CTS is a condition that causes pain, numbness and pins & needles of the hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at the base of the hand which contains various bones, ligaments, nerves and tendons. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves that supplies the hand, the Median nerve, is compressed as it travels through this carpal tunnel ─ The compression of the median nerve occurs due to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel as a result of swelling. This swelling can be as a result of repeated hand and wrist movements, genetic factors, hand and wrist positioning, pregnancy and other health conditions such as diabetes and certain arthritis ─
Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling, particularly at the thumb, index middle and ring finger. The little finger generally is not affected. You may also experience weakened grip strength ─ Women between the ages of 40-60, pregnant individuals, those with arthritis’ and individuals who use their hands repeatedly are at most risk of developing CTS ─ CTS can generally be treated without the need of surgical intervention. Manual therapy and stretching routine has been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of CTS. If left untreated, permanent nerve damage can result ─ Here are some exercises that may help reduce your symptoms ─ Median Nerve Stretch Rib 1 Mobilisation Grip Strength Forearm Extensor Stretch Resisted Finger Extension [Rubber band] ─ Please see a health professional before commencing these exercises
*Note: If you are someone who is looking for help or wants to find out more about our services don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of practitioners! Online bookings are available online and we are available 7 days a week at our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Chiropractic Clinics! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now
Majority of tennis injuries are due to overuse of a muscle or joint and the rest are due to traumatic type injuries such as sudden twisting or turning of the knee joints, wrists or shoulders!
Below are some common types of tennis injuries and how our practitioners at The Melbourne Chiropractor can help treat them!
Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow is a form of overuse injury that causes extension of the elbow. The forces from hitting a tennis ball causes this type of impact continuously throughout a game of tennis and therefore is the most likely cause of injury whilst playing!
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Pain and tender elbow joint that may cause pain when lifting, clenching the fist tight or straightening the arm into an extended position. Swelling may also be present depending on the severity of the injury.
How To Prevent Tennis Elbow
Easiest way to avoid Tennis Elbow is to strengthen the surrounding muscles using either a stress ball or gripper. Other ways are to stretch the muscles in the forearm and triceps area to ensure they do not tighten up to the point they start causing pain!
Treatment For Tennis Elbow
Stretching can help although our chiropractors can help decrease tension within the area by using soft tissue therapy and trigger point therapy to help alleviate the stiffness within the area. Our chiropractors can also use dry needling and mobilise the joints within the area that are not moving adequately!
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Common shoulder injury or concern that is due to overuse or weak musculature within the area. Usually muscles become irritated and cause inflammation within the joint causing clicking sounds and an inability to lift the arm up above the shoulder.
Symptoms of Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Can be soreness and possible swelling depending on the extent of the injury. Usually clicking can be heard when raising the arm and can be painful on movement.
How To Prevent Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Strengthening the surrounding muscles of the deltoid using bands to begin with is a great way to get started. Stretching and warming up the upper body before training or competing is always a great way to prevent injury.
Treatment For Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Chiropractic Care involves dry needling, soft tissue therapy, mobilisations and other forms of adjustments in surrounding regions to help free up the area and decrease inflammation within the shoulder joint.
Subacromial Pain Syndrome / Shoulder Pain
Muscle Strains
Common Injury that can occur to anyone who plays a sport. Common reason can be the lack of stretching or poor conditioning.
Symptoms Of Muscle Strains
Muscle Stiffness
Bruising or Swelling
Weakness and Pain
How To Prevent Muscle Strains
A warm up is always a great way of combatting such an injury. Stretching throughout the weak and ensuring that correct posture is being used throughout daily life can help prevent strains from occurring.
Treatment For Muscle Strains
Ice or Heat is great for as soon as the injury occurs. Compression of the strained muscle can also help sooth the area. Elevation is also a good way to reduce swelling depending on the severity of the injury.
