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Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's Disease is a neurological condition that affects a person's ability to move safely, balance, and coordinate their movements. Parkinson’s disease causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. They may also have mental and behavioural changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue. Parkinson’s Disease occurs when nerve cells in an area of the brain that controls movement called the Basal Ganglia die or become nonfunctional. Normally, cells in this region produce dopamine, and their loss results in decreased amounts of dopamine within the brain, causing the movement problems associated with the disease. It is still unknown why neurons in this region die, but one risk factor is age. Although most people with Parkinson’s Disease first develop the disease after age 60, as many as one in ten experience onset before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s are often, but not always, inherited, and some forms have been linked to specific gene mutations. Parkinson’s Disease also causes the loss of nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls many functions of the body such as heart rate and blood pressure. Many brain cells of people with Parkinson’s Disease contain clumps of toxic protein, referred to as Lewy Bodies. Accumulation of Lewy Bodies in the brain can impair neural and cognitive function, and scientists are trying to better understand the normal and abnormal functions of neurotoxic proteins and their relationship to genetic mutations that impact Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions like Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Parkinson's Disease is a condition that affects many regions of the human body and which has impacts on many domains of human function. The most visible and stereotypical signs of Parkinson's Disease are tremors in the hands, legs, jaw and neck, muscular stiffness, slowed and imprecise movement, and impaired balance and coordination with an increased risk of falls. While management of Parkinson's Disease is an ongoing process that requires input from medical, specialist, and different Allied Health professions like Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and Home Support, Physiotherapy is critical in the management of Parkinson's Disease as well. Physiotherapy management of Parkinson's Disease addresses a person's present difficulties within the context of their diagnosis, while bearing in mind its potential future progression. That means that physiotherapy treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is rehabilitative as well as preventative - it addresses current concerns and risks while preparing the patient for what may come as the disease progresses. In the initial phases of management, physiotherapy focuses on addressing risks imposed by mobility difficulties. Manual therapy is useful for relieving muscle tension and pain, tremors are treated with strengthening, core work, hydrotherapy and purposeful movement. Balance and coordination are improved through exercise that strengthens the lower limbs and the core as well as their coordination through simple and complex movements. Falls risk is addressed and controlled by looking at a person's home environment and recommending modifications and assistive devices. Parkinson's Disease progresses with time, and the nature of that progression is different for every person. Some will experience mild symptoms from the time of their diagnosis and experience no deterioration from that point. Others will experience worsening symptoms that require additional support. Still others will experience patterns of fluctuation. Given the highly individualised nature of a person's neurochemistry and the highly individualised nature of their environment, it is difficult to track or predict by trend the progression of the disease with any amount of information. Regardless of the progression or present nature of the situation, physiotherapy is able to help. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Wry Neck Wry Neck refers to a series of conditions that result in a painfully twisted and tilted neck. Wry Neck may be present from birth due to congenital or anatomical factors, and is referred to as permanent Wry Neck. Wry Neck may also occur during the course of everyday life for people who do not have any predisposing anatomical factors, and this presentation can be quick to resolve. Some people go on to develop recurrent Wry Neck symptoms that eventually become chronic, requiring ongoing management and treatment to ensure their appropriate care. Wry neck can be inherited, developed in the womb, and can arise from damage to the muscles of the neck or the arteries that supply those muscles with blood. Wry Neck Pain can also be caused as a result of other diseases, such as an ear infection or a cold. Wry Neck that develops as a consequence of other illness is generally quick to resolve, though has the potential of becoming recurrent if not properly addressed and managed. Wry Neck may develop slowly, and be characterised by symptoms such as head and neck stiffness, difficulty aligning the head, headache, and dizziness. Management of Wry Neck depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Core Muscle Weakness Core Weakness refers to poor strength, power generation or muscular endurance of one or more of the muscles that comprise the Core Muscles. The Core Muscles include the abdominals, the obliques, the transversus muscles, as well as the muscles of the diaphragm and those muscles that make up the Pelvic Floor. Weakness of the Core Muscles can lead to poor posture