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By Brian back pain, chronic pain, elbow pain, foot pain, heel pain, knee pain, MCL knee pain, medial elbow pain, medial knee pain, muscles, neck pain, pain, pain management, shoulder pain

Discover the Benefits of Woodlock Oil: A Natural Remedy for Aches and Pains

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective and natural remedies for muscle aches and pains is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One such solution is Wong To Yick Woodlock Oil, a traditional Chinese medicine with a rich history of providing relief from various physical discomforts. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of Woodlock Oil, its ingredients, how to use it effectively, and why it should be a staple in your wellness routine.

What is Wong To Yick Woodlock Oil?

Wong To Yick Woodlock Oil is a medicated oil renowned for its ability to provide soothing relief for muscle aches, joint pains, and other discomforts. Formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, this oil has been used for decades in Chinese medicine to alleviate various physical ailments. It is known for its quick absorption and effectiveness in targeting problem areas.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Woodlock Oil’s unique formulation combines several active ingredients known for their therapeutic properties:

  1. Methyl Salicylate (50%): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, methyl salicylate helps reduce swelling and relieve pain in muscles and joints. It works by penetrating deep into the tissues and soothing sore areas.
  2. Menthol (16%): Menthol provides a cooling sensation that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains. It also helps improve blood circulation in the affected area, promoting faster recovery.
  3. Camphor (10%): Camphor acts as a counterirritant, stimulating nerve endings to relieve pain and itching. It helps improve blood flow and provides a warming sensation that alleviates discomfort.

How to Use Woodlock Oil

Using Woodlock Oil is simple and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the most out of this powerful remedy:

  1. Identify the Affected Area: Determine the muscle or joint area where you are experiencing discomfort.
  2. Apply a Small Amount: Pour a few drops of Woodlock Oil onto your palm and gently rub your hands together to warm the oil.
  3. Massage Gently: Massage the oil onto the affected area using circular motions. Allow the oil to absorb fully into the skin.
  4. Repeat as Needed: For optimal results, apply the oil up to three or four times daily. Avoid applying to broken skin or sensitive areas.

Benefits of Using Woodlock Oil

  1. Fast-Acting Relief: Woodlock Oil’s quick absorption provides fast relief for muscle aches and joint pains, making it a go-to remedy for athletes and active individuals.
  2. Natural Ingredients: The oil’s natural formulation ensures it is gentle on the skin while delivering powerful therapeutic effects.
  3. Versatile Use: Whether you’re dealing with sprains, strains, or general muscle soreness, Woodlock Oil is versatile enough to address various physical discomforts.
  4. Enhances Blood Circulation: The combination of menthol and camphor helps improve circulation, which can speed up the recovery process.
  5. Trusted Traditional Remedy: With a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, Woodlock Oil is a trusted choice for those seeking natural alternatives to synthetic pain relief products.

Why Choose Woodlock Oil from PhysioFusion?

At PhysioFusion, we are committed to providing high-quality health and wellness products that meet your needs. Our Wong To Yick Woodlock Oil is sourced from reputable manufacturers, ensuring you receive a genuine and effective product. By choosing our Woodlock Oil, you’re opting for a natural remedy backed by decades of tradition and use.

Conclusion

Wong To Yick Woodlock Oil is a versatile and effective solution for managing muscle and joint discomfort. Its natural ingredients and long-standing reputation make it a must-have in your wellness toolkit. Whether you’re an athlete looking for a recovery aid or someone seeking relief from everyday aches, Woodlock Oil offers a powerful solution.

Explore the benefits of Woodlock Oil today and experience the relief you’ve been searching for. Visit our product page to learn more and make your purchase.

By Physio Team Exercises, Injury, online consultations, Sporting, Therapy, Work Injury , , , , , ,

Concussion recovery

Managing Headaches After Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury | BrainLine

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Rapid movement causes brain tissue to change shape, which can stretch and damage brain cells. This damage also causes chemical and metabolic changes within the brain cells, making it more difficult for cells to function and communicate (concussionfoundation, 2020).

Have you or someone you know had a fall or blow to the head ? If so it’s important to get medically assessed! It is strongly advised that you discontinue any sporting activities, school or work until a trained medical professional has seen you and given you the green light.

Symptoms

The most common signs and symptoms of concussion are:

  • Feeling stunned or dazed
  • Confusion, e.g. a delay in answering questions
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Balance disturbance – Gait, unsteadiness.
  • Vision disturbances (double or blurred vision or ‘seeing stars’)
  • Memory loss (amnesia) that improves within a few hours.

