Frozen Shoulder Exercise - Pictures Don't Show All

There are a lot of frozen shoulder exercise some pictures floating around the Internet with different routes and strengthening techniques. While these are a good starting point, which can not be shown in pictures is the amount of intensity and /or range of motion necessary for these tasks to be effective.

The level of intensity needed to make the exercise according to a few factors. One, the intensity should never so much that there will be severe pain in the shoulder. Two, when complaints or pain in the shoulder after each exercise lasts longer than 30 minutes then the intensity is too high. This may be a sign of damage caused by the tissue or the nerves around the joint. If the form is good, in the exercise then the intensity should be "mild to moderate" but not "strong" or to the point of unbearable pain. These people with diseases such as osteoporosis should receive special consideration on the level of intensity used. Another thing that the pictures do not reveal is the plane or angle of movement or motion of the route to be carried out. The illustrations of the exercise are usually uni-planar under circumstances not just the right angle of view from the shoulder should be at the beginning of the movement.

Frozen Shoulder Exercise Pictures usually only the starting point and /or endpoint of the movement and do not take into account the attitude of an individual or joint mobility. Therefore, it is possible that someone can do considerable damage by emulating such exercises from a simple photo. The starting point for each exercise should never be pain or discomfort. In this sense, practice is always changing image to your posture, build, or range of motion. In other words, if it hurts at the starting point for a specific technique, and then change the exercise to make your your particular needs. In addition, when each technique causes radiating pain, numbness or tingling feeling, then stop the movement completely and reasses as you are around them. It is not good that the adoption of the attitude of "no pain, no gain" especially with the state, such as adhesive capsulitis.

Despite the forewarnings above, photos can be an excellent way to catalog your specific treatment program. Written exercises are less likely to be pursued consistently and often not the person with enough information to use the techniques correctly. With all the above, frozen shoulder exercise pictures are a good part of any treatment, but should be approached with caution, so that further damage can be avoided.

Autor: Rex Taylor

Want pictures that properly show the correct movements and angles to properly treat a frozen shoulder? Visit http://www.frozen-shoulder-help.info for a great comprehensive treatment plan specifically designed for the frozen shoulder patient. More helpful information about frozen shoulder exercises, treatment techniques, and information can be found at the author's blog site.

Added: April 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

At Home Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

There is a wide band, from the heel bone to the ball, over wear, this band can become inflamed and very painful, usually the first step in the morning is very difficult for people with this affliction. My advice is to listen to your heels with a towel (just a towel around your toes, keep your knees extended and pull the towel, you bring up your ankle, you feel a pull on the Achilles tendon as well as the bottom of your foot ) on this route for about 30 seconds, and this 3-4 times a day especially after periods of rest, especially in the morning. Furthermore, if there is still pain, can be 1-2 Motrin or Advil liquid capsules (if you're not allergic to them) to deal with pain. You can use it three times daily.

bathing your feet in hot water with 2 cups of Epsom salts dissolved twice daily will help to relax the muscles, ligaments and reduce pain, then apply ice for fifteen minutes. Change your physical activities, resting the foot are common measures. You can try some arch supports in your shoes, if not all of this, then you should see a podiatrist for heel possible injection and other treatments.

It is important to consult a doctor before heel pain and damage is even worse. If the condition to worsen, more serious or invasive forms of treatment may be required to stop the pain. A visit to a doctor may reveal other conditions affecting the foot and, as Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs or heel pain conditions. An x-ray can also be taken to indicate the presence of a heel spur. In rare cases, surgery may be required to tension on the plantar fascia, or removing a portion of a heel spur. But even here, most heel pain conditions can be resolved with conservative treatment.

Autor: Billie Chainey Billie Chainey
Level: Platinum
Cherokee Billie World renowned Native American Psychic Cherokee Billie has been working as a Clairvoyant advisor for over 25 years. She receives messages that will ... ...

