A
Achilles Tendinopathy
A tendinopathy is the acute or early stages is basically tendon overload, where the tendon has been stressed and strained beyond its current capacity. At this point in time there is no actual damage to the tendon but it is not coping well and will continue to struggle without appropriate treatment. In the later more chronic stages the tendon starts become damaged and its much weaker than a normal healthy tendon would be.
Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder as it is more commonly known, is a condition characterised by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Recovery can be lengthy, but treatments like shockwave therapy may speed the duration of frozen shoulder.
Ankle Fracture
The ankle joint is formed by the tibia, fibula and talus (bones) and surrounding these are a series of complex ligaments. Ankle injuries themselves are very common and on occasion a fracture results in any or multiple of these bones. Ankles can also be fractured through many other traumatic incidents.
Ankle Sprain
A sprain is defined as a tearing of the ligaments that connect bone to bone and help stabilise the joint. Sports requiring jumping, turning and twisting movements such as basketball, volleyball, netball and football; and explosive changes of direction such as soccer, tennis and hockey are particularly vulnerable to ankle sprains. However people can also sprain their ankles with normal everyday activities such as stepping off a gutter, wearing high heels or walking on uneven ground. Following an ankle sprain, the ankle joint may become unstable and take a long time to recover.
Ankle Taping
The video you’ve always wanted is here!
We show you a step-by-step guide to taping your ankle. This easy to use guide is suitable for beginners, Physio students or new-graduates, first-aiders and sports trainaers as well as Physiotherapists and other health professionals.
Taping can be useful post ankle or foot injury or fracture to provide additional support during every day activities or for return to sport and activity. Some sporting clubs and teams will also recommend players use taping (or bracing) to avoid injury.
Please remember to be aware of skin irritation when using tape. If you notice redness, itchiness or general discomfort around the area of the tape, you should remove the tape. Speak to your health professional if the discomfort persists.
AC Joint Separation
occurs when the ligaments of the acromio-clavicular (AC) joint are torn causing a dislocation of the joint between the shoulder and collar-bone.
Arthritis - Osteoarthritis
osteoarthritis, often abbreviated as OA, is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects the cartilage in your joints.
Arthritis - Rheumatoid
Rheumatoid Arthritis, often abbreviated as RA, is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system, which is designed to protect your body, mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation and damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is primarily caused by wear and tear on the joints, RA is not linked to aging.
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Boxer's Fracture
A boxer’s fracture, refers to a metacarpal fracture where the hand is injured through a punch with sub-optimal technique.
Metacarpal fractures are a common hand injury and are usually the result of a traumatic mechanism of injury. They occur mostly in men where the most common site of fracture is at the neck which is close to the knuckle. The 5th metacarpal (little finger) is the most commonly injured.
Buckle Fracture
A buckle fracture results from a compression force when the pressure/force causes the outer layers to fail and fold in on themselves creating a bump. Buckle fractures are sometimes called Torus fractures because this bump along the shaft of the bone resembles the shape of the columns of buildings. This mainly involves the outer layers of bone and is also considered less severe than a full break.
C
Cervical Spine / Neck Pain
What is Acute Neck Pain?
Acute neck pain is pain felt in the region of the neck that lasts for a short time (i.e. less than three months). Statistics show that around 10–15% of the population has neck pain at any given time. While the duration of symptoms varies from person to person, it is not uncommon for neck pain to be persistent. The pain intensity can range from mild to severe.
D
de Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis… what a mouthful!
But this condition has nothing to do with your mouth, it’s a painful condition of the hand and wrist caused by inflammation of the tendons on the thumb.
Back in the day it used to be called washerwoman’s thumb or mother’s wrist, while it still affects women more commonly than men, especially those looking after infants and small children, it is now commonly referred to as “texter’s thumb” in reference to repeated overuse of the thumb during texting on mobile devices.
Disc Bulge
Hearing you have a slipped or bulged disc can be a terrifying thing. Many people come across the diagnosis after reading their own xray, CT or MRI reports and begin to panic. But a bulged disc doesnt need to be a disaster if you know how to manage it.
Distal Radius Fracture - Adult
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics and older populations. The distal radius is predominantly injured through a fall onto an outstretched hand/wrist.
Distal Radius Fracture - Child
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics (~25%). The most common distal radius fractures in kids are Torus (buckle) fractures, greenstick and complete fractures.
Distal Ulnar Fracture
Distal ulnar fractures are less common than distal radius fractures but a moderate percentage can often occur together depending on the mechanism of injury. This is especially the case when someone falls onto an outstretched hand. Isolated distal ulnar fractures are usually the result of a direct blow/force and has been seen when someone is defending themselves against an attacker and is also known as a ‘night stick injury’.
