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

Communication and Assertiveness

Communication is of vital importance to humans getting on with their lives, as it is the only way we can let other people know how we feel or what we want or ask them the same. We often communicate in less than optimal ways which can lead to misunderstandings, irritation, aggression or just not getting what we want. We can communication in broadly three major approaches, assertively, aggressively or passively (sometimes called non-assertively) and aspects of these are commonly confused. Assertive communication is characterised by respect for the other, is clear and open and the person is also listening to the other.s point of view.

Aggressive communication can take many forms but is characterised by being disrespectful, not listening, taking a one-up position, being dominant and unequal. Such a posture invites aggression back or people may avoid such a person. Passive communicators do not get across what it is they want and are often frustrated and angry inside as they feel like a doormat, always walked over by everyone. When pushed too far they may suddenly flip into aggressive mode and explode in a tantrum, causing widespread surprise and concern as it seems so out of character.

Environmental Risks for Low Back Pain

The risks of low back pain are well known to be connected with high risk activities such as lifting heavy objects from the floor whilst twisted or doing activities requiring quick bending and twisting. A sudden and unplanned occurrence of having to exert high levels of muscle power quickly is also risky for developing low back problems. The physical demands of work such as lifting, twisting, bending and vibration are all risk factors for developing back trouble and in worsening already existing cases of back trouble. There is not a clear connection between work and back trouble although work stresses, if prolonged, can cause episodes or back pain or prolong already existing ones.

The reasons for not being able to work and for developing disability from a back pain problem are more closely related to complex factors of a psychosocial nature which are both individual and work related. Factors relating to sport have been contradictory in the research literature but activities which demand heavy loads such as gymnastics and weight lifting are associated with a higher risk of disc degeneration which could lead to symptoms in time. Spinal tissues may be affected adversely both by too little activity and by too much.