Tag: #parraphysio

Learn Why Joints Become Stiff: Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

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While pain and stiffness often go together, you may have noticed a few stiff joints that are not painful. Joint stiffness can limit your ability to perform usual tasks and can be a warning sign that part of the body is vulnerable to future injury. There are many different causes of joint stiffness, and treatment of each type requires accurate assessment and diagnosis from a health professional such as our physio Matthew West from Cumberland Physio Parramatta.

Here are a few of the most common causes of joint stiffness:

Disuse and Lack of Movement

When we are not regularly moving our joints through their full range, they can begin to feel ‘tight’. This can be caused by a combination of the capsule that surrounds the joint tightening up and the muscles that surround the joint shortening and losing flexibility.

The easiest way to maintain full flexibility is to regularly move joints through their full range. This also helps to keep muscles and joints healthy.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

OA is a degenerative disease characterised by a breakdown of the joint surface cartilage and the growth of bony osteophytes around areas of stress. While OA is increasingly common as we age, it is thought that the primary cause is abnormal load and stress on joint surfaces, not simply ageing itself. As the joint space between two joint surfaces becomes uneven, joints affected by OA can feel stiff or even ‘blocked’.A person with OA will usually feel stiff for around 15–20 minutes after long periods of rest.

Physiotherapy programs prescribed at Cumberland Physio Parramatta are designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, and thereby help absorb weight-bearing forces, have been shown to have positive results on OA symptoms.

Inflammatory-Related Stiffness

The inflammatory process causes swelling and pain around a specific area. As an area swells, there is less space for movement and a resulting sensation of stiffness — as anyone who has sprained an ankle can attest to. Autoimmune disorders can cause the body to mistakenly mount an inflammatory reaction where there has been no injury, resulting in pain and stiffness for long periods of time.

Treatment of any joint stiffness requires thorough assessment by a physiotherapist such as Matthew West at Cumberland Physio Parramatta to identify the root cause of reduced flexibility. Come and speak to Matthew if you’re noticing reduced movement in your joints.

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Focus on Stress Fractures at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

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What is a Stress Fracture?

A stress fracture is a microscopic fracture of the bone that is so small it often cannot be picked up on an X-ray. If left untreated, a stress fracture can cause significant disability and may develop into a full fracture, possibly even requiring surgery.

The majority of stress fractures occur in the lower limb, being particularly common in the hip, shins, and foot at points where the most force passes through when weight-bearing. Most stress fractures are overuse injuries and are common in long-distance runners.

What are the Symptoms?

As with many overuse injuries, the pain of a stress fracture starts gradually, beginning with pain during or after activity, or sometimes the morning after. If activity continues without modification, the pain will gradually increase. Eventually, most people are unable to maintain their usual activity level. Stress fractures are common in runners and military personnel who are required to march for long periods.

A stress fracture is more likely to occur in someone with weaker bone strength, such as a person with osteoporosis, which is itself affected by many factors such as inadequate calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, and a history of inactivity.

How are Stress Fractures Treated and How Long Will It Take to Get Better at Cumberland Physio Parramatta?

Stress fractures can easily be mistaken for other conditions such as shin splints. As the fracture is often too small to show up on an X-ray, a definitive diagnosis can be made using an MRI or bone scan.

After diagnosis, the most important part of treatment is resting the affected area to allow the bone to heal before resuming activity. Stress fractures usually need at least six weeks to recover fully. Some areas of the body have a poor blood supply, which makes healing more complicated. For example, stress fractures of the navicular bone in the foot may need to be immobilised in a boot or cast for a period of time to heal properly.

Other aspects of treatment involve correcting any factors that contributed to the original injury. There is some evidence that unsupportive footwear is a risk factor, along with poor biomechanics and weak muscles that provide inadequate support to the skeletal system during activity. Come and speak to our physiotherapist Matthew West at Cumberland Physio Parramatta if you suspect you may have a stress fracture or simply want to know more.

None of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your injury.

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Migraine Treatment at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

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Physiotherapy can be a useful component in managing migraines for many people. Physiotherapy at Cumberland Physio Parramatta can be used alongside medical care, lifestyle adjustments, etc.,

Physio Treatment can reduce frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks.