I practiced as a doctor of Naturopathic medicine for over twenty years. I have extensive knowledge on the body and have written several articles on some of the main health issues and questions I have seen over the years. I specialize in the modalities such as: nutrition, supplements, physical medicine (includes soft tissue manipulative therapy, physiotherapy, sports medicine, exercise and hydrotherapy)

Cherokee Billie http://www.cherokeebillie.com

Added: March 31, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sports Injuries and the Wonders of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy or physical therapy is a form of treatment, physical or mechanical (as opposed surgical and chemical) methods for the correction of a violation. Most sports injuries can be corrected by physical therapy alone or in combination with surgery.

There are a number of sports injuries, from this therapy. One is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a knee injury. Sporting activities that a large demand on the knees - as kickboxing, hockey, skating, skiing, basketball and soccer - with a higher risk of players' development of a knee injury. ACL is very common among people who consider this sport. Some

Cases of ACL can be so severe that surgery may be necessary. Just the same, physiotherapy is almost always recommended before and /or after surgery. There are three main categories of therapeutic exercises for the treatment of ACL, the most frequently from the heel, the slides.

Doing the heel slides is essentially lying to the affected knees bent and feet on the floor, then slowly pull your foot towards the buttocks, and finally the foot again. This exercise prevents and injured the knee and can be, but it is effective. It is usually recommended as preparation for surgery, but sometimes it can also heal the injury and surgery is no longer necessary.

There is also responsible for injuries like tennis elbow elbow. tennis elbow happens in sporting activities, especially where powerful movements of the wrists and elbows, like tennis and badminton. The physical therapy for tennis elbow usually consists of a program of exercises and ultrasound process, the heat on the affected muscles to experience pain. ultrasound is also sometimes used for other sports, which is muscle pain.

Another form for many types of sports injuries is massage. Massage helps to remove the tension in the muscles, tendons and connective tissue. It is also to crush softer or nodes, in overworked muscle tissue. The type of physiotherapy in the rule is used depends on the cause of the injury, whether by trauma (as in collision with a CO-player in sports such as football or basketball), or a false movement of a body part or by sheer physical strain.

It has proved very effective - and often necessary for sports injuries and is part of the regular sports-management programs for some sports teams and sports facilities . Without physiotherapy, some sports injuries can still cause pain and the movements of athletes and players throughout their lives.

Autor: C. K. Moore

Sports injuries and daily activities can benefit from the relief of physiotherapy. Charles Moore provides information and resources on sports therapies and physical therapy. Visit http://backpaininfoguide.com/

Added: March 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Aqua Therapy - A Powerful Tool For Fast Patient Recovery

Aqua-therapy is a very powerful tool for the quick recovery of the patient. There are many challenges to traditional physical therapy and recovery process. In this article we will have some of the benefits, with a brief background and then a brief overview of the various types of equipment which can help in aquatic therapy.

Benefits

Aqua therapy can lead to an acceleration of the recovery, since patients to exercise with less weight than if they have the same exercise on land. In this way, patients with arthritis, body pain, or broken bones, to exercises in the water they would otherwise not be able to do in the country.

One of the biggest concerns with exercises, while in the physical therapy is the stress that can affect the bones and muscles. While the water therapy, this is no problem.

With the pressure from the weight of the patient and the displacement of the water-resistance, muscle development and conditioning can occur in an environment with no risk of injury to the patient.

A brief background

Aqua-therapy has been since ancient Greece to treat physical ailments. Today it is used by many doctors, physiotherapists and even surgeons for physical therapy.

Aquatic therapy is often used for the recovery of sports injuries. Not only that they relax the muscles, but strengthens the muscles at the same time. It helps, sports players in top form, while the support in their recovery.

In addition, Aqua-therapy is often cheaper than traditional forms of physical therapy.

A common misconception is that aquatic therapy is only for people who are already injured. This is not necessarily the case. In reality, it can be used to prevent , and injuries. This is a common procedure in sports players.

Different types of equipment

Aqua-therapy has a wide range of applications, depending on the mobility of the patient. The type of equipment that is used depending on the use they are.

When the patient movement is impaired, outside devices can be used in water treatment. Both weights and floating noodles can be used to balance a patient in the water, as well as train in the various forms of physical activity.

You can use the aquatic therapeutic devices for everything from the way back on foot, too strenuous cardiovascular exercise. For example, one of the most popular pieces of the past is the underwater treadmill. The underwater treadmill allows you to perform cardiovascular exercise without the risk of injury to the muscles.

