Archive for April, 2008

If you are looking for a fast appointment to see a physiotherapist in Solihull, Shirley, Hall Green or Birmingham then going private has to be the answer. Long waiting times on NHS waiting lists are a problem for many patients who need physiotherapy.

Early intervention post surgery is essential if you are to recover fully from the effects of surgery and fractures followed by long periods of immobilisation will require customised rehabilitation by a physiotherapist.

Solihull Back Pain Clinic located at the Robin Hood Island in Hall Green Birmingham has same day appointment slots allocated for new patients who need to see a physiotherapist for physiotherapy. A doctor’s referral is not necessary unless you wish to claim on your private health insurance. Should this be the case most GP’s will refer you for private physiotherapy if you ask them.

Solihull Back Pain Clinic has 3 physiotherapists available and offers state registered physiotherapists which are now regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and a Chartered Physiotherapist also regulated by the HPC. Solihull Back Pain Clinic are providers for all major private health insurance companies including BUPA and AXA.

Back Pain, slipped discs, sciatica, trapped nerves, stiff neck, pelvic inbalances and muscle injuries can all be treated as well as knee injuries, knee pain, shoulder injuries and shoulder pain. Post operative rehabilitation and electrotherapy along with exercise prescription to strengthen the muscles and stabilise the joints will help get you back to fitness again. Proprioceptive training and core stability work will help avoid future episodes of injury.

For a fast physiotherapy appointment with your Solihull Physiotherapist call 0121 745 8792 or visit the website www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk for testimonials.

Tamworth Staffordshire Back Pain Relief Centre offer Free Advice

How often do you get something for nothing, there must be a catch? Not in this case, it’s just the Staffordshire Pain Relief Centre offering Free Advice on Pain Relief. It may be back pain, backache, trapped nerves, sciatica, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, heel pain or bulging discs and free advice is on offer either via email or via a free consultation where you can see a Physiotherapist, Osteopath (alternative to chiropractor) acupuncturist or podiatrist/chiropodist.

Atlas Pain Relief Centre in Tamworth Staffordshire is close to Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield Birmingham and can provide alternative and complimentary treatments as well as a mainstream approach to pain relief.

The Pain Relief Clinic is a provider for all major private medical insurance companies and has easy parking for customers. Healthcare first is the company motto and the quote from Clinic Director John Williams of “Excellence is standard practice at Atlas” is a reason why they are proud winners of a customer service award.

If you need advice on back pain or joint pain then contact Atlas who will be only too pleased to help you. Most of their business is from word of mouth referrals and as an alternative to chiropractors and the chiropractic approach to back pain, the pain relief clinic offers electrotherapy, osteopathy, physiotherapy and massage. Manipulation of the spine can be provided if it is necessary which is painless and effective.

testimonials can be viewed by visiting the Tamworth website www.atlaspainrelief.com

Tamworth Physiotherapists John Williams, Peter Taylor and Richard Mason have elected to work from Atlas Pain Relief Centre in Tamworth Staffordshire. All registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) the three physiotherapists are all experienced in treating back pain and sports injuries.

Tamworth physiotherapist Richard Mason is a keen elite distance runner who finished the London Marathon in just over 2hours 20 mins. Tamworth chartered physiotherapist Richard wanted to join the Staffordshire “A” Team in treating musculo-skeletal injuries and help patients with pain relief treatments.

Tamworth physiotherapist Peter Taylor is also a keen elite runner winning the Burton half marathon in 1hour 10mins. Tamworth physio Peter is also a registered Podiatrist fitting custom prescription orthotics for overpronators at the Tamworth running injury clinic in Lower Gungate Tamworth.

Tamworth physiotherapist John Williams is the clinic director of Atlas Pain Relief Centre and is also a keen sportsman. Running 2 full marathons and 2 half marathons John has competed at National level in Karate, played as a guest player for Tamworth works team Reliant FC and provided physiotherapy cover for Paul Hendrie and the Tamworth FC soccer team.

Atlas Pain Relief Centre is a Staffordshire multi-disciplinary pain relief clinic providing Physiotherapist treatments, Osteopaths, Acupuncture, Podiatry/Chiropody and Sports Massage. The team of practitioners are all hand picked for their expertise and customer care skills.

Physiotherapy is a trusted method of treatment from well trained practitioners. Hands on treatments and electrotherapy are available alongside customised rehabilitation exercise regimes.

Same day appointments without a GP referral can be arranged by telephoning 01827 59943 and testimonials from delighted customers can be viewed by visiting www.atlaspainrelief.com

Solihull Back Pain Clinic Osteopath offers Free Consultations in an attempt to help the Solihull Birmingham public.

Visit the website www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk for free advice and tips on pain relief.

