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

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.

Physiotherapy and Falls

Falls are a problem at any age but particularly so in elderly due to the frequency and the severe potential problems which can result. The incidence of fractured neck of femur (fractured hips) in the elderly is considerable and carries significant risk of long term disability or death in people who are already frail and at the edge of independence. Falling is a complex problem which demands a multidisciplinary approach from health professionals to have any chance of success. As we get older our muscular, balance, joint, vision and hearing systems all change for the worse and reduce the speed and amount of information and postural change we are able to understand and accommodate at any time.

Physiotherapists assess and manage falls problems by assessing the medical history and present status of the patient, getting a social history from them and assessing their mental and physical status. The physio checks the patient's ability to see clearly and their awareness of the space around them which is impaired in many medical conditions. The patient is asked to get up and their balance reactions assessed, after which the physio will get them to walk to check for gait abnormalities or balance problems in dynamic activities such as gait.