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Concussions Concussions are medical events that affect the brain. In a concussion an impact to the head from an outside force or abrupt displacement of the head forward and backward causes the brain to move rapidly, backward and forward and even twisting, within the skull. The tissue of the brain is a delicate three-dimensional arrangement of cells, nerve fibers, blood vessels and connective tissue, constructed in a way that supports the complexity and intensity of human thought and voluntary action while controlling the processes that keep the human body alive. Despite this, it is soft, fluid-rich tissue with a density and texture comparable to that of seared beef fat, and traumatic force can upset the arrangement of fibers inside the brain, producing symptoms as mild as a passing headache and dizziness, to fatigue and nausea, to persistent cognitive fatigue or even a brain bleed. Concussions typically occur within the context of contact or combat sports. Boxers, Mixed Martial Artists, American Football, Australian Rules and Rugby players are all at increased risk of experiencing blows directly to the head or blows to the body that have the potential to cause a concussion. For this reason, the rapid back and forth displacement of the head that is experienced in a car accident can produce concussion symptoms as well as whiplash in the neck. Similarly, blows to the head do not need to be sustained in violent or sporting contexts. Knocking the head into low objects like doorframes or lintels or standing up into a shelf or cupboard can expose the brain tissue to enough force to cause rapid displacement. Concussions present differently for different people, with a great variation in symptoms. Clinical, neurological, behavioural, and cognitive changes can arise as early as immediately following the injury, or hours or days after the event. Given the breadth of symptoms and sequelae that can arise, diagnosis of concussion is never undertaken in isolation by one profession or on the basis of a single assessment. Concussion diagnosis includes assessment of cognitive function, physical function like balance, sensory organisation, and may require or involve imaging. Physiotherapists may only be minimally involved in the screening process as part of the diagnosis, and may only be peripherally involved in initial management. However, given that concussions have the potential to affect a person's ability to engage with recreational activities like sport, and necessary activities of daily living, physiotherapy has a role to play in management and rehabilitation of concussion presentations. Physiotherapy management of concussion involves preventative and rehabilitative elements. In the immediate period, triaging and assessment of the injured individual is essential to detect and control the risk of adverse outcomes. This can be done either in the clinic or on the sportsfield by a therapist that has completed further education in onsite concussion assessment and risk management. Following stabilisation of symptoms, strengthening the neck and the shoulders generally improves the ability of the body to sustain impacts to that region and in turn to protect the brain. This is undertaken in combination with whiplash and neck rehabilitation generally to best prepare the athlete for return to sport, which will be undertaken under the supervision of a physiotherapist and a medical practitioner as needed. If symptoms arising from a concussion persist beyond the expected timeframe of resolution, the presentation may be marked by headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, memory and cognitive impairment or changed function, insomnia, and depression and others in isolation or in combination. These persistent and emerging symptoms require specific monitoring as well as specific treatment by Allied Health and other medical professionals. Because concussions present differently for different people and with a great variation in symptoms, effective management of concussion symptoms and injuries requires ongoing monitoring and review, as well as proactive communication between the patient and their managing team. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Muscle Injury Muscular Injuries refer to Muscle Sprains and Strains in the human body. Sprains and Strains can be simple and resolve in a short period of time, though the more severe the injury, the more painful it may be. Muscular Sprains and Strains can be localised to different muscles depending on the nature of the injury. Additionally, muscular injuries may present with a consistent pattern of aggravation and ease. Simple muscle injuries can resolve in a matter of days or weeks, while complex or severe injuries may take additional time to resolve. Exceptionally severe injuries may require surgical treatment to stabilise the muscle. Muscle Sprains and Strains can be caused by a number of factors, given the complex anatomy of the muscles of the human body as well as their spatial and functional relationship with ligaments, nerves, bones, and other muscles. Because of this, muscular pain can be referred to as a bio-mechanical problem. Pain can arise due to damage to the muscle belly, the tendons and ligaments supporting the muscle, or due to neurological causes to name a