Medical care should be sought if symptoms worsen or if there are more serious symptoms such as:

  • Loss of consciousness, however brief
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Memory loss, e.g. being unable to remember what happened before or after the concussion
  • Changes in mood or behavior, e.g. unusual irritability
  • Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away
  • Weakness, numbness, or lack of physical co-ordination.

Recovery times:

Recovery from concussion can take up to 6 months. For the majority, symptoms will improve most rapidly within the first 1-3 months. If symptoms are still present after 6 months, these will most likely resolve after one year (SouthernCross, 2018).

Did you know?

Every year, there are 35,000 head injuries in New Zealand (Feigin et al., 2013). Although head concussion is normally associated with sporting injury, almost 80% occur outside of sporting activity (Theadon, 2014).

Brainstorm Conference 2019

Is Physiotherapy routine or advised post head concussion?

A study conducted by Van der walt, 2019 extracted clinical service data from a concussion service provider in Dunedin; this was to determine how often their subjects received or were recommended medical input, including physiotherapy. Results show that of the 147 subjects, 80 subjects (54%) received or were advised neck physiotherapy management and 106 cases (72%) received or were advised vestibulo-ocular physiotherapy management. In 59 cases (40%) both neck and vestibulo-ocular physiotherapy were received or recommended.

The findings suggest that recovery post concussion very often requires specific physiotherapy as part of multidisciplinary care. The evidence for the effectiveness of cervico-vestibular rehabilitation post-concussion is very favorable (Schneider et al., 2014).

Vestibular Physiotherapy | The Independent Physiotherapy Service

To help get you back on track, your physiotherapist will complete a detailed history of your current complaint/s and medical history. Treatment provided may involve:

  • Cervical spine assessment and treatment, including: mobilizations, soft tissue treatment
  • Balance assessment and treatment
  • Home exercise plan
  • Acupuncture

References

concussionfoundation(2020).WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?. Available at: https://concussionfoundation.org/concussion-resources/what-is-concussion. Last accessed 27/08/2020

Southerncross(2018). Concussion – causes, symptoms, treatment. Available: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/group/medical-library/concussion-causes-symptoms-treatment. Last accessed 27/08/2020.

Feigin V, Theadom A, Barker-Collo S et al. Incidence of traumatic brain injury in New Zealand: A population-based study. The Lancet Neurology. 2013;12(1):53-64.​

Theadom, A., Parag, V., Dowell, T., McPherson, K., Starkey, N., Barker-Collo, S., and BIONIC Research Group. (2016). Persistent problems 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal population study in New Zealand. Br J Gen Pract, 66(642), e16-e23.

Van der Walta ,K, Tyson,A, Kennedy, E. (2019). How often is neck and vestibulo-ocular physiotherapy treatment recommended in people with persistent post-concussion symptoms? A retrospective analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice . 39 (130-135), 1-5.

Sport-related concussion: optimizing treatment through evidence-informed practice.J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2016; 46: 613-616

By Physio Team Appointments & Fees, Exercises, Home exercises, Injury, online consultations, Physio, Pilates & Exercise Classes, post-op, pre-op, rehabilitation, Sprain, Studies, surgery, Therapy , , , , , , , , , ,

Rehab After Surgery- Let’s get you moving!

Sometimes surgery may be necessary to enhance your health and it can be stressful, both physically and emotionally. Our highly skilled physiotherapists will endeavor to actively work with your surgeon and yourself to make sure you are getting the best possible treatment towards regaining optimal function, movement, and strength both before and/or after surgery.

 

Elective Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy

Research has clearly illustrated the advantages of physiotherapy before elective orthopedic surgeries. We recommend pre-surgery physiotherapy to enable an enhanced healing and recovery process. Following a comprehensive assessment, you will be given a pre-surgery exercise program to keep up your strength, movement, and function, in addition to preparing you for your post-surgery programme.

 

Post-Surgery Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy after orthopedic surgery is essential for optimal recovery. Our skilled physiotherapists are experts at providing rehabilitation for patients after surgery and will undertake a comprehensive assessment after your surgery, which will involve ongoing evaluation of your function, mobility, and strength. As per the different stages of healing, your goals and progress, your physiotherapist will prescribe a personalized rehabilitation program. We will continue to keep close contact with your specialist as needed for the duration of your treatment.