If you are on long term drug medication for symptoms of pain then perhaps you have an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Reaching for the pain killing drugs to help you through the day may not be the answer.

Pain is a red traffic light, it is a warning that all is not well and if ignored may lead to something more serious. Pain killing drugs will only mask the symptoms and will not address the cause. For effective treatment of your pain you must first discover the tissue causing symptoms, in other words “what part of you is hurting”

Osteopaths ,Chiropractors, Acupuncturists and Physiotherapists all work within the world of pain relief. Each profession will offer a different approach to drug therapy.
For those who have not tried Osteopathy which is generally a painless experience but very effective nevertheless, then maybe its time to try it. Consultations are free in Solihull Birmingham so give the Solihull Back Pain Clinic a call.

An accurate diagnosis is vital if you wish to go some way to resolve your problem.
Osteopath John Williams of Solihull Back Pain Clinic is offering the West Midlands public the opportunity of pain relief advice and a Free Consultation at their Hall Green Birmingham and Tamworth Staffordshire clinics. Please call the clinics and request your free consultation 01827 59943

Back Pain Tips and Free Advice from Birmingham Solihull Back Pain Clinic

Solihull Back Pain Clinic in Hall Green Birmingham is offering Free Consultations for Solihull Birmingham back pain sufferers. Free advice and tips are available on your back pain or backache if you email the clinic or visit the website

www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk

Staffed by experienced Osteopaths and Physiotherapists they have a wealth of experience in treating back pain. Osteopaths can offer alternative treatments to Chiropractors and Chiropractic for your back pain and provide spinal manipulations should they be required. Osteopathy is now recognised as an effective treatment in prevention and the effects of back pain and low back pain.

Associated symptoms of back pain such as slipped discs, bulging discs, herniated discs, trapped nerves, sciatica and muscle spasm can all be treated by an osteopath.

Back pain symptoms may be eased by using ice over the painful area. Using an icepack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp thin towel will have 2 major beneficial effects. Firstly ice in an analgesic (pain killer) and secondly ice will cool the area and draw out inflammation and heat if present.

Science dictates that hot will always travel to cold so if you have heat and inflammation in your low back and you apply a cold substance over the area then the heat will travel into the cold substance thus reducing the temperature and give some element of pain relief. Add to this that cold causes vasoconstriction, which is a narrowing of capillaries and blood vessels, and you reduce the flow of inflammatory substances to the injury site.

As a pain killer ice is a natural material and if used correctly can block pain signals to the brain. Temperature sensors in the body transfer information to the brain quicker than that of pain information so if you place ice or heat over an area of pain you will feel better for a while. An example of using heat would be a woman with period pains in her tummy using a hot water bottle to ease the pain. So if heat works why use ice?

Heat creates vasodilation which allows more blood to travel to the area. If your body is suffering the effects of an inflammatory response, then this will travel via the blood stream in increased amounts. Cold on the other hand will have the reverse effect.

Both hot and cold will generally help to ease pain but once the temperature is removed the effects of the temperature will begin to show. Heat may increase symptoms of inflammation (you wouldn’t run a burnt finger under hot water would you?) and cold will reduce heat and inflammation.

If in doubt use cold!

Solihull Physiotherapist and Solihull Osteopath John Williams of Solihull Back Pain Clinic in Birmingham

www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk

is always being asked what is the difference between the work of the Osteopath and the Chiropractor. Most patients know the role of the Physiotherapist but it seems unclear of the differences between Chiropractors and Osteopaths.

Is there any official statements or descriptive text regarding the differences between the two professions. It is suggested that Chiropractors are a spin off from Osteopaths in the past and that Andrew Taylor Still, the original osteopath had followers who took his teachings to America and thus Chiropractic was born.

If this is the case then Osteopaths and Chiropractors are related and although they treat the same patients both professions prefer their own individual identity.

If asking a chiropractor the differences between osteopaths and chiropractors would we get a different answer or interpretation than that of asking the osteopath the same question?

If you seem confused, how about asking what is the difference between chiropractors and McTimony chiropractors as they seem to be somewhat different. Can anyone clear up the mystery and offer a plausible definition.

As Chiropractors have awarded themselves the title of “Doctor” does this mean that this is a voluntary title to be used if the individual wishes or is it compulsory.

Do Mctimoney Chiropractors use the title “Doctor” as well?

Dentists certainly seem to be using this title now which offers even more confusion to the public. Will the real Doctors please stand up and be recognised!

Solihull Birmingham Osteopath and Physiotherapist looks at back pain and backache and why so many people suffer from back pain symptoms. John Williams is clinic director of the Solihull Back Pain Clinic in Hall Green, Robin Hood Island, Birmingham. The Back Pain clinic caters for many Birmingham and Solihull back pain sufferers and offers Osteopaths (alternative to Chiropractors) physiotherapists, acupuncture and podiatry.

www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk.