few. Diagnosis of muscular pain will also be affected by the length of time the pain has been experienced. Muscular pain can be further complicated by physical factors like weakness or stiffness, practical factors like your work environment, and fear surrounding treatment and progression of the pain. Management of Muscle Injuries depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Muscle Injuries, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Sacroiliac Pain Sacroiliac Joint Pain refers to pain and discomfort felt within or around the Sacroiliac Joint of the pelvis, where the bones of the lower back meet the bones of the pelvis. Sacroiliac Joint Pain is a common problem, and has the potential to affect one in five people over the course of their lifetimes. The Sacroiliac Joint transfers the weight of the torso and the lower back into the bones of the pelvis. The joint is reinforced with strong ligaments and overlaid with a muscular mesh that keeps the joint strong and stable. Because of the nature of the joint, Sacroiliac Pain can be felt in a broad band across the tops of the hips, as well as in the lower back or even in the legs. Sacroiliac Pain is most commonly experienced in prolonged sitting, and may become worse when bending forward. For this reason, both technical and manual professionals are at a risk of experiencing this discomfort, and this risk is increased again if a person has recently experienced pain, discomfort, or injury of the lower back, the hips, the hamstrings, or the knees. Sacroiliac Joint irritation can also result in referred symptoms being felt in one or both of the legs due to the irritation of the nerves that pass through this region, as well as pain when performing otherwise unremarkable activities such as sitting down or rolling in bed. Management of Sacroiliac Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Physiotherapy for NDIS participants Physiotherapists are uniquely advantaged to deliver NDIS funded therapy to participants because of the breadth of practice possible within Physiotherapy and in Allied Health generally. Physiotherapists and other Allied Health clinicians can add value to NDIS plans across multiple support categories, from providing the same hands-on input you might receive in a private clinic to support Improved Health and Wellbeing through a structured exercise and rehabilitation program or through therapist-led manual therapy, to supporting Increased Social and Community Participation with community mobility and safety plans, and more. Physiotherapists have broad skill bases, and often work directly or in consultation with other Allied Health providers like Occupational Therapists to ensure that participants are achieving their best outcomes. Beyond providing therapy directly, physiotherapists are also able to provide reporting, evidence, and undertake assessments to assist participants across their access and planning journey. This sometimes means writing and submitting reports to participant advocates or the NDIA directly as part of assessment or advocacy. Sometimes it means being present during meetings or discussions, and sometimes it just means having a phone number to call in case you or someone else might have questions. It's important to remember that physiotherapy has the potential to add value and contribute to your goals outside of the clinic as well as inside. Sessions can be provided at your home or in an assisted living facility. Exercises can be done with or without equipment, and physiotherapists are able to request purchases of consumables and therapy aids within the context of achieving a goal. Most importantly, physiotherapists are goal-oriented health professionals, just like everyone else in Allied Health. This is important because NDIS funding is there to help you support your goals and the things you want to achieve. Physiotherapists know how to take a big goal that might mean a lot to you, and break it down into achievable components. Physiotherapists know what they can do, what they can't do, and who might be able to help in the event that a little more support is needed to deal with a problem or to negotiate a barrier. Physiotherapists are team-players, and they know how to liaise with plan managers, reviewers, other clinicians, and of course you as the participant. Physiotherapists know to put the participant front and center in the process, and never make a decision without considering the immediate and consequent impact of that choice on the plan or the person at its core. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to help NDIS participants make the most of their resources and time, and to help them achieve their plans. Through therapy, assessment, reporting and review, physiotherapy services can assist participants to achieve their aims and goals in a timely, sustainable, and effective manner. There are many physiotherapists practising in many different professional contexts, so no matter the problem, there will be someone to whom you can speak, and a path of inquiry you can pursue. It's important to remember that not all physiotherapists may have the training to address the needs imposed by your specific situation, be that a disability, a social context, or even a goal you want to achieve, but by reaching out you start the process to find the person who can help you the best.