 

Common surgeries requiring post-operative physio

Many surgeries, particularly those resulting from sporting injury, require physiotherapy treatment during the recovery phase.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Knee reconstructions
  • Hip replacements
  • Shoulder surgery
  • Ankle, wrist, elbow operations
  • Spine, neck and back surgery
By Brian Exercises, Injury, online consultations, Physio, Sprain, Therapy

CONNECTING WITH OUR CLIENTS THROUGH TELEHEALTH

What is Telehealth?

 The Health Resources Services Administration defines telehealth as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Technologies include videoconferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications”.

Here at Physio Fusion, we will be conducting video consultations for existing and new clients. You will see the same, experienced staff as you would on site at either our New Windsor Branch. With the exception of the hands on aspects, we strive to continue to provide you with the same level of education, advice and exercise progression as you would receive in person.

Telehealth Benefits for Patients:

  • Better access to services for residents/ workers in remote areas (Al-Shorbaji 2013, Bourne et al 2017, Cooper & Allen 2017, Nelson et al 2017) found that this can improve access to care services for clients in isolated areas and virtual consults can address access barriers for patients living in rural locales.
  • More convenient access to services (people avoid the travel and scheduling challenges of attending face-to-face appointments and can access some services after-hours).
  • The ability for patients to ask quick questions without having to book a full consultation
  • Access to high-quality online resources, including videos and digital tools

Telehealth benefits for Physiotherapists:

  • Access to an untapped pool of clinical resources: (Hunt et al 2014): Virtual health programmes offer benefits to clinicians who are looking for increased flexibility in their working life (e.g. semi-retired clinicians or those seeking an improved work/life balance). If offered, this may enable healthcare providers to attract and retain a high-quality workforce, improve staff satisfaction, and access highly specialized resources to improve quality of care.

What is Physitrack and how does it work?

Physitrack is an exercise prescription platform that lets you prescribe home exercises to our clients. It is a program that you as a customer can download for free on your smartphone, tablet or open it with your computer. The videos show how you can perform an exercise correctly and clearly. There are also more than 90 standard exercise protocols and videos with clear explanations about specific complaints or conditions.

 

How does it work?

Together we determine which exercises are most suitable for you and add these to your program. You will then receive an email with the link to download the Physitrack / app and the link to the program online. Your personal login code is also stated in the same email. If you have downloaded the Physitrack or clicked on the link and enter your password, you can enter your preferences in the program, such as setting reminders. Then you can start with the exercises in a correct and clear manner and contribute to your own recovery!

The attached document is designed to help you prepare for your Telehealth call. PhysiApp_Telehealth_call

What will happen once my appointment is booked?

  • Your Physiotherapist will send an email with more details on how the consultation will take place.
  • Before your appointment you will receive another email from Physitrack with a link to where the consultation will take place.
  • Make sure that you have a working camera and microphone.
  • Make sure you’re using a modern browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge.
  • If you are using a mobile device for your consultation, you will be prompted to download Physitrack app Please do this and then click join as a guest.
  • We ask that you get online 10 minutes before your appointment and click on a link to join the consultation.
  • If you are using a computer, make sure your camera and microphone are available and enabled.
  • Please ensure that you have enough space in case you are required too perform exercises.

What happens if internet is interrupted or my technology fails during the consultation?

If we can call you, we will attempt to continue and complete the consultation via face time.

Here’s how to book your first Telehealth Consultation with us

Save time and book your appointments online with Physio Fusion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can book your appointments via phone or online

By Physio Team Uncategorized

Anterior snapping hip pain: A hip flexor issue

Audible snapping noise or snapping sensation in the hip is normal, however audible snapping with PAIN is NOT.

There are just about many reasons why you may be experiencing snapping hip pain particularly located in the front of the hip. A common cause can be attributed to iliopsoas syndrome.

Iliopsoas syndrome is a clinical term that refers to dysfunction of the hip flexor muscles iliacus and psoas, collectively known as iliopsoas. They are located in the front of the hip and function to flex the hip, in other words lift your knee up during a marching action.

Injury to the muscles, its tendons (tendonitis or tendinopathy) or inflammation of the surrounding structures such as the bursa (bursitis) commonly results in pain and weakness along intermittent audible snapping whenever the joint is in motion. This may explain why some of the simple tasks such as running up the stairs, bending down to reach the bottom shelf or sitting and standing from a chair is all of the sudden daunting.

Causes

Hip flexor pain is largely an overuse problem.

While injuries to the hip or its surrounding structures can pose a risk for developing iliopsoas syndrome, it may not also be associated with an injury.

