Low back pain has the highest prevalence of all musculoskeletal conditions and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people experience low back pain at least once in their life and it can occur at any age. The good news is that out of all conditions, research shows that low back pain is the one which people experience the most benefit with rehabilitation.
A hip replacement, also known as a hip arthroplasty. Is a procedure where damaged bone, comprising the joint is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. In a total hip replacement, the head of the femur is replaced with a prosthetic head attached to a shaft. And the joint surface of the acetabulum is covered with a synthetic liner. It is a surgery with very high success rates with 95% of patients experiencing significant pain relief after surgery when combined with effective total hip replacement physio. It is estimated that 58% of total hip replacements last 25 years.
Neck pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and Sydney is no exception. Nowadays, with an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle, long working hours, and reliance on technology contributing to extended periods of poor posture, neck pain has become an increasing concern. The incidence of neck pain disease is estimated at about 71% and is affecting increasingly younger people.
Sciatica is the term used to describe pain that follows the path of the Sciatic nerve. Shockwave therapy for sciatica is one treatment approach for helping manage this pain. Pain is often increased by bending forwards and twisting. It is a common misconception that all radicular pain in the lower limbs is classified as Sciatica. The Sciatic nerve is formed by nerve roots from L4 through to S2 which originate in the lower back, and it is the largest nerve in the body; in some people it can be up to 2cm in diameter.
Chronic pain, also known as persistent pain, refers to pain that lasts for more than 3 months and is felt on most days of the week. It can be either widespread or confined to a specific area of the body. And may occur intermittently or be present constantly.
When pain becomes chronic, it can be considered more as a “disease” rather than a helpful survival mechanism. This is in contrast to acute (short-term) pain.
Spectrum disorders encompass a range of conditions with a wide range of symptoms and varying levels of severity. Hypermobility spectrum disorders are connective tissue disorders that result in joints being excessively flexible. Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) was previously referred to as hypermobility syndrome.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) refers to a fracture of the growth plate of the proximal end of the femur. This subsequently causes the ‘ball’ aspect of the bone to slightly ‘slip’ off the rest of the femur. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, SCFE is one of the most common disorders of the hip in adolescents.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is one type of arthritis characterised by inflammation and pain in the joints. Although it can occur in any joint in the body, it is most common in the ‘small’ joints such as the feet, ankles, hands, and wrists.
Growing pains are a poorly understood condition. ‘Growing pains’ is the general term used to describe pain that children between the ages of 3 and 12 feel in their legs, primarily in the evening or at night. Most children describe the pain as aching or throbbing in their thighs or calves.
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 1 in every 5 women may be affected by pelvic pain during pregnancy, making this one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. A combination of factors contribute to pelvic pain, and as pregnancy progresses it is likely that the pain may become more significant.