Conditions Flashcards
OA Explanation
As part of normal life, Jts exposed to constant low level damage
A disease that causes P, swelling and stiffness in your joints
As protective cartilage at ends of your bones break down
It can affect all joints in the body
Stages of OA
Stage 1- may be chnages to cartilage, but no change in joint space- likely asymptomatic or mild P in joints
Stage 2- during this stage bony spurs and can become painful
Stage 3- cartilage begins to show signs of wea, Jt space narrows
Stage 4- cartilage much lower, and for some completely gone, Jt space much smaller
OA Prognosis
Although there is no cure, there are steps to take which will ease symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease
OA Referral
Usually not necessary, but can use X-rays and blood tests to rule out other possible causes of P
OA Progressing symptoms
If symptoms worsen beyond self-management get in touch
Same as if any post-treatment reaction occurs which is worrying to you
OA Treatment
Mobs- inc space in Jt to minimise effect
ST- inc blood flow, allow Jt to withstand changes
OA Themselves
For now, aim to maintain activity levels
Further down the line we will introduce specific strengthening and stretching to help limit discomfort
Strain
Injury to muscle or tendon
It essentially involves overstretching a muscle or tendon
Strain Grades
1- mild, tissue stretched
2- moderate, stretching and some tearing
3- severe, complete tearing of tissue
Strain Prognosis
Mild- return to normal activity within 3-6 weeks
More severe- several months
Prognosis is good if proper treatment is undertaken
Strain Referral
Currently no need for referral
If symptoms worsen we can consider referring to allow more specific treatment
Ultrasound
Strain Symptom change
Mild strains can be treated at home
Seek assistance if P becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling
Strain Treatment
ST- inc blood flow, reduce P, muscle spasm, muscle tension
Strain Themselves
Initially, rest, heat, ice, compression
Regular stretching and strengthening before activity
Sprains
Stretching or tearing of ligaments
Ligament= touch band of fibrous tissue which connects bone to bone
Sprain Prognosis
After 2/52, most sprains will feel better
Avoid strenuous activity for up to 8/52, as there is risk of further injury
Sprain Referral
Mild sprains can be treated at home
But injuries that cause sprains can also cause severe inuries, like fractures
Seek attention if- cant weight bear, P directly over Jt, numbness in any part of injured area
Xr- rule out fracture
MRI- to identify extent of injury
Sprain Trt
ST
Lymphatic drainage- help reduce swelling, encourage fluid to help cleanse the area and remove toxins
Sprain Symptom changes
Numbness, cant weight bear, P directly on bone
Sprain Themselves
Regular stretching and strengthening
Whilst new- rest, heat, compression
Tendinopathy
Broad term for conditions of the tendon that cause swelling and pain
Tendons are rope-like tissues that connect muscles to bone
Tendinopathy often develop as an overuse injury
Tendinopathy Prognosis
Although tendinopathy can become chronic, your symptoms will likely improve with rest and physical therapy
Tendinopathy Referral
Likely to be fully identified through reported symptom and physical exam
More info can be provided through an ultrasound or an MRI to identify health of tendon
Tendinopathy Worsening symptoms
Burning in the area, difficulty moving Jt, inc swelling
Contact me
Tendinopathy Trt
ST- relax surrounding muscles, which attach through tendon
Mobs
MET- lengthen muscle, reduce pressure and P
Tendinopathy Themselves
Stretching
Rest
Heat
Down line- strengthening exercises prescribed by me to reduce chance of re-injury
Non specific
The experience of P which cannot be explained by a certain tissue or underlying problem
Non specific Prognosis
Depends on the satge-
Acute- with treatment it can be well managed
Chronic- may take some time, but it will be accompanied with different strategies such as stretching and strengthening at home
Non specific Referral
Shooting P, numbness, intolerance to P
Depending on where but if CES
If you want more clarification on whats going on:
Xr
MRI
Non specific Symptom changes
Trt reaction, or new symptoms- contact
Non specific Trt
Harmonics
HVT
ST
Mob
Tailor to suit what warrants best reaction
Non specific Themselves
Try and consider if there are any activities which provoke P- e.g., posture, or something in gym
Capsulitis
A capsule is a piece of tissue that is attached to a bone and forms a sleeve around a joint
Stabilises Jt, distributes load from ground and protects Jt by limiting normal ROM
Capsulitis= inflammation, which likely causes P
Capsulitis Prognosis
With proper treatment and rest, it can heal within 6/52- 3/12
Capsulitis Referral
Likely identified through case history and assessment however an Xr can be used to make sure the symptoms arent coming from another problem
Or MRI for other possibilities (e.g., ad cap vs rotator cuff tear)
Labrum
Rim of soft tissue of cartilage which surrounds a Jt known as a ball and socket Jt
It makes it more stable and gives support to hold bones in their proper places
The ligaments that help hold the Jt together attach to the labrum
Labral tear Prognosis
Depends on location, severity and type of treatment
Labral lesion Referral
If symptoms do not improve/worsen unexpectedly can have MRI or CT scan
Can help identify the level of the lesion and consideration of further treatment such as surgical repair
Labral lesion Worsening symptoms
Loss of ROM, strength, popping/catching, instability, intolerable P
Contact me
Labral lesion Trt
Mob- traction, open space- gives relief
If too painful- work around structures,. e.g., if in hip- treat Lsp
Labral lesion Themselves
Rest
