Patient testimony

PI suffered with chronic lower back pain for over 6 years, caused by the effects of 2 prolapsed discs (old sports injury).  Over the years I've been treated by other Physiotherapists, but none have offered me the level of help and support that Nick has. It's a shame I never met him sooner!  Nick actively listened to my concerns and prescribed a highly effective treatment plan, significantly reducing the amount of pain I suffered with. Prior to receiving treatment from Nick, I could only sit for a maximum for 15 minutes as back-pain forced me to stand up in agony!!    I can honestly say, I'm now able to sit comfortably for over 2 hours. My quality of life has improved significantly and I've returned to the sports I love, with the confidence I once had. Big thanks for your superb help Nick, I'm well and truly back on the road to recovery.  David McEwen.

Neck Pain

Neck Pain Neck pain is the second most common complain that patients present to physiotherapy departments with, after back pain. The neck is the upper region of the spine called the cervical spine. It is composed of 7 vertebrae separated by discs and supported by ligaments and muscles. The cervical spine can be subdivided into 3 regions. The upper cervical spine vertebrae C0-C2, the middle cervical spine C3-C6, and the lower cervical spine C6-T2. The T1 and T2 vertebrae are part of the thoracic spine anatomy but they function as one unit with the rest of the low cervical spine. Those 3 sections of the cervical spine can function as a unit of independent from each other.  The upper cervical spine contributes 50% of the neck rotation and more than 60% of the overall headaches. Any dysfunction around that area can cause significant amount of pain and discomfort. Dysfunction around this area is commonly associated with poor postural control, sustained postures and lack of movement. In more severe traumatic cases with ligament damage dizziness and blackouts can also be present. The upper cervical spine can also refer pain down the arm as well as fascial and jaw pain. The middle part of the cervical spine is where most of the flexion and extension of the neck occurs as well as about 30-40% of rotation.  The lower cervical spine contributes to flexion and extension of the neck as well as the upper trunk. Common pathologies: Whiplash Arthrogenic pain (arthritis) Neurogenic pain Stiffness/muscle spasms Disc prolapse Headaches Referred pain Peripheral sensitisation Cervical instability VBI Treatments at PPC: Up to date evidence based  Identify cause of the pain Identify contributing factors Education regarding condition/management/cure Manual therapy: latest up to date techniques Acupuncture Manipulation Soft tissue treatment Postural control Cognitive functional rehabilitation Strength & conditioning to maintain

I'm back

Its been so long since I was on my blog last. It's probably down to my organisation skills rather than anything else. If anything there's been so much to update about. Still very busy working at Premier Physiotherapy Centre in Chadwell Heath that has now expanded to a new Centre in Brentwood Essex. We still treating all the ususal conditions with a lot more advanced education, equipment in state of the art facilities. I'm planning to use this blog to educate people about common problems that the physiotherapists deal with and hopefully provide some background and advice of how to deal with those problems. I'll try to use examples from my current caseload and aiming this to be informative for clinical and non-clinical followers.
I'll update again soon.

Back to football

I'm currently treating TJ Birring following his Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL). TJ is a semi-professional footballer that damaged his anterior cruciate ligament years ago and his knee has never been safe. He recently had another ACL reconstruction and his aim is to return to football safely. He spent the last four months working on his strength, control and proprioception. His left knee now is as strong as the right one and his control is excellent. His exercises included ball squats, lounges and loads of different balance exercises such as BOSU session, spring board exercises and Reebok core board sessions.For a sample of the latter click on the link below Following a couple of sessions on the G-trainer TJ is currently doing pitch sessions with me to build up his fitness, sharpness, and football specific training. We have been working on running mechanics, SAQ exercises, position specific drills and some light ball work that allows TJ to show me his tricks. Our aim is to return to training mid August and hopefully play full part next season. I'll keep you updated on his progress.

The Flora London Marathon

I was among millions of people last Sunday that stayed in front of the TV watching the Flora London Marathon. I had special interest as 7 of my clients at Premier Physiotherapy Centre took part and completed the event. So congratulations go to Steve, Kelvin, Paul, Mark, Frank, Joanne and Julia completed the event raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process.

I believe all 7 of them will try and enter again next year so best of luck to all of you and hopefully stay injury free next time round.

Kick boxing injury

It's come to the end of another week at Premier Physiotherapy Centre. Today I revied a professional kick-boxer that is preparing for a fight in 4 weeks time. He came to see me 2 weeks ago with a straight forward sports hernia. The normal procedure would be to refer him to Mr Snooks (sports hernia specialist) however he was reluctant to do that as it meant he would miss the fight.

I stopped him doing sit-ups, modified his kicking technique to reduce the load on his groin and gave him a series of core control exercises similar to the ones shown on the links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfx24wjcX4Y&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKToTnbfcOE&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W92-ZpTA10Q&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooTMUcwduLw&feature=channel

We also used the corex system to increase his core strength and control.

The last week he's been training for 6 hours every day and has no symptoms while training or spiring.

It looks like he will make it through the fight and fingers crosees will win.

Ready for the big race

This week I saw young Joe Bamfield again. Joe is a very promising motocross rider that came to see me following a grade I hamstring strain that we manage to resolve very quickly and is now back practicing for BYMX and Youth Elite competitions.

Joe originally came to see me following a very nasty Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury (ACL) that was complicated with a series of infections. Joe worked really hard attending 3 sessions a week for 3 months before he was able to start practicing and racing again. The rehabilitation following such an injury is lengthy, hard and lonely but Joe's hard work is paying off now as he's lying up for round one of BYMX this weekend.

I hope all his hard work and fitness that he gained working with me will benefit his racing starting from this weekend.

Complicated abdominal muscle injury

This week I discharged one of my clients with an unusual and complicated abdominal problem. He was getting pain in the right side of his rectus abdominis which is the superficial abdominal muscle. His pain was initiated by running over a few yards and was severe enough to stop the activity. This young gentleman was training hard in order to join the marines and running was an essential part of his training.
After thorough examination i discovered that his problem originated from a lack of low back control that was resulting in overloading his abdominals. We worked really hard to change his low back position, and control of his pelvis. Some of the exercises can be seen in the following links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODbj-IZ42e8&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKToTnbfcOE&feature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooTMUcwduLw&feature=channel
Other exercises included lounges (straight, with resistance) plyometric work and running drills.

This gentleman is now able to run for over 5 miles at good speed without any symptoms. The rest of his exercise regime has improved as he feels his core is a lot stronger and is able to withstand a lot more load.