Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are a vital part of any health care team

In Australia today physiotherapists are a vital part of any multidisclipinary health care team – from the Intensive Care Unit to the Olympic Games, you’ll find physiotherapists working alongside their medical colleagues and other health practitioners, to achieve the best possible patient care.

Private Practice is a field of physiotherapy that generally involves treating and managing musculoskeletal disorders in all age groups. Physiotherapists who practise in this area are have skills in assessment, diagnosis and management of a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle, joint, ligament and tendon tears, exercise prescription, postural rehabilitation and advice on how clients can improve their fitness and strength.

Physios are skilled in post-surgery & post-trauma management

Some of the symptoms and disorders that result from musculoskeletal dysfunctions include headaches, neck pain, back pain, disc bulges, sciatica, recurring sporting and soft tissue injuries. Physios are also highly skilled in post-surgery and post-trauma management…… the list is extensive.

Unfortunately, many members of the public still believe that physiotherapists only treat muscles, but South Australian physiotherapists have for many years received international recognition for their skills in diagnosis as well as the repertoire of techniques they use in the management of joint and spinal conditions. In fact many physiotherapists also use manipulation techniques very similar to the ‘adjustments’ used by chriopractors and osteopaths.

What to expect from your Physio session

The physiotherapy profession recognises the importance of evidence based practice and actively encourages practitioners to consider scientific evidence when developing management programs. Physiotherapists are trained in assessing a broad range of musculoskeletal disorders.

The clinical reasoning processes employed by physios enables them to reach a diagnosis consistent with the findings of their clinical examination because they are highly skilled in their examination of patients. As a consequence they are able to plan treatment programmes that not only assist their patients’ recovery but help them to self-manage and reduce their need for treatment.

LifeForce Physiotherapy Treatments

At LifeForce health solutions we pride ourselves on our caring hands-on treatments and in listening carefully to your concerns while taking careful note of your health history. Our team of physiotherapists are experienced in managing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions in all age groups, from young toddlers to seniors.

Our physiotherapists have experience in spinal mobilisations and adjustments, postural rehabilitation, soft tissue release, dry needling, exercise prescription and in providing the necessary advice for both short and long term management of your condition.

Examples of Physiotherapy Management & Advice

By no means an extensive list, these examples taken from the Health Posts section of our website serve as an indication only of the broad range of conditions that can be treated, managed and supported with physiotherapy, along with examples of advice options and home exercises that may be prescribed. Please note there are a vast number of conditions that our physiotherapists have experience in managing, so please do not hesitate to enquire by calling us on 8289.2800 if you think physiotherapy treatment might help you. In the meantime, as we post more musculoskeletal articles this list and associated references will continue to grow.

View Research References

Examples of Physiotherapy Management & Advice
By no means an extensive list, these examples taken from the Health Posts section of our website www.lifeforcehealth.com.au serve as an indication only of the broad range of conditions that can be treated, managed and supported with physiotherapy, along with some advice options that may be prescribed. Please note there are a vast number of conditions that our physiotherapists have experience in managing, so please do not hesitate to inquire by calling us on 8289.2800 if you think physiotherapy treatment might help you. In the meantime, as we post more musculoskeletal articles this list and associated references will continue to grow.

Achilles Tendonitis (Heel Pain)
Horstmann, T., Jud, H., Fröhlich, V., Mündermann, A. and Grau, S. (2013). Whole-Body Vibration Versus Eccentric Training or a Wait-and-See Approach for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 43(11), pp.794-803.

Kingma, J., de Knikker, R., Wittink, H. and Takken, T. (2007). Eccentric overload training in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(6), pp.e3-e3.

Magnussen, R., Dunn, W. and Thomson, A. (2009). Nonoperative Treatment of Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 19(1), pp.54-64.

Sussmilch-Leitch, S., Collins, N., Bialocerkowski, A., Warden, S. and Crossley, K. (2012). Physical therapies for Achilles tendinopathy: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res, 5(1), p.15.

Knee Pain & Its Causes
Fransen, M., Nairn, L., Winstanley, J., Lam, P. and Edmonds, J. (2007). Physical activity for osteoarthritis management: A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating hydrotherapy or Tai Chi classes. Arthritis Rheum, 57(3), pp.407-414.

Javaid, M., Kiran, A., Guermazi, A., Kwoh, C., Zaim, S., Carbone, L., Harris, T., McCulloch, C., Arden, N., Lane, N., Felson, D. and Nevitt, M. (2012). Individual magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic features of knee osteoarthritis in subjects with unilateral knee pain: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 64(10), pp.3246-3255.

LaBella, C. (2004). Patellofemoral pain syndrome: evaluation and treatment. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 31(4), pp.977-1003. White, L., Dolphin, P. and Dixon, J. (2008). Hamstring length in patellofemoral pain syndrome. Physiotherapy Research International, 13(4), pp.207-208.

The Role of Stretching
McHugh, M & Cosgrave, C 2010, “To stretch or not to stretch: the role of stretching in injury prevention and performance”, Scand J Med Sci Sports, vol. 20, pp 169–181.

McMillian, D, Moore, J, Halter, B & Taylor, D 2006, “Dynamic vs. Static-stretching warm up: The effect on power and agility performance”, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 492–499.

Witvrouw, E, Mahieu, N, Danneels, L &McNair, P 2004, “Stretching and Injury Prevention: An Obscure Relationship”, Sports Med, vol. 34, no. 7, pp. 443-449.