Many pools will be able, ankle weights, water authorities and the resistance increase equipment wear that on your hands and feet.

packaging

We now have the advantages of working with Aqua-therapy, as a brief background information about them and gone over some of the basic therapeutic devices. Aqua therapy can be a great way to supplement or even replace traditional physical therapy.

Although no treatment is truly painless, aquatic therapy can recover a lot fun.

Autor: Alex Craig

Click the links below to get more information on how aqua therapy can benefit you.

Author Alex Craig shows you how aqua therapy can be a powerful tool for fast recovery. For additional information on Aqua Therapy, or other therapy related products, please visit http://www.MedSourceUSA.com.

Added: March 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Knee Replacement and Your Hospital Stay

Preparation for the first knee replacement surgery in the hospital can be daunting if you are not sure what to expect.

If an operation was planned by your orthopedic surgeon and the hospital will be agreed upon and be sure to find out whether a preoperative class for replacement receiver.

These classes will give you more insight into the depth of how your surgery and follow-up is expected during your hospital stay. The old adage "Preparation breeds confidence" is, no matter what the task at hand.

Generally you are admitted on the morning of the planned operation. After some final paperwork, and finally carried out, then you are on the back stage, where you can dress and here on a stretcher. It is proposed drug for the surgery to relax and then followed by other drugs before entering the operating room.

The surgery itself can be in 1 1 /2-2 hours, if there are no complications. In some cases, depending on the experience of the surgeon, the operation has been completed faster. After spending time in the recovery room, you will return to your room to the after-effects of anesthesia and monitored.

Physical therapy is the following morning. You get out of bed is one of the most important objectives. First and has moved over the years lead to fewer medical complications and speeds up your recovery.

your physical therapy in the clinic with two sessions per day. One in the morning and another in the afternoon. Ensure that you have to medicines before the treatment is a must. Be sure to keep in touch with your nurses and therapists to the timing of medication.

oral painkillers will be about 30 minutes to do their work.

your exercises while in the clinic consists of a series of isometric exercises. They are gentle range of motion exercises for the knee to bend and extend. This is not the place where aggressive therapy. Their physical therapists and their ability to touch, you feel the treatment is a must.

You will get a walker for ambulation or start your career with training, as you begin to walk in your room and in the corridors. Here you can find from all the exercises etc.. The foot is the simplest. You should not feel pain when you click on the operated leg is. Yes, it is stiff and solid, but pain is not a problem here.

Your stay should be two to three days in a hospital acute care. Once you have decided are medically stable, you can out of bed and move then between you, your doctor and the hospital staff, whether directly at home or with other therapy in a skilled nursing facility.

This decision will be according to your living, if someone at home who can take care of you, etc. ..

Your doctor is the hospital that they are either on an agreement with or accept that they feel comfortable with. Your entire hospital stay really determine the quality of its employees. Most hospitals, a separate orthopedic nurses have wings that are very well trained in this field.

Other then the ICU unit of the orthopedic staff I have in my career are in second place when it comes to the care and observation skills.

communication with the medical rehabilitation and staff are crucial for a smooth recovery. Make sure when you are either on a chair or in bed again, your communication. Your telephone and call bell is your lifeline while.

preparation breeds confidence, it has been said and to know what to expect and how the department runs a preoperative class, some of the mystery out of the hospital stay.

Autor: Richard A Haynes Richard A Haynes
Level: Basic PLUS
I live in Punta Gorda Florida and have worked in the field of Physical Therapy since 1995. I have been a fitness consultant since 2000 ... ...

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.
http://www.richardhaynes.com

Added: March 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Total Knee Replacements and Partial Knee Replacements

after to consider itself a knee replacement can be daunting to a lot of people. Their will be a time when it comes to the decision of whether to use a full knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

course now before this point you have been in consultation with the orthopedic surgeons, and they have a good candidate for surgery. Not everyone will, for example, in a position to complete the operation for one reason or another. Determining whether you have the option of either a partial knee replacement or have a full replacement will depend on the condition of the knee and the wear and their locations.

