muscles

The real cause of ‘Low Back Pain’

Physiotherapy - , , , , , , , -

CT scanning was introduced in the 1970s and the first MRI scans were performed medically in the early 1980s. At that time it was hoped they would revolutionise the management of low back pain. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and despite this new insight in to the painful lower back, low back pain remains the second most common reason for time off work and visits to the GP after colds and flu, and statistics suggest 80% of people will suffer low back pain during their lifetime. The intervertebral discs were commonly thought of as a major reason for pain in the lower back. This suspicion was heightened when radiological investigations started showing a prevalence of degenerative discs and disc protrusions in patients (research results show present in between 60 and 90% of those examined). That thought was maintained until researchers started performing MRI scans on asymptomatic people with startling results. In […]

Anyone for golf?

Physiotherapy - , , , , , , , , , , -

One of the most important factors in improved performance and reduced risk of injury in any sport is technique. Many overuse injuries are attributed to doing repetitive actions with poor technique. This can cause excessive stress to be applied to particular joints or muscles which can contribute to an injury developing. Over time, symptoms of injuries caused by poor technique can worsen if technical faults are not addressed and could lead to a more serious condition. Injuries are not the only by-product of poor technique – performance levels will also be decreased by bad technique as this will prevent optimum strength, power and speed in the particular movement or shot. When we think about dealing with issues of technique the first thought is often to seek out a coach to address these problems. Whilst the role of the coach is invaluable in teaching correct sporting technique, maybe the first point […]

New Year’s Resolution – Get “Fit 4 Running”

Physiotherapy - , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , -

So as another year draws to a close, and once the chaos and excess of Christmas has passed, many of us will start to turn our thoughts to a new year and a new beginning through a New Year resolution. These often focus on improving our health through diet or exercise but how successful are they? A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman at the University of Bristol involving 3,000 people found 88% of those who set New Year’s resolutions failed.