Central London Physiotherapy
Spinal Pain
This is, without doubt, one of the most common causes of absenteeism from work in the UK and, whether it originates in the neck or the back, is the most common cause of pain that we treat at Central Health. Sometimes it is related to lifting, but more commonly the initiating factor can be a trivial movement such as picking up a pen or holding a telephone between shoulder and ear. It is also a major problem in the sedentary work force - after all, we are animals and not designed to sit all day!
Whilst the onset may well be related to a specific movement, the precursing factor is actually a mechanical dysfunction; sometimes due to degenerative change, muscle weakness, or muscle tightness but often due to a combination of factors.
The key to successful treatment is accurate diagnosis so when seeing a physiotherapist a thorough assessment will take place. Treatment may consist of manipulation, mobilisation of joints and / or soft tissues and electrotherapy. Most importantly, the patient will receive advice on posture and exercise, which will accelerate recovery and help prevent further problems.
Sports Injuries
It is not just Wayne Rooney who fractures his metatarsal or Michael Owen who tears his hamstring - the amount of recreational exercise we are taking is increasing and as a result, the number of injuries sustained whilst playing sport is on the up. Indeed, the enthusiastic amateur is maybe even more prone to injury - sitting at a desk all week and then trying to win the cup final single-handedly at the weekend, with minimal preparation of the body is not a recipe for success!
Physiotherapists who work at Central Health are experienced in the management of sporting injury. We are actively involved in or have worked with the following sporting organisations:
• Middlesex County Cricket Club
• Marylebone Cricket Club
• London Irish Rugby Football Club
• London Towers Basketball Club
• The Royal Ballet
• Superstars
• The English Badminton Association
Headaches
Headaches can be the consequence of many things including stress and migraines. There are in fact hundreds of different types of headaches described in the medical books. You should consult a doctor, if you have frequent or constant headaches.
Some headaches can be secondary to problems in the neck and this is often related to poor posture. How many of you are reading this and sitting looking at your computer in a slouched position with your chin poking forward like a chicken! Look around the office, you are not alone.
Physiotherapists at Central Health will look at the function of the neck and also the jaw when assessing patients who suffer from headache and treat according to their findings.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
With advancing technology, individuals are spending more time at their workstations. With prolonged sitting comes associated poor posture, which can influence RSI symptoms (see Ergonomics).
RSI or work related upper limb disorder as it is sometimes known is an overuse syndrome. These terms are “umbrella expressions” that are used to describe arm pain which is associated with repetition of a particular activity (e.g. typing).
Prolonged activity of a repetitive nature can place a strain on muscles, ligaments and nerves, all of which can cause pain. During repetitive activities, the nerves can be depleted of their circulation. Some muscles can become overactive and tight which also impedes healthy circulation.
Physiotherapists will consider using pain relieving modalities, as well as educating the patient on how they can reduce the symptoms themselves, often preventing further flare ups.
Central Health offers an individual fully comprehensive on-site workstation assessment.
Knee Pain
After back pain, this is the most common musculoskeletal cause of a visit to your G.P. Pain going up and down stairs or pain when sitting for a long time, are common problems. You can also get locking knees, swelling, ruptured ligaments or arthritis. Physiotherapy is crucial in the treatment and rehabilitation of knee injuries. Your therapist will aim to restore a functional range of movement, promote efficient muscle control and re-educate balance and function.
Shoulder Pain
Although problems with the shoulder are very common they were, until a few years ago, poorly understood by many practitioners. Shoulder examination, surgery and research have dramatically changed over the last decade. Shoulders are not just injured during sport; they are commonly affected in office workers due to excessive keyboard use and the repetitive strain caused by poor posture. The shoulder girdle can impinge, dislocate, break, become stiff and inflamed.
Physiotherapy is a logical first port of call. The shoulder will be assessed and treatment planned accordingly. If we feel that further investigation or orthopaedic surgery is required we can arrange an accelerated appointment at the shoulder unit at The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.