There are some doctors that do not do partial replacement, and prefer the full replacement only. There are a number of reasons, but it will depend on their preference.
With a partial knee replacement, there are several advantages.

1. Less recovery time. In general, you are back on their feet in 3-5 weeks depending on your condition. With a total knee replacement, you can expect 6-8 weeks of rest.

2. Less time in hospital after surgery. With a partial renewal of the operation, you have a day and can come home the next, if there are no complications. With a total replacement you can expect a minimum of 3 days in hospital and up to 5 in some cases. Again, this depends on the operation and results, complications, or if it is not.

3. The partial knee replacement can be converted to a full knee replacement later on the way if necessary. With a partial knee replacement of the changeover is very simple, with a full knee replacement, this is a more invasive procedure to be done, if after a change again with a longer rehabilitation process also involved.

Depending on whom you speak, there are several advantages between the two, but the three listed are the most important to consider.

When it comes to the rehabilitation of the two I have found working with a number of years that the partial replacement progress is fast when it comes to pain and flexibility due to the fact its less invasive and less tissue is destroyed, and the main bands are well preserved. Both but I've found very good results, if properly maintained during the recovery and not pressured about their ability to relax after exercise.

If you surgeon feels a partial replacement is enough in your case and is willing to do it, then by all means have it done and save time and excellent quality of life as well.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.

Autor: Richard A Haynes Richard A Haynes
Level: Basic PLUS
I live in Punta Gorda Florida and have worked in the field of Physical Therapy since 1995. I have been a fitness consultant since 2000 ... ...

http://www.richardhaynes.com

Added: March 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Repair of Hernia - Part One

When a hernia occurs a part of the bowel or abdominal fat, normally within the abdomen, protrudes out through a weakened part. An inguinal hernia is the commonest type and occurs in the groin. There is a small gap deep in the wall of muscle in the abdomen, just above the ligament in the groin, through which the veins and arteries course to reach the testicle. If the gap or the tissues around it stretch or weaken then part of the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) can protrude through. This protrusion can occur, with fat or bowel bulging out, on vigorous activity, coughing or standing.

Aching and discomfort can be caused by the bulge of the hernia but the protrusion generally returns back into the abdominal area when the person lies down, with the necessity to manually press it back into place at times. Aching can occur without any visible bulging and then a doctor's examination is needed to find the hernia. A very longstanding hernia may develop into a very large protrusion, even going so far as to fill up a man's scrotum. A very large hernia like this will likely remain protruded most of the time and be very difficult to relocate.

Inguinal hernias occur less frequently in females than males but femoral hernias, a different type, occur more frequently in females and can mostly be found on examination by a specialist. Femoral hernias are more likely to need to be repaired.

Most hernias are just a nuisance due to causing a bulge and the tendency to ache, symptoms which are annoying but not medically important. Strangulation is the most serious complication where the bowel fills the hernia sac and becomes trapped there, potentially cutting of its blood supply. It needs to be operated on immediately, with a likely removal of a damaged area of bowel. It is not common for bowel to become strangulated and hernias can exist for years without this happening. Bowel obstruction can develop as the bowel becomes trapped and this needs operating on even if the blood supply is still working.

An operation is the only permanent cure for a hernia and can prevent the long term presence or increase in size of the hernia. Hernias can cause discomfort and strangulation can occur but is not common. An operation is not mandatory if the hernia is not causing any trouble and patients should discuss this with their surgeons. A symptomatic hernia can be held in place by a truss which needs to be put on before the patient gets up and makes the hernia bulge. A symptomatic hernia is mostly much better treated by an operation. Having medical problems or being older should not stop hernia repair due to the safe use of local and general anaesthetics.

A groin incision about 12 centimetres in length is used for the repair of a hernia, with an opening of a layer of muscle and then the careful separation of the bulging hernia sac from the veins, arteries and tube to the testicle. The protruding fat or bowel from the abdomen is compressed back in and the sac is then stitched back into the abdominal cavity or tied off at its narrow neck area.