How Physiotherapy at Cumberland Physio Parramatta helps with migraines

  1. Addressing musculoskeletal contributors
    Many migraine sufferers also have neck stiffness, poor posture, tightness in shoulder, upper back, jaw, etc. These musculoskeletal issues can trigger or worsen migraines. Our Physio Matthew West can assess and treat these.
  2. Exercise therapy
    Regular exercise, when tailored well, is shown to reduce migraine frequency, severity and improve quality of life. Aerobic exercise, neck/upper-back strengthening, and flexibility work are often part of a plan.
  3. Manual therapy / hands-on treatments
    Techniques such as joint mobilisation of the cervical spine, soft tissue massage, trigger‑point release, myofascial techniques etc., to reduce tension and improve mobility.
  4. Posture correction & ergonomics
    Improving posture (especially around the neck, head, shoulders), ergonomics (desk setup, screen height, etc.) to reduce continual strain that may contribute to migraine triggers.
  5. Stress management, relaxation, breathing work
    Because stress and tension often trigger migraines, physios may teach breathing techniques, relaxation strategies (progressive muscle relaxation etc.), sometimes gentle stretching to reduce baseline tension.
  6. Identifying trigger points / associated regions
    Sometimes migraines are aggravated by issues in temporomandibular joint (jaw), or dysfunction in eye movement systems, etc. Our Physio Matthew West may assess and treat those.

What the evidence says

  • A recent guideline (2023) gives recommendations for therapeutic exercise in migraine: certain exercise modalities are effective in reducing symptoms like pain intensity, duration, frequency. BioMed Central
  • Systematic reviews have found that exercise interventions are helpful, though the best type or modality isn’t always clear. jpain.org+1
  • Some studies show manual therapy combined with exercise yields better results than either alone in certain populations. SpringerLink+1

What kind of physiotherapy interventions are often used by Matthew West at Cumberland Physio Parramatta:

Here are some practical physiotherapy techniques and exercises that are often part of migraine management:

  • Neck stretches and mobilisations
  • Chin tucks, gentle strengthening of deep neck flexors
  • Scapular / shoulder blade strengthening (to reduce tension in shoulders/upper back)
  • Postural correction drills (e.g. pulling head back, shoulder retraction)
  • Upper thoracic spine mobilisations (if stiff)
  • Trigger-point release / myofascial release
  • Soft tissue massage of the neck/shoulders
  • Relaxation / breathing exercises

Things to watch out for / limitations

  • Not all migraines are the same. Some are more strongly neurologically driven; in those, physio may help less or with more difficulty.
  • Some exercises or manual therapy might initially increase symptoms; it’s important to do things gradually, in consultation with a physio such as Matthew West from Cumberland Physio Parramatta who has extensive experience with treating headaches/migraines.
  • Avoid triggering movements or over‑exertion. Intensity, duration, and type of exercise need to be personalised. What’s helpful for one person may trigger migraine in another.
  • Physio doesn’t replace medication or other medical treatment when needed; it’s usually part of a multi-modal approach.
  • Consistency matters: benefits usually accrue over weeks or months of regular physiotherapy / exercise. BioMed Central+1

Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta Cervicogenic Headaches

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Image Attribute: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Cervicogenic_Headache#/media/File:CervicogenicHeadache.jpg

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Cumberland Physio Parramatta: Physiotherapy can be highly effective for managing cervicogenic headaches (CGH), which are headaches originating from dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck), particularly the upper cervical joints (C1-C3). These headaches often mimic tension or migraine headaches but are caused by musculoskeletal issues.

Goals of Physiotherapy for Cervicogenic Headaches at Cumberland Physio Parramatta

  1. Reduce pain
  2. Improve cervical spine mobility
  3. Correct posture
  4. Strengthen neck and upper back muscles
  5. Prevent recurrence

Key Physiotherapy Techniques for Cervicogenic Headaches at Cumberland Physio Parramatta

1. Manual Therapy

  • Joint mobilization or manipulation of the upper cervical spine (especially C1-C3)
  • Soft tissue mobilization to release tension in neck muscles (e.g., suboccipitals, SCM, upper trapezius)
  • Trigger point therapy for myofascial pain

2. Exercise Therapy

  • Deep neck flexor training:
    • Example: Chin tucks (gentle retraction of the head)
  • Postural correction exercises:
    • Scapular retraction
    • Thoracic extension exercises
  • Cervical stabilization:
    • Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder girdle
  • Stretching tight muscles:
    • Upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipitals, pecs

