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Spondy Spinal Conditions Spondylosis, Spondylitis, Spondylolysis, and Spondylolisthesis are structural conditions that affect the alignment and integrity of the bony parts of the human spine. Spondy- conditions typically occur in the lower back, but due to the lifetime strain, ongoing loading and physical activities, as well as the effect of age- and disease-related deterioration, it is possible for Spondy- conditions to affect other segments of the spine as well. Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spondylolisis and Spondylolisthesis are distinct conditions that happen to affect similar areas in the human back. Spondylitis Spondylitis is an umbrella term that includes different kinds of inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis is the swelling and inflammation of tissues in and around joints, and so worsening episodes of spondylitis can often go un-diagnosed or otherwise diagnosed as back pain. The symptoms of Spondylitis are similar to those experienced in mechanical lower back pain, and so accurate diagnosis of the issue may take time, review with other medical professionals, and imaging of the spine to rule out more serious or other pathological causes. Spondylosis Spondylosis is similar to spondylitis, being a type of arthritis. However, whily spondylitis develops as a consequence of an autoimmune condition, spondylosis develops due to normal wear and time-based use of the intervertebral discs and the spine as part of ageing. Given that spondylosis and its measurable features develop over time, the incidence of spondylosis in the population increases with age. Spondylosis can arise in the neck, the lower back, and in the upper and lower parts of the ribcage, due to the articulated and mobile nature of these regions. Additionally, as time goes on and symptoms develop, spondylosis can also be accompanied by bone spurs in the regions affected, as well as irritation of the nerve roots exiting the spine due to structural change to the apertures through which these nerves pass. Spondylolysis Spondylolysis refers to a stress fracture defect in a specific part of the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the spine. This stress fracture is usually caused by repetitive loading over time, or traumatic damage due to impact, disease, strenuous activity, or recreational exercise. The extent to which this stress fracture causes discomfort and symptoms depends on the severity of the fracture itself as well as the mechanism by which the fracture occurred. While structural change is a normal part of growing, living and ageing due to the natural adaptive capacity of the human body, time-related weardown or damage to anatomical structures can cause issues like difficulty standing and walking, bending, changes in strength and sensation in the limbs, and of course, pain. Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis often refers to the progression of another spondy-injury, but it may also may arise independently of any prior illness or injury, or may be congenital. Spondylolisthesis is defined as the displacement of one vertebra over the vertebral body below it, and depending on the extent to which the vertebra is displaced, this may cause different symptoms. Low-grade displacements may present with generalised discomfort. Pronounced displacement may cause severe pain, sensation and stress changes, and other issues that may require medical attention and cause other more serious consequences. Given that vertebrae may move forward, backward, or left and right relative to the segments below them, Spondylolistheses can also be described as anterolistheses, posterolistheses, and laterolistheses, indicating forward, backward, or sideways movement respectively. Regardless of the nature and extent of the condition, physiotherapy intervention can help to assess, diagnose, triage and manage any discomfort as well as take note of the presence or likelihood of serious side-effects or symptoms that warrant further investigation. 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.