when in static or moving positions, can lead to increased discomfort in the lower and midback, can lead to increased stiffness of muscles around the core, and can increase the risk of irritation and injury of those structures. Core Weakness comes about through many different means, and because the core is made up of many different muscles, the experience of core weakness and the consequences thereof can be different from person to person. Typically, core weakness occurs due to gradual deconditioning of the muscles of the abdomen and the lower back. This gradual weakening is usually not pathological, but a consequence of sustained sedentary postures throughout the day. Jobs and occupations that require sustained sitting in supported and unsupported postures and which require sustained standing are risk factors for core weakness. Additionally, even occupations that require standing and movement can impose stress on the core that uses some muscles but not others, leading to weakness of some but not all muscles of the core. Weakness of the Core Muscles, poor posture, and poor muscular endurance are risk factors for developing back pain, and are often the first things addressed in the management of that condition. However, Core Weakness can have other effects too. A weak Core makes it more difficult to lift, move, and push objects as well as increasing the risk of injury from recreational exercises like running, weightlifting, and cycling, as well as awkward movements like those needed around the house. In severe cases, postural effects from Core Weakness can lead to irritation and discomfort in the lower back, the shoulders, the neck and the hips. The Core Muscles are those that provide stability to the abdomen and lower back, and therefore their conditioning is an important consideration in general health. Core Weakness is managed firstly by ensuring that the muscles, joints, and segments of the lower back, ribcage and pelvis can all move in a painfree and easy manner. Following this, conditioning of the Core Muscles requires a specific program, which can involve exercises like reformer or mat pilates, yoga, tai chi, or basic isometric or repetitive exercises. Finally, Core Muscle reconditioning requires use of the core in a vigorous sport- or exercise-based context, such as in recreational physical activity on a pitch or in the gym. Regardless of the severity, timecourse and overall plan, your physiotherapist is the best person to consult regarding weakness of the core muscles. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Neck Pain Neck Pain is a general term that refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in the neck. Neck Pain is a common problem that people experience, and may affect one in five people over the course of their lives. Neck Pain is felt in the region below the base of the head and above the tops of the shoulderblades, though you may feel pain elsewhere in the body. Because of the number of nerves that go through the neck, pain may be felt in the shoulders, arms, hand, and the head and eyes. Neck Pain is referred to as Chronic Neck Pain when it has been present for twelve weeks or more. Neck Pain is caused by irritation of structures within the neck. The specific cause of the pain depends on many factors like the age of the person experiencing the pain, their occupation, whether the pain was caused by an accident or started rapidly, as well as other variables. Neck Pain can also be described as Mechanical Neck Pain, when the pain is specifically due to a certain, reproducible movement or sustained posture that strains the neck. Referred Neck Pain is felt in the arm, shoulders, in the mid back, or as headache. When Neck Pain is experienced as a headache or causes a headache, it is referred to as a cervico-genic headache (cervico = cervical spine, genic = coming from.) During your assessment, you will be asked whether or not you experience headaches, and if so, the frequency and nature of your discomfort. Management of Neck Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Neck Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Elbow Pain Elbow Pain refers to any pain felt below the middle of the upper arm, and above the wrist. The elbow is the primary joint at which your arm bends forward and back, as well as the point at which it rotates the wrist. It is the point of attachment of many muscles that generate power, as well as muscles which offer fine control of the fingers and the wrist. For this reason, elbow pain is common in professions with involved or comprehensive upper limb movements, and may be felt by one in three people over the course of their lives. The elbow is made up of the humerus, the upper bone of the arm, as well as the lower bones of the arm called the radius and the ulna. These three bones all interlock at the elbow joint, and are held in place by ligaments that bridge the joint, as well as by the overlying muscles. The elbow needs to be very flexible in order to accommodate dextrous movements of the upper limb, as well as stable and solid enough that force can be generated using the arm to push, pull, and rotate objects in the world. For this reason, the elbow is a stable but dynamic joint. The elbow is also covered in muscles that move both the elbow and the wrist, as well as the hand. The muscles that control the fine movements of the fingers all originate from the elbow, before travelling down through the forearm and through the carpal tunnel before attaching to the fingers and producing precise, controlled action. For this reason, pain in the elbow can result in clumsiness, weakness, or pain in the hand. This can be confronting to people who rely on their dexterity to navigate