The weakened area is then repaired and strengthened and the hole for the veins and arteries to the testicle is recreated back to its usual size. The hernia will be likely to return if it is not repaired, with surgeons typically using a plastic mesh which they stitch over the herniated area. Stitches can also be used without employing the mesh and this is more likely in femoral hernias. Good long term results have been shown with both techniques and the typical chance of hernia reoccurrence is 2%.

A hernia can be performed as an open operation or by using a laparoscope, using a general anaesthetic. The surgeon inserts the scope into the abdomen just under the tummy button and then pumps gas into the abdomen to separate the muscle layers in the lower groin and abdomen. The surgeon makes two very small (5mm) incisions in the low abdomen so that instruments can be inserted, by which the mesh of plastic is introduced and the hernia repaired.

Autor: Jonathan Blood-Smyth

Jonathan Blood Smyth, editor of the Physiotherapy Site, writes articles about Physiotherapists, physiotherapy, physiotherapists in London, back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neck pain and injury management. Jonathan is a superintendant physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK.

Added: March 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Total Knee Replacements and Partial Knee Replacements

Having to consider getting a knee replacement itself can be daunting to alot of people. Their will come a time when there will have to be decision made to whether you will have a full knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.

Now of course prior to this point you have been in consultation with your orthopedic surgeon and, they have considered you a good candidate for surgery. Not everyone for instance will be able to withstand the surgery for one reason or another. Determining whether you have the option of having either a partial knee replacement or need a full replacement will depend on the condition of the knee and the overall wear and its locations.

There are some surgeons that do not do partial replacements and will prefer the full replacement only. There are a number of reasons for this but it will depend on their preference.
With a partial knee replacement there are several advantages.

1. Less recovery time. Generally you are back on your feet in 3-5 weeks depending on your overall condition. With a total knee replacement you can expect 6-8 weeks in recovery.

2. Less time spent in the hospital after surgery. With a partial replacement you have the surgery one day and may come home the next if there are no complications. With a total replacement you can expect a minimum of 3 days in the hospital and up to 5 in some cases. Again this depends on after surgery results and if there are complications or not.

3. The partial knee replacement can be converted to a full knee replacement later down the road if needed. With a partial knee replacement the conversion is rather simple, with a full knee replacement this becomes a more invasive procedure when having to do a revision again with a longer rehabilitation process involved as well.

Depending on who you talk with there may be several more benefits between the two but, the three listed are the major ones to consider.

When it comes to the rehabilitation of the two I have found working with both for a number of years that the partial replacement progress is rapid when it comes to pain and flexibility due to the fact its less invasive and less tissue destruction involved and, the major ligaments are preserved as well. Both however I have found get very good results if they are cared for properly during recovery and not pushed beyond their ability to recover after exercise.

If you surgeon feels a partial replacement will suffice in your case and is willing to do it then by all means have it done and save yourself time and maintain a excellent quality of life as well.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.

Autor: Richard A Haynes Richard A Haynes
Level: Basic PLUS
I live in Punta Gorda Florida and have worked in the field of Physical Therapy since 1995. I have been a fitness consultant since 2000 ... ...

http://www.richardhaynes.com

Added: March 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Total Knee Replacements - Tips on Regaining Hamstring Flexibility

After having a knee replaced there are several important aspects to getting the knee and entire leg affected back into functional operation or fitness. Your strength will come back rather quickly during rehabilitation with the operated leg, mobility generally follows then your dynamic balance.

Getting your full knee mobility back will take a concentrated effort on part. We have all heard about how important it is to get the knee to bend also known as knee flexion however, getting the knee to fully extend after the surgery can be difficult if not more so then getting it to bend.

Your knee depending on how long you have suffered with pain and swelling before surgery had started to slowly develop what is known as a flexion contracture. In other words your hamstrings in back of the knee which bend the knee during walking were tightening up due to the swelling and anatomical changes taking place in the knee joint itself.

If left unattended too they will develop a contracture which will not allow you to fully extend the knee when walking and, you will develop what is known as a swing-thru gait. When our knees were in better shape or if you have never had a problem with them, you were walking with a heel-toe gait which presents itself as as a smooth walking pattern.

Of course the best time to address this issue would have been before surgery if you are aware of it as it does not take place overnight if not, then it will be addressed after the surgery in rehabilitation.