Dislocation Dislocation refers to a condition where one or both of the bones that make up a joint has been displaced from where it usually is to somewhere where it shouldn't be. This is a problem because normal human anatomical function relies on joints and bones being arranged in a specific manner and the disruption of this arrangement causes issues like decreased function, pain, and disability. Wherever two bones meet, there is a joint, and many of these joints are points at which bones produce movement by bending, twisting, or rotating in place. Every single joint in the human body has the potential of being dislocated, with some being easier to dislocate than others depending on how force is applied and where it is directed. Joints are stabilised by five factors: the shape of the bones that make up the joint, the shape of the cartilage within the joint, the ligaments that scaffold and attach the bones together, the muscles that cross over the joint, and the capsule that wraps around and contains the joint. Dislocation is caused by a failure of one or more of these factors in response to external force. Because of this, joint dislocations are nearly always accompanied by pain and discomfort, which may be minimal due to the effect of adrenaline, or so debilitating that it requires hospitalisation. Because joint dislocation affects multiple elements of the joint, there may be bony damage as well. This bony damage may become chronic with multiple and repeated dislocations such as those that occur to the shoulder and the jaw. Dislocations are managed by resetting the joint first. This can be just as painful as the dislocation in some cases and so may be done under anaesthetic. Imaging is usually taken to assess the presence or absence of any other damage, and the limb may be placed in a protective garment or cast to assist in healing. Surgery may be undertaken in the case of severe dislocations or when joint instability has the potential to cause further injury. After surgery, or if surgery is not performed, dislocations are reviewed by either a physiotherapist or an orthopaedic doctor to ensure appropriate alignment of the bone. Following this, dislocations are typically managed using exercise and manual therapy. Dislocation is due to the failure of one of the five factors that give rise to joint stability, and so the exercises that are performed will address the identified structural failure. Depending on the nature of the dislocation, or the number of times that joint has been dislocated, treatment may take time to ensure appropriate management. 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.

Concussions Concussions are medical events that affect the brain. In a concussion an impact to the head from an outside force or abrupt displacement of the head forward and backward causes the brain to move rapidly, backward and forward and even twisting, within the skull. The tissue of the brain is a delicate three-dimensional arrangement of cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels and connective tissue, constructed in a way that supports the complexity and intensity of human thought and voluntary action while controlling the processes that keep the human body alive. Despite this, it is soft, fluid-rich tissue with a density and texture comparable to that of seared beef fat, and traumatic force can upset the arrangement of fibers inside the brain, producing symptoms as mild as a passing headache and dizziness, to fatigue and nausea, to persistent cognitive fatigue or even a brain bleed. Concussions typically occur within the context of contact or combat sports. Boxers, Mixed Martial Artists, American Football, Australian Rules and Rugby players are all at increased risk of experiencing blows directly to the head or blows to the body that have the potential to cause a concussion. For this reason, the rapid back and forth displacement of the head that is experienced in a car accident can produce concussion symptoms as well as whiplash in the neck. Similarly, blows to the head do not need to be sustained in violent or sporting contexts. Knocking the head into low objects like doorframes or lintels or standing up into a shelf or cupboard can expose the brain tissue to enough force to cause rapid displacement. Concussions present differently for different people, with a great variation in symptoms. Clinical, neurological, behavioural, and cognitive changes can arise as early as immediately following the injury, or hours or days after the event. Given the breadth of symptoms and sequelae that can arise, diagnosis of concussion is never undertaken in isolation by one profession or on the basis of a single assessment. Concussion diagnosis includes assessment of cognitive function, physical function like balance, sensory organisation, and may require or involve imaging. Physiotherapists may only be minimally involved in the screening process as part of the diagnosis, and may only be peripherally involved in initial management. However, given that concussions have the potential to affect a person's ability to engage with recreational activities like sport, and necessary activities of daily living, physiotherapy has a role to play in management and rehabilitation of concussion presentations. Physiotherapy management of concussion involves preventative and rehabilitative elements. In the immediate period, triaging and assessment of the injured individual is essential to detect and control the risk of adverse outcomes. This can be done either in the clinic or on the sportsfield by a therapist that has completed further education in onsite concussion assessment and risk management. Following stabilisation of symptoms, strengthening the neck and the shoulders generally improves the ability of the body to sustain impacts to that region and in turn to protect the brain. This is undertaken in combination with whiplash and neck rehabilitation generally to best prepare the athlete for return to sport, which will be undertaken under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a medical practitioner as needed. If symptoms arising from a concussion persist beyond the expected timeframe of resolution, the presentation may be marked by headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, memory and cognitive impairment or changed function, insomnia, and depression and others in isolation or in combination. These persistent and emerging symptoms require specific monitoring as well as specific treatment by Allied Health and other medical professionals. Because concussions present differently for different people and with a great variation in symptoms, effective management of concussion symptoms and injuries requires ongoing monitoring and review, as well as proactive communication between the patient and their managing team. 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.

