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Choosing The Right Walking Aid

Walking aids are useful tools that can be used to enhance mobility, independence and safety. There can be various reasons why one might consider using a walking aid, including injuries, balance issues or other medical conditions. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the right kind of walking aid for yourself: 1. Type of mobility issue There may be various factors that can impact a person’s mobility where they may require a walking aid. Some issues that people may face include balance issues, feeling of unsteadiness, a history of falls, fatigue, and pain or discomfort when walking. These can also be related to specific conditions such as painful arthritic changes, neurological conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, or acute injuries such as a sprained ankle or bone fractures. 2. Level of support needed These are the most common walking aids and why you might choose them: Walking sticks/canes : these help provide a slightly larger base of support if you feel
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New Injury? It’s all Peace and Love

What happened to RICE? We have all sat through first aid courses. You know the ones – an overly excited first aid course educator, not many people asking questions, everyone there pretty much to tick a box. You get through the CPR section, into lacerations and asthma attacks. Just when the end is nigh you get to the sprains and strains section. On the board goes the slide about RICE or RICER: Rest Ice Compression Elevation /Refer on You learn to compress the injury, ice it and off load it. This acronym has had really good utility for about 40 years since it was coined , the only issue is the educators and researchers who came up with it have since retracted it due to updated research. This new information revolves mainly around the icing component and its effect on healing.   To Ice or not to ice Ice initially was seen as a method of reducing the inflammation and swelling around the injured area. This is true, it does do that, however, in our more updated understanding o
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The Importance Of Strengthening Your Shoulder Stabilisers

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Have you ever considered how crucial your shoulder stabilisers are to your overall fitness and daily life? You might be focusing on building brawn with chest presses and overhead lifts, but what about the unsung heroes that hold it all together? The shoulders are one of the most mobile and versatile joints in our bodies, enabling a wide range of motions vital for various activities, from lifting weights at the gym to reaching for items on a high shelf. Yet, in the race to build impressive muscle, strengthening the stabilisers often takes a backseat. This oversight can lead to imbalances, discomfort, and even injuries. Understanding the importance of strengthening your shoulder stabilisers is essential for enhancing your athletic performance and maintaining overall shoulder health. Without a solid foundation of stability, all those hard-earned gains can be at risk.   What is scapular stability? Shoulder stability refers to the ability of the shoulder joint to maintain its proper al
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The Crucial Role of Bike Fit in Posture, Pain, Comfort, and Longevity: A Physiotherapist’s Perspective

Cycling is a dynamic and stimulating activity many enjoy for recreation, fitness, or competition. However, the joy of cycling can quickly turn into discomfort or even pain if your bike isn’t properly fitted. As a physiotherapist, I often see how a correct bike fit significantly impacts your overall experience and health. From optimising posture and preventing pain to ensuring long-term comfort and bike longevity, the right bike fit is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why bike fit matters, how a physiotherapist assesses and treats common injuries related to poor bike fitting, and the exercises you can perform to prevent cycling-related injuries. The Importance of Bike Fit 1. Enhancing Posture and Comfort A proper bike fit aligns your body with the bike in a way that promotes optimal posture. When your bike is correctly fitted, it supports your body’s natural alignment, reducing strain on muscles and joints. Proper posture while cycling means you can maintain a more aerod
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a very common condition that is said to affect approximately 10-25% of people over the course of their lifetime. In this blog we will talk a bit about the relevant anatomy to the area, some reasons why it comes on and ways to alleviate common symptoms. GTPS is a condition that is also known as hip bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy and is one of the leading causes of chronic hip pain. It is a condition that is felt on the outside of the hip and can be aggravated by both an increased load placed upon it – think increased walking, standing, or hill climbs – and also through compressive forces being applied to the structures that are implicated in the pain syndrome – think lying on your side or putting all of your weight onto one leg while standing. The most commonly affected population group are post-menopausal women. There are a myriad of reasons for this including hormonal changes during menopause affecting tendon strength and repair, and th
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Why Is Walking Helpful For Low Back Pain?

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Are you tired of battling persistent low back pain that disrupts your daily life? Have you ever considered that something as simple as walking could be the key to alleviating your discomfort? Low back pain is one of the most common ailments faced by adults today, affecting millions and often leading to significant limitations in mobility and quality of life. The big question is: how do we combat this pervasive issue effectively and sustainably? While countless treatments and therapies promise relief, many overlook one of the simplest forms of movement—walking. Incorporating walking into your daily routine may be the gentle yet powerful solution you never knew you needed. Not only does it promote better circulation and flexibility, but it can also strengthen muscles and improve your overall well-being.     The benefits of walking for low back pain Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for managing low back pain for several reasons:   1. Strengthens back and
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What Should Support Coordinators Look For In An Allied Health Provider?

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Support coordinators play a crucial role in helping individuals access the right services and support they need. But when it comes to selecting an allied health provider, what are the key factors that support coordinators should consider? Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially for those who require specialised services and therapies. Allied health providers offer a range of services like occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, art therapy, music therapy, and more. Support coordinators need to partner with the right allied health provider to ensure the best outcomes for their clients. In the realm of disability support services, the relationship between support coordinators and allied health providers is vital.   What is a support coordinator? A support coordinator plays a vital role within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by helping participants navigate and connect with services tailored to their needs. They work with
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