F
Fibula Fracture - Ankle
The fibula is the long bone on the outside of your lower leg and at the point of the ankle is also known as the lateral malleolus. Isolated fibula fractures that are considered stable can be managed conservatively. A classification system called the weber ankle fracture classification is used to categorise fractures in the lateral malleolus.
Finger Fracture
The hand is the most fractured part of the body and most finger fractures result from a traumatic onset and often from leisure activities. The good news is if you end up with a finger fracture the majority can be managed conservatively and will heal quite quickly. The key to getting a good result and returning to full function is early management.
Foot Fracture
Metatarsal fractures are a common foot injury and are usually the result of a traumatic mechanism of injury eg direct force or crush injury. The metatarsals can be injured/fractured at the base, shaft, neck or head. The 1st metatarsal (big toe side) is the most commonly injured in children, however the 5th metatarsal is more common in adults.
Foot Fracture - 5th Metatarsal
Metatarsal fractures are a common foot injury and the most commonly injured is the 5th metatarsal also known as a ‘Jones fracture’. The 5th metatarsal is located on the outside of the foot and joins to the little toe. Males fracture this bone more than females but the location of the fracture is different for each gender so much so that there is a significant correlation between gender and location. It is common in younger males but also common in older females.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. Recovery can be lengthy, but treatments like shockwave therapy may speed the duration of frozen shoulder.
G
Greenstick Fracture
Greenstick & buckle fractures normally occur in children or young adults. A growing skeleton is slightly less rigid than an adults and therefore tends to have a bit more give (flex) which leads to different fracture patterning to adults. This is a really good thing and a perfectly normal part of development. They are designed that way to accommodate the continual growth of children and adolescents and the types of strain their bones are subject to. Despite their flexible nature the developing bones are still very strong and it takes a lot of force to injure them.
Growth Plate Fracture
A growth plate fractures (or epiphyseal plate injury) is a potentially concerning injury in children and adolescents. The technical name for a growth plate is the physis, which are areas of cartilage located near the ends of bones. They are the last portion of a child’s bones to harden (ossify) and this is what makes them particularly vulnerable to fracture. The growth plate helps determine the future length and shape of the mature bone. If not treated properly, it could result in a limb that is crooked or unequal in length when compared to its opposite limb.
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Hand Fracture - Metacarpal
Metacarpal fractures are a common hand injury and are usually the result of a traumatic mechanism of injury eg punching.
They occur mostly in men where the most common site of fracture is at the neck which is close to the knuckle. The 5th metacarpal (little finger) is the most commonly injured.
Hip Pain
Hip pain is a very common musculoskeletal complaint across all age groups. It varies highly person to person and it can affect people with all types of activity levels. As the hips are being constantly used and loaded throughout the day they can be susceptible to injury. Therefore with activities like sitting, standing and walking involving and influencing the hips, it is essential that they are pain free, mobile and functioning well.
Heel Pain
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease involves inflammation at the growth plate of the lower part of the heel bone (calcaneal), where the Achilles tendon inserts causing pain and discomfort in this area. This condition is the most common cause of heel pain in children (pre-puberty), especially those who play sports regularly and often last for 6-12 months. It is more common in boys than girls. This condition is generally related to rapid growth – whereby, the leg bone (tibia) becomes longer and the muscles and tendons become tight as a result causing a traction injury to the bone. Pain is usually activity-related and a thorough assessment by your physiotherapist can determine whether this is the source of pain. Management should be conservative and surgery is not usually indicated. Treatment includes activity modification, addressing muscle flexibility and foot bio-mechanics. Sports taping techniques and a heel raise can make this heel pain more manageable for very active children.
K
Knee Arthritis
Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition affecting many people, especially as they age. It can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. At Activate Physiotherapy, we aim to provide comprehensive care to help manage and alleviate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis through various treatments, emphasising non-invasive methods whenever possible.
Knee Pain
Knee pain can arise from soft tissue injuries, bone conditions, and biomechanical dysfunction. It may even be referred from your sciatica! Your Physiotherapist is trained in a variety of tests to best diagnose your knee pain They may also use scans such as xray and MRI and work in consultation with your Doctor or specialist to assist with accurate diagnosis and management of your injury.
L
Lateral Epicondylitis - Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow and forearm are overloaded, typically by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.
Lateral Hip Pain - Trochanteric Bursitis
Pain over the lateral hip and down the outside of the leg can be caused by inflammation of the underlying structures such as the trochanteric bursa.
