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

Sciatica - Physiotherapy Management

True sciatica is uncommon and occurs in less than 5% of people who suffer from low back pain problems. It is characterised by severe leg pain of a surging nature, typically worse in the lower leg and foot and with sitting or bending. Physiotherapists exclude red flag causes for the pain and examine the patient carefully to avoid aggravating the situation. Initial treatment might be explanation, the finding of a comfortable resting position to relieve the nerve root and taking analgesia appropriately because more active treatment would be too painful. Once the patient's pain has settled to a degree then more active treatment can be started.

Spinal mobilisation techniques may be used to mobilise the spinal segments and put mechanical input into the area where the nerve root is being compromised. This can start the process of moving the inflamed area and allow the patient to perform regular mobilising exercises within comfort. Exercises are progressed to put greater and greater mechanical stresses through the back as the patient improves and mobilisation techniques may be continued to open the nerve exits and continue the process of encouraging the nerve to settle down. Neural mobilisations may be prescribed once the pain has settled well to prevent adhesions developing.

Exercise for Neck Pain

Exercise is a good choice to manage neck pain and is a safe way to treat the neck. Simple neck exercises are useful and help reduce pain and maintain the ranges of motion of the joints. It is important to stretch out the muscles, joints and other structures in the neck which might be tight and stiff. A degree of discomfort and soreness is to be expected after beginning to exercise and this should not be a cause of concern. Concentration on repeating the movements until full range is achieved is the key and with this a reduction in pain is likely.

No particular exercise suits everybody.s neck problems so a bit of experimentation is often necessary to find the right combination for any individual. Neck exercises should be performed slowly and steadily to get the right result as quick movements may cause injury or aggravate the pain. All exercises should be performed to the end of the range of movement available with a steady push to go a bit further held for a few seconds each time. The neck itself is an obvious choice for exercises but the shoulder and the shoulder girdle are involved in the function of the area and should also be included.