Our team of Chiropractors are able to help stretch, mobilise and adjust areas of concern. Pelvic instability can be an issue in most athletes and therefore would be something to look more into. As for postural issues everything plays a part in bodily movement which means there can be other factors which may be playing a part.
*Note: If you are someone who is looking for help or wants to find out more about our services don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of practitioners! Online bookings are available online and we are available 7 days a week at our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Chiropractic Clinics!
2022 has not been nice to use regarding the cold this year and this is why we need to get on top of our health and keep ourselves in check! It is now a time of uncertainty and it can be quite easy to get sick. Even though it is common for your natural immunity to decrease during this period there are still ways of overcoming this!
Below we have put together 10 ways in which you can improve your lifestyle to ensure you are not calling in sick to work this year.
An Ideal sleep varies from 7-9 hours. This will all come down to how busy you are throughout the day and whether or not you are a shift worker. A lack of sleep could mean a weakened immune system and increased sensitivity to stress!
2. Eat A Healthy Diet (Include Fruits & Vegetables)
A variety in your diet is key, but the most important factor during winter is hitting your micronutrient goals. This means that making sure you are eating enough foods containing Vitamin C, D and B and if not supplementing these nutrients to combat insufficiencies.
3. Get Active!
Being physically active does not mean you have to go to the gym! the best exercise can be something that you enjoy. Whether it be walking or cycling or jumping a rope all types of exercise is great!Other forms of exercise such as Yoga and Pilates are great alternatives to help with flexibility and ensure movement throughout the body.
4. Wash your hands
Hand washing is one of the easiest things to keep on top of! Germs are so easily spread and one of those ways is by touching. Everything that is touched by your hands can then easily be transmitted from surface to surface or person to person!
5. Stay Hydrated
Making sure you are hydrated at all times is a great way of decreasing headaches due to dehydration but also allows the body to flush unneeded toxins through the body.
6. Get Adjusted
Having an adjustment from our chiropractors over winter is an effective way to get the nervous system functioning at its best. It will also decrease the amount of stress you are under
Still Worried and need more Help?
Depending on the severity of your injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint!
The Melbourne Chiropractor Fawkner provides specialised therapeutic techniques to help with all types of musculoskeletal problems. Our team of chiropractors strives to decrease pain, increase function and create solutions to your problems which will be long term. Our team strives to get patients back on their feet as quick as possible with ongoing support if it is essential.
Our Fawkner, Westmeadows and Broadmeadows clinics offer chiropractic services which also include modalities such as dry needling, cupping, sports taping, trigger point therapy, Stretching and exercise prescription.
Our Fawkner chiropractic practice also accepts referrals from GP’s for chiropractic services. If you are given a CDM or EPC plan you are eligible for up to 5 chiropractic visits per year!
What Can You Expect On Your First Visit To Our Clinic?
First Visit or First Treatment at either of our Fawkner, Westmeadows or Broadmeadows health clinics includes a case history, posture scan, movement analysis, pain assessment, orthopaedic testing and a full body treatment. Referral for X-ray imaging (if required) is bulk-billed through Medicare.
Our Fawkner Clinic
Our Fawkner Clinic is spacious and easily accessible by car and bus. Onsite Parking is available and is within 10km of Melbourne CBD
Located on 1/58 Lynch Rd Fawkner
What Can Our Team Do To Help?
Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:
We all know that sleep is important. But do we know why? Sleep plays a vital role in both your physical and mental health. It aids the body’s ability to function through a variety processes:
1️⃣ Improved recovery and body repair. Decreased sleep increases the possibility of fatigue and low energy levels. This is explained by the link between sleep deprivation and decreased synthesis of glycogen and carbohydrates stores [used for energy]. It is also believed that a significant amount of growth hormone is produced when we sleep; primarily responsible for muscle growth, repair, bone building and fat burning. Studies have linked increased amounts of sleep with improved athletic performance such as sprint speed and free throw shooting ability in basketball.