CONSENT - AND - PRIVACY PATIENT CONSENT AND PRIVACY At Atlas Physio, we strive to ensure and respect the comfort and privacy of our patients, with respect to their time in clinic as well as in the handling of their personal information. Take time to familiarise yourself with information regarding the clinic's Consent and Privacy policy, as below. ​ Consent In order to proceed with both the examination and treatment, your consent is required. If you wish to withdraw your consent at any time, please inform your clinician as soon as possible. ​ If you are not satisfied with the explanations given for treatments or assessments, you may ask your clinician to explain further. Your clinician will also inform you of any risks involved, and you may request a different treatment or further information at any time. If you are not satisfied with this explanation, you may withdraw consent at any time. ​ During the course of assessment and treatment, you may be asked to remove articles of clothing in order to expose the body part under examination. This is a necessary part of the assessment so that we may best assess the painful part. If you are concerned, you may withdraw consent at any time. ​ During the course of assessment and treatment, you may feel sore during or after the treatment. This generally confirms that the treatment is at the correct position. However, if the soreness is severe or prolonged or you experience bruising, please inform your clinician so that we may adjust treatment as appropriate. If you are concerned, you may withdraw consent at any time. ​ Should you require a chaperone, you are welcome to bring one with you, and they may remain seated in the examination room during the assessment and treatment. Either you or your chaperone may withdraw consent at any time. Privacy The information collected by our practice will be used for the purpose of providing treatment to you. Personal information may be used to address accounts to you, process payments and write to you about our services or any issues affecting your treatment. ​ We may disclose your health information to other health care professionals, or require it from them if it is necessary in the context of your treatment. Disclosure of your personal details will be minimised wherever possible. ​ Your medical history, treatment records and any other material relevant to your treatment will be kept within the practice. ​ You may inspect or request copies of our records of your treatment at any time. Fees may apply. ​ If any information we have about you is inaccurate, you may ask us to alter our records accordingly. ​ Your health information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Disclosure will not be made to any person not involved in either your treatment or the administration of this practice without your prior written consent. If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to raise these concerns with our practice.

Stretching Stretching refers to the patient- or therapist-led movement of joints and limbs into positions of maximal range and tension. Stretching is used for the treatment and reduction of many issues, including joint stiffness, muscular soreness, pain, or joint instability. ​ Stretching is an instinctive activity, and you may stretch as soon as you get out of bed, as well as stretching throughout the day to relieve sensations of tightness or stiffness. In clinic, stretching can be used as a treatment or as an assessment. In treatment, stretching is used to address muscular or joint stiffness by having the patient or therapist move the limb under assessment through range and apply force at the end of that range. In assessment, stretching is used to investigate the flexibility of joints and limbs, as well as to address the underlying factors behind stiffness or pain. Stretching can also be used to assess the nature of neurological problems like neuropathy or carpal tunnel. In this manner, stretching is used as a combination assessment and treatment. Typically, stretching will be performed alongside other treatments, to best address the problem and to increase the likelihood of longterm functional improvement. Stretching is commonly prescribed as part of an independent exercise program, and you may be guided through a number of simple stretches to perform at home before, during or after a program of exercise. Stretching is a useful, flexible and easy means by which people can improve their mobility and address their discomfort. Its use in clinic is common and its applications are very versatile. However, the type of stretches you are given and the time you spend performing them will depend on the discretion of your treating clinician, as well as the nature, history and context of your presenting discomfort. It is important to ask any questions you may have about the use of stretching in the clinic before proceeding with your treatment.

