The Sports Injury Clinic Newsletter

Neck Pain : Management through physiotherapy

At any given time, 10% of Australians are thought to be suffering from chronic neck pain. Neck pain is therefore a common complaint managed by physiotherapists and the need for effective management is clear. There is considerable evidence to support the benefits of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in reducing acute and chronic neck pain. Physiotherapy treatment for your patients encompasses a variety of interventions such as manipulative therapy, therapeutic exercise, electro-physical modalities, ergonomics and education.

Increasingly the scientific literature is suggesting that physiotherapy is an effective and efficient mode of treating many forms of neck pain and neck related headaches. There is a growing scientific evidence to support the use of early and intensive physiotherapy in those with neck pain also Whiplash Associated Disorders.

The generally suggested treatment regimen includes some amount of limited ‘lands-on’ or physical treatment, but heavily emphasises the important role of expert guidance and advice regarding such issues as activity levels, ergonomics, return to work and sport as well as in the prescription of specific exercises.

Cervical spondylosis can of course not be cured or reversed by physiotherapy, but effective ways of managing such problems and the associated aches, pains and functional limitations exist at the hands of skilled physiotherapists. Such management issues as ergonomics, posture, pillows and functional adaptations can provide effective solutions.

General and more specific exercise has long been the hallmark of physical management of all things arthritic, and similarly in the management of arthritic related neck pain, the judicious prescription of neck and more general whole body activity and exercise can be a safe, effective, tolerable and cost efficient management tool. Growing evidence mounts in the medical literature that, particularly as more and more of the medications typically used in the past to manage arthritic pain have been either withdrawn or increasingly cautioned against, physical management is essentially the front line, and best ongoing mode of management for such patients. Physiotherapists are well skilled and widely accepted as experts in providing such treatment and management programs while working in a multidisciplinary approach to provide best patient care.

All Physiotherapists participate in continuing professional development to keep them up to date with the latest in physiotherapy techniques and leading research-based treatment.

References

Rebbeck, T. Low Back Pain Evidence-based on Clinical Statement
Australian Physiotherapy Association, 2002

TSIC Welcomes Back Physiotherapist Joel Laing

Joel Laing Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor Returns from his long holiday. Over the last few months Joel Laing has been travelling various destinations around America and Europe. He has since come back to Australia and is looking forward to seeing familiar faces at The Sports Injury Clinic and getting back to his passions in Physiotherapy and Pilates.

If you haven't met Joel before. Joel Laing gained first hand knowledge of spinal injuries when he suffered a severe disc bulge in 2003, and it’s the reason he specialises in patients with similar injuries, namely neck and lower back disc bulges. Joel holds both science and physiotherapy degrees and in keeping with The Sports Injury Clinic’s complete approach to physiotherapy, has established an interest in clinical Pilates. Joel believes it to be an ideal adjunct to the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal and other patients.

Joel’s physiotherapy experience combines well with his sporting interests, including involvement with the Western Jets U18 football club and a sports trainer for AFL umpires. Joel also keeps busy and fit playing basketball and football.

Joel's return to TSIC will be from Wednesday the 29th of August and can be contacted via email on joel@tsic.com.au

Cards from Peninsula Dragonflys

Peninsula Dragonflys is a support group for women and men who have survived breast cancer. The club currently consists of people fighting cancer as well as survivors and supporters.

In September 2006 the new group was formed which trains out of the Patterson Lakes Canoe Club. The club desperately needs a new boat trailer for the boat the team of 30 race. The team consists of 18 cancer survivors and 4 supporters. Heather Thomson is a member of the Peninsula Dragonflys and works at The Sports Injury Clinic in Frankston.

The Sports Injury Clinic is selling cards (designed and drawn by a group member) for $10 for a packet of 5 cards. There are two types of cards, everyday or Christmas style. With the funds raised from selling the cards a new boast trailer will be purchased for the group. The cards make a 50% profit and we are aiming at selling 400 packets of cards for such a great cause.

Cards are available now, and can be purchased three ways.

Over the counter from The Sports Injury Clinic at 361 Nepean Hwy, Frankston 3199.
By ringing 9783 9990 to purchase some over the phone.
Or by emailing pippa@tsic.com.au, and arranging to pay over the phone.

Cards can be sent out, postage cost will apply.

The members from the club all live in the southern suburbs of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. New members are always welcome.