2️⃣ Improved cardiovascular health. Decreased levels of sleep has been linked to increased levels of hypertension, increased stress hormone [cortisol] and an increased heartbeat. It’s believed that too little sleep causes disruptions to important biological processes of the body such as blood pressure, and glucose and inflammation regulation. Evidence strongly supports a link between sleep apnoea and compromised heart health.
3️⃣ Decreased weight. Decreased sleep has been linked to decreased activity in the hormones that control appetite. Furthermore, a lack of sleep has been linked to decreased processing of stored carbohydrates. A study conducted in the Public Library of Science Medicine found that individuals who had less than 6 hours of sleep were more likely to have a higher BMI.
4️⃣ Increased immune function. Lack of sleep has been linked to suppressed immune function. Evidence suggests that sleep deprivation decreases the production of infection fighting antibodies and inflammation promoting cytokines. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that almost half the amount of antibodies were produced in sleep deprived individuals [in response to the flu vaccine].
5️⃣ Improved cognitive function. Sleep deprivation has strongly been linked to a decrease in cognitive function and changes in mood.
Working With A Broken Back Is Not Part Of The Job!
Being a Tradesman is a tough gig making it ideal for the body to function at its best during strenuous work hours. It has been estimated that at least 1 in 4 people working in an intensive job suffer from the common neck or back pains.
Some Common Problems Tradesman Experience Include:
Causes Of Common Problems Tradesman Experience Include:
Because of the amount of stress put onto the body from either lifting or straining in certain positions on the job site as a Tradesman it is ideal to know about the triggers beforehand to help minimise these common issues from occurring to you!
Chiropractic Care allows the musculoskeletal system to move more freely and also increase its overall mobility and strength. If a Tradesman is currently suffering from symptoms of either neck or back pain it can be great in not only decreasing pain but also ensuring the body is capable of dealing with the ongoing stressors on the job site!
Some Of The Treatments Offered By Chiropractors Include:
Posture is a clear indicator that tells us exactly how much extra stress the body is under even without strenuous activity. Using our bodies in incorrect ways can cause ongoing issues and chronic conditions to arise long-term. It is common for postural issues to go unnoticed and for this very reason our joints begin to seize up decreasing our overall mobility this increasing areas of degeneration.
Good thing is it is never to late to fix your posture and it can be as simple as adding in chiropractic care into your regime to help decrease the tension throughout those stressed out areas of the body!
Correct Form Whilst technique!
Safe Lifting Vs Incorrect Lifting
Poor lifting form is one of the easiest ways of ruining your back. It is important that the body moves together in a sequence so that the joints within the spine are able to stabilise themselves whilst going from a downlow position to upright. This makes it obvious that we want all of our joints to get behind the lifting including or muscles. To ensure this happens we should aim to lift as close as possible to the body whilst having both feet shoulder width apart lifting as much weight with our legs.
Stretching & Mobility Exercises
The work that most tradies undertake is usually strenuous and therefore stretching before and after work can help decrease the chances of injury.
Some of the most common stretches and mobility exercises include:
(Standing/Seated Ver.1) Move the arm (side needed to be stretched) underneath your opposite armpit
Pull with your other hand from the elbow directly outwards
(Standing/Seated Ver.2) Move your arm over your head (scratch your back)
With the other arm pull your arm to the opposite side (holding just below the elbow)
Teres Minor/Major Stretch Variation 2
Cat-cow
Cat Cow Exercise
The exercise above is great for releasing tension within the upper and lower back. The main goal is to stretch and remobilise areas of restriction whilst also relaxing the body.
To perform this exercise:
Position yourself on all 4’s
The Goal is to arch your back hold the position up to 5 secs with a deep long breath in
Once completed bring your stomach towards the ground out of the arched position and slowly breath out
Recommended Tasks:
Repeat 10 – 15 times
Perform the exercise 3 times.
Rest for 15-30 seconds between exercises.