At some time in your life you are likely to suffer from back pain or backache. Many days are lost from work because of low back pain. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and in some cases cause severe disability. Many causes are put forward in an attempt to solve this growing problem however there are many factors that we need to consider when looking at back pain.

There are the cases of lifting heavy objects with poor technique which can put extra pressure on the low lumbar discs and in some cases produce a disc prolapse or herniation. Sciatica may then result if the disc material compresses the adjacent nerve root.

Backache with no obvious cause is far more common. Poor posture is often given as the cause but what exactly is poor posture? As we are all individual shapes and sizes, it is likely that many of us will be considered to have poor posture, which is someone’s idea of the perfect shape and position to stand and sit.

Our workstation, driving habits or sleeping position may affect the low back and irritate the spinal ligaments. As we tend to spend a lot of time in bed then attention to selection of the mattress needs to be considered. Memory foam seems to be popular at the moment but whatever you choose, take your time and select carefully.

Pillows are often not considered in the cause of back pain but can play a huge part in why we get backache. How many pillows you should use will depend upon your sleeping position and individual requirements. Experiment and see the difference it can make.

A huge problem over the years is the design and introduction of backrests on chairs. As soon as you introduce a back rest then that is exactly what your back will do – Rest!
Spinal support muscles become lazy and redundant and fail to be able to hold you erect when sitting without support. This produces a slumped position and ultimately stretching of spinal ligaments which produce backache. Try sitting on a bar stool for half an hour without a backrest and see your low back ache soon after sitting.

What treatments are available for back pain or backache? First you need a diagnosis of your condition before a treatment plan can be formulated. Non specific exercises are of little use and specific exercises could help only if tailored to your individual needs. Do not use a hot water bottle in the majority of cases as this will only irritate inflamed ligaments. Try instead using an icepack which will reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
Manipulation of spinal segments may be the answer if you have facet joint locking and these can be freed by spinal manipulation often used by osteopaths (alternative to chiropractors) Regular manipulation of spinal segments could lead to hypermobility so try an avoid being manipulated on a regular basis. Soft tissue manipulation can be very effective and spinal segments can be moved by articulation or mobilisation techniques.

Pain killing medication which gives constipation as a side effect is not helpful if you are suffering prolapsed discs. Straining when you go to the toilet increases intrathecal pressure and will irritate the lumbar disc still further. Drink plenty of water is a good tip in an attempt to soften your stools.

There are many ways that you can treat back pain and backache but as previously described, first you need a working diagnosis.

Solihull Back Pain Clinic specialise in back pain and Birmingham customers can access excellent treatment and care by calling 0121 745 8792

Solihull and Birmingham Osteopath and Physiotherapist John Williams looks at shoulder pain and highlights the rotator cuff as a common shoulder injury.

Shoulder pain is very common and shoulder injuries are generally easy to obtain and slow to heal. Symptoms can be varied but generally if you are suffering from a shoulder injury involving the rotator cuff mechanism you will experience pain or discomfort in the upper arm. In many cases the shoulder is not the site of the pain but you will feel referred pain into the upper arm. Many patients describe this as a pulled muscle in their arm.

Rotator cuff injuries are often caused by trauma, which may be overstretching or a sudden jolt or fall that may force the shoulder past its normal range of movement. Other causes may be overuse shoulder injuries such as repetitive movements as in bowling in a cricket match or throwing activities like javelin throwing. Painting ceilings or fences can aggravate the rotator cuff conjoined tendon which will lead to inflammation.

The rotator cuff is a combination of four muscles which merge into a common tendon around the shoulder joint. The muscles consist of the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis. Collectively known as the Rotator Cuff, this collection of muscles holds the shoulder firmly in place and is responsible for shoulder stability.

The most common of these muscles to be injured is the Supraspinatus and involves mainly damage to the tendon of this muscle. This is largely due to its location as it passes under the bony acromion and close by the acromio-clavicular joint (AC Joint)

Many injuries of the rotator cuff are caused by shoulder impingement conditions. The shoulder joint has very little space and if a tendon such as the supraspinatus tendon is impinged, squashed or rubbed it will become inflamed. Inflammation leads to swelling which takes up more space in the shoulder joint and now we will have the tendon rubbing due to its increased size. Rubbing will increase the irritation and the inflammation will get worse. The more you use the shoulder the more damage you do.

Lying on the shoulder in bed will wake you up, women will struggle to reach the bra strap without pain and gradually mobility will decrease. GP visits will generally offer pain killing medication or anti-inflammatory drugs with the option of injections of steroidal substances directed at the inflamed tendon or capsule.