Those at risk include runners, jumpers or sports that require a lot of kicking. Also at risk are those who participate in strength training and weight lifting exercises that require a lot of bending and squatting.

The psoas muscles (minor and major) start in L1-L5 segments of your lower back and travels down to meet the iliacus muscle before they blend in to insert in the front of the hip. This arrangement allows the muscles to perform their prime duties as flexors of the hip (raising your thigh, kicking).

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint – which means the hip joint is a very mobile joint having the freedom to move into front, side, rotate, kick back etc. Therefore, the hip flexors act as supporting muscles of almost every action that occurs at the hip joint.

Additionally, the muscular attachment in the lower back means that the psoas part of the hip flexor plays an important role in supporting your lower back when we are sitting, standing or lying down.

Therefore, cause of anterior hip pain stemming from hip flexor dysfunction can be linked with possible pathology of other surrounding structures. Most commonly those with lower back pain tend to present with iliopsoas dysfunction.

Symptoms

Individuals with iliopsoas syndrome will often present with the following symptoms.

  • Onset of symptoms
    • Onset of symptoms develop gradually overtime, this can be over a period of weeks to months depending on the frequency of aggravated activity. Symptoms usually begin with an intermittent pattern before settling to noticeable and persistent pain. At this stage, simple everyday movements involving the hips like standing up from a couch or crouching down to reach down the bottom self in the supermarket can be noticeably painful.
  • Location of pain:
    • Pain is usually localised in the front of the hip joint, where the hip flexors attach. In some cases, groin pain is also a common a compliant
    • Lower back pain or lower back stiffness is often attributed to the hip flexor dysfunction
  • Aggravated activities
    • Hip flexors are versatile muscles that are activated during hip and lower back movements. Hence why almost all tasks the involve the two region of the body can result in hip flexor pain. These can be walking, running, sitting to standing, stair walking, kicking etc.

Quick tests:

Thomas test is a quick test that allows you check the flexibility of your hip flexors.

  1. Sit at the very edge of a table
  2. Lift one knee up to your chest and hold
  3. Lie down flat on the table & relax

– Assess both sides 

To check:

  • If your thigh on the opposite side is not in contact with the table but lifts up, your iliopsoas muscle is likely tight.
  • If your lower leg kicks out in front instead of resting down in a 90 degree angle, your quadriceps are likely tight

Stretch vs Strengthen?

To stretch or to strengthen? – is an important question raised when dealing with iliopsoas pain.

  • If you noticed hip flexors tightness on the Thomas Test – stretching and myofascial release with a massage ball or a foam roller would be an appropriate method to improve tissue flexibility. 
    • Iliopsoas stretch

    • Foam roller

By Physio Team Exercises, Injury, online consultations, Physio, Sporting, Sprain, Therapy, Work Injury , , , , , , , ,

THE MYTH ABOUT FOOT PRONATION (FLAT FOOT)

Myth: Foot pronation(flat foot) is the enemy.

In the foot, pronation should occur naturally when we are fully weightbearing on the front leg. Pronation will appear as the foot rolling inward and the arch flattening.

What are the benefits?

  • Dissipates the force that the foot receives from the ground.
  • Allows the foot to become a stable and mobile adaptor to enhance movement opportunity throughout the body.
  • Loads the muscles of the extensor chain (calf, quads, glutes) to convert ground reaction forces into forward momentum so we can move efficiently and without compensation.

So why have I been told this is bad?

So as you are now aware, pronation is very normal and a critical movement to ensure we move and propel ourselves forward efficiently.

What you may have heard someone say to you is that you ‘overpronate’?

Firstly, overpronation is subjective and not as black and white as it is sometimes made out to be. Overpronation has been defined as: ‘a foot that rolls inward towards the medial (inner) arch excessively’.

What we must understand is that a pronation can only happen when the foot has a stable tripod on the ground. This means that the calcaneus (heel bone), 1st metatarsal (big toe knuckle) and 5th metatarsal (little toe knuckle) must all remain in contact with the ground when the foot rolls inwards and the arch flattens.

So, If you have been told you are ‘overpronated’ , it is most likely that your whole foot is ‘everting’ NOT ‘overpronating’.

What is Eversion?

Eversion can be defined as: ‘the process of turning inside-out’.

In pronation your heel must naturally ‘evert’ (sole of the heel will move away from the midline of the body) NOT your whole foot.

If your ‘whole foot’ everts (turns out) you will no longer have a stable foot tripod as the 5th metatarsal (little toe) will lose contact with the ground.

