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

The Sacro-Iliac Joint

The sacro-iliac joints are a pair of large irregular joints at the base of the spine which connect the sacrum, the triangular bone below the lumbar vertebrae, with the ilium, the large wings of the pelvis. It is a synovial joint like the fingers or knees but has very limited movement and functions to transfer the weight of the upper body from the spine to the hips. The sacro-iliac joint has very strong ligaments which travel the very short distances between the two highly irregular joint surfaces. There are no muscles which can act to produce real movements of the joint as other joints move and it functions as the weight transmitting and stress relieving pelvic joint.

The sacro-iliac joints are designed to absorb the torsional stresses which occur in the pelvis during gait and do have small degree of movement to help them manage this function. The irregular joint surfaces with its depressions and prominences allow the sacrum to lock between the iliac bones so that it cannot be driven downwards by the weight of the body. The irregular joint surfaces also prevent the sacrum being rotated inappropriately, with its strong ligaments being responsible for absorbing pelvis stresses during walking.

Physiotherapy and Elderly People

The number of elderly people is increasing strongly in all the industrialised states of the world and the health challenges which come with this are considerable. Physiotherapists have a large role to play both in hospitals once an elderly person is admitted and with elderly people in the community. Once admitted an elderly patient is seen by the physiotherapist if a respiratory, neurological or mobility problem is identified. Physios specialising in elderly care are trained to understand, assess and treat patients who may have a series of co-existing medical conditions as well as difficulties understanding or expressing themselves.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to drug reactions, being away from their normal surroundings and being immobilised for any length of time. Complications can quickly occur such as chest infections, pressure sores, confusion and loss of mobility and independence. Physios assess and treat these problems and routinely mobilise patients who have compromised mobility. In the community physiotherapists may visit the elderly in their homes and advise on mobility, safety and functional issues. Physios also take exercise classes in the community for balance and falls prevention, and for bone density to counter the increasing incidence of osteoporosis in elderly women.