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

Bone and Ageing

Bone loss occurs much more rapidly than the equivalent process in muscle tissues, with reductions in hormone production and in activity playing a part. After the menopause, the reduction in hormone production in women can result in lowered bone density which is initially termed osteopoenia and then osteoporosis when the bone approaches the levels where it will fracture easily during normal activity. Bone loss affects the trabecular honeycomb bone more than the denser outer cortical bone and also the vertical struts more than the horizontal ones. Once one of the struts is broken it does not repair.

Because they are made up of large amounts of trabecular bones, the spinal bones are often badly affected by osteoporosis, with the process eventually allowing a buckling of the upper and lower surfaces of the vertebrae. The fronts of the vertebrae are more vulnerable to fracture as the trabeculae lose more mass in this area. Physiotherapists teach weight bearing exercises to counteract bone loss and drug therapies can halt breakdown and even increase bone mass. Getting our bone mass up to a high level during younger years so that the steady loss with age does not become important may be the best strategy.

Hip Arthritis

The hip is one of the largest body joints, a ball and socket joint which is very deep and very stable. Large and powerful ligaments hold the joint together and large and powerful muscles, the buttocks, power the joint so we can walk, run and climb stairs. The joint surfaces are covered by articular cartilage, a coating of firm and slippery material which allows the loaded joints to move almost as easily as when they are not unloaded. Keeping our joints mobile and using them regularly maintains the health of the articular cartilage in our joints, making exercise important for long term joint health and independence.

Arthritic changes may occur after injury or overuse or the tendency for the cartilage to degenerate at a higher rate than expected can be genetically determined. The cartilage may soften and develop fissures and in severe cases it may wear completely away, allowing bone on bone contact in the joint. Hip, groin or thigh pain in common, with the development of a limp a common event. The muscles of the joint can weaken as the pain and the person's gait worsens and walking aids become necessary. Exercise, weight loss, painkillers and eventually hip replacement are the commonest treatments.