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

Period Pain could be helped by Acupuncture

A recent study conducted in South Korea has provided some evidence than acupuncture may be useful as a treatment for period pain. Previous studies have found differently, with real and sham acupuncture having very similar effects. Period pain can be a significant problem in some women with a large variety of unpleasant symptoms including pain and nausea, sometimes lasting for many days of each cycle and thereby being disabling to some extent. A review considered 27 studies of acupuncture in period pain, with a variety of techniques used from traditional to western to sham acupuncture.

The studies showed that acupuncture was more effective than drug treatments in relieving severe period pains, despite the fact that many of the studies had flaws and therefore could not be completely relied upon for a scientific conclusion. However they did feel there was promising evidence that acupuncture could be of use in this condition. In the UK the body charged with evaluating evidence for treatments, NICE, has supported acupuncture for low back pain against criticism that acupuncture is not yet a valid treatment for anything. As acupuncture does seem to have important cultural aspects this may indicate that the individual.s belief structure is important for a good outcome.

Patellofemoral Pain

The patellofemoral joint is a frequent source of pain and disability and a difficult problem to treat successfully. The patella has two large facets on it.s under surface which are angled in respect to each other. They match the groove between the femoral condyles where the patella lies and moves upwards and downwards as the knee bends and straightens. As the quadriceps, the main thigh muscle, contracts to push us up from a chair, go up stairs or walk uphill, the patella acts like a pulley to increase the forces the muscle is able to exert. High levels of force are developed between the patellar and femoral joint surfaces.

The patella surfaces are lined with articular cartilage, a firm and very slippery material which ensures friction free movement of many of our major joints, even under load. With time this can soften and develop small fissures, making the patellar surface sensitive to loads being applied. If there is also a muscle imbalance or other abnormality which allows the patella to track in its groove a little towards the outside, this can also worsen pain. Degenerative changes can progress to osteoarthritis and cause disabling symptoms due to difficulties with stairs and gait.