Fransien Rossouw Physiotherapist

08/08/2025

“ The PROSPER trial”📃

👉Development of an exercise intervention for the prevention of musculoskeletal shoulder problems after breast cancer treatment

👉Musculoskeletal shoulder problems are common after breast cancer treatment.

Early postoperative exercise may improve shoulder function.

The PROSPER trial evaluates a physiotherapy-led intervention to prevent shoulder dysfunction.

🔧 Intervention Components

Shoulder-specific exercises: Target ROM and strength.

General physical activity: Based on national guidelines (150 min/week).

Behavioural strategies: Promote adherence and self-management.

💪 Exercise Program Design

-ROM Exercises:

Focus on shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

Active and active-assisted movements.

Limited to 90° for first 7 days post-op.

-Stretching:

Daily “stretch and hold” for pectoralis muscle (10 min/day).

-Strengthening (from week 4):

Resistance bands (tailored using Borg scale).

Progressive intensity and volume.

12/07/2022

Potential neuropathic and nociceptive components of chronic low-back pain

☝️👇👇

👉 The lower back (L1-L5) is a complex structure comprising vertebrae, intervertebral discs that cushion and support vertebrae, facet joints lined with cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid that connect vertebrae and allow for movement, large muscles that support the spine and power movement, and ligaments and cartilage which provide structural support. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27408698/

👉 Spinal nerve roots exit the spine through the intervertebral foramen, whereas bone, muscle, and facet joints are innervated with nociceptors that respond to injury, inflammation, or mechanical stress. This complexity makes it difficult to identify the specific underlying cause(s) of CLBP in an individual patient, particularly since patients often phenotypically show aspects of both neuropathic and nociceptive pain states (Fig.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26935254/

👉 A nociceptive component can arise from persistent nociceptor activation and/or sensitization in response to inflammatory processes in a variety of structures including intervertebral discs, facet joints, bones, ligaments, muscles, and organs within the abdominal cavity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31145219/

👉 Such persistent nociceptive signaling can lead to central sensitization in the dorsal horn. Sensitization is believed to play a role in some forms of CLBP, although the precise contribution of sensitization to the overall pain state is not clearly delineated. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062464/

11/07/2022

10/05/2022

Today is Movement for Health Day! It's been 1 month since I completed my Robben Island swim and what an experience it was! The whole training journey and acclimatizing ( & enjoying! ) the cold water.
-Physical Activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
-Physical Activity enhances thinking, learning and judgment skills
-Globally, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity
Start today with some movement, something you enjoy, set a goal- big or small :) It's worth it!

Comment and let us know your goals or what 'movement' you've been doing.

06/10/2021

Best of luck to all the cyclists taking part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday 10 October. At Fransien Rossouw Physiotherapist we offer clinical/sports massages both pre- and post-race. We can also help with any last minute treatments as well as strapping for race day. Contact 0215511281 or email fransien@sunsetbeachphysio.co.za to make a booking!

22/09/2021

Watch this video for some useful workday exercises to help prevent unnecessary aches and pains! 0215511281

15/09/2021

17/08/2021

06/08/2021

A quick few tips on ergonomics (desk setup) at the workplace or at home. Remember physiotherapists are experts at asessing ergonomics and posture and making individualized recommendations.

26/04/2021

MUST WATCH for the truth about back pain.

Full paper (open access): http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101611Patient stories behind the facts: https://youtu.be/puj06Wls1pM There are many myths a...

17/04/2021

Back pain sufferers... Please remember this! Let us help you get your quality of life back.

03/02/2021

A good example of just how "active" a physiotherapy rehab session can be! We teach healthy movement! Ps. This patient provided me with this video, consent to share given.