Muscle Injury Muscular Injuries refer to Muscle Sprains and Strains in the human body. Sprains and Strains can be simple and resolve in a short period of time, though the more severe the injury, the more painful it may be. Muscular Sprains and Strains can be localised to different muscles depending on the nature of the injury. Additionally, muscular injuries may present with a consistent pattern of aggravation and ease. Simple muscle injuries can resolve in a matter of days or weeks, while complex or severe injuries may take additional time to resolve. Exceptionally severe injuries may require surgical treatment to stabilise the muscle. Muscle Sprains and Strains can be caused by a number of factors, given the complex anatomy of the muscles of the human body as well as their spatial and functional relationship with ligaments, nerves, bones, and other muscles. Because of this, muscular pain can be referred to as a bio-mechanical problem. Pain can arise due to damage to the muscle belly, the tendons and ligaments supporting the muscle, or due to neurological causes to name a few. Diagnosis of muscular pain will also be affected by the length of time the pain has been experienced. Muscular pain can be further complicated by physical factors like weakness or stiffness, practical factors like your work environment, and fear surrounding treatment and progression of the pain. Management of Muscle Injuries depends on the cause of the pain, 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 Muscle Injuries, 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.

Carpal Tunnel Carpal Tunnel Pain refers to pain experienced due to inflammation, wear-down or irritation of the structures in the Carpal Tunnel of the Wrist. Carpal Tunnel can be felt as pain in the wrist accompanied by numbness of the fingers and palm of the affected hand, which may also be accompanied by weakness, loss of dexterity, and pain that moves up the arm. ​ Carpal Tunnel Pain is caused by compression of the Median Nerve in the Carpal Tunnel of the Wrist. The Carpal Tunnel is an anatomical structure, bounded by bones and ligaments. The Carpal Tunnel allows tendons, blood vessels, and nerves to pass from the forearm to act on and supply structures inside the hand. Muscles that pass through the Carpal Tunnel allow the fingers to move, and nerves that pass through the Carpal Tunnel provide sensation to the hand. One such nerve in the Carpal Tunnel is the Median Nerve. ​ The Median Nerve provides sensation to the palm and fingers, as well as allowing some small muscles in the palm to be controlled. Compression of the Median Nerve results in pain felt in the areas of skin supplied by this nerve, as well as weakness in the muscles that this nerve controls. The Median Nerve is most commonly compressed by inflammation of the Tendons that run through the Carpal Tunnel, alongside this nerve. ​ Tendons in the Carpal Tunnel can become inflamed for many reasons. Most commonly, inflammation is caused by repetitive movement of the hand in the use of machinery or fine tools like a stylus or a pen. Carpal Tunnel Tendons can also become inflamed due to a cyst or tumour in the Carpal Tunnel, due to trauma to the wrist, or by infection. Management of Carpal Tunnel is a process that involves addressing physical, occupational, personal, and lifestyle risk factors to minimise pain and maximise function. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Carpal Tunnel 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

Transport Accidents Transport Accidents refer to injuries sustained during the operation of personal and commercial motor vehicles, bicycles, trams, and motorbikes. Transport Accidents can affect the drivers of vehicles, pedestrians, bystanders, and responders to accidents. Transport Accidents can affect many people, and we are all at risk of experiencing one in our lives, due to the extent to which we are dependent on road-based transportation to engage with the spatial demands of our lives. Given this dependent relationship between cars and the community, the Transport Accident Commission was established in 1987, to provide compensation "in respect of persons who are injured or die as a result of transport accidents." A key feature of the Act establishing the Transport Accident Commission, being the Transport Accident Act 1986, was the combination of no-fault and common law benefits. The term "No Fault" means that care is provided regardless of who was at fault in an accident, a concept which first emerged in 1971 with the establishment of the Road Accident Hospital Accounts Committee, or the RAHAC, which paid 70% of an injured person's hospital bills through two insurers (SIO and RACV) before compensation matters were considered by the courts. This notion led to the formal establishment of the Motor Accident Board in 1974, which enshrined the no-fault concept into law and allowed payment of both medical expenses and weekly income, until such time as the accident victim's common law claim was settled. The MAB was disbanded following financial insolvency, but the