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

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

The use of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes is taking an increasing part in the management of these complex and difficult problems. Scientific work support the usefulness of this therapy in the pain due to poor circulation in the legs, angina and neuropathic pain. SCS is a technological intervention and chronic pain is a multidimensional problem including physical and psychological aspects which bear on the likely success of the treatment. SCS aims to stimulate the large sensory nerves in the spinal cord which interfere with the transmission of pain towards the brain along the small pain nerves and it also has affects on the circulation although the exact mechanisms of action are not known.

When used to treat neuropathic pain the treatment can be given intermittently as then the pain relief may last for some hours afterwards, indicating that the stimulate causes changes in the nerve transmissions which can last for some time. SCS may also alter the behaviour of heart nerves and by various mechanisms reduce the pain of angina. Apart from the effects on circulatory problems there is good evidence for effectiveness in nerve root problems and complex regional pain syndrome.

Knee Arthritis

The knee is a large synovial joint formed between the large expanded end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the tibia or shin bone. The ends of the bones are covered with articular cartilage, a slippery and firm material which allows the almost friction free movement which our joints can provide even if there is a body weight load on them. On an x-ray this shows up as a dark space between the bony surfaces, known as the joint space. In time or after injury this cartilage can change as part of the process of osteoarthritis, although there is a significant genetic component which influences whether we get osteoarthritis or not.

Changes occur both in the cartilage and the bone of the joint during the osteoarthritic process and the process may begin with a softening of the cartilage from its firm, hard surfaces. Next, fissures can develop until the thickness of the cartilage wears down and in severe cases the underlying bone may be exposed, causing a bone on bone crunching and pain. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, loss of joint movement, joint deformity such as knock knee or bow leg and difficulties with gait.