What is the answer and how can this injury be resolved? As usual you cannot begin to put right any injury without first formulating a diagnosis. Clinical tests need to be carried out to determine the cause and site of the injury. Tissue causing symptoms need to be identified before formulating a treatment plan. In most instances patients have 2 choices of treatment, firstly physiotherapy which will involve mobilisation and exercises to restore balance in the shoulder muscles and help create more space in the joint. Secondly the patient can opt for an anti-inflammatory injection in an attempt to reduce the swelling thus create the space needed in the joint. Surgery may be an option which can involve debridement which is grinding away the offending bony structure or removal of the bursa. These surgical procedures are aimed at creating more space in the shoulder joint.

Shoulder pain may be caused by degenerative changes at the AC Joint which can create impingement and often be responsible for inflicting a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon.

Calcification of the tendon can cause severe pain on shoulder movement and patients who suffer from shoulder pain will tell you how miserable it makes their lives. The good news is that there is help at hand and most shoulder injuries can be resolved. Pay a visit to Solihull Back Pain Clinic or Atlas Sports Injury Clinic in Hall Green Birmingham and you will get an evaluation of your shoulder problem. Should you require a definitive diagnosis then an MRI scan can be arranged to determine the condition of your shoulder and likely cause of your pain.

Osteopath John Williams and his team of physiotherapists are available if you need help by telephoning 0121 745 8792 or visit the website www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk or www.solihullsportsinjuryclinic.co.uk for testimonials

Solihull physiotherapist’s John Williams and Peter Taylor from Solihull Back Pain Clinic in Hall Green, Birmingham are operating a no waiting time appointment system for Solihull physiotherapy customers. Pain relief treatments are offered and can be usually accessed the same day.

Based at the Robin Hood Island in Hall Green, Birmingham, the Solihull Back Pain Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic offering physiotherapists, osteopaths, acupuncture, podiatry/chiropody and sports injury treatments. The clinic is part of the Atlas group of clinics and has a fast recovery reputation with most of their business resulting from personal recommendations. Private health insurance work is catered for as Solihull Back Pain Clinic are registered with all major private health providers.

Solihull Physiotherapy NHS waiting lists can often be long and result in unnecessary suffering. Patients seeking a prompt appointment time to suit themselves can arrange a same day physiotherapy appointment at the Hall Green Clinic. Parking is easy with free private parking outside the front door.

All the Birmingham Physiotherapists at Solihull Back Pain Clinic are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and are very experienced in treating musculo-skeletal pain.

Sports Injuries are well catered for as all the Solihull Physiotherapists have a keen interest in sport.

Following injury it is vital that physiotherapy treatment begins as soon as possible in order to support a speedy successful recovery. Scar tissue will soon form following an injury which may lead to future complications if the patient has not received the correct rehabilitation advice and treatment. Long waiting lists for physiotherapy in the Birmingham area has resulted in patients seeking private physiotherapy treatments at the Solihull Back Pain Clinic.

If your experience of physiotherapy is being handed a list of exercises by the physiotherapist and being told to undertake these exercises as your treatment, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the Solihull Back Pain Clinic physiotherapy approach. The Physiotherapists will examine you thoroughly and offer a diagnosis before agreeing a treatment plan with you.

Soft tissue hands on treatment and sports massage may be used alongside electrotherapy,cryotherapy and in some cases spinal mobilisations and manipulations if necessary. Rehabilitation exercises will be shown and offered alongside core stability work, strengthening and stretching regimes. Postural exercises and advice is all part of the treatment regime.

Testimonials can be viewed by visiting the website www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk

Appointments can be made by telephoning 0121 745 8792

Solihull Sports Injury Clinic based at Robin Hood Island, Hall Green, Birmingham are looking to train an apprentice therapist

Those of us old enough to remember what an apprentice is may recall that the apprentice is partnered with a qualified tradesman or woman and is taught the skills required to do the job over a period of years. Once qualified they are then employed by the company having learned all aspects of the work involved.

Sports therapists are trained at various levels from part time courses through to degree programmes but leave their training establishment in many cases ill equipped to survive in the workplace.
Physiotherapists are having difficulty in finding work placements once newly qualified.with both professions likely requiring polishing before they are able to shine.

In order for the apprentice to succeed they must demonstrate commitment to the company, have a flexible approach and a desire to learn. They will in return be taught skills by experienced industry respected Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Sports Podiatrist and Sports Therapists.

The agreement will involve no money changing hands initially for 12 months and consist of 3 days per week shadowing various practitioners in a clinic environment. The apprentice will develop all skills involved in a busy injury clinic from reception work through to practical hands on skills in soft tissue, massage, electrotherapy, diagnostics, rehabilitation, mobilisations and manipulations.

They will learn about back pain and back care and hopefully develop into a useful practitioner who will eventually join the Atlas “A” team.

Interested parties can view the website www.atlaspainrelief.com and email a covering letter of interest to jwosteopath@yahoo.com