Complete this exercise twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Lumbopelvic Mobilization – Supine Knee to Chest
Procedure:
Lay on your back (both hips flexed, with feet under knees)
Gently bring one knee to your chest(using your arms for assistance)
Return to the start position and repeat on the other leg.
Knee to Chest Exercise Diagram
Upper Trap Stretch (Neck muscles) Procedure:
(Seated) Reach one hand down by your side to hold onto the edge of the chair (or sit on your hand).
With the other hand, pull your head forwards and across to the armpit – “ear to armpit”.
Trap stretch (Seated)
*Note: If you are suffering from severe neck pain, headaches or migraines and need more than just a good stretch our team of practitioners are always happy to help and bookings are available online 7 days a week!
Age-related, wear and tear on the spine known as disc degeneration.
Micro-trauma and repetitive stress to spinal joints.
Sudden trauma
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity and smoking
Difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc
A bulging disc involves the inside of the disc protruding whilst staying inside the borders before the outer layer. A herniated disc protrudes past the outer layer causing compression. Whilst most people suffering with these injuries have symptoms they may vary or even be absent depending on the degree of protrusion.
Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc
Neck disc herniations:
Sharp / shooting pain into the upper back, shoulder blades, arms, hands, and fingers
Numbness or tingling sensation into the upper back, shoulder blades, arms, hands, and fingers
Muscle weakness
Constant neck pain and discomfort
Lower back disc herniations:
Sharp / shooting pain into the lower back, buttock, or legs
Numbness or tingling sensation into the lower back, buttock, or legs
Muscles weakness
Constant lower back pain and discomfort
Loss of bowel and bladder control.
Things To Avoid With Disc Herniations
Running
Jumping
Heavy Lifting
Bending, Twisting or Turning
How can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractic care may help decrease the pain from discs that are herniated and may help to reduce the possibility of them happening in the first place. Some ways in which Chiropractors can help assist those suffering from disc injuries include:
If you are someone that is suffering from a disc herniation or bulging disc and doesn’t know where to start our team of practitioners are always happy to help you out!
This exercise is the most common type of exercise for both posture and upper back pain. This is because it is simplistic and is very easy to set yourself up in this position. It also exerts very little energy to complete and has amazing benefits such as decreasing muscle tension, increasing joint and ligament flexibility and relaxing the areas of concern.
To perform this exercise:
Put down a foam roller or rolled up towel on a flat surface.
Position yourself on your back in the middle of the pole
Your head should be on top like in the image above
Ensure your knees are bent for comfort
Try to get your low back as flat as possible to the pole
Position arms outwards in a position you feel the stretch most
Recommended Tasks:
Hold the position for atleast 2-5 minutes
Holding for more than 10 minutes can improve flexibility
Complete this stretch twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Cat-cow
Cat Cow Exercise
The exercise above is great for releasing tension within the upper and lower back. The main goal is to stretch and remobilise areas of restriction whilst also relaxing the body.
To perform this exercise:
Position yourself on all 4’s
The Goal is to arch your back hold the position up to 5 secs with a deep long breath in
Once completed bring your stomach towards the ground out of the arched position and slowly breath out
Recommended Tasks:
Repeat 10 – 15 times
Perform the exercise 3 times.
Rest for 15-30 seconds between exercises.
Complete this exercise twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Brugger’s relief position
Brugger Relief Position
This is a great exercise for desk workers as it helps to open up the shoulders and alleviate tension throughout the shoulders!
To perform this exercise:
Sitting on the edge of your chair
Bring your chest upwards toward the roof.
Pull your shoulder blades together.
Bring your arms out straight and ensure your hands are facig outwards like in the diagram above!
Recommended Tasks:
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Perform the stretch 3 times.
Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
Complete this stretch twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Cobra Pose
Cobra Pose
This exercise is going to help in several ways, including increasing the strength of your postural muscles, stretch the chest, shoulders and abdomen, decrease stress, help improve breathing and lastly, decrease tension in the mid and lower back.
