Expert Physiotherapy in Harpenden

Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Conditions.

Musculoskeletal problems refer to any issues related to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves that make up the human body. Typical problems with the musculoskeletal system lead to issues including pain, problems with movement, difficulty performing tasks at work, trouble completing activities of daily living and participating in sport. Dysfunction can occur in any part of the system with typical issues such as back pain, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder pain and knee pain being common. These types of problems can be acute, meaning that they develop suddenly and may be the result of an injury, or chronic, meaning that they develop over time and can be the result of degenerative conditions or other long-term issues. Degenerative conditions include general ‘wear and tear’ of the musculoskeletal system.

Musculoskeletal problems can occur for countless reasons and due to various contributing factors, they can often occur as a result of underlying issues such as inflammatory conditions, arthritis or cancer to list a few. It is important to have a thorough assessment in order to understand the complexities of any musculoskeletal problem, the nature of the issue at hand, the underlying contributing factors and to rule out anything indicative of requiring further assessment and or diagnosis. Factors that may contribute to musculoskeletal problems include injury, overuse, genetics, and certain health conditions. While the factors leading to the onset of musculoskeletal problems are not always obvious, there is often a reason for their development which can become obvious during the process of a Physiotherapy assessment. Understanding the nature of the musculoskeletal problems is key to the process of treatment as how clients manage their problems is key to success alongside any hands on treatment and or exercises that may be given to help with the recovery of a problem.

Physiotherapy is a mainstay in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Following an initial assessment treatment commences with a combination of hands on techniques (manual therapy), eduction regarding the problem at hand, self-management techniques and exercise programmes specifically prescribed for the issue which may include stretching, strengthening, conditioning, improving balance or specific movement control. The prescription of exercise should target specific goals depending on the problem and may include using gym equipment or cardiovascular exercises such as cycling, cross-training or walking. In some cases the initial assessment may indicate that physiotherapy intervention is not indicated or that further diagnosis is necessary.

Physiotherapy for 

Sports Injuries

Injury occurring or relating to sporting activity is wide ranging in terms of complexity and severity. Injury can occur acutely and quickly with high loads imposed upon the musculoskeletal system over short periods of time, for example during a rugby tackle or turn during netball. Injury can also occur from the chronic application of lower levels of load imposed over longer periods of time such as during running. Acute and or chronic sports injuries can be severe causing major trauma to the musculoskeletal system or present as niggles, stiffness or delayed muscle onset soreness (DOMS). In the acute situation swelling may occur quickly along with pain and immediate loss of function leading to the need for urgent assessment and diagnosis. Chronic injuries may be noticed over time although can still lead to considerable loss of function and inability to participate in sport.

Sporting injuries  can affect joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, bones, fascia and tendons. Injuries can range from strains and sprains to full ruptures and broken bones or stress fractures to tendonitis or tendonopathy. Trauma at the knee can can include cruciate ligament, collateral ligament and or meniscal tears with sports such as skiing, football, netball and rugby. Shoulder injuries such as dislocations, tendon tears and ligaments injuries can occur through throwing activities such as bowling or racquet sports such as tennis. Bone stress and stress fractures can result from overtraining for example with running. At the hip and groin stresses and strains are also common  with sports involving twisting, cutting and turning. These issues are not common only to top athletes and professional sportspeople but weekend warriors and mid-week participants.

Successful return to sport can be a lengthy process and take from days to months depending on the problem. The treatment required can range from simple rest to rehabilitation and or surgery. Rehabilitation requires an understanding of the sport to be undertaken, the movement requirements for that sport and the capacity to re-strengthen and re-condition the musculoskeletal system to be able to cope with the challenges it will face with a given sport. This process comes after the injury has been adequately assessed to understand the nature of the problem. Return to sport requires injury management from the acute through to the chronic stages. Stocker’s Physiotherapy has years of experience in assessing and treating sports injuries, Russell has worked alongside Sports Physicians and top consultants to help clients return to sport, especially running, cycling and football. If you’re in or around Harpenden and need a sports physio feel free to call to discuss how your local expert physio can get you back to what you love doing.

How can Stocker's Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase strength and flexibility in people with musculoskeletal problems. It can also help to prevent further injury and disability, and promote overall physical health and well-being.

The specific treatments and techniques used in physiotherapy will depend on the individual and their specific needs. Some common treatments and techniques used in physiotherapy for musculoskeletal problems include:

• Exercise: Physiotherapists will often prescribe specific exercises to help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These exercises may be done in a clinic, at home, or in a gym setting, and may include stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises.

• Manual therapy: This refers to techniques that involve the therapist physically manipulating the muscles, joints, and other structures in the body. This may include techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and spinal manipulation.

• Education: A physiotherapist may provide education on topics such as pain management, proper body mechanics, and injury prevention to help individuals better understand their condition and how to manage it.

• Assistive devices: In some cases, a physiotherapist may recommend the use of assistive devices such as braces, splints, or crutches to help with mobility and support during the recovery process.

• In addition to these treatments, physiotherapists will often work with individuals to set goals and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. This may involve regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Overall, physiotherapy can be an effective form of treatment for musculoskeletal problems, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase strength and flexibility. It can also help to prevent further injury and disability, and promote overall physical health and well-being. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal problems, it may be beneficial to speak with Russell at Stocker's Physiotherapy in Harpenden to see if tailored physiotherapy could be an option for you.