When do you need to use crutches?
When do you need to use crutches? After surgery on the lower limb if the surgeon's protocols require non weight bearing (NWB) or partial weight bearing (PWB). If you have an undisplaced fracture in the fibula or foot that doesn't require surgery to place screws or plates, called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). You [...]
Carpal tunnel syndrome or referred neck pain/cervical nerve root compression?
What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which is in the centre of the palmar side of your wrist, is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is the area between the two rows of small bones in the wrist, called carpal bones, and the [...]
Why do perimenopausal women develop musculoskeletal pain and inflammation?
Why do pain symptoms increase with menopause? Between 40-60% of perimenopausal and menopausal women have musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Oestrogen has an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect. It also helps to inhibit pain pathways in the spinal cord, which reduces your perception of pain. So when the levels of oestrogen fall during menopause, pain, inflammation and [...]
Physiological Effects of Yoga Breathing Techniques for Relaxation or Stimulation.
What types of Yoga Breathing are there and what are they good for? The most gentle yoga breathing is Savasana (Corpse Pose). This is usually used at the end of a yoga class to create a relaxed state. Pulse mediated relaxation breathing was devised more recently by Dr Vijay Pabbathi, from whom I have learned [...]
Guidelines for treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the second most common reason for orofacial pain. Pain in the muscles of the jaw is the most common diagnosis. To improve the treatment outcomes of TMD, in the last few of years, guidelines have been released by the Royal College of Surgeons, British Medical Association, British Orthodontic Society, and NICE [...]
Musculoskeletal Side Effects from Immunotherapy
Cancer immunotherapy, commonly using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), has revolutionized the treatment of previously hard to treat metastatic (stage four) cancer. The main difference to other treatments such as chemotherapy is that it boosts the immune system rather than impairs it. Chemotherapy tries to kill cancer cells by using medications that are toxic to cancer [...]