Search Results

Contact ports, with all their excitement and thrill, come with a fair share of risks, and one of the most concerning is the prevalence of concussions. These traumatic brain injuries can have profound effects on athletes, both in the short and long term. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, assessment methods, and the crucial role of physiotherapy in the treatment of concussions. Additionally, we'll explore the intriguing connection between neck rehabilitation for migraine symptoms and its influence on dizziness or vertigo. Causes of Concussions Concussions occur when a forceful impact to the head or body causes the brain to move within the skull. In sports, this can happen due to direct contact to the head with another player or implement, falls, or any abrupt force that jars the head (whiplash from a tackle). Symptoms of Concussions Recognising the symptoms of concussions is vital for prompt intervention. Athletes who experience a concussion may exhibit a range of symptoms, including: • Headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Fatigue • Confusion • Memory loss • Sensitivity to light and noise • Impaired balance and coordination Assessment of Concussions Healthcare professionals use a combination of clinical evaluations, cognitive tests, and imaging studies to determine the severity and extent of the injury. Immediate assessment is crucial to guide appropriate management and ensure the safety of the athlete. If you feel you may have had a concussion it is recommended you get assessed as soon as possible. Physiotherapy Treatment for Concussions Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive management of concussions. The primary goals of physiotherapy treatment include: 1. Restoration of Balance and Coordination: • Physiotherapists will prescribe you with training drills to retrain balance and coordination, addressing the impaired motor skills often associated with concussions. 2. Gradual Return to Physical Activity: • Through a structured and supervised program, athletes can safely reintegrate into physical activities without risking a relapse if they successfully pass the stages of the return to play protocols. 3. Neck Rehabilitation: • Neck rehabilitation is essential as it has a huge impact on concussion symptoms. Addressing neck issues can alleviate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and vertigo commonly associated with concussions. Neck Rehabilitation for Migraine Symptoms and Dizziness after concussion: The relationship between neck issues and migraine symptoms, as well as dizziness or vertigo, is clear. The intricate system of joints and layers of muscle that work to orientate and support the head are usually affected with a contact injury to the head. When this system is not working properly it can cause problems upstream, at the head. Addressing neck-related issues through targeted physiotherapy exercises and manual techniques, such as dry needling, may not only alleviate migraine symptoms but also contribute to the overall recovery of athletes with concussions. At PhysioK our physiotherapists combine the best manual therapy techniques with state of the art training equipment such as the IronNeck™ and the Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit™ to rehabilitate you. Concussions in sports demand a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal recovery and minimise long-term consequences. Our tailored exercises and innovative interventions, prove to be a cornerstone in the treatment of concussions. The evolving understanding of the relationship between neck rehabilitation and symptoms like migraines, dizziness, and vertigo further emphasise the importance of a comprehensive and individualised approach to concussion management for our patients. As we continue to unlock the mysteries surrounding head injuries, one thing remains certain – early recognition, proper assessment, and timely physiotherapy intervention can make a significant difference in an athlete's journey back to full health.

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, affecting our ability to perform everyday tasks and enjoy an active lifestyle. One common source of shoulder discomfort is a rotator cuff injury. Whether it's the result of a sports injury, repetitive strain, or simply wear and tear, these injuries can be painful and limit our range of motion. But fear not, there's hope in the form of physiotherapy. In this blog post, we'll explore why physiotherapy is crucial for rotator cuff injuries, with a focus on the significant role that manual therapy plays in pain management and recovery. Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that act on the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling various arm movements. Injuries to the rotator cuff are quite common and can range from mild inflammation to full tears of muscle tissue or tendon. Some common causes of these injuries include: Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Activities that require frequent overhead arm movements, such as painting, swimming, or throwing, can lead to overuse injuries. Trauma: Sudden impacts, falls, or accidents can result in acute rotator cuff injuries. Age-related Degeneration: As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff can weaken, making them more susceptible to injury. Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture, especially when sitting at a desk for extended periods, can lead to imbalances in the shoulder muscles and contribute to rotator cuff problems. Physiotherapy: The Cornerstone of Recovery Physiotherapy is a non-invasive and effective approach to managing rotator cuff injuries. It offers a holistic treatment plan to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and enhance overall shoulder function. Manual therapy, a key component of physiotherapy, is particularly essential for this type of injury. Here's why: Pain Relief: Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisation, dry needling and soft tissue massage, target specific areas of discomfort, providing immediate pain relief. By manipulating the affected muscles and joints, our physiotherapists can help relax muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and release trapped nerves. Improved Range of Motion: One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to restore your shoulder's range of motion. Manual therapy helps break down scar tissue, release muscle tension, and enhance joint mobility, enabling you to gradually regain your full range of motion. Muscle Strengthening: Once the acute pain is managed, our physiotherapists will introduce tailored exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Manual therapy techniques are used in combination with exercises to ensure a balanced recovery. Preventing Recurrence: Our physiotherapists not only address the current injury but also work on correcting any underlying issues like poor posture or muscle imbalances. This holistic approach helps prevent future injuries. Patient Education: Our physiotherapists play a crucial role in educating patients on proper posture, ergonomics, and home exercises, empowering individuals to take control of their recovery. The Road to Recovery Recovering from a rotator cuff injury is a journey that requires patience and dedication. Manual therapy, integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy program, accelerates the healing process. Here are some essential steps on the road to recovery: Evaluation: Our Physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose the extent of your injury and create a personalised treatment plan for you. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy sessions will focus on reducing pain and improving your shoulder's range of motion. Exercise Prescription: You'll be given a set of exercises to complete at home to strengthen the affected muscles. Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments will allow our physiotherapist to monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Lifestyle Adjustments: Embrace healthy habits and ergonomic changes to prevent further injury. Conclusion A rotator cuff injury can be painful and limit your daily activities, but with our help and expertise, you can embark on the road to recovery. Manual therapy plays a crucial role in pain management, improving range of motion, and strengthening the affected muscles. Remember, the road to recovery may be long, but with the guidance of our skilled physiotherapists, you can regain your shoulder's functionality and enjoy a pain-free life once more. Don't let a rotator cuff injury hold you back; come in and see our team to get on the path to recovery. To learn more about shoulder pain treatment and how Physio K can help, click here