3. Postural Re-education

  • Education on ergonomics (workstation setup, sleeping posture)
  • Guidance on avoiding forward head posture and prolonged flexion

4. Neural Mobilisation

  • Techniques to mobilize the cervical nerves if there’s nerve root involvement or radiculopathy

5. Dry Needling

Education & Self-Management at Cumberland Physio Parramatta

  • Headache diary to identify triggers
  • Stress management
  • Home exercise program adherence

Our Titled Musculoskeletal Physio Matthew West at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta is extensively experienced in treating cervicogenic headaches over the past 30 years.

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Or Call for an appointment 02 9635 9356

Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta Post Knee Replacement

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Our highly experienced physiotherapist Matthew West at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta will help you achieve the best possible result post surgery.

Physiotherapy (or physio) after a knee replacement is critical to recovery. It helps restore strength, mobility, and function while reducing pain and preventing complications like blood clots or joint stiffness.

Here’s an overview of what physiotherapy usually involves at different stages:

Immediately After Surgery (Hospital Stay: Days 1–3)

Goals:

  • Prevent complications (e.g., blood clots, pneumonia)
  • Begin gentle movement and walking

Typical Physio Includes:

  • Ankle pumps (to improve circulation)
  • Quadriceps sets (tightening thigh muscles)
  • Heel slides (bending the knee while lying down)
  • Standing and walking (with a walker or crutches, under supervision)

Early Recovery (Weeks 1–4) at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

Goals:

  • Improve knee range of motion (target: 0–90° flexion by end of week 2–3)
  • Build strength
  • Reduce swelling and pain
  • Increase independence

Common Exercises:

  • Straight leg raises
  • Knee bends (seated or lying)
  • Assisted knee extension/flexion
  • Step-ups
  • Stationary cycling (as tolerated)

Other Therapies:

  • Ice and elevation
  • Manual therapy (if needed for stiffness)
  • Scar management

Mid to Late Recovery (Weeks 5–12) at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

Goals:

  • Achieve 0–120° or more flexion
  • Normalize walking pattern
  • Regain full leg strength and balance

Advanced Exercises:

  • Resistance band exercises
  • Single-leg balance
  • Leg presses
  • Walking on uneven surfaces
  • Swimming or low-impact aerobics

Long-Term (3+ Months) at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

Goals:

  • Return to normal daily activities
  • Resume low-impact sports (e.g., golf, cycling, walking, swimming)
  • Continue strengthening and mobility

Possible Additions:

  • Sports-specific training (if appropriate)
  • Work conditioning (if returning to a physical job)
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How can Physio Help Relieve Headaches at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta

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Matthew West at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta can offer effective treatment for certain types of headaches, especially tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and some migraines that are related to neck dysfunction or posture issues.

Headache Types That May Benefit from Physio at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta:

  1. Tension-type headaches – caused by muscle tension, stress, or poor posture.
  2. Cervicogenic headaches – referred pain from the neck.
  3. Post-traumatic headaches – following concussion or whiplash.
  4. Migraine (with musculoskeletal component) – some people with migraines have neck stiffness or trigger points that can be helped with physio.

Common Treatments for Headaches at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta:

1. Manual Therapy

  • Joint mobilisations or manipulations of the neck (especially upper cervical spine).
  • Soft tissue massage or myofascial release to reduce muscle tightness.
  • Heat and electrophysical treatments may be applied to help relieve pain and relax muscles

2. Postural Correction

  • Addressing forward head posture or slouching which can strain neck muscles.
  • Ergonomic advice for workstations or sleeping positions.

3. Stretching & Strengthening Exercises

  • Stretching tight muscles (upper traps, levator scapulae, suboccipitals).
  • Strengthening deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers, and postural muscles.

4. Dry Needling / Acupuncture

  • Sometimes used for trigger points in the neck and shoulders.

5. Education & Relaxation

  • Stress management techniques.
  • Breathing exercises and relaxation to reduce tension.

Signs Cumberland Physio Parramatta May Help:

  • Your headache starts or worsens with neck movement.
  • You feel neck stiffness or pain with your headache.
  • Headache improves with massage or heat.
  • You sit at a desk/computer for long hours.
  • You’ve had whiplash or a neck injury in the past.

