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Understanding De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Pain and Restore Function

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects the tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. It is characterized by inflammation of the sheath surrounding the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. This condition can arise from repetitive wrist and thumb movements, making it common among individuals engaged in activities that involve gripping or grasping, especially in the post-partum period for women.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Patients typically experience pain at the base of the thumb and along the wrist, which may radiate up the forearm. This pain often worsens with activities involving hand movements, such as gripping or pinching.
• Swelling: Inflammation may lead to noticeable swelling over the thumb side of the wrist.
• Difficulty with Thumb Movement: Patients may find it challenging to perform tasks that require thumb motion, such as opening jars or using a smartphone.
• Crepitus: A grating sensation or sound may occur when moving the thumb.

Pain and Tenderness: Patients typically experience pain at the base of the thumb and along the wrist, which may radiate up the forearm. This pain often worsens with activities involving hand movements, such as gripping or pinching.

Management

Effective management of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves a combination of conservative and, in some cases, more invasive treatments:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms is crucial. Resting the affected wrist can help reduce inflammation.
• Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs can alleviate swelling and provide pain relief.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Splinting: A thumb spica splint can immobilize the wrist and thumb, promoting healing by minimizing movement.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For persistent symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery process. A qualified physiotherapist will tailor a treatment plan that may include:

• Therapeutic Exercises: Gradual stretching and strengthening exercises can restore function and flexibility. These exercises focus on improving the range of motion in the wrist and thumb.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Education and Ergonomic Advice: Patients are educated about proper wrist mechanics and provided with strategies to modify activities to prevent recurrence.
• Modalities: The use of ultrasound or electrical stimulation may help alleviate pain and promote healing.

Early diagnosis and a comprehensive management plan, including physiotherapy, are essential for effectively treating De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait—book into see one of our physios for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment approach that gets you back to doing what you love!

Maximise Injury Rehab and Sports Performance with Ice Baths: A Guide from Your Physiotherapy Experts

Ice baths, or cold water immersion, have become a staple in sports recovery and injury rehabilitation. At Physio On Miller, the science behind this effective method supports recovery and can complement your physiotherapy to enhance both injury rehab and sports performance.

1. Combat Inflammation and Swelling

One of the most significant benefits of cold water immersion is the ability to reduce inflammation and swelling. When you experience an injury or engage in intense physical activity, inflammation can impede healing and exacerbate pain. Ice baths work by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the injured area. Furthermore this which minimises swelling and alleviates discomfort. Incorporating this complementary method into your rehab routine, as guided by your physiotherapist, can accelerate recovery and ease the pain associated with injuries.

2. Accelerate Muscle Recovery

Athletes and active individuals often turn to ice baths to enhance muscle recovery. During and after intense exercise, muscles can become sore and stiff due to the accumulation of metabolic waste products like lactic acid. However, ice baths help flush out these byproducts, reduce muscle soreness, and speed up the recovery process. By integrating it into your post-exercise regimen, your physiotherapy plan can more effectively address muscle fatigue and ensure quicker returns to training.

3. Prevent Injuries with Regular Use

Regular ice baths can be a proactive measure for injury prevention. By managing muscle inflammation and improving recovery times, you can reduce the risk of overuse injuries and strains. A consistent cold water immersion routine, tailored by your physiotherapist, helps maintain optimal muscle function and flexibility, which is crucial for preventing injuries during high-intensity activities.

Best Practices for Ice Bath Integration

For effective use, aim for ice baths of 10 to 15 minutes at a water temperature between 10°C to 15°C. Ideally, use cold water immersion within 30 minutes post-exercise or injury. It’s essential to consult with your physiotherapist to integrate ice baths into your treatment plan effectively and address your unique recovery needs.

Our team of physiotherapy experts can guide you on how to incorporate ice baths into your rehabilitation and prevention strategy. Contact us today or book online to learn how this powerful recovery tool can complement your personalised physiotherapy treatment plan.

Understanding and Managing Plantar Fasciitis with Physiotherapy

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It’s particularly prevalent among runners but can affect anyone who puts significant stress on their feet. Physiotherapy is essential for assessing and managing plantar fasciitis, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Physiotherapy Assessment

A thorough physiotherapy assessment is the first step in managing plantar fasciitis. This typically includes:

• • Past Medical History: Understanding the patient’s medical background and any previous foot issues.

• • Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness in the heel and along the plantar fascia, assessing foot alignment, and evaluating gait. Assessing the flexibility and strength of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Physiotherapy and Self-Management

The gold-standard management for plantar fasciitis involves a combination of treatments designed to reduce pain and inflammation, improve strength and flexibility, and prevent recurrence.

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

• • Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.

• • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended.

2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

• • Calf Stretching: Stretching the calf muscles to relieve tension in the plantar fascia.

• • Plantar Fascia Stretching: Specific stretches targeting the plantar fascia to improve flexibility.

3. Footwear and Orthotics

• • Supportive Shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support and cushioning.

• • Orthotic Inserts: Custom orthotics to support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

4. Manual Therapy

• • Massage: Techniques to loosen tight muscles and improve blood flow.

• • Mobilisations: Manual adjustments to improve foot and ankle alignment.

• • Dry Needling

5. Taping

• • Taping: Applying tape (low-dye) to support the arch and relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. Taping can provide immediate pain relief and support during activities.

Effective Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis

Certain exercises are particularly effective in managing plantar fasciitis:

• • Calf Raises: Strengthen the calf muscles, which support the plantar fascia.

• • Towel Stretch: Stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.

• • Toe Curls: Strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot.

Plantar fasciitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with proper physiotherapy assessment and management, relief is possible. Combining pain relief strategies, stretching, strengthening exercises, taping, and appropriate footwear can significantly improve symptoms and prevent recurrence. If you’re struggling with heel pain, please contact us to book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists!

Headaches – Physio can help

Headaches can significantly impact daily life, and understanding their origins is key to effective management. Two common types are cervicogenic and tension headaches. Both present with distinct symptoms and can benefit from targeted physiotherapy interventions.

Cervicogenic Headaches: Symptoms and Management

Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine (neck region) and are often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches. Common symptoms include:

• Pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes.
• Reduced neck range of motion.
• Pain on one side of the head or face.
• Triggered by certain neck movements or positions.

Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in managing cervicogenic headaches by addressing the underlying issues in the cervical spine. Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
• Specific exercises to strengthen neck muscles and improve posture.
• Education on ergonomics and posture correction to prevent recurrence.
• Techniques such as dry needling to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Tension Headaches: Symptoms and Management

Tension headaches, the most common type, are often associated with stress, poor posture, and muscle tension. Symptoms typically include:

• A constant, dull ache or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck.
• Sensation of tightness or band-like pressure around the head.
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.
• Mild to moderate pain, often bilateral.

Treatment approaches addressing muscle imbalances and promoting relaxation often include:

• Soft tissue massage to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
• Stretching exercises to alleviate tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
• Strengthening exercises to correct posture and prevent muscle strain.
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises and biofeedback to manage stress.
• Education on maintaining good posture and ergonomic workspaces.

Both cervicogenic and tension headaches can be debilitating, but effective management is possible with the right approach. Physiotherapy offers a range of treatments tailored to the specific type, focusing on alleviating pain, improving function, and preventing recurrence. If you experience persistent headaches, please contact us to book an appointment. Our team of experienced physios can help provide relief and improve your quality of life.