To perform this exercise:
Prop Yourself using your elbows or arms depending on your capabilities.
Recommended Tasks:
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Perform the stretch 3 times.
Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
Complete this stretch twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Child pose with thoracic rotation
Child Pose with Roation
This exercise is great for increasing thoracic mobility while also strengthening the core muscles and simultaneously stretching the chest, shoulders, and thoracic back muscles.
To perform this exercise:
Thread your arm under your torso and out the other side.
Recommended Tasks:
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
Perform the stretch 3 times.
Rest for 15-30 seconds between stretches.
Complete this stretch twice per day. Special Instructions: • Take the muscle to a point of gentle and comfortable pulling • If you feel increasing tightness, discomfort or pain, ease off the stretch until you find a point your muscle can relax • Breathe normally throughout, focusing on relaxation
Still Worried and need more Help?
Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:
Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
Chiropractors are allied health professionals who place a large focus on helping people move, feel and function to their greatest potential. Chiropractors use a number of different techniques, such as Chiropractic Adjustments to help make changes to the musculoskeletal system.
People often come to see a Chiropractor for a number of different reasons. These reasons can include neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica and more! Chiropractic care may be able to help with these issues by restoring movement in the spine and helping to relieve tension. Some patients seek long term care from a Chiropractor as it may assist in preventing tension and stiffness building to a point that it affects function in everyday tasks.
When it comes to athletes, some athletes prefer to be adjusted by their Chiropractor prior to their competition or game so they are able to perform to their best ability. Adjustments allow full movement throughout the body by decreasing restriction through joints and muscles.
Some Common Areas In Which Chiropractors Can Help Assist!
Chiropractic care may be help athletes in the following ways:
Decreasing muscle tension
Increasing mobility and flexibility
Reduced inflammation
Decreasing pressure off muscles and joints
Increasing blood flow
Decreasing Stress
Increased Energy Levels
Increased range of motion and movement
Improving posture and creating a balance throughout the bodies sytem
Reduction of pain
If you are an athlete wanting a better idea of what we have to offer or help with performing to your best ability without the restriction of muscle and joint tension, consider contacting The Melbourne Chiropractor to get started on your healthcare journey.
Neck Pain is a common issue and can sometimes put us in a difficult position where we start to look at various methods for a quick fix! Many stress in their upper back and neck which is the usual cause of neck pain. When there is an area of weakness of underlying condition muscles tend to get injured as they try to engage to protect the area of complaint.
Muscles that commonly cause pain in the upper back and neck are the trapezius and sub occipital muscles that are found at the base of the skull. These muscles have the ability to bring on unwanted headaches and causes a total restriction in mobility.
How Can Pain In The Neck & Upper Back Be Treated?
Chiropractors have various ways of treating neck pain and this is great for dealing with different neck and upper back pains
CTS is a condition that causes pain, numbness and pins & needles of the hand. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway at the base of the hand which contains various bones, ligaments, nerves and tendons. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves that supplies the hand, the Median nerve, is compressed as it travels through this carpal tunnel
The compression of the median nerve occurs due to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel as a result of swelling. This swelling can be as a result of repeated hand and wrist movements, genetic factors, hand and wrist positioning, pregnancy and other health conditions such as diabetes and certain arthritis
Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling, particularly at the thumb, index middle and ring finger. The little finger generally is not affected. You may also experience weakened grip strength
Women between the ages of 40-60, pregnant individuals, those with arthritis’ and individuals who use their hands repeatedly are at most risk of developing CTS
CTS can generally be treated without the need of surgical intervention. Manual therapy and stretching routine has been proven effective in reducing the symptoms of CTS. If left untreated, permanent nerve damage can result
Median Nerve Stretch
Rib 1 Mobilisation
Grip Strength
Forearm Extensor Stretch
Resisted Finger Extension [Rubber band]
Please see a health professional before commencing these exercises
