Whelehans Therapists Blog

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

Low back pain is a common problem associated with significant negative effects, physically, emotionally and socially on an individual’s life. The majority of low back pain (LBP) cases are diagnosed as non-specific low back pain, meaning there is no known cause for the pain. Acute non-specific low back pain (ANSLBP) is defined as pain lasting less than 4 weeks duration, while chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) refers to pain persisting for longer than three months duration.

There are a range of evidence based therapeutic interventions designed for the management of low back pain. Among these, exercise therapy has

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

Ligaments connect bone to bone. They are composed mostly of long, stringy collagen fibres creating short bands of tough fibrous connective tissue. Ligaments help stabilise the joint, maximising strength and preventing excess movement. Ligaments are attached to the bones either side of a joint. Ligament injuries are common, especially in the hand and ankles. For example, the hand is so exposed and so widely used in day to day activities, ligament injuries are a possibility. Ligament injuries are also common in the hand and wrist area during contact sports like rugby, Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and hockey.

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

During childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 10, we develop a space on the inner side of our feet where the bottom of the foot is off the ground. These are referred to as the "arches" of our foot. The height of this arch varies. People with a low arch or who have no arch are classified as having flat feet. Sometimes this is referred to as having "fallen arches" though this term is misleading as most with “fallen arches” actually have a low arch.

Causes

Flat feet can run in families, and both feet are usually affected. Occasionally, flat feet are due to a problem in the way the foot forms in the womb. For example, a joint may be misformed or two or more bones may fuse together. In these situations, the feet are stiff and flat and the problem is usually noticeable during childhood.

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

One aspect of modern living is that we tend to be less physically active than previous generations. Many aspects of modern living contribute to this. The use of cars, labour saving devices, more sedentary type jobs etc, has reduced the amount of daily physical activity we undertake. Technology means that are more likely to spend hours sitting in front of a TV or computer, rather than getting outdoors to burn those calories. In addition, modern living has increased the amount of activities we try to juggle on a daily basis. Hectic family, working and social lives mean that many people perceive that they do not have enough time to exercise and maintain fitness. 

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

What is dry needling?

Dry Needling is a treatment that involves insertion of a fine filament (acupuncture) needle directly into myofascial (muscular) trigger points (TrP) which are tight, tender knots within the muscle.