Latest post on physioquestions.com | Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy

With all of the changes and growth occurring in the body during pregnancy, some women may report pain that occurs in the lower abdomen or groin area on one or both sides. It may feel like a “strong pulling sensation” or a “quick sharp jabbing pain” in the lower abdomen. Most often this is “round ligament” pain, and is not uncommon or harmful.

Round ligament pain is usually noticed around the beginning of second trimester during a growth spurt of the baby, and again later in the third trimester. It usually resolves completely following delivery. The pain is reported to be quite deep within the lower abdomen or groin, not superficial, and may move upward/outward towards either side of the top of the hips.

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Want to avoid dementia later in life? Walking can do just that, latest research shows.

A new study in the latest edition of Neurology journal has found that walking can have beneficial effects on brain size and cognitive function. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that adults who walked 72 blocks a week (ie. 9 miles, or 14 km), had significiantly increased brain gray matter volume than those who did not.

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Latest post on physioquestions.com | Hamstrings stretching techniques

There are various different techniques to stretch your hamstrings muscles. It is best to choose the position which is most comfortable for you.

Stretches should be held for 10-15 seconds each, repeated 2-3 x. The stretches shown here are all static techniques, ie. no need to bounce at the end of range, simply hold. There should also be no pain at the end of range, just a gentle ‘stretch’ sensation.

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Latest post on physioquestions.com | Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee)

What is it? 

Commonly known as "Jumper's Knee", this condition results from the overuse and repetitive overloading of the knee extensor mechanism. It occurs frequently in jumping-type sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, running, badminton, skateboarding, snowboarding, and others.

Patellar 'tendinitis' simply refers to the inflammation of the patellar tendon in the acute phase of the injury. However often this acute inflammation is not addressed properly, causing the condition to progress further into 'tendinosis' or 'tendinopathy' (ie. chronic degeneration and/or tearing of the tendon due to insufficient healing).

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Latest post on physioquestions.com | Which part of the brain is involved in sensation?

Q: Which part of the brain is involved in relaying somatic sensory information from the skin of the trunk and extremities to the somatosensory cortex? 

A: The thalamus has several functions, one of which is the processing and relaying of sensory information. It receives sensory signals and then relays them to the appropriate cortical area in the cerebral cortex. The thalamus sits between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain, and comprises of a paired structure in the midline of the brain.

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Latest post on physioquestions.com | Exercise after pregnancy: looking after yourself

Exercise after giving birth is probably the last thing on your mind with a newborn requiring much of your time and attention, not to mention the sleep deprivation and change in lifestyle. However when you are ready, finding the time to exercise is important and will make you feel a lot better both physically and psychologically. 

 

This article will cover the following:

1. Benefits of exercise

2. When to start

3. Exercise and breastfeeding

4. Some tips to get you started

5. Exercise suggestions 

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Latest research on Frozen Shoulder: Effectiveness of conservative & surgical interventions

Article Review

Here is a summary of the authors' findings:

• Strong evidence for corticosteroid injections and laser therapy in short-term
• Moderate evidence for:
• Steroid injections in mid-term follow-up
• Mobilisation techniques in short and long-term
• Arthrographic distension +/- active physiotherapy in short-term
• Oral steroids in short-term
• Inconclusive evidence for:
• NSAIDs
• Acupuncture
• MUA
• Arthroscopic release

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For an overview on the condition of Frozen Shoulder, click here. 

Latest post on physioquestions.com | Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

What is it?

Frozen Shoulder is a common condition in the middle aged to older population, with reported incidence ~2-5% presenting to GP and affecting women more than men (70% women 40-60 yrs).

As the medical term 'Adhesive Capsulitis' implies, it is when the shoulder capsule (tissue surrounding the glenohumeral joint) becomes stiff (adhesive) and inflamed (capsulitis), leading to significant loss of range of motion (ROM) and pain.

This condition can last from 5-6 months to 2-3 years or more.

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