Looking back on it all

By Maj Ross Railton
As the year draws to a close, it may be a good time to recall the essential elements of some of the many physio articles that have appeared in Service newspapers since August 2001.

One of the underlying principles developed in these articles has been to illustrate the importance of early presentation to the RAP, doctor or physio so that proper treatment can be commenced as soon as possible. In this way, further damage can be avoided and the best long-term result achieved.

Given the high cost of injury rehabilitation in monetary terms and days lost from work, attention to the content of the physio articles may assist in reducing this load on valuable resources.

Similarly, to continue to train or exercise with an injury will, in most cases, result in worsening the situation and only increase the time off work and away from the desired activity or sport.

Shoulder problems - often caused by too much upper body exercise but successfully treated with re-education of rotator cuff muscles and exercise modification.

Ankle sprains - one of the most common sporting injuries but have an excellent chance of full recovery if treated correctly early.

Neck pain - often caused by faulty posture and treated with correct ergonomics, mobilisation, massage and exercises.

Shin pain - commonly a biomechanical problem managed with exercise modification, massage, stretching and orthotics.

Low Back Pain - care with lifting techniques, weight control and sporting activities can prevent injuries from occurring. Physio can be very beneficial for pain relief and back education programs.

Tennis elbow - treated effectively with ice, exercise modification, bracing and analysis of aggravating factors.

Plantar fasciitis - this annoying condition often responds well to rest, massage, arch support and reducing the aggravating factors.

The effectiveness of muscle stretching - the role of stretching in pre- and post-activity warm-ups may not be as important as commonly thought.

Anterior Knee Pain - correction of muscle imbalances, biomechanical analysis, exercise modification and patellar re-alignment may assist with decreasing this type of knee pain.

Electrical apparatus in physiotherapy - ultrasound and laser have not been proven effective. Treatments like ice, heat, massage and mobilisation may be more beneficial in healing.

Hamstring strains - often related to a low back problem. Acute injuries are managed with the RICE regime and gradual return to activity.

Taping and bracing - only a few joints can be successfully taped without losing capability through restriction of movement.

Posture - if the spine is not correctly aligned, it can add to problems such as low back pain, inefficiency in running and degenerative spinal joints.

Ergonomics - the ability to function for lengthy periods without developing injuries equates to good "machine-human integration".

Choosing a running shoe - running shoes should be replaced regularly and be selected with regard to flexibility, midsole density, heel counter, outsole and biomechanical characteristics.

Core stability - the ability to move, lift or throw with the body well supported around a stable base, preventing injury.

Healing process - muscle, tendon, ligaments and cartilage all take considerable time to heal. The process cannot be accelerated but is easily adversely affected by returning to activity too soon.

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