Ice if very painful
Can use heat and ice simultaneously
Cervicogenic H/A
Commonly caused by tension in the muscles in your neck as they wrap over your head
This causes tension and H/A symptoms
Cervicogenic H/A Prognosis
With correct manual therapy 6/52
Can reoccur, but once given exercises and other management they should become less taxing
Cervicogenic H/A Referral
Sudden new onset, worsening pattern, fever, neck stiffness, skin rash, aura, triggered by cough
Refer to GP where they will ask a few more questions, if concerned arrange a brain scan with a specilist to rule out why the symptoms are happening
Cervicogenic H/A Trt
Soft tissue to release tension
Mobilisation
Manipulation
Strengthening- including deep flexors
Look further down- e.g., into Two
Cervicogenic H/A Themselves
If working from desk- take active breaks, regular stretching
Bursitis
Painful condition that affects small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa
They act to cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near the Jts
Occurs when bursa becomes inflamed
Bursitis Prognosis
Usually goes away after a few weeks
Bursitis Referral
Can be diagnosed based on medical Hx and physical exam
If symptoms worsen or you would like further clarification Xr can be used to positively establish diagnosis
Can undergo blood test to analyse fluid from inflamed bursa to pinpoint cause of inflammation
Bursitis Trt
Stretching
Strengthening- helps prevent reoccurrence
Bursitis Themselves
Rest and dont overuse
Apply ice to reduce swelling
Heat
Use cushioning to support area
Herniated disc
Refers to a problem with the rubbery cushions, called discs, between the bones that stack to make the spine, these bones are called vertebra
Spinal discs have a soft, jellylike centre called the nucelus, the nucelus is encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior called the annulus
Herniation occurs when some of the nucelus pushes through a tear in the annulus
Herniated Prognosis
Many people have no symptoms with a herniated disc
For people with symptoms, they tend to improve over time
Around 8/52
Herniation Referral
Usually no need, however if serious symptoms persist for longer than 4/52 it may be useful to have certain imaging, like an MRI, to see the extent of injury and help adapt treatment
Herniation Symptom changes
CES if in LB
Persistent numbness, weakness, clumsiness
Especially after 4-6/52
Herniation Trt
Gentle treatment to start including ST (relax muscles), traction, gapping techniques to relieve pressure on nerve
Exercises down line for prevention
Herniation Self help
Keep drinking lots of water- disc made up of water so important to help replenish
Avoid sitting for too long, if job requires then try taking active breaks
Heat to help inc BF
Spondylosis
General term for age-related wear and tear affecting the discs in your spine
As the discs dehydrate and shrink over time, osteoarthritic changes occur
For most people spondylosis causes no symptoms, when symptoms do occur there are plenty of treatment options which are effective
Spondylosis Prognosis
This is a progressive condition, despite this many people are able to improve or manage the condition through various treatments
Spondylosis Referral
Imaging can provide detailed info to guide diagnosis and treatment
Xr- shows changes to spine
MRI- if suffering with neuro symptoms, can help pinpoint location
If you feel content with the treatment we can provide there is currently no need to have these images
Spondylosis Worsening symptoms
CES
Trouble coordinating, balance changes
Changes to symptoms- e.g., numbness, tingling
Spondylosis Trt
ST
Mobilisation
Traction
Spondylosis Self help
Heat
Ice if P
Remain active where you can
If in neck- consider changing pillows to more supportive ones
Spondylolithesis
Your spine is made from a stack of bones called vertebra
Spondlylolithesis is where one of these vertebra, move forward
It can be painful, but there are treatments to help
Spondylosis Prognosis
Low grade dont require surgery, and can be well managed with certain lifestyle changes and treatment
Spondylosis Referral/worsening symptoms
If LBP does not go away after 3-4 weeks
P in thighs or bum that doesnt go away after 3-4 weeks
Challenging to stand up straight or walk
Worried about P or struggling to cope
Contact a healthcare professional
May arrange an Xr, or MRI if experiencing P, numbness or weakness down legs
Spondylolithesis Trt
Will have the aim of improving muscle balance rather than muscle strength alone
This will be through ST, stretching
Strengthening- focus on core (as they help stabilise the back), hamstrings (as they often become tight)
Spondylolithesis Self help
Keep low back supported by using pillow or sitting with back against chair
Try sit with feet flat on ground, not with legs crossed
Avoid activities which worsen symptoms
RA
Long term autoimmune condition, meaning your immune system (which usually fights off infection) attacks cells that line the Jts by mistake
Causing P, swelling and stiffness in Jts
Usually affects hands, feet and wrists
Possible to have flare ups
RA Prognosis
No cure, however early diagnosis and appropirate treatment enables Pts with the condition to have periods of months or even years without flare ups
Allowing the continuation of normal daily life
RA Worsening symptoms
Can lead to other conditions so if you notice any change in symptoms such as tingling in the palm and fingers, chest P, change in vision, speech or gait contact us
Complications- CTS, heart attack, stroke
RA Referral
Get you in touch with GP, they will likely set up blood tests to confirm diagnosis
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, full blood count
RA Trt
Likely be given medication from your GP
In terms of what we can do
