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

Physiotherapy and Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a troublesome and often chronic pain condition which affects the tendon and bone junctions of the forearm muscles near the elbow. It appears to be a tendinopathy, in other words a degenerative condition of the tendon rather than an inflammatory one. Pain can come on after an overuse of the arms such as a lot of painting, cleaning windows, gardening or racket sports. Elbow pain can be very disabling as it affects everything the person does with their arms and can limit employment and leisure activities. Physiotherapy examination starts with the history of the condition and what uses the patient makes of their arms in their job or at home.

Treatment involves reducing the aggravating stresses on the tendons by changing the way or frequency of activities and by applying an epicondylitis clasp around the forearm which may be helpful by realigning the angles of pull of the forearm muscles away from the painful areas. Deep transverse frictions can be applied by the physio to the painful area and they may also apply ultrasound to the area to reduce inflammation and scarring. Stretches and eccentric movements can be performed to reduce the pain.

Physiotherapy and Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a troublesome pain problem which occur in the sole of the foot in the heel region and can be very disabling. Underneath the heel on the calcaneal bone is a bony spur which is one end of the plantar ligament, a ligament which stretches along the foot towards the front. A sudden onset of severe pain on weight bearing on the heel is typical, with the person suddenly feeling they have to walk on tiptoe to avoid the pain. This conditions can occur in anyone but is more common in certain types of arthritic condition where the ligament and bone junctions are affected by the disease.

Physiotherapy assessment begins with a history of the condition and any other medical conditions the patient may be suffering. The foot is examined and the tender area palpated for the typical pain on pressure. The foot posture is checked to see if the patient has a flat foot or a heel deviation in standing,, and the tightness of the calf muscles is also assessed. Treatment involves stretches to the calf muscles, ultrasound to the area and silicone heel pads to reduce the force through the painful area. If not successful then injection of the area can be performed.