Physiotherapy Question 1

Dear Physio,  I had a knee reconstruction eight weeks ago and I am dying to get back to running. It feels great – no pain, I’m walking normally, and I have been diligent with my rehab exercises. I had been told to wait until 3 months to start running, but I feel ready now. Can I do any harm by starting to run now? Dave

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Answer 1

First of all Dave, good job on sticking to your exercises and getting to this point. I’m afraid, however, I am the bearer of bad news. The three month timeframe for commencing running, is to accommodate the healing and strengthening process of the new ACL ligament graft. Although you may feel able to run now, your graft will not yet be ready. There is no way to fast track this part of it (although professional footballers will do everything to try!).

Anyway continue with your strength exercises, balance exercises, and use walking and the exercise bike to build fitness. The stronger and fitter you can get now, the easier your transition to straight line running will be in 4 weeks time.
If you need a more comprehensive exercise program for your ACL rehabilitation, feel free to sign up for a Comprehensive Injury analysis.

Best of luck, and work hard!
Physio Dan

Physiotherapy Question 2

Hi there,
I have rolled my ankle a couple of times playing netball, and I want to get a brace to stop it happening again. It feels ok now, but I don’t want to take the risk with finals coming up. What ankle brace do you recommend? Josie

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Answer 2

Good question Josie, and I’m pleased to say it has an easy answer! As you are in Australia, I recommend an ASO Ankle Brace. Look under ankle, and then ankle braces on the Sportstek website www.sportstek.net. They usually retail for around $72AUD. The sizing is according to your shoe size. These are great braces, with the perfect support to prevent ankle injury.

Josie, I’m not sure if you had any Physio treatment after your ankle injuries, but if you didn’t, you may be at a higher risk of re-injury. After one ankle sprain, you can lose valuable balance reflexes. If these reflexes are rehabilitated with specific strength and balance exercises, you can dramatically decrease your chance of injury recurrence. Food for thought, anyway! If you want more information, feel free to sign up for a Comprehenisve Injury Analysis.

Good luck for the finals Josie.
Physio Karen

Physiotherapy Question 3

Hey guys, I’ve had a baby, and ever since she was born my pelvic floor just hasn’t been the same. It’s embarrassing, but I leak sometimes when I cough or laugh. A parent from my mothers group said Physio could help. Is this correct?
Frazzled

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Answer 3

Thanks for your email. This is actually a very common problem. A Women’s Health Physiotherapist specialises in addressing incontinence issues, such as testing and strengthening the pelvic floor. This is a specialised area, and you should approach the Physiotherapy (or Physical Therapy) Association in your country for a listing of Women’s Health Physiotherapists in your area. In Australia, you can use the "Find a Physio" link on www.physiotherapy.asn.au
Enjoy Motherhood!

Physio Karen

Physiotherapy Question 4

I’ve had my back pain for 7 years. Is there any point seeing a physio?
John

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Answer 4

The short answer is yes, but there are so many facets to a chronic injury like this, that more information would be required to determine exactly what is needed. 

There have been many developments in the science of chronic pain over recent years, so there are more options and techniques than ever, to address the issues involved.

Dan, one of the Physios here at Physios Online, has a special interest in this area, and has a load of great information for people with longstanding pain. If you would like to explore this further, sign up for a Comprehensive Injury Analysis.