the world. The elbow is most commonly injured through acute trauma such as a fall or a bad knock. It is common for a strike or blow to the elbow to cause swelling, stiffness, pain, and a loss of function. Such impacts may occur during the course of sporting or work-related activities, or may just as easily be the result of domestic clumsiness. Conversely, the elbow can also experience injury as a result of long-term changes such as wear-down of the joint surfaces or progressive weakness in the muscles overlying it, as is the course in ageing. Management of Elbow Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Nerve Pain & Neuropathy Nerve Pain, or Neuropathy, is an umbrella term that refers to damage or irritation of the nerves. Nerves can become damaged due to the effects of diseases like diabetes, Guillaine-Barre Syndrome, or Myasthenia Gravis, due to poor circulation to extremities like the hands and feet, due to traumatic damage of the nerves, or due to lifestyle decisions such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. ​ Neuropathy and Nerve Pain present with a combination of weakness, pain, sensation changes, numbness, tingling, electrical sensation or hot or cold flushes. Some or all of these symptoms may be present depending on the type of Neuropathy as well as the region of the body being affected. ​ The variation in symptoms is due to the nature of nerves. Nerves control muscles, convey sensation, communicate between the brain and elements of the body, and coordinate reflexes. Nerves are made up of a combination of controlling and sensing fibers, and everyone's nerves are subtly different according to their unique anatomy. Because everyone's neurological anatomy is different, and damage to nerves affects different nerves in varied ways, treatment of Neuropathy always begins with comprehensive assessment, and a thorough discussion of findings as well as any relevant radiology, clinical test results and treatment reports. Management and assessment of Nerve Pain depends on the pathological cause of your neuropathy. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Neuropathy, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today

Tendinopathy / Tendinosis / Tendinitis Tendinopathy, Tendinosis, and Tendinitis all refer to the pain, swelling, and disruption of functions in tendons throughout the body. Typically, the pain is worse with movement, and common sites that may be affected are the rotator cuff, the elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. ​ Tendons are bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to other things, such as bones, ligaments, soft tissue or other connective tissue. Some tendons are wrapped in fluid-filled coverings, while others glide around each other. When tendons move and act in repetitive motions throughout the day, they can become worn down and inflamed. It is from this that the term Tendinitis is derived; Tendin = tendon, itis = inflammation. The term Tendinopathy is broad, and refers to any pathology that might affect the normal function of a tendon. ​ Everyone in the population has the potential to experience Tendinopathy throughout their lifetimes regardless of the nature and vigour of their physical activity. Tendinopathy typically presents with inflammation, as well as pain on specific movement which eases with rest. There are many risk factors that can make someone more likely to experience Tendinopathy; including personal, occupational, sporting, and structural elements. ​ Management of Tendinopathy depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Tendinopathy Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Ultrasound Ultrasound and ultrasound techniques use sound waves with frequencies higher than those audible to humans. These sound waves are generated by an ultrasound machine and are applied to tissues by an ultrasound projector. Ultrasound is commonly used in medical imaging of soft tissues and of expectant mothers, and can also be used in the treatment of muscle pain and discomfort. ​ In clinic, ultrasound can be used in the management of soft tissue pain. Applying ultrasonic energy to soft tissues can increase blood flow, reduce stiffness, and reduce spasm due to the absorption of sound energy by those tissues and structures under the ultrasound projector. This sound energy has a mechanical effect upon soft tissue. The result of this is that appropriate use of ultrasound can reduce pain and improve function. ​ Ultrasound is not an end-all treatment, and its use will depend on the nature of your problem and its context. Ultrasound treatment will not be applied in isolation, and will be combined with prescribed exercise, stretching, and other physical modalities to best address the source of your discomfort. Not every patient will be appropriate for ultrasound treatment. Ultrasound modality in the clinic will be used depending on the discretion of your treating clinician as well as the nature, history, and context of your presenting discomfort. Feel free to discuss this treatment with your clinician, either in appointment or during your initial consultation