When Physio May NOT Be Enough:

If your headaches are caused by:

  • Cluster headaches
  • Hormonal or vascular issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Neurological conditions

Then physio alone may not be effective, and you should see a neurologist or GP.

What You Can Do Now:

Consider booking an appointment with our physiotherapist at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta.

Matthew West, our physio at Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta, has post graduate qualifications and over 30 years experience and extra training in headache management and manual therapy.

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Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta: Focus On Shoulder Dislocations

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The shoulder is a fascinating joint with incredible flexibility. It is connected to the body via a complex
system of muscles and ligaments. Most of the other joints in the body are very stable, thanks to the
structure of the bones and ligaments surrounding them. However, the shoulder has so much
movement and flexibility that stability is reduced to allow for this. Unfortunately, this increased flexibility
means that the shoulder is more vulnerable to joint dislocations.


What is a dislocation and how does it happen?


As the name suggests, a dislocated shoulder is where the head of the upper arm moves out of its
normal anatomical position to sit outside of the shoulder socket joint.Some people have more flexible
Joints than others and will, unfortunately, have joints that move out of position without much force.
Other people might never dislocate their shoulders unless they experience a traumatic injury that forces
it out of place. The shoulder can dislocate in many different directions, the most common being anterior
or forwards. This usually occurs when the arm is raised and forced backward in a ‘stop sign’ position.


What to do if this happens


The first time a shoulder dislocates is usually the most serious. If the shoulder doesn’t just go back in by
itself (spontaneous relocation), then someone will need to help to put it back in. This needs to be done
by a professional as they must be able to assess what type of dislocation has occurred, and often an X-
ray needs to be taken before the relocation happens.


A small fracture can actually occur as the shoulder is being put into place, which is why it is so important
to have a professional perform the procedure with X-Ray guidance if necessary.


How can Cumberland Physiotherapy Parramatta help?


Following a dislocation, your physiotherapist can advise on how to allow the best healing for the
shoulder. It is essential to keep the shoulder protected for a period to allow any damaged structures to
heal as well as they can.


After this, a muscle-strengthening and stabilisation program can begin. This is aimed at helping the
muscles around the shoulder to provide further stability and prevent future dislocations.


The information in this article is not a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a
medical professional for an assessment of your condition.

How Does Diabetes Affect Healing Times?

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CUMBERLAND PHYSIOTHERAPY PARRAMATTA:

It can be surprising to many people that one of the questions their physiotherapist will ask them
when assessing an injury is ‘Do you have diabetes?’ This may seem more like an issue for your
doctor than your physiotherapist!


The reason why your therapist is asking is that diabetes can actually have quite a large effect on healing
times of body tissues. At times, injuries can take up to twice as long to heal properly in patients with
diabetes and your physiotherapist will need to update their training and rehabilitation programs to
factor this in.


How does this happen?


From what most people know about diabetes, it seems strange that it would affect healing times.
However, the more you understand about the processes that cause diabetes the more sense it makes.
It all comes down to blood flow. Our veins and arteries are made of flexible and elastic tissues that
expand and contract when necessary to allow the optimum amount of blood flow to an area.
Sometimes it is better for tissues to have less blood flow and other times they require more. This
flexibility of the blood vessels is essential for controlling and modulating the amount of blood to an area
at any given time.


When someone has diabetes, they have an excess of glucose in their blood. This occurs because the
body is unable to regulate insulin, which is used to break down glucose and provide the body with
energy. This can be due to an autoimmune disorder that affects the cells that make insulin (Type I) or
insulin resistance due to dietary choices (Type II). Over time, this excess glucose sticks to the blood vessel
walls and they can become harder, losing their elasticity and ability to change size rapidly. Primarily this
will affect the ability of the blood vessel to expand reducing the amount of blood flow available to the
tissues. Diabetes can also affect the health of the nerves in the body, particularly in the hands and feet.
This can result in poor sensation, which means that the person may not realise when the injury is being
further injured.


What does this mean for recovery times?


While not everyone with diabetes will have this issue, it is something that needs to be made known to
your physiotherapist so they can be aware of the possibility. These changes are more likely to occur
after having diabetes for a long period of time and if it is poorly managed.


Ask your physiotherapist for more information on how diabetes may be affecting your recovery
and for tips to ensure the best outcomes possible.