There are a number of ways to address hamstring mobility however, I will touch on just a few that I use in the home health sector when working with my total knee replacement patients.

1. Seated Hamstring Stretch, place your affected leg up onto a chair in front of you and place a small rolled up towel underneath your ankle. With your leg hanging you lean forward getting your torso over your knee and slowly and gently press down on your leg above the knee with both hands.
The downward pressure you produce should put a slow passive stretch on your hamstring muscles. Hold this position for a slow count of 10.

2. Sit at the end of a chair be sure not to get so far out however that you end up on the floor. Hold your affected leg out straight placing the heel on the floor. Again lean into the knee gently with both hands and hold for a slow count of 10. many find this exercise more effective then the one listed above.

3. While sitting in a recliner with your leg up or, laying down in bed be sure that there is an opening or space directly underneath your knee gently contract or tighten your thigh muscles as you tighten your thighs your hamstrings will relax causing them to stretch. Hold this exercise also for a slow count of 10.

The exercises listed above are just a small sample of many that can be done to get the required results. What exercise or exercises you choose to do will depend on your overall physical condition and what exercises you feel are more effective.

By working diligently on getting your leg to fully extend after the knee surgery will be just as important if not more on establishing a smooth functional gait or walking pattern in the months and years ahead.
By having a good heel-toe gait you have a smoother stride, less energy used to walk with, less chance of a fall when you are moving your feet properly, and less hip and back pain which is possible if your gait mechanics are not sound.

Give these exercises a try or consult with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist for more details and information on the importance of strong and flexible hamstrings after surgery.

Autor: Richard A Haynes Richard A Haynes
Level: Basic PLUS
I live in Punta Gorda Florida and have worked in the field of Physical Therapy since 1995. I have been a fitness consultant since 2000 ... ...

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida

http://www.richardhaynes.com

Added: March 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis - How They Are Related

Common Symptoms of Heel Spurs

Symptoms of heel spurs are sharp pain in the heel when stretching the foot, and a footache that does not go away. Heel spurs are calcified tissue near the heel where the tendons in the foot attach. These bony growths can dig into the inflamed flesh of the foot, causing pain. At the onset, the pain can be very sharp and will be present upon standing. As time passes, the sharp pain will become a dull aching feeling, but this can become a constant source of irritation for the patient. Heel bone spurs cause pain by jabbing into soft tissue that has become very irritated and inflamed, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

A Common Cause of Heel Spurs

The main cause of heel spurs is when the Plantar Fascia, the thick connective tissue that attaches the toes to the heel, becomes inflamed. This abnormal stress on the heel causes calcification of the soft tissue in the foot, creating the conditions for plantar fasciitis. Factors that can lead to this condition include abnormal stress, excessive weight, aging, or poor foot function. When the tissue becomes tight, it is torn over and over by the daily use of the foot. As the tissue becomes inflamed, it results in heel spurs.

How to Diagnose and Treat Bone Spurs In The Heels

The only way to receive a proper diagnosis is through a foot x-ray. With an x-ray, your doctor can confirm that a heel spur has developed. You can treat this condition by simply elevating your foot or consider more extreme measures like foot surgery. Many people are able to lessen inflammation by applying gentle heat to the heel. By increasing the circulation, the blood vessels dilate and the pain lessens. Others notice that simply wearing orthotics can provide significant relief. These devices are designed to correct over-pronation and add support to the arches of the foot. By reducing the stress on the Plantar Fascia, the tissues in the foot can heal correctly. Many arch support insoles come with additional heel pads that act as shock absorbers for the heel, which help to immediately ease the pain. Also, physical therapy treatments such as diathermy can lessen inflammation. This process utilizes an electrical current to produce heat that will ease plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

Easy Ways to Avoid Heel Spurs

A way to avoid heel spurs is to properly stretch the tissues in the foot and calf before any rigorous exercise. By stretching these tissues, you allow them to become more and more flexible, which lessens the likelihood of plantar fasciitis. It is also very important to wear shoes that fit properly and provide ample arch support and cushioning to the foot. Heel spurs can be avoided by adding orthotics to your shoes to help reduce stress on the Plantar Fascia. Keeping aware of our feet is a very important step in staying healthy, and healthy feet are a vital component for our overall well-being.

