or cold temperatures of hand
➡️ Heavy feeling in the upper extremities
➡️ Non-dermatomal pains or aches in the forearm or arm
➡️ A crushing or tight band like pain
➡️ Recurrent complain of discontinuous pain in and around the scapular region or posterior thoracic pain
➡️ Sensations like tingling of pins or needles or numbness of the arm.

💡 What Can Cause T4 Syndrome or Upper Thoracic Syndrome?

The reason for the development of T4 syndrome depends on injury to the T4 segment of the spinal cord due to repeated bending, arching, lifting or twisting type of movement thus causing injury to the facet joints in that area. It can also be caused due to poor posture like protruding the head forward while sitting or standing, and slouching. It is common in people with cervical lordosis or cervico-thoracic kyphosis.

Women are more prone to develop the syndrome due to their structural differences from men. As the breasts develop, there is an increase in the amount of weight in the frontal part and to maintain that many would bend a little forward. The heavier the breast, the chances are more to develop T4 syndrome in women.

Treatment for T4 Syndrome or Upper Thoracic Syndrome
The treatment of T4 Syndrome solely depends on physiotherapy. An experienced physiotherapist will provide manual therapy with an impairment based approach. The sessions would start with manual therapy and slowly would progress to home exercise. The sessions would include some or combinations of the following techniques:

➡️ Joint manipulation and mobilization of the thoracic and cervical spine
➡️ Soft tissue massage
➡️ Taping or bracing
➡️ Electrotherapy viz., ultrasound or laser
➡️ Dry needling
➡️ Training in Pilates
➡️ Postural correction
➡️ Stretching
➡️ Exercises for flexibility and stabilization of the core