Too much too soon
Is your New Years Resolution to become more active causing you problems?
Does the following situation sound familiar? You put in long hours every week to get fitter to find that already nagging, on-off pain that you’re experiencing occurs more frequently; or does not disappear completely. Reluctant to cut back on your training you start icing the affected area, stretching and taking more medication such as anti-inflammatory and pain killers! Despite taking all these measures that you have heard will help to ease the pain, your discomfort increases.
We know that the treatment methods described above will not rid you of your problem alone. It has long been assumed that inflammation of tendons and other soft tissues is responsible for the pain that athletes frequently suffer from, and that it is associated with repetitive actions and over using the same tissues constantly before they have had time to recover and before they are called upon again to perform the same repetitive pounding actions.
If this scenario persists then not only do you suffer Tendonitis but this can then turn into Tendonosis which is degeneration of the tendon. The repeated or strained muscular contraction associated with sporting activities causes decrease in blood flow to the working muscles and tendons. This lack of blood flow then causes an accumulation of waste products. These waste products are very similar to those produced when muscle is torn. The waste products in turn attract the cells that produce scar tissue.
Scar tissue causes a decreased range of motion, pain with use, decreased strength and early fatigue. Overuse injuries usually start with one muscle or tendon developing scar tissue. The involved muscle is then weakened, requiring neighbouring muscles to become over worked. We then develop secondary problems and if this behaviour is continued more symptoms occur as the body tries to compensate, but is ‘pushed’ into developing even more damage. This cycle of increasing stress, build up of scar tissue and degeneration continues until the body no longer can compensate. At this point, the system has broken down and chronic pain sets in.
We try to do the right thing and make more effort to become fitter and healthier but we often train emotionally….more is better… but we have to learn how to train intelligently. Being an athlete or enthusiastic sports person being injured is part of the process sometime of reaching your goal. Whether that is training for a marathon or just becoming better at your chosen sporting activity.
If we are struggling with a new skill we often get advice from the expert within that field. If you are struggling to mange such a condition as above and frustrated of knowing what to do for the best then I am just a phone call away. I am able to give valuable advice and if necessary help you recover in the optimum time so you can return to your chosen activity as soon as possible and teach you how to try and avoid future similar situations. So do not hesitate and delay your recovery any longer and call me today. I am here to help and support you with over 30 years of physiotherapy experience.
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Patients with MSK disorders need more help to manage themselves back to work.
Physiotherapists working with patients who have musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) should routinely ask, patients about how their condition affects their working lives, a new report has said. The report from the Fit for Work UK Coalition (with whom I am a member) and the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, also calls upon physiotherapists and other health care professionals to ‘be aware of the wealth of information they have about condition management’ and to share it with their patients to encourage self-management. This must be done if the 30 million-plus working days lost to MSDs annually in the UK are to be reduced.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy deputy chief executive Sue Browning said: ‘We must do everything we can to help people with chronic MSDs to stay in work, and this report presents the government, employers and individuals with positive ways to do just that’. Physiotherapists are experts at keeping people healthy in work, or facilitating a return after sickness absence, and it is very important that employees provide staff with fast access to occupational health service’s, this will avoid chronic symptoms from setting in and aid a quicker return to work.
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Musculoskeletal Disorders are the greatest cause of disability in Europe!
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the greatest cause of disability among Europeans, according to a new data from a major global study. The report of the causes of impact of disability on people in the European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) counties was published by the institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations. It was based on the findings of the World Health Organisation’s Global Burden of Disease Study 2010.
Key Findings include:
• MSK disorders account for 30 per cent all disability in European!
• The leading cause of disability in the EU and EFTA countries is low back and neck pain!
• MSK disorders rank third in the major causes of death and disability and are increasing due to the ageing population, increased obesity and lack of exercise.
Steve Tolan, , Head of practice and development at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Agrees with the above and he states that in terms of urgent funding priorities, MSK often isn’t up there with cancer and other long term conditions. What this report shows is that it is the greatest cause of disability in Europe and the third greatest impact on health among the EU population.
Almost one in five of the population has an MSK condition and everybody will have an MSK problem in their lifetime (Professor Peter Kay)
Mike Webb has over 27 years experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist if you are suffering or you know someone close to you have constant pain, discomfort and it affects their quality of life then do not hesitate to contact Mike now who will give you the time, reassurance, appropriate treatment and self management for the future.
Burbage Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic
01455 616623 - 07715742900
info@burbagephysio.co.uk www.burbagephysio.co.uk