notion of a no-fault provider of medical and support services was effective enough that the TAC was established in 1986. Transport Accidents have the potential to cause a broad spectrum of injuries. When two vehicles strike each other, when a vehicle strikes a body, or when a body comes to rest abruptly as a result of the rapid deceleration of its transport or due to impact with an external object, the relative momentum of those bodies at the time of impact generates physical force that has the potential to cause injury. The fragility of the human body in movement has been well-understood throughout history, regardless of whether the injury was caused by fall from height, fall from a horse, or tumbling. Understanding this fragility and minimising the risks it presents while using cars and machines has been an ongoing endeavour. From the introduction of seatbelts in the 1960s, to the development of roll-cages in 1979, and the deployment of airbags in the 1990s, the first line of managing the injury risk posed by Transport Accidents has been to modify the vehicle to minimise the effect of physical force on the human body. From this point, management of Transport Accidents is dependent on the nature of the injury to the human body and its severity. Physical injuries require management as per best practice guidelines to promote healing of the tissues and structures as well as functional rehabilitation. Headstrikes and trauma to the neck require focused intervention to minimise the risk of whiplash or cervicogenic complicating elements. Rapid deceleration can cause concussion, internal visceral injury, and damage to the organs of the abdomen. Traumatic force can result in symptoms similar to traumatic encephalopathy. All of these elements, big and small, are taken into consideration when developing a program of rehabilitation that is designed to manage the injury, its impact on the life of the person, and the barriers it presents to recovery. 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.

Back Pain Back pain is a general term that refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in the back. Back pain is the fifth most common reason that people visit their doctors, and affects nearly four in five people through their life time. Back pain can be localised to different parts of the spine and the nearby muscles, and can also be distinguished by how long the pain has been present. An episode of back pain that lasts for less than six weeks is called Acute Back Pain. Pain that lasts longer than six weeks but less than twelve is called Sub-Acute Back Pain, and pain that lasts longer than twelve weeks is called Chronic Back Pain. Back pain of any kind can be caused by a number of factors, given the complex anatomy of the spine and surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves and other bones. Because of this, back pain can be referred to as a bio-mechanical problem. Pain can arise due to muscular, bony, disc, or neurological causes to name a few, and diagnosis of back pain may be affected by the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. Back Pain can be further complicated by physical factors like weakness or stiffness, practical factors like your work environment, and fear surrounding treatment and progression of the pain. Management of Back Pain depends on the cause of the pain, 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 Back 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-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Bursitis Bursitis and Bursitic Pain refer to pain caused by inflammation of or injury to a bursa. Many people will experience Bursitis or Bursitic Pain in their lives, due to the nature of their work, sporting activities, or due to the effect of other issues and injuries. ​ Bursitis is caused by the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled pocket of tissue that lies between two other structures, that allows these structures to move smoothly relative to each other. Repeated, forceful, or traumatic movements may result in irritation of the bursa, which commonly causes inflammation and swelling of the tissue pocket. This results in the tissue pressing against the structures surrounding it, which causes pain. Bursitis can be acute, as in the case of inflammation following injury in sport, or chronic if it follows a months' long pattern of irritation. ​ Bursitis and Bursitic Pain are typically aggravated by specific and sustained movements, continued effort throughout the day, and relieved by resting the affected part. The sepcific cause of the bursitis depends on the age of the person experiencing the pain, their occupation, as well as other variables. ​ Common areas affected by bursitis are the shoulder in the case of subacromial bursitis, the knee which experiences bursitis of the patellar bursae surrounding the kneecap, the hip joint, and the side of the hip which is referred to as trochanteric bursitis. ​ Management of Bursitis 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 Bursitis, 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.