Fibromyalgia and Management with Physiotherapy
Desmeules, J., Cedraschi, C., Rapiti, E., Baumgartner, E., Finckh, A., Cohen, P., Dayer, P. and Vischer, T. (2003). Neurophysiologic evidence for a central sensitization in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 48(5), pp.1420-1429.

Jentoft, E., Kvalvik, A. and Mengshoel, A. (2001). Effects of pool-based and land-based aerobic exercise on women with fibromyalgia/chronic widespread muscle pain. Arthritis Care & Research, 45(1), pp.42-47.

Foam Rolling for Soft Tissue Release
Boyle, M. (2006). Foam rolling. Training and Conditioning Magazine, E. Frankel, ed. Ithaca, NY: Momentum Media Sports Publishing. Hong, C. and Simons, D. (1998). Pathophysiologic and electrophysiologic mechanisms of myofascial trigger points. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 79(7), pp.863-872.

MacDonald, G., Button, D., Drinkwater, E. and Behm, D. (2014). Foam Rolling as a Recovery Tool after an Intense Bout of Physical Activity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(1), pp.131-142.

Mohr, A. (2008). EFFECTIVENESS OF FOAM ROLLING IN COMBINATION WITH A STATIC STRETCHING PROTOCOL OF THE HAMSTRINGS. Master. Oklahoma State University.

Mohr, A., Long, B. and Goad, C. (2014). Effect of Foam Rolling and Static Stretching on Passive Hip-Flexion Range of Motion. JSR, 23(4), pp.296-299.

Kinesiotape – Taping Methods & Applications
Kase, K., Wallis, J. and Kase, T. (2003). Clinical therapeutic applications of the Kinesio taping methods. Alburquerque NM: Kinesio Taping Assoc.

Thelen, M., Dauber, J. and Stoneman, P. (2008) The Clinical Efficacy of Kinesio Tape for Shoulder Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 38(7), pp.389-395.

Bicici, S, Karatas, N and Baltaci, G 2012, “Effect of athletic taping and kinesiotaping on measurements of functional performance in basketball players with chronic inversion ankle sprains”, Int J Sports Phys Ther. 7(2): pp.154–166.

Tsai, H., Hung, H., Yang, J., Huang, C. and Tsauo, J. (2009). Could Kinesio tape replace the bandage in decongestive lymphatic therapy for breast-cancer-related lymphedema? A pilot study Supportive Care in Cancer, 17(11), pp.1353-1360.

Osteoporosis and Exercise
Cole, Z., Dennison, E. and Cooper, C. (2008). Osteoporosis epidemiology update. Curr Rheumatol Rep, 10(2), pp.92-96.

Ernst, E (1994). Can exercise prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(1), pp.5-6.

Verschueren, S., Roelants, M., Delecluse, C., Swinnen, S., Vanderschueren, D. and Boonen, S. (2003). Effect of 6-Month Whole Body Vibration Training on Hip Density, Muscle Strength, and Postural Control in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. J Bone Miner Res, 19(3), pp.352-359.

Pilates for Low Back Pain
Ferreira, P., Ferreira, M. and Hodges, P. (2004). Changes in Recruitment of the Abdominal Muscles in People With Low Back Pain. Spine, 29(22), pp.2560-2566.

Lim, E., Poh, R., Low, A. and Wong, W. (2011). Effects of Pilates-Based Exercises on Pain and Disability in Individuals With Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 41(2), pp.70-80.

Proprioception Exercises for Prevention and Rehabilitation
Pr Mandelbaum, B. R. “Effectiveness Of A Neuromuscular And Proprioceptive Training Program In Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Female Athletes: 2-Year Follow-Up”. American Journal of Sports Medicine 33.7 (2005): 1003-1010. Web.

Reider, Bruce et al. “Proprioception Of The Knee Before And After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction”. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery 19.1 (2003): 2-12. Web.

SKINNER, HARRY B., ROBERT L. BARRACK, and STEPHEN D. COOK. “Age-Related Decline In Proprioception”. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research &NA;.184 (1984): 208???211. Web.

Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) – Physiotherapy Management
Peerbooms, J., Sluimer, J., Bruijn, D. and Gosens, T. (2010). Positive Effect of an Autologous Platelet Concentrate in Lateral Epicondylitis in a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial: Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroid Injection With a 1-Year Follow-up. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(2), pp.255-262.

Shiri, R., Viikari-Juntura, E., Varonen, H. and Heliovaara, M. (2006). Prevalence and Determinants of Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis: A Population Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 164(11), pp.1065-1074.

Smidt, N., van der Windt, D., Assendelft, W., Devillé, W., Korthals-de Bos, I. and Bouter, L. (2002). Corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy, or a wait-and-see policy for lateral epicondylitis: a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 359(9307), pp.657-662.

Maintaining Hydration (importance during sporting activities)
Casa, D., Clarkson, P. and Roberts, W. (2005). American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Hydration and Physical Activity. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 4(3), pp.115-127.

Hill, R., Bluck, L. and Davies, P. (2008). The hydration ability of three commercially available sports drinks and water. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 11(2), pp.116-123.

Masento, N., Golightly, M., Field, D., Butler, L. and van Reekum, C. (2014). Effects of hydration status on cognitive performance and mood. British Journal of Nutrition, 111(10), pp.1841-1852.

Murray, B. (2007). Hydration and Physical Performance. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(sup5), pp.542S-548S. van Nieuwenhoven, M., Brouns, F. and Kovacs, E. (2005). The Effect of Two Sports Drinks and Water on GI Complaints and Performance During an 18-km Run. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 26(4), pp.281-285.

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