As we all know, sleep is very important to us. We sleep for about a third of our lives and it is how our bodies recharge. Many people suffering from neck pain or headaches ask themselves whether they have the correct pillow or should change size, material or position. There are literally hundreds of pillows out there, so you might get stuck with analysis paralysis: Which pillow is right for me? Before we can answer this question, we need to know a few important things: what is your sleeping position, what size of person are you and which mattress are you using? A 100kg person who sleeps predominantly on their back on a soft surface will need a different pillow compared to a 50kg person who sleeps predominantly on their side on a hard surface. Let’s start with sleeping position: Sleeping position Sleeping on the side In this position, the pillow should fill up the space between the shoulder and the head. The bigger the person or the wider the shoulders, the bigger the gap will be between the shoulder and the head. Hence, different pillows will be required depending on your individual needs. As a golden rule, it’s better to have a pillow that is slightly too thin compared to a pillow that’s too high. When laying on the side, your shoulder will also roll a bit forward, so the gap between the shoulder and head will be reduced by that. Sleeping on the back When laying or sleeping on the back most of the time, there is no need to have a thick pillow, for everyone! A small or low pillow can be used, but a thick pillow is not recommended, as it will put strain on the neck. A high pillow can act as some kind of brace, which will push the spine in an unnatural, flexed curve. Sleeping on the tummy When sleeping on the tummy, no pillow is required. This position is the least recommended position, as the neck or cervical spine will be twisted in rotation (either left or right) to be able to breathe. Because of that, the discs in between the vertebrae (bones in your spine) will not be able to recover well. A disc is filled with fluid (it’s actually 90% of fluid); during the day this fluid will slowly reduce because of the compressive forces of sitting, standing, being active, etc… During the night your discs should slowly recover, to be ready for the next day. When your neck is twisted for extended periods of time, this process will not be optimal and after months / years of tummy sleeping, neck issues can occur. So there are basically 3 good sleeping positions: the back, the left side and the right side. Ideally, we should move and turn regularly during our sleep. On average, people tend to turn about 35 - 40 times a night, this is normal. Just like we would switch positions during the day to stay comfortable, we need to turn at night to shift the load. Size of the person and mattress For the purpose of this blog, we will not go too deep into the mattress quality and specs. Generally speaking, the softer the mattress, the more you will sink in and the lower your head will go towards the mattress. Hence, a thinner pillow will be required. A harder surface (mattress or other material) will let you sink in less, so the gap between your shoulders and head will stay bigger, and a thicker pillow will be needed to give your head and neck a comfortable position. As mentioned above, the size of the person will also have a big impact on the choice of pillow: bigger people with wider shoulders will need a higher pillow compared to a smaller person. Material There are 3 main types of material used for pillows: - Feathers / down - Latex - Foam. All 3 will feel different and have their own pro’s and con’s. Feather pillows can be squeezed in a preferred position, but are potentially allergen and can be more expensive. Foam pillows are hypoallergenic and can mould to your body shape, but they are firm and they might feel hot in summer. Latex pillows are durable, give you good support and are also hypoallergenic. This is personal preference, there is no right or wrong or one fits all. As long as you take these tips into consideration and keep a neutral position of the spine…

