PhysioCraft

Apr 28 0

What is SIJ dysfunction?

Posted by Physiocraft

The sacro-iliac joint is a system of joint connecting the lower spine and the pelvis. The lowest part of the spine, the sacrum which is also called the tailbone connects the two pelvic bones on the right and left called the ilia to form the sacro-iliac joint.

Normally, movement at the sacro-iliac joint is limited to a few millimetres but trauma and pregnancy can cause increased movement in this region which may result in SIJ pain. Abnormality of movement and impaired muscle activation contribute to SIJ dysfunction and SIJ pain.

Apr 28 0

What is Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy

Posted by Physiocraft

This occurs when there is pain and swelling at the insertion of the tendon at the ankle joint, specifically at the calcaneus bone. It is almost always a posterior heel pain and it is associated with overuse of the calf muscles or abnormal biomechanical stress on the foot and ankle

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis

Difficulty in performing strenuous activities such as running, jumping or making quick turns
Pain that is achy or occasionally sharp which worsens with increased activity
Increased pain in the area when contact is made with back of footwear

Apr 28 0

What is Iliotibial band syndrome?

Posted by Physiocraft

ITB syndrome is when there is discomfort or pain on the outside of the knees particularly in runners. The cause of the pain is commonly from repetitive friction from the sliding movement of the iliotibial band as the knee is bent particularly between 30 and 45 degrees. The iliotibial band is a fibrous tissue that attaches to the femoral condyle at the knee. ITB syndrome falls under the category of repetitive trauma and overuse injury.

Apr 21 0

What is Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive Capsulitis?

Posted by Physiocraft

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis is when the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and the fibrotic adhesions limit shoulder movement resulting in pain and stiffness.

There are three stages of the frozen shoulder symptoms

Freezing: initially characterised by pain around the shoulder, it is them followed by progressive loss of range of movement
Frozen: There is minimal pain with no further loss of range neither is there any gain in range of motion. Pain is noticeable usually at end range only.
Thawing: There is a gradual return of range of movement and there would also be weakness due to disuse

Apr 21 0

What is shoulder rotator cuff injury?

Posted by Physiocraft

The shoulder girdle has a relatively unstable ball and socket joint and it uses surrounding muscles to stabilise it. The rotator cuff muscles form a cusp around the shoulder joint and are responsible for shoulder rotation aside other movement in the upper limb. There are four muscles which make up the rotator cuff: subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and the teres minor. These muscles or their tendons are susceptible to inflammation, tears, impingement and tears.

Some of the commonly encountered rotator cuff injuries are:

Apr 21 0

What is Erbs Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injury?

Posted by Physiocraft

Erbs Palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles of the arm following an injury to a plexus of nerves in the upper limb region called the brachial plexus. An injury to part of this plexus results in weakness or paralysis of certain muscles in the arm. Though there are different types of injuries, Erbs palsy is the most frequently occurring one usually associated with assisted childbirth. The birth injury typically occurs when there is a stretch on the shoulder, arm or neck while assisting with delivery. This injury affects the C5-C6 nerve root and its deformity is commonly described as waiter’s tip deformity. Trauma, dislocation and gunshot can also cause brachial plexus injury in adults.

Apr 06 0

Posted by Physiocraft

Mar 28 0

Help for Suicide, Depression and Domestic Violence in Nigeria…Calling all Clinicians and Religious Leaders

Posted by Physiocraft

In the last couple of weeks, there have been news reports of domestic violence, attempted suicide and suicide in Nigeria. Anonymous follow up comments on popular blogs has also revealed how Nigerians struggle with depression. It is hard to say if the incidence is increasing or increased internet access is making us more aware of their prevalence because as a nation, information gathering, documentation and access is challenging. Regardless, one thing is for certain, intervention in these issues is not a priority for the local, state or federal governments and as usual, we as individuals, as communities and private organisations have to take care of ourselves. Two simple steps can be taken to help identify and curb suicide, depression and domestic violence in our community:

Mar 12 0

Brain Drain in Nigeria- as always, the north is different from the south

Posted by Physiocraft

As a physiotherapist whose profession in Nigeria has been severely impacted by brain drain, watching the news about the xenophobic crime in South Africa made me curious why certain tribes in Nigeria apparently favour migration more than others. It is usually viewed purely from a socio-economic perspective but if northern Nigeria is relatively poorer than other regions, why are they less likely to migrate out of the country in search of “greener pastures” Why are the southerners-despite being relatively economically advantaged more likely to seek greener pastures?

Mar 10 0

What is Arthritis?

Posted by Physiocraft

Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses conditions which affect joints. Broadly speaking, the structures which protect and reinforce the joint become damaged and the patient starts to experience pain, stiffness and inflammation. For instance, the cartilage, which is the tissue that covers the bone surface and allows ease of movement wears out and the bone tissue grinds against itself causing a lot of discomfort to the patient. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis.

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