30 December 2024
Amir Ayad, Osteopath
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in the tougher exterior. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and weakness, often in the lower back or neck, depending on the location of the herniation. Many people wonder if a slipped disc can resorb non-surgically, and the good news is that in many cases, it can.
The body has an incredible capacity to heal itself, and this applies to herniated discs as well. Over time, the herniated portion of the disc can shrink and be reabsorbed by the body. This process can be aided by the body’s immune response, which works to clear away the extruded disc material. Additionally, the disc material can lose water content, causing it to shrink and reduce the pressure on surrounding nerves.
Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defence for managing a slipped disc. These treatments aim to relieve pain and improve function while the body heals.
Some common non-surgical approaches include:
As a physiotherapist, I see different joint pain cases in elderly clients almost on a daily basis. Physical activity plays a crucial role in improving joint pain among the elderly population. As individuals age, joint pain, often stemming from conditions like osteoarthritis, becomes increasingly common. However, regular physical activity can significantly alleviate this pain and improve overall joint health. Read more
Our lives have changed dramatically over the past 50 years with advancements in technology making many physical tasks easier. However, these changes have also affected how we spend much of our time, meaning that most of our waking lives are now spent sitting. Recent studies have found Read more
Biokinetics, or kinesiology, is often assumed to be personal training, which is just not the case. Biokinetics is a proudly South African profession that is relatively new to allied health, having only started in 1980s. A biokineticist is a specialist who uses exercise as a modality for therapy. They will use exercise prescription for the treatment of chronic conditions, the rehabilitation of injuries and science-based evidence to improve sports and physical performance, while ensuring a person has the best quality of life Read more
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem such as chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury) and repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of deep tissue massage is to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas. It can help to alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, and improve posture. Read more
When considering exercise, we often think of going to the gym to lift heavy weights, use machines or even playing a sport as part of a team. However, there are many other forms of exercise that are inexpensive and don’t require you to join a sports team or gym. Some of these exercises can be done from the comfort of your very own home and don’t require a lot, if any, equipment. One such form of exercise is body weight exercise. Read more
A SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior) injury involves damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. This type of injury can be particularly challenging for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as it affects shoulder stability and range of motion. Read more
Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to healing that not only focuses on physical rehabilitation but also considers psychosocial factors that can significantly impact a patient's recovery journey. While physical exercises and techniques play a crucial role, understanding and addressing psychosocial factors are equally important for successful outcomes in physiotherapy. Read more
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) is a manual therapy technique used by physiotherapists and healthcare professionals to release fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds the muscles, nerves, blood vessels and organs. It involves the use of specially designed instruments to apply controlled pressure and friction to targeted areas of the body, promoting the breakdown of adhesions, scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Read more