MEET OUR TEAM Jack Frith JACK FRITH | PHYSIOTHERAPIST | SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY ENTHUSIAST | EXERCISE AND MANUAL THERAPY BASED. USES AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO ENSURE THAT ALL TREATMENT IS NOT ONLY FUNCTIONAL AND INDIVIDUALISED, BUT BASED ON A WEALTH OF RESEARCH. Read More EMMA PRESTON EMMA PRESTON | QUALIFICATIONS: BACHELOR DEGREE IN SPORTS THERAPY (TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY, ENGLAND). DIPLOMA IN REMEDIAL MASSAGE (SYDNEY). CERTIFICATE III & IV IN PERSONAL TRAINING AND DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT (SYDNEY). Read More KENNY MERLEVEDE KENNY MERLEVEDE | SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST | FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF PHYSIO K | PASSIONATE AND DRIVEN PHYSIOTHERAPIST WITH OVER 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONER ACROSS PHYSIOTHERAPY, MANUAL THERAPY AND SPORTS REHABILITATION. Read More

INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Bondi Junction, Eastern suburbs Physiotherapy Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: ACHILLES TENDONITIS BACK PAIN DISC BULGES HERNIATED DISCS AND SCIATICA ELBOW PAIN HEADACHES TREATMENT LOWER BACK PAIN TREATMENT NECK PAIN TREATMENT PLANTAR FASCIITIS POSTURE AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY ANKLE SPRAINS BURSITIS DIZZINESS VERTIGO HAMSTRING INJURIES JAW PROBLEMS OR TMJ ISSUES MENISCUS INJURIES OSTEOARTHRITIS POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT SHOULDER PAIN TREATMENT SPRAINS STRAINS AND TEARS

INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: ACHILLES TENDONITIS ANKLE SPRAINS BACK PAIN BURSITIS DISC BULGES HERNIATED DISCS AND SCIATICA DIZZINESS VERTIGO ELBOW PAIN HAMSTRING INJURIES HEADACHES TREATMENT JAW PROBLEMS OR TMJ ISSUES LOWER BACK PAIN TREATMENT MENISCUS INJURIES NECK PAIN TREATMENT OSTEOARTHRITIS PLANTAR FASCIITIS POST OPERATIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT POSTURE AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS SHOULDER PAIN TREATMENT SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY SPRAINS STRAINS AND TEARS DIZZINESS OR VERTIGO Bondi Junction, Eastern suburbs Physiotherapy WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO? Dizziness is a broader term and describes the sensation of lightheadedness or disorientation. These symptoms can have a number of different causes. This might include neck issues, vascular or blood flow problems, vestibular disorders or brain trauma. The majority of these symptoms are related to movement, and dizziness can be triggered or become aggravated by movements such as laying down or getting up. Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. Whilst experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it may feel as though you or the environment around you is spinning. The most common types of vertigo are Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Cervical Vertigo. BPPV BPPV is more prevalent in women, with studies indicating that they are twice as likely to develop the condition compared to men. Cervical vertigo Research has shown that vestibular rehabilitation exercises can be an effective adjunctive treatment for cervical vertigo, helping to improve balance and reduce dizziness symptoms. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Patients who suffer from this condition usually report a type of dizziness where the room or the world is spinning around them. Other symptoms may include blurred vision, balance problems, nausea or even vomiting. This type of dizziness tends to be triggered by movements of the head. Between 50 and 70% of BPPV cases are idiopathic, which means they have no known cause. However despite this, BPPV is very common, easily diagnosed and easily treatable! The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre is the most common test for BPPV and is done within minutes to accurately diagnose this type of dizziness. The Epley manoeuvre is a very effective treatment for BPPV, and research has shown significant benefits within just a few sessions. Cervical Vertigo Cervical vertigo produces dizziness symptoms which originate in the cervical spine. This experience can either feel like it is the environment or yourself which is spinning, and usually occurs when moving or rotating the neck, potentially impacting balance. Often a functional problem in the neck is a big contributor to this kind of dizziness. This may include muscle, ligament or fascia tightness, or a joint in the cervical spine which is stiff and immobile. Some other underlying causes can be cervical spondylosis (advanced osteoarthritis of the neck), trauma or whiplash. Poor posture, cold wind, air conditioning or even poor set-up of a computer screen can be contributing factors to these issues, and together with neck pain, headaches and tinnitus, can result in significantly disruptive dizziness. Manual therapy in the higher part of the neck can get you relatively fast results. This treatment is gentle and focuses on restoring the normal movement and flexibility in your neck. Many people feel some relief in the first session and most of our patients will report significant improvements within weeks. ​ "Physiotherapy can be a very good option to treat these symptoms, especially when they are movement induced." ​ DIZZINESS TREATMENT ​ At Physio K, we’ve seen many people who have had dizziness or vertigo for a long time before they were accurately diagnosed. It is very common to have, and many people don’t know what to do about it. In many cases, medication is not a cure, and will not help you get rid of the problem. Contact us today to make an appointment, dizziness or vertigo can be treated effectively and most of the time it does not take many treatments! As mentioned above, the Dix Hallpike manoevre or specific neck treatment can be very effective with these issues. Check out the page about neck problems here (link to neck pain treatment)