CHRONIC PAIN We have a special interest in Chronic Pain and the changes that occur in the Brain. This means the tissue you have damaged is not causing all the pain but changes in the brain and central nervous system increase the pain. Current research shows us if you have experienced pain over a long period of time the brain adapts. The main change that occurs is the manufacture of more sensors in the pain ignitions nodes, and more chemicals in the body to activate the sensors. This means it is easier to ignite the pain. Another change to occur is called smudging. Brain areas normally devoted to different body parts or different functions start to overlap. An associated change then occurs: areas of repeated use get larger. In fact, the more chronic pain becomes, the more advanced the changes in the brain become. These changes make the body part difficult to use or by making nearby body parts sensitive too. The good news is that the brain is very plastic, meaning changeable. There are strategies such as mirror therapy and training the virtual part of the brain which can improve these chronic pain changes. Below are some you tube videos of Lorimer Mosely explaining the phenomena of chronic pain. The first is a lecture at the Uni of South Australia which is detailed and entertaining. Lorimer is a physiotherapist, author and professor specialising in chronic pain.
The next video is Lorimer peerforming a TED talk in Adelaide which is a more condensed version of the above lecture.
The third video has been produced by the NSW heatlth organisation. I like showing this video to clients because it explains the influence of thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, social and family influence, past experiences and other external influences on painful experiences. |
KINESIO TAPE This the coloured tape that has been used recently at the 2010 Australian Open. What is it? It is a taping technique engineered in Japan The benefit of this tape is, it is water proof, stretchy and pliable, easy to apply and remove and can be left on for long periods (3-5 days) and suitable for people of all ages. The tape can be used for muscle relaxation and facilitation for tired and overused muscles and used to stimulate weak or underused muscles. |
PILATES BASED BACK EXERCISE These exercises are aimed at increasing strength and endurance around the abdominal and back areas. They are aimed at creating super stiffness around the spine to prevent injury. They were developed by a biomechanist in Canada who measured disc pressure while performing these exercises. Other exercises create substantial disc load and pressure which can do more harm than good . His exercises, the side bridge, modified sit up , bird dog work the muscles around the spine but use the least pressure around the discs making them safe as an exercise for your injured back but also making them super effective. Don't do the wrong exercise they can just make it worse. |