Jaw Pain Jaw Pain is a general term that refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in the Jaw. Jaw Pain is a common problem that people experience, and may affect three in five people over the course of their lives. Jaw Pain is felt in one or both sides of the jaw, though you may feel the pain in areas of your face, the head, and in your neck if there is inflammation which irritates the nerves. Because of the number of nerves that pass over and around the jaw, pain may be felt in the head, eyes, neck, lips, and within the teeth. Jaw Pain may last from weeks to months depending on the nature of the pain, the cause, the progression, and the speed with which treatment is sought. Jaw Pain is caused by irritation of the Jaw Joint, also called the Temporomandibular Joint. The specific cause of the pain depends on many factors like the age of the person experiencing the pain, their occupation, whether the pain was caused by an accident or started rapidly, as well as other variables. Jaw Pain can come about due to grinding of the teeth (also called Bruxism,) following dental surgery, following infection or illness, and following trauma. Jaw Pain can also be caused by stress. Psychological stress can result in physical behaviours like grinding the teeth during waking or sleeping hours, and clicking or locking of the Jaw Joint. Stress can also have an adverse effect on pain, as well as affecting the effectiveness of treatment performed in clinic. With this in mind, if stress is suspected to be a contributing factor to your Jaw Pain, appropriate referral will be discussed. Jaw Pain may be experienced as a constant pain on one or both sides of the Jaw. Additionally, Jaw Pain may be accompanied by clicking, grinding, and locking of the jaw joint if there is weardown of or damage to the internal strutures or capsule of the jaw joint. Jaw Pain commonly presents with a headache as well as neck pain. During your assessment, you will be asked whether or not you experience headaches, and if so, the frequency and nature of your discomfort. You will also be assessed for evidence of grinding of your teeth, and if so, if you have sought input from a dentist. Management of Jaw Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Jaw Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Hip Pain Hip Pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort felt in either one or both of the hips. The assessment and management of Hip Pain is sometimes complicated, because of the number of structures that comprise the hip and the manner in which they all interact. One third of men and one quarter of women are likely to experience Hip Pain over their lives, with people working in manual jobs more at risk than others. ​ Hip Pain may be felt in the back, the buttock, the top of the hip, the side or middle of the thigh, and within the hip joint itself. Because of the nerves that travel through the hip to reach the leg and the foot, Hip Pain may be felt elsewhere in the body. ​ Hip Pain is caused by irritation, inflammation or wear-down of structures that make up the hip. Typical causes of Hip Pain are traumatic injuries, hip joint degeneration, muscle tightness, inflammation of a muscle belly or tendon, and arthritis in older individuals. The specific cause of Hip Pain depends on assessing the interplay between structures, movements, painful positions, and activities that cause pain. Hip Pain can arise due to muscular, bony, joint, ligamentous, or neurological causes. ​ Management and assessment of Hip Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Hip Pain, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition in which the mass and strength of the bones in the human body is decreased, either due to disease, dietary deficiency, lack of activity, or some other cause. The bones of the human body are continuously remodelled, built up and decomposed over the course of our lifetimes. From our pre-natal infancy to the day we die, our bones are constantly changing. Bones grow longer during adolescence and puberty, are built up with excess minerals that are taken in during diet, are reinforced in response to the rigour of physical work and exercise, and are deconstructed in times of sickness, poor health, and ageing. Over the course of our lifetimes, the physical demands that are imposed on our bodies in order to live in the world are reflected in our bones, such that the skeletons of ancient men and women can be examined to tell the stories of their lives and their history. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate at which bones are broken down exceeds the rate at which bones are built up. Bone buildup is driven by external forces which stimulate the activity of bone-fortifying cells, growth due to adolescence and puberty, as well as the effect of hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. Bone breakdown is a normal process that is a part of bone health; bones that are only built up but never broken down can become hyperdense, which can cause issues. However, when the rate of bone breakdown exceeds the rate of bone buildup, and this is maintained over a period of time, the loss of bone mass can increase the risk of fracture, infection, and pain. Ongoing bone breakdown has the same effect as degrading the foundations of a building - the building is still occupied but less stable, and poses a risk to the people inside. Bone breakdown can be accelerated by many different factors, which can be due to lifestyle-related, ageing-related, and disease-related factors. The most typical lifestyle-related driver of increased bone breakdown is decreased physical activity. Decreased physical activity results in decreased physical force on the bones and joints, which deprives bone-building cells of stimulation and diminishes their activity. Other lifestyle factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis are inadequate amounts of dietary minerals like calcium and phosphates, increased alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking. Age-related and disease-related factors include long-term use of corticosteroid medication, thyroid disease, Crohn's disease, and problems with vitamin D metabolism, all of which impact the health of bones and joints and increase the risk of fracture or other injury. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture of bones in the body, and these fractures can be life-threatening depending on the bone that has been broken and the impact that the break has on a person's ability to care for themselves. A fracture of the dominant arm can diminish a person's ability to feed, dress, wash and care for themselves. A fracture of the long bone of the thigh usually requires surgical intervention and in-center rehab. A fracture of the spine in the ribcage, neck, or lower back can be catastrophic in the immediate period, and ongoing over extended periods of time due to structural changes that impact how the muscles and limbs move. In the community and in private clinics, osteoporosis is managed through a combination of structured exercise, advice regarding activity modification, and education regarding lifestyle choices. Osteoporosis is rarely due to a single cause, so treatment of the disease is also management of the individual. Comprehensive management will examine all the likely contributing factors that have resulted in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, and work to address them all individually. This is why other professionals like a dietitian, doctor, personal trainer or exercise physiologist may be involved in ongoing management. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Ligament Injuries Ligament injuries refer to sprains and partial or complete tears of ligaments. Ligaments are bands of connective tissues that join two bones, often over a joint. People who are active participants in sports are more likely to experience ligament injuries in their lives, but otherwise normally active people have the potential to experience these injuries as well. Ligament injuries are commonly felt as sharp pain which may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness that takes time to subside. The pattern of pain and its resolution depends on the nature of the injury to the ligament, as well as the joint over which the ligament is passing. Most of the joints in the human body are supported by ligaments, which act as scaffolding and rigging to maintain stability and optimal movement. Ligament Injuries are organised by grade of severity. Grade one Ligament Injuries are the least severe, and refer to strains or minor tears of the ligament. Such injuries will be accompanied by a sharp pain which may resolve into a dull, persistent ache that may resolve quickly or slowly, depending on the nature of the injury. Grade one Ligament Injuries generally resolve themselves, though monitoring is needed to ensure they do not worsen. Grade two Ligament Injuries refer to partial tears of the ligament. In this case, the bundles of connective tissue that compose the ligament become separated, and this is accompanied by pain, swelling, tenderness, and aggravation of pain when the joint becomes unstable. Typically, these Ligament Injuries are managed conservatively through pain and symptom relief followed by a strengthening and balance program, combined with monitoring to minimise the likelihood of complications. Grade three Ligament Injuries refer to almost total or total separation of the ligament fibers. This is the most severe injury that a ligament may experience, and as a consequence they need to be managed appropriately. Depending on the demands of your life and your desired return to activity, surgical repair of the ligament may be necessary, followed by active rehabilitation that takes place in and out of the clinic. Management of Ligament Injuries depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing the pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step towards minimising and managing any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your Ligament Injury, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future.

