In the realm of healthcare, the role of physical therapists, also known as physiotherapists, is often associated with rehabilitation and pain management. Many people wonder about the extent of a physical therapist's ability to diagnose conditions, especially when compared to traditional doctors. In this article, we will explore the qualifications and diagnostic capabilities of physical therapists, shedding light on their crucial role in the healthcare landscape. Educational B

Introduction Back pain is a common ailment that can significantly impact one's quality of life. The decision to undergo back surgery is a complex one, often surrounded by misconceptions and uncertainties. In this blog post, we'll explore the considerations that come into play when deciding if back surgery is a viable option, emphasizing that surgery is not always the best choice for addressing back pain. The Reality of Back Surgery 1. Common Misconceptions    It's crucial to

Introduction Long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms lasting weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection, has brought forth a myriad of challenges for individuals on the path to recovery. Physiotherapy emerges as a crucial ally in managing the complexities of long COVID, with a particular focus on two essential aspects: pacing and education. In this blog post, we'll explore how physiotherapy interventions, centered around these principle

On this episode of the injury edition, Sam tackles the topic of rotator cuff related shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PFmVHlpL3w&t=5s #InjuryEdition #RotatorCuffPain #ShoulderPain #RotatorCuffTears #ShoulderImpingement #HealthPodcast #InjuryPrevention #PhysicalTherapy #Rehabilitation #WellnessJourney #PodcastEpisode #SportsInjuries #FitnessRecovery #PainManagement #ShoulderHealth #MuscleHealth #FitnessTips #RecoveryJ

Introduction In the realm of rehabilitation and musculoskeletal care, you may have encountered two seemingly distinct titles: physiotherapist and physical therapist. Are they different professions, or is it a matter of regional semantics? Let's unravel the mystery behind these titles and explore why they might differ depending on where you are in the world. The Shared Profession Firstly, it's important to establish that physiotherapists and physical therapists share the same

Introduction The decision to keep or remove metal implants after surgery is a complex one that often involves weighing various factors. In this blog post, we'll explore the contrasting approaches between the West and Japan, shed light on the research surrounding metal retention, and delve into the considerations for making an informed decision. 1. Cultural Variances: Metal Removal Practices in the West vs. Japan In the Western medical landscape, it's not uncommon for surgeons

Introduction Lower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint seen by doctors and other medical practitioners, and will affect most people at some point in their lives. Low back pain can be extremely debilitating and have a large impact on the quality of people’s lives. Physical therapy is one approach that can help alleviate your pain, regain your mobility, and improve your overall well-being. What is Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain? Physical therapy is a pe

We have done several posts recently on ankle sprains. This one discusses the potential for ankle injuries to cause pain in other parts of the body.  Foster, Kaitlyn S., Tina A. Greenlee, John J. Fraser, Jodi L. Young, and Daniel I. Rhon. “The Influence of Therapeutic Exercise after Ankle Sprain on the Incidence of Subsequent Knee, Hip, and Lumbar Spine Injury.” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise  (2022). #AnkleSprains #InjuryDiscussion #PainManagement #BodyPain #Ankl

How much pain is ok during exercise or rehabilitation is a tricky topic, and is more on the "art" side of physiotherapy than the "science". There are a lot of different factors that impact this. In particular, different tissues will tolerate different amounts of pain during exercise, e.g. with bones we want minimal pain when loading, while muscle and tendon will typically tolerate and sometimes even require some pain to allow for adequate adaptation. However, for most conditi

Introduction Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondalgia, lateral epicondylopathy, previously lateral epicondylitis and more recently lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a common and often painful condition that affects millions of people each year. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you understand what tennis elbow is and how physical therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. Whether you're a tennis enthusiast, a DIY home improvement enthusiast

Most of what we do in rehab revolves around the fundamental concept of load. Our bodies have an inbuilt buffer between the amount of tissue damage and the amount of pain we experience. When pain or injury is present, much of the time it is because: 1) We have done too much too quickly. The load has exceed the protection system in the body 2) Our tissue capacity (and with it the pain protection line) has decreased 3) The buffer has increased, meaning we are experiencing more p