Sciatica and Sciatic Pain Sciatic Pain, or Sciatica, is a condition in which irritation of nerves in the back and the buttock leads to pain in the lower back, buttock, and the leg. Sciatica is a common condition, and 2 in 5 people will experience sciatica-like symptoms over the course of their lives, most often between the ages of 25-45. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the Sciatic Nerve and the Nerve Roots that make up the Sciatic Nerve. The Sciatic Nerve is a collection of sensing and controlling nerves that travel from the spine, through the pelvis and buttock, and into the leg. The Sciatic Nerve supplies sensation to the skin over the back and side of the leg and thigh as well as the foot, and powers large muscles such as the hamstrings, gluteal (buttock) muscles, and muscles in the lower limb as well. Causes The Sciatic Nerve is most commonly irritated by mechanical factors in the lower back and in the pelvis. In the lower back, muscle spasm, nerve root irritation, disc or joint inflammation or collapse of a spinal disc can lead to irritation of the nerve. This causes pain in the areas of skin and muscle controlled by that nerve. Because the pain is felt in a separate location from where the irritation is taking place, it is called Referred Pain. In the Pelvis and the hip, tightness of hip muscles can compress the Sciatic Nerve itself. Compression of the Sciatic Nerve causes pain and discomfort in the area of skin served by the Sciatic Nerve, which typically includes the back of the leg and the whole of the foot. Similarly, because the pain is felt in a separate location from where the irritation is taking place, this is Referred Pain as well. Mechanical factors which cause Sciatica arise as a consequence of short-term damage, long-term muscular or structural strain, or as the result of age. Short-term damage can be caused by sudden impacts, abrupt bending or twisting while carrying a load, as well as from lifting objects using an inappropriate posture, or which are inappropriately heavy. Long-term strain comes about as the result of sustaining a posture over a period of time, typically months or years. Desk work, driving, and reclined postures can all cause long-term muscular strain. Age-related changes include arthritic inflammation of the spine and its joints, wear-down and degeneration of the spine, and bone wasting diseases which can all cause or worsen Sciatica symptoms. Symptoms Sciatic pain can vary from a dull soreness, numbness, or tingling to feelings of an electric shock, throbbing heat, or stabbing pain. The severity can range from an annoying ache to pain so intense it makes it tough to walk or stand. In severe cases of Sciatica, muscles may become weak, and mobility may be negatively impacted as a consequence of changed muscle function over time. Because of the referred nature of Sciatic pain, the location in which the pain is felt may change. It may be felt closer to or further away from the spine. You may feel discomfort closer to the skin, or deep within the muscle. The behaviour of sciatic pain can be used to establish its nature and the factors which are most likely contributing to it. Prevention and Treatment Sciatica is best prevented by maintaining flexibility in the lower back and hips by doing regular stretches, especially for people who have sitting desk jobs. For people who need to lift and move heavy objects, strength and resistance training to build postural control and balance is an effective means of preventing Sciatic pain. These exercises are also useful for people who work in sitting jobs as well. Management and assessment of Sciatica depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time the pain has persisted. Simple strategies include gentle stretching of tight muscles and sore joints with a view to relieving the pain, as well as using hot or cold packs for a little temporary relief. Effective pain medication includes anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate, or prescription medication if recommended by a physician. A physiotherapist can assess the nature of a person's sciatic pain, determine the most likely factors leading to and aggravating that pain, as well as minimise that pain and promote a healthy recovery. Once the pain has been minimised, the physiotherapist will prescribe and monitor a program of individual exercises to best address any functional or muscular weaknesses that may cause a flare-up in the future. Once the pain and the weakness has been managed, the physiotherapist will continue to monitor the patient and amend their exercise program accordingly to ensure continued benefits from their exercises and management. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Foot Pain and Ankle Pain Foot Pain and Ankle Pain refer to pain felt below the middle of the calf, and which may involve structures in the foot like the heel, the sole of the foot, and the toes. Foot and Ankle Pain can be caused to muscular, bony, ligamentous or nervous factors. ​ Common bony problems in the foot include arthritis of the ankle, bones in the foot, and the toes. The human foot is composed of more than twenty bones, held together by a complex scaffold of ligaments, connective tissue, and layers of muscle. All of these bones need to work in concert during movement of the feet, as well as bear the weight of the human body throughout the day. For this reason, Foot Pain and Ankle Pain due to bony causes may occur later in life, due to weardown of bones and joints. ​ Patients with Diabetes commonly experience Diabetic Neuropathy, a condition in which the high blood sugar can damage nerves throughout the body. Most commonly, this occurs in the legs and feet, which can cause Nervous Foot Pain. In severe cases, there may be weakening of the muscles that supply power to the foot and the lower limb, accompanied by numbness. ​ Most commonly, Foot Pain and Ankle Pain are caused by mechanical and physical factors. Active sportspeople may roll, twist, or otherwise impact their ankles and feet during sports matches or training. Sometimes, people experience Foot Pain and Ankle Pain due to stepping on uneven ground, slipping on wet surfaces, or just as a consequence of walking. ​ Management of Foot and Ankle Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.