Rotator Cuff Pain Rotator Cuff Pain and Rotator Cuff Injuries are the result of discomfort or trauma felt within the muscles that make up the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Rotator Cuff Pain can be felt as pain in the front or back of the affected shoulder, as well as down the arm and in the neck, in some cases. This is because the muscles that control the movement of the shoulder and the position of the shoulderblade all occupy a small area within the shoulder joint, and work very closely together. The muscles of the Rotator Cuff are found on the side and back of the shoulder, but many muscles support the stability and function of the shoulder joint, and all can be implicated or affected in rotator cuff pain. Rotator Cuff Pain is most commonly caused by over-use of the shoulder, by injury, or by age-related changes to the joints of the shoulder, neck and collarbone. The shoulder joint consists of numerous muscles all working together to articulate the shoulderblade and stabilise the arm so that we can complete tasks requiring dexterity, finesse, and power. We write, work, exercise and play with our arms and our hands because they are designed to produce a nearly infinite combination of movements to help us interact with the world. During the course of this interaction, we may over-exert ourselves and cause ourselves injury, or we may cause irritation of the muscles, joints, and ligaments within the rotator cuff as a result of our doing the same movements over and over again without taking time to relax and soothe those working parts. Rotator Cuff Pain can be localised to different parts of the shoulder, the upper arm, the chest, and can also be distinguished by how long the pain has been present as well as if the neck is affected. An episode of Rotator Cuff Pain that lasts for less than six weeks is called Acute Pain. Pain that lasts longer than six weeks but less than twelve is called Sub-Acute Pain, and pain that lasts longer than twelve weeks is called Chronic Pain. Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries is a process that involves addressing physical, occupational, personal, and lifestyle risk factors to minimise pain and maximise function. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries is sometimes tricky because we need to use our hands and arms to live our lives comfortably. This is especially important when our dominant arm becomes injured. Managing the Rotator Cuff is done by balancing rehabilitation and repair while still continuing to use our hands to work and life. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in and out of the clinic. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.

Postural Pain During the course of our lives, we use our bodies to interact with the world around us. Whether we're shopping for groceries, sitting at our desks in front of our laptops and screens, doing yard work, or even playing games with our loved ones, all of these activities require us to use our bodies in different physical postures. A posture refers to the position in which the body is held while completing a specific activity. Naturally, because there is an infinite number of activities that we can engage in, there are infinite different postures that our bodies can assume, either voluntarily or involuntarily. These postures can be static; held in position for long periods of time like an office-worker sitting at their desk, or they can be dynamic; as in the case of a motor mechanic tightening screws or a woodworker who would need to stand, sit, lie, and kneel to get the best angle on their project. Because of the number of postures we need to assume, their varied and often awkward nature, and the time we need to maintain them, postural pain is very common. Postural pain is not limited to a specific occupation, a specific level of engagement, or a specific group of people by gender or age. Anyone who has felt stiff after a long-haul flight or felt a pain in their neck after watching a movie has experienced postural pain. People experience postural pain in different places depending on the nature of the activity: pain can be felt in the neck, in the shoulders, the back, the hands, the hips and in the knees. The pain can be sharp and aggravated by specific movements, or dull and persistent without becoming particularly severe. Regardless of the behaviour of the pain, postural pain is largely the result of muscular strain and tension that has accumulated over a short or long period of time, which then combine with a person's unique anatomy and physiology to produce discomfort. That means that every incidence of postural pain is different, and arises from a unique combination of anatomical, occupational, personal and environmental factors. With this in mind, how do you deal with postural pain? If we use our bodies to interact with the environment, and that environment produces strain, and that strain can eventually become so severe as to produce pain, how do we begin to address the issue? A physiotherapy-driven approach to addressing postural pain looks at all of these factors. Through physiotherapy, the first approach is to improve the strength and endurance of the muscles responsible for maintaining posture. This can be done generally through global strength and conditioning, or with work that specifically targets muscle groups relevant to a particular activity like lifting or rotating. The second appropach is to examine the environment in which the work is taking place, and to rearrange either the environment or the worker within it to minimise the accumulating stress over time, and thus minimise the risk of a flare-up. Lastly, postural pain that is already present can be managed in clinic using a targeted approach that minimises the present discomfort and then addresses the underlying contributing factors discussed earlier. A truly comprehensive approach will address postural discomfort by employing elements of all three approaches. Management of your discomfort depends on its causative factors, how it feels and changes during the day, what makes it better and worse, and the length of time you have been experiencing that pain. All of these factors will be addressed in your initial assessment, which is the first step toward managing and minimising any pain or discomfort. The treatment you receive will be tailored to address the specific cause of your discomfort, and will focus on minimising pain, maximising your ability to move pain-free, and developing a plan to minimise the risk of a flare-up in the future. At Atlas Physio, we will provide you with education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your pain both in-clinic and out. Contact us to arrange an assessment, and to take the first step on a course of corrective care today.