The pain is caused by trochanteric bursitis or inflammation of the bursa which is a small fluid filled sack that lies over the prominent bony aspect of the side of the hip.
Low Back Pain / Lumbar Spine Pain
The lower back or lumbar spine is made up of the 5 vertebrae of the lumbar spine, the cartilage discs, ligaments and muscles as well as the spinal cord and nerves. With so many moving parts the cause of lower back pain can be many and varied.
The symptoms experienced with lower back pain can be varied. Symptoms can include: Aching or sharp pain in the lower back that may radiate to the upper back or buttocks, pain down the legs (many people refer to this as sciatica as it is caused by irritation of the nerves, the largest of which being the sciatic nerve), pins and needles, burning or numbness in the back, gluteal area or legs, spasm of the muscles causing difficulty bending or straightening the back, difficulty changing position or walking and issues with bladder or bowel function.
M
Metacarpal Fracture
Metacarpal fractures are a common hand injury and are usually the result of a traumatic mechanism of injury eg punching. This is why they are commonly referred to as a “Boxer’s Fracture.”
They occur mostly in men where the most common site of fracture is at the neck which is close to the knuckle. The 5th metacarpal (little finger) is the most commonly injured.
Metatarsal Fracture
Metatarsal fractures are a common foot injury and are usually the result of a traumatic mechanism of injury eg direct force or crush injury. The metatarsals can be injured/fractured at the base, shaft, neck or head. The 1st metatarsal (big toe side) is the most commonly injured in children, however the 5th metatarsal is more common in adults.
Metatarsal Fracture - 5th Metatarsal
Metatarsal fractures are a common foot injury and the most commonly injured is the 5th metatarsal also known as a ‘Jones fracture’. The 5th metatarsal is located on the outside of the foot and joins to the little toe. Males fracture this bone more than females but the location of the fracture is different for each gender so much so that there is a significant correlation between gender and location. It is common in younger males but also common in older females.
N
Neck / Cervical Spine Pain
Acute neck pain is pain felt in the region of the neck that lasts for a short time (i.e. less than three months). Statistics show that around 10–15% of the population has neck pain at any given time. While the duration of symptoms varies from person to person, it is not uncommon for neck pain to be persistent. The pain intensity can range from mild to severe.
O
Osgood Schlatters Disease / Growing Pains
Osgood Schlatter’s syndrome. It’s a mouthful to say but it can be a relatively common and debilitating condition in adolescents. Osgood Schlatter’s affects the apophysis or growth plate of the tibial tuberosity.
The tibial tuberosity is the area of the shin where the quadriceps muscle attaches below the knee cap. When a child has Osgood Schlatter’s syndrome the growth plate of this attachment becomes inflamed from overuse rather than a traumatic injury.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, often abbreviated as OA, is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects the cartilage in your joints.
P
Patellofemoral Joint Pain
Knee pain can arise from soft tissue injuries, bone conditions, and biomechanical dysfunction. It may even be referred from your sciatica! Your Physiotherapist is trained in a variety of tests to best diagnose your knee pain They may also use scans such as xray and MRI and work in consultation with your Doctor or specialist to assist with accurate diagnosis and management of your injury.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a disorder where the muscles, ligaments and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weakened or stretched. These organs including the bladder, uterus, small bowel, and rectum are allowed to migrate down and bulge into the vagina make it difficult to carry out their normal function.
Phalanx Fracture - Finger
The hand is the most fractured part of the body and most finger fractures result from a traumatic onset and often from leisure activities. The good news is if you end up with a finger fracture the majority can be managed conservatively and will heal quite quickly. The key to getting a good result and returning to full function is early management.
Phalanx Fracture - Toe
The toes are a commonly fractured part of the body and most toe fractures result from a traumatic onset e.g kicking an object or dropping something heavy on them. Both the toes and fingers have phalanx bones. The good news is if you end up with a toe fracture the majority can be managed conservatively and will heal quite quickly.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition characterised by pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition often results in stabbing pain in the arch or heel, especially with the first steps in the morning.
R
Radius Fracture Distal - Adult
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics and older populations. The distal radius is predominantly injured through a fall onto an outstratched hand/wrist.
Radius Fracture Distal - Child
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics (~25%). The most common distal radius fractures in kids are Torus (buckle) fractures, greenstick and complete fractures.
Rotator Cuff Tear
describes a tear of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. Rotator cuff tears occur in two different ways:
- Traumatic Tear: occurring from a single one off injury such as a fall or lifting a heavy load
- Repeated microtrauma: occurring as a progression of shoulder tendonitis where small tears and inflammation become larger and more debilitating
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common shoulder condition that involves inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder.
