Physiotherapists in Cheadle treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Knee Cartilage Injuries

The knee cartilages are properly known as menisci and are almost circular cartilaginous structures which look like banked tracks, sitting between the flat upper surfaces of the tibia and the large rounded condyles of the lower end of the femur. Their function is not entirely understood but may be to guide the femoral condyles as they slide and glide, to distribute synovial fluid evenly around the knee or to give sensory feedback about the complex positions adopted by the knee at any moment. The menisci are vulnerable at times as the large femoral condyles can roll over them and being attached to the tibial upper surface they cannot always move out of the way.

This can result in the meniscus suffering compressive forces applied by the condyle and becoming injured in the process. Tears of the menisci are common injuries and occur in various patterns, common examples being a parrot beak tear and a bucket handle tear. The parrot beak is a small tear at the edge which then appears like a bird.s beak. If the tear is along the substance of the meniscus it can cause a loop with attachments at both ends, like a bucket handle.

Staying Active after Whiplash

Part of the art of recovering from whiplash injury is to keep as active as possible without aggravating the pain too severely. Resting for a few days in the presence of severe pain is reasonable but longer periods of rest can be counterproductive and disabling. Most activities can be performed without the neck having full movement so the patient should get on and do what they can. Static postures should be avoided for too long and the patient encouraged to change positions and keep moving regularly. The movements should be progressed steadily every day to push the joints a little bit further each time.

When sitting the chair should be the right height and the person get up very regularly to vary the neck position. Office work can be much easier with a well adjusted chair and the computer monitor and keyboard in optimal positions. Driving should be for short periods with regular stops to get out and move around. Pacing general activities by splitting them up into shorter time slots is a very useful strategy, allowing the patient to continue activities or restart them again without causing a significant worsening of pain.