Colm McColgan

13/07/2022

A simple and effective exercise for knee rehabilitation such as ACL, MCL and osteoarthritis rehab.

Note. If you are early stage ACL reconstruction consult with your rehabilitation therapist prior to doing this exercise and you may have certain ranges of motion required before adding this to your exercise plan.

07/07/2022

Varus and valgus alignment (shown in images), good or bad? Does it matter in the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA)?

As always in physiotherapy, it’s case dependent. This is some interesting research that might add some value to the conversation

The cited study was observed over a 2.5 year period. In people without knee OA, a knee varus alignment was associated with a higher prevalence of developing OA. In the people who already had OA, then both a varus and valgus alignment were associated with OA progression. The comparison was completed with neutral angle knees

In this study it was found that varus alignment increased medial (inner) OA progression, and a valgus alignment with lateral (outer) OA progression. This is also shown in the image, how a certain angle/shape can lead to a higher pressure/compression in different knee compartments

So how does this affect a person with knee OA, or who is likely to develop OA, and the clinical value for a physiotherapist?

This study shows that, although knee strength can be an issue, there is also a strong biomechanical aspect in the development of knee OA, and these biomechanical aspects will have to be assessed and treated according to the person’s current biomechanical setup

Important to consider, is that the knee has movement in only 2 planes (sagittal and transverse) of motion, which lessens its mobility potential

In my opinion the knee’s resting alignment is going to be strongly influenced by the position of the foot and the position of the hip, which have movement in 3 planes, and access to considerably greater ranges of motion because of this

Keeping this simplistic, to improve knee health, it will be about assessing what position the knee (as well as foot, hip) is currently occupying, why it is currently occupying this position, and then, do we have the ability to create change. This will involve using movement and exercise to promote a better resting alignment, and strengthening of the appropriate muscles to do this

Time of course will be required to achieve this, depending on the amount of knee alignment/angle a person is currently in

27/05/2022

This is a great exercise for lower limb injuries, and something I would use often in clinic to encourage a better weight distribution throughout the entire limb. This will allow for a better ability to absorb and produce force through the limb in running/walking specific biomechanics

It may look easy to perform, but it is really challenging so don’t underestimate it

When done correctly, the front leg will work really hard, and often fatigue very quickly. Its not about squeezing or clenching the muscles. Just putting your body into (semi)challenging positions and allowing your body to work out the appropriate muscles to use for effective control it in a dynamic environment

It will challenge strength, mobility, and balance all at once, creating a strong and mobile body

This is also beneficial for back pain

Encouraging more efficient weight bearing through the lower limbs, will allow the back muscles to unload and relax, giving a better range of motion when performing tasks such as lifting from the ground

Give it a try

Tag and share to anyone who would benefit

12/05/2022

Reposted from Karen Lacey Injury Clinic
⚡️Lower Back Pain ⚡️
When presenting to clinic with lower back pain, there are a number of factors we consider to come to a reasonable diagnosis
Some of these include:
Muscular – a number of the major muscles around the lower back and hips can contribute to your pain
Disc Compression of the Nerve - A bulging or herniated disc may cause pain by compressing or irritating the spinal nerves in the lower back, most commonly the L4, L5 and S1 spinal nerves as they exit the spinal canal. This will classically present as back, deep hip and leg pain, with a burning, stinging, electric like or numb sensation
Other factors to consider would include Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, Fractures
Joint – Facet / SI / Hip / Intervertebral
Joint related lower back pain could emanate from the facet joint, the intervertebral joint (both joints of the spine), the sacroiliac joint (where the base of the spine meets the pelvis) and the hip joint. These can also refer to the leg, with a dull aching pain.
Inflammatory / Arthritic - e.g. Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus
Organ related Lower Back Pain
Referral from the internal organs can also cause back pain.
Some examples include:
- Kidneys (Kidney stones/UTI)
- Large intestine/colon (Digestive issues – Constipation | IBS | Crohns | Parasitic / Bacterial / Viral Infection / Cancers)
- Reproductive Organs (Endometriosis / Adenomyosis / Ovarian Cysts / Prostate / Cancers)
- Liver / Gallbladder / Appendix
Red Flags – Major red flags to be aware of with back pain are constant pain, nerve pain as described above going down both legs, loss/change in sensation ge****ls or inability to control bowel and bladder movement. These are medical emergencies, and you should seek medical advice immediately
Many lower back pain presentations have structural causes and can be successfully treated conservatively, however, in some cases further medical referral may be necessary for bloods / imaging
Further post will explore these concepts in greater depth