S
Scaphoid Fracture
The scaphoid bone is the most commonly injured/fractured bone in the wrist. It is often the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand and occurs more in males than females. Interestingly the scaphoid can often be missed for correct diagnosis from the first Xray.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the term used to describe the symptoms of leg pain felt along the path of the sciatic nerve. This leg pain can sometimes be accompanied by other nerve related symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weakness.
Shoulder Exercises: Beginner
Your Physio will select the appropriate exercises from the list below for shoulder conditions/injury. Do not continue with the exercises if you experience any severe pain and/or discomfort. If you do experience any adverse symptoms please stop exercise immediately and discuss with your Physio at the next consultation.
Shoulder Exercises: Range of Motion
Shoulder Pain / Shoulder Dislocation
occurs when the ball of the shoulder comes out of the socket. A dislocated shoulder is usually associated with extreme pain until the shoulder can be relocated. A shoulder subluxation, or partial dislocation can also occur where the shoulder comes part of the way out of the socket before relocating itself.
Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis usually affects the group of muscles called the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tendonitis is a common shoulder condition that involves inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder.
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Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow and forearm are overloaded, typically by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.
Tibia Fracture - Ankle
The tibia forms the largest part of the ankle joint and at the level of the ankle is also called the medial malleolus. As the tibia is the main weight bearing bone in the lower leg and ankle, fractures need to be looked at very closely.
TMJ / Temporomandibular Joint Pain
The Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) allows movement of jaw in relation to the skull. A number of muscles attached to the skull and jawbone cause the jawbone to move as the mouth is opened and closed. The joint contains cartilage disc lubricated by fluid to ensure movement is smooth and frictionless.
TMJ dysfunction is a very common problem affecting up to 33% of individuals within their lifetime. TMJ symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the jaw.
Toe Fracture
The toes are a commonly fractured part of the body and most toe fractures result from a traumatic onset e.g kicking an object or dropping something heavy on them. The good news is if you end up with a toe fracture the majority can be managed conservatively and will heal quite quickly.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis is the inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, which is a small fluid filled sack that lies over the prominent bony aspect of the side of the hip.
The bursa acts as a cushion between the soft tissues and the bone to minimise fraction as well as act as a shock absorber during movement. Inflammation of the bursa can be a slow and painful process.
Triquetral Fracture
The triquetral bone is the second most commonly injured/fractured bone in the wrist behind the scaphoid. It is often the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Where the scaphoid is a fracture on the thumb side of your wrist, a triquetral fracture will cause pain on the pinky side of your wrist.
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Ulnar Fracture - Wrist
Distal ulnar fractures are less common than distal radius fractures but a moderate percentage can often occur together depending on the mechanism of injury. This is especially the case when someone falls onto an outstretched hand. Isolated distal ulnar fractures are usually the result of a direct blow/force and has been seen when someone is defending themselves against an attacker and is also known as a ‘night stick injury’.
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Wrist Fracture - Paediatric
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics (~25%). The most common distal radius fractures in kids are Torus (buckle) fractures, greenstick and complete fractures.
Wrist Fracture - Radius Fracture
Distal radius fractures are very common in paediatrics and older populations. The distal radius is predominantly injured through a fall onto an outstratched hand/wrist.
Wrist Fracture - Scaphoid Fracture
The scaphoid bone is the most commonly injured/fractured bone in the wrist. It is often the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand and occurs more in males than females. Interestingly the scaphoid can often be missed for correct diagnosis from the first Xray.
Wrist Fracture - Triquetral Fracture
The triquetral bone is the second most commonly injured/fractured bone in the wrist behind the scaphoid. It is often the result of a fall onto an outstretched hand. Where the scaphoid is a fracture on the thumb side of your wrist, a triquetral fracture will cause pain on the pinky side of your wrist.
Wrist Fracture - Ulnar Fracture
Distal ulnar fractures are less common than distal radius fractures but a moderate percentage can often occur together depending on the mechanism of injury. This is especially the case when someone falls onto an outstretched hand. Isolated distal ulnar fractures are usually the result of a direct blow/force and has been seen when someone is defending themselves against an attacker and is also known as a ‘night stick injury’.
Tingalpa
Twin Parks Shopping Village
Shop 2, 1534 Wynnum Rd
Tingalpa QLD 4173
Stafford
Stafford City Shopping Centre
93/400 Stafford Rd
Stafford, Qld 4053