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Physiotherapy for Sciatica in London and EssexWhat is Sciatica? Sciatica is a clinical diagnosis based on the presence of radiating pain in the leg, with or without numbness and muscle weakness. The sciatic nerve runs from your lower back to your feet. This means the pain may radiate to your bottom, back of the leg and all the way to your feet and toes. It is often described as stabbing, burning or shooting. Symptoms may worsen with twisting, bending, coughing or sneezing. What causes it? Conditions that structurally impact or compress the sciatic nerve may cause sciatic. Sometimes it is caused by inflammation around the nerve. This inflammation is part of the body's natural protective system. As the body clears this inflammation…

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Lower limb joint replacement tips Why have a knee or hip replacement? A joint replacement is typically performed with the aim to allow for smoother movement, this in turn can improve mobility and decrease pain. The goal is that this enables people to regain their ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease. It is important to note that the decision to have a replacement is based on each individual, including the severity of symptoms, overall health and the impact on daily life. It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of action for your individual situation. What alternatives to a knee or hip replacement are there? Prior to a joint replacement, it is recommended that people…

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Physiotherapy after a cancer diagnosis in London and Essex What is cancer? The term "Cancer" is a complex and broad term used to describe uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. These abnormal cells can invade and destroy tissues and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. There are over 200 different types of cancer. Cancer can develop in any part of the body, each has its own unique characteristics, symptoms and treatment options. Spotting signs of cancer Early detection and treatment is crucial in the management of cancer. Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives. Health professionals within most services now screen for signs of cancer. If you spot anything that…

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Physiotherapy after a hip replacement in London and Essex When is a hip replacement indicated? A hip replacement is normally recommended when a person has severe joint pain, restricted movement and reduced function. Common reasons the hip can get worn out or damaged include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis and trauma, such as a neck of femur fracture. Normally, prior to a hip replacement a variety of conservative measures are trialled such as exercise, pain medication and assisted devices. A steroid injection is sometimes trialled, which may also be used as an assessment to confirm that the pain is coming from the joint itself. Who is offered surgery? The decision to offer a hip replacement will be made on a case-by-case basis.…

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Knee Replacement Physiotherapy in London and Essex What is a knee replacement? A knee replacement is a surgical procedure, which involves replacing a knee joint with an artificial joint, also known as a prosthesis. This could be on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or both, it depends on the extent of damage and persons goals. Occasionally, a patellofemoral knee replacement is done. This is a procedure that replaces the worn knee cap (patella) and the groove at the end of the thigh bone (trochlea). What are the indications for a knee replacement? Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, deformity and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common indications for surgery. Severe pain, deformity and limited function are the key indicators of further investigations. X-rays can help…

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Pulmonary Fibrosis Physiotherapy in London and Essex What is pulmonary fibrosis?Pulmonary fibrosis translates to 'scarring in the lungs.' This scarring makes your lungs stiff and less efficient at delivering oxygen into the blood. This stiffness also makes it more difficult to expand your lungs. This can result in requiring more effort to breathe and increased energy demand. What are common symptoms? Shortness of breathPersistent, dry coughFatigue or tirednessLoss of appetite as well as weight lossRounded and swollen fingertipsAching muscles or joints What are the main causes? Smoking can cause some specific kinds of pulmonary fibrosis.Being exposed to certain types of toxins such as coal dust, asbestos, coal dust or silica. Being exposed to allergens in the air such as mould and bird…

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Physiotherapy for Bronchiectasis in London and Essex What is Bronchiectasis? Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition which affects your lungs. It causes your airways to widen, become scarred and inflamed, leading to thicker mucus which is more likely to get trapped and infected. 
 Source: Asthma and Lung UK (2020) What are the most common bronchiectasis symptoms? 
The most common symptom is coughing up more sputum, also called phlegm or mucus. This can vary from person to person and severe cases can be as much as a pot a day. Difficulty in clearing sputum can also lead to frequent chest infections which can be distressing and impact your day-to-day activities. Other symptoms you may have are:Fatigue or tirednessFeeling short of breathProblems with your sinusesUrine incontinence…

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Initial Physiotherapy Assessment First Consultation Your first consultation will typically be 60-minutes, which allows time for a comprehensive assessment and a short bespoke treatment in the remaining time available. Prior to the appointment The more information we have prior to starting rehabilitation, the better. Please send us scans, discharge letters and therapy reports. It is also helpful for your physiotherapist to have your health providers contact details in advance, working as a team with other professionals such as consultants will often get the best results. We also want to make sure we are the right team for you and match you to the right therapist. Listening We want to hear things from your perspective, where you are and where you want to be. If you…

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Sticking with your exercise programme Success of a Physiotherapy programme relies on dedication and consistency. The more active you are in your own recovery, the faster you will make gains. This means sticking with your exercises and making new healthy habits. Below are some tips to set you up for success: Set Goals Remember the reason why you started. Keeping a meaningful purpose in mind can help you to visualise an end goal. Take baby steps to get there. Smaller short-term goals can break the journey down. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Celebrate Come up with a reward for when you meet your goals. It can be something as simple as having a bubble bath. Routine Do your exercises in the same place,…

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