The key to ensuring this does not happen is to provide an environment for the bones of the midfoot (middle of the foot) and forefoot (toes) to experience the opposite motion to that of the heel. This will mean that the foot has an opportunity to truly pronate with a three points of contact on the ground.

So how can you help me do that?

  • At Physio fusion we can help guide you to bring your own body into alignment and create an environment in which the healing can begin.
  • Foot strengthening exercises.
  • Footwear advice.
  • Referral to other healthcare specialists for further assistance (e.g. podiatrists).
By Physio Team bones, chronic pain, Exercises, feet, Leg, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, pain, Shin Splints

Shin splints – what is it and how it it treated?

Does the front of your shin hurt when you walk or run and worried you might have shin splints? Find out what it is, what treatment is involved and how to avoid it in the future!

 

What is shin splints?

Shin splints is a generic term that means pain in the front of your shin. In this blog we will be talking about Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), which is one of the most common forms of shin pain and what we generally refer to as shin splints. With shin splints, people often feel pain when they’re running which will increase as they run further. In severe cases, it may also be painful to walk. It’s usually not too painful at rest.

 

What are the symptoms of shin splints? What does it feel like?

People with shin splints have pain in the bottom third of their shin, which tends to feel like a dull ache like a bruise. It will be become more painful with activities such as running, walking or high impact sports (rugby, soccer, tennis and basketball for example) and will feel better with rest. In the early stages, some people find they are able to push through pain when running only for it to worsen as they continue.

 

There are a number of other conditions which share symptoms with shin splints; these include stress fractures, chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) or nerve issues, so it’s important to get checked out by a qualified health professional.

 

Who gets shin splints?

Shin splints is an overload injury – this means that it occurs most commonly when there has been an increase in exercise which is more than the body can handle. This could be someone who has started running and is rapidly increasing their milage, or someone who has been training intensely all season for a sports team. People in the military are also very prone to it due to the high impact that they experience as part of their jobs – up to 35% of military personnel (Moen et al, 2012)!  There is also some evidence that people with flat feet or a narrow running stance are more prone to it (Winters et al, 2018).

 

 

What is actually happening?

There are two main theories as to what causes shin splints; one thought is that the bone itself gets overloaded, and this is what causes you pain, whilst the other is that the membrane around the bone is inflamed (Winters et al, 2018).

 

What does treatment involve?

As shin splints is an overload issue, that means we need to stop the things that are making it worse. Everyone is unique with different activity levels so we’ll work with you to identify your particular aggravating factors. For runners, this might be reducing your weekly mileage and replacing it with cycling to keep your fitness levels up. For people playing rugby, we might focus on drills and skills and less on sprints.

 

You will also implement exercises to help you get stronger. The stronger a muscle is, the more force goes through the muscle and the less through the bone. Working on the muscles in your lower leg can help with absorbing forces from running and avoiding irritating the sore bone.

 

It is important to not exercise through pain with shin splints. We know from research that ‘toughing it out’ means it takes a lot longer to heal – runners who ran through pain took, on average, over 100 days to return to sport (Moen et al., 2012). We find people recover better when they progress their exercises without increasing their pain.

Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

Absolutely! One of the most important things is slowly building up activities. For running, we normally recommend only increasing milage by about 10% each week. It’s normal to get occasional twinges but if you notice it continuing or getting worse, come and chat with our friendly team of physiotherapists and we can help you get back on track.

Here are three exercises that can help you prevent shin splints. Aim to complete 3 sets of 20+ a week – when they get easier, add some weight for an additional challenge.

 

  • Soleus raise – the soleus is one of two calf muscles and is more active when your knee is bent. It is a very important muscle involved in running and is not often trained specifically. This exercise can help target it and make it stronger so that it can keep working for longer.
  • Tibialis anterior raise – your tibialis anterior is a muscle at the front of the shin and helps absorb force as you run.
  • Single leg deadlift against a wall – this works the hip muscles that keep your knees in alignment really well. It also has the benefit of strengthening your hamstrings, which are a common running injury

 

 

References

Moen M., Holtslag L., Bakker E., Baten C., Weir A. et al, (2012) ‘The treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome in athletes: a randomize clinical trial’ Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation, Therapy & Technology: SMARTT 30 (4)

Winters M., Bakker E., Moen M. et al, 2018 ‘Medial tibial stress syndrome can be diagnosed reliably using history and physical examination’ British Journal of Sports Medicine 52(19) pp.1267-1272