Autor: Fred Salomon Fred Salomon
Level: Platinum
Fred Salomon is a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatric industry, including foot care products and foot health treatment ... ...

Fred Salomon is a foot health care specialist with professional and commercial ventures in the podiatric industry, including foot care products and foot health treatment options. You can find in-depth foot care information and orthotics treatment options at his http://www.footminders.com website.

Added: March 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Assessing Red Flags

When a patient comes in for consultation we as physiotherapists have a duty to perform a careful history and examination to rule out serious problems and identify the cause of the symptoms. While most patients will have musculoskeletal conditions as an explanation of their symptoms, a small number will have a serious underlying condition of some kind. These people need identifying and referring urgently to a medical specialist for review. The medical community has developed a series of routine enquiries to be performed at consultation and these are referred to as flags in the sense that they should bring immediate attention to the matter.

Red flags has been developed as a concept which expresses an increased risk on examination that serious pathology is present although often in reality it is not. All practitioners from doctors to physiotherapists to alternative therapists should know the red flags and ask the red flag questions in their examinations. They should also be aware of how to refer patients on when necessary. Serious conditions may not be obvious in any examination at times but having a checklist of red flags is vital, as going logically through a list limits the likelihood of skipping questions and missing important matters.

Loss of weight: If someone has lost a lot of weight in a short time then the reason for this should be explored as there may be many valid explanations for this. Being on a diet can explain this, or the unwillingness to eat of people who are very depressed, upset or anxious. Heavy workers who suddenly have to stop work can also lose significant muscle mass. Red flags should be reported as positive if no defined reason for the weight loss can be found.

Loss of appetite/eating poorly: If the person does not want to eat or has lost their appetite recently, the remarks about weight loss above apply.

Feeling unwell: If you ask people with chronic pain problems if they feel well in themselves they often answer yes. Anyone who complains of persistently feeling unwell, especially with loss of appetite and weight loss, should be regarded with suspicion.

Pain at Night: Back pain and many other conditions are painful during the nights but any pain which is worse at night or on lying down should be regarded with suspicion and recorded as a potential red flag.

Morning stiffness: Musculoskeletal conditions are often stiff in the morning after a night without much movement of the joints. However, if the stiffness is severe and lasts for more than an hour or most of the day if could indicate an arthritic disease.

Previous History of Cancer: Any previous problems with cancer should be enquired about as the condition might recur and explain the presenting symptoms.

Control of Bladder and Bowel: Incontinence can be caused by many conditions from having had children to irritable bowel syndrome to neurological conditions. However, any new incidence of incontinence or retention (difficulty passing urine) should be flagged up for medical review.

Saddle anesthesia: The saddle is the perineal area, the skin around the genitals and anus. An alteration or loss of feeling in this area, for instance when drying oneself with a towel, could be the indicator of a serious problem.

Increased Tone: This can be apparent on walking but is more often noticed by testing the limbs to assess any increased muscle tone. Clonus, increased reflexes and heightened tone point towards a problem with the central nervous system.

Muscle Weakness. Weakness may occur due to damage to a joint or muscle or due to one of the spinal nerve roots being affected. A condition which gives widespread weakness or weakness in more than one nerve root should be flagged as suspicious.

The Age of the Patient: Between twenty and fifty-five years of age is the typical age range for most musculoskeletal conditions to present initially. If a patient is seen with the onset of their condition in younger or older life there is an increased risk of a medical condition to explain their symptoms.

Importance of the Patient's Age: Typically, painful conditions such as low back or neck pain come on in adult life between 20 and 55 years old. Anyone whose pain problem arises when they are much younger or much older has a higher risk of an underlying medical problem.

Autor: Jonathan Blood-Smyth

Jonathan Blood Smyth is Superintendent of a large team of Physiotherapists at an NHS hospital in Devon. He specialises in orthopaedic conditions and looking after joint replacements as well as managing chronic pain. Visit the website he edits if you are looking for physiotherapists in Edinburgh or elsewhere in the UK.

Added: March 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/