physiotherapists – Vibe Rehab

The Continence Foundation of Australia states the approximately 4.8 million Australians are affected by some form of incontinence, with both men and women of all ages being affected. Many people who suffer from incontinence are not aware that it can be treated, managed and in some cases even cured by seeking treatment.

There are two main categories of incontinence which are urinary incontinence (poor bladder control) and faecal incontinence (poor bowel control). Under these two categories there are several different types of incontinence and the treatment varies depending on the type you may have. Two of the different types urinary incontinence are:

1. Stress incontinence is associated with weakness of the pelvic floor muscles and leakage of urine occurs when there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as during a cough, laugh, sneeze etc.

2. Urge incontinence tends to be associated with an over active bladder and causes an overwhelming urge to urinate that often results in leakage. Common triggers are keys in the door, arriving home, the sound of running water.

Here are some ways a physio can help someone suffering from incontinence:
– Assess pelvic floor function
– Identify the type/s of incontinence you have
– Provide exercises for pelvic floor muscles
– Bladder training
– Teach toileting dynamics
– Give advice regarding lifestyle modifications
– Help you choose safe exercises

The key thing to remember is not to be embarrassed when seeking treatment from a health care professional – and that you are not alone!

To find out more visit http://www.continence.org.au/, call there helpline on 1800 33 00 66 or ask your physio.

Image sourced from http://www.ics.org/committees/continencepromotion/wcw

Acupuncture became an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when the ancient Chinese found they could alleviate many symptoms and ailments through inserting fine needles into various parts of the body. Over two thousand years later this practice is still commonly used by traditional acupuncturists and physiotherapists to help relieve patients of pain.

The modern acupuncture method used by physiotherapists known as “Western Medical Acupuncture” uses current medical knowledge of the body to outline where the needles are to be placed in order to stimulate the nervous system. Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, is based on the circulation concepts of qi and yin/yang that makes this type of practice an alternative medical practice.

Acupuncture is used as a treatment method due to the fact it helps encourage blood flow resulting in improved circulation to the needled area and can help relieve pain for conditions including:

Arthritis
Headaches and migraines
Chronic neck and back pain
Sciatica
Shoulder and hip pain

Similar to acupuncture, dry needling involves the use of needling to help relieve pain. However, the technique differs as the acupuncture needles are inserted into painful and/or tight muscles rather than areas known to stimulate nerves. Dry needling aims to improve resting muscle tone and relax muscles and can also be used to needle ligaments or tendons, in order to encourage these tissues to heal.

Dry needling can be extremely effective in treating muscular pain, and patients often find them much more comfortable than the therapist’s elbow or thumbs! Conditions and injuries that dry needling can be an effective treatment for include:

Muscle stiffness and pain
Referred pain from muscle trigger points
Tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow
Achilles tendinopathy
Plantar fasciitis
Gluteal tendinopathy and hip pain
Headaches and neck pain

To find out more about our acupuncture/dry needling appointments or to book in with one of our physiotherapists call us on 6299 3886 or email admin@viberehab.com.au.

Image sourced from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sara-calabro/what-does-acupuncture-feel-like_b_2860656.html

Tag: physiotherapists

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