25/04/2022

1. Sciatica does not have a strict medical definition; it is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of conditions.
2. Collectively these conditions have 1 thing in common- irritation of the sciatic nerve, that causes back and leg pain
3. The sciatic nerve (where the name Sciatica originates) starts in your lower back from the L4-S3 nerve roots and travels down the back of your leg to just above the knee (From here it splits forming the tibial and fibular nerve)
4. The most common reason for having sciatica is a herniated disc in the lower back
5. The 2 main methods of nerve irritation are by compression and or chemical irritation
6. Not all back and leg pain is sciatica
7. Sciatica can occur without an MRI showing abnormalities
8. There is a good prognosis of recovery for most people
☂️

22/03/2022

Delighted to announce that I will be joining the team Karen Lacey Injury Clinic and taking appointments in Castlebar.
For those of you who don’t already know me
My name is Colm McColgan and I am an experienced clinician with a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain.
Previously, I owned my own Neuromuscular Therapy clinic for 3 years in Donegal and worked as a Sports Massage Therapist for Derry City FC
In 2019 I chose to pursue a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree to enhance my clinical knowledge and proficiency
I have also completed several of the most sought out professional development courses to enhance my skillset and provide you with quality assessment and treatment
To Make an Appointment or view my full Bio
https://www.karenlaceyclinic.com/colm-mccolgan

21/03/2022

21/05/2021

05/09/2020

Day 4 and the last leg for as they cycle from Mizen Head to Malin head.

They start in Strabane today and will cycle 47 miles to their final destination.

Declan, Conor and Pj are cycling the length of Ireland to raise money for the Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death) charity.

If anyone would like to donate to the link below all is appreciated

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/declan-mclaughlin1

06/07/2020

I will now be available for call out/home appointments for the upcoming months.

If you are suffering from any pains or injuries and would like treatment in the comfort of your own home then please do get in contact.

I will be following strict hygiene guidelines including masks, hand and plinth sanitation to ensure the spread of COV-19 continues to drop.

To book an appointment send me DM or contact 00353860676725

15/09/2019

Tomorrow is the start of a new chapter for me as I embark on a 3 year degree course in Physiotherapy at Coventry University.

I have been building toward this for the past 18 months, as I believe it will open many avenues for my career in the future.

This unfortunately means I will no longer be working from my clinic base in M**f for the foreseeable future.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone I have had the privilege of working with in the past, as it is these experiences that have inspired me to further my studies so as to provide the best possible services I can in the future.

12/08/2019

Back in clinic today after a lovely break away in Italy 🇮🇹. Recharged the batteries and ready for a busy second half of the year.

Apologies if I missed any calls whilst away, hopefully I have returned a message or call to you at this stage

Busy few days ahead, but there is some availability toward the end of the week on Friday/Saturday.

Drop me a message or call me on 00353860676725 if you would like to arrange an appointment.

06/07/2019

Pitchside today with Derry City Football Club
at Redcastle.

As the u17's take on Cavan/Monaghon in Round 2 of the Mark Farren Cup 🔴⚪

Kick off 2 pm

Should be a good match for any local football advocates....

22/06/2019

On the road again today with Laois Camogie,

They look to build on a fantastic start to the campaign last week, with an away victory over Derry, as they take on Down in the Intermediate Championship.

Throw in 4.30

Our Intermediate Panel make the long journey again tomorrow to play Down in Round 2 of 2019 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Intermediate Championship.
This game will be played in Ballyholland Harps GAA, Down at 4.30pm
Best of luck!!!


Camogie Liberty Insurance Ireland
Banríon Gaels Camogie Club Camross Camogie Club Clough-Ballacolla Camogie Crg Camogie Naomh Éamann Camogie Club O' Moore's Camogie Club Portlaoise Camogie Club Brigid's Camogie St. Lazarians Camogie Abbeyleix The Harps Camogie Club

15/06/2019

Although my clinic colours sport the red/white, it was a pleasure to work with the Laois ladies & management today.