Is my pain Sciatica or is it something else? - Natasha Eekhout (Paladin Biokineticists)

At least 1 out of 10 people have experienced that sharp radiating pain down the side and back of the thigh, and typically most people google this only to diagnose themselves and find out, ‘Hey I have sciatica!’ Sometimes google isn’t always right and sometimes diagnosing yourself isn’t the best thing to do either. So how do you tell the difference?

Let’s have a look at what it actually is and some causes associated with this irritating condition. Firstly what is sciatica? The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back all the way down the back of both legs. When this nerve is irritated usually due to being compressed, you will experience pain along the length of the nerve, which may radiate throughout the buttocks and down the legs. The intensity of the pain is dependent on the severity of irritation or compression, and

can range from being intermittent and manageable to downright debilitating. Usually the sensation experienced causes numbness, burning tingling and may be exacerbated by sitting.

The causes are varied and include lumbar disc herniation, muscle tightness, spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis, and general disc degeneration. Often sciatica is misdiagnosed and although you may be experiencing similar symptoms, there are conditions that may mimic sciatica:

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ): is a common cause of general leg and lower back pain and often results from hypermobility or hypomobility.
• Piriformis syndrome: is among the most common! This occurs when the piriformis muscle is inflamed or very tight, thus compressing the sciatic nerve running through or under it.
• Joint problems: such as spinal arthritis can cause similar symptoms.

One tip I’d like to give you, is to never diagnose yourself! The abundance of causes of this strange pain can be attributed to many different conditions even including spinal tumours, cauda equina syndrome or spinal infections. This doesn’t mean you have either, but the safest option is to visit that good old doctor of yours for an accurate diagnosis along with accurate treatment. Biokineticists aim to get down to the ‘root’ of the problem and to ensure your sciatica calms the heck down! 

Natasha completed her BSc Sports Science undergraduate degree at The University of Johannesburg and her BHSc honours degree in Biokinetics at The University of the Witwatersrand. 

She has a passion for a variety of sports in particular soccer, tennis, running and kickboxing which have contributed to a strong interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation and working with athletes. Other areas of focus include diabetic and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as weight loss and a keen enthusiasm for working with children of all ages. 

Natasha can be contacted on 082 476 9727 or natashaeekhout@kinetics.co.za

Cerebral Palsy (CP) and how Biokinetics can help - Nicole Robson (Paladin Biokineticists)

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition, where the part of the brain that controls muscle function, is damaged. This often occurs at birth. A variety of causes (predominantly at birth) include:

• low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
• severe jaundice
• brain infections
• bleeding into the brain
• head injuries
• maternal infections such as rubella (German measles)

 There are many different types of Cerebral Palsy that are classified as follows:

• Spastic: prominent reflexes and stiff muscle movements.
• Dyskinetic: This is divided into two types:
• Athetoid:  involuntary slow, movements
• Dystonic: Lack of trunk stability (affects posture)
• Ataxic: uncoordinated muscle movements
• Hypotonic: Low muscle tone (floppy)
• Mixed: combination of any of the above.

Exercise plays an important role in managing CP. Biokineticists are qualified health professionals who are trained to prescribe specific exercises. The purpose of exercise is to assist in providing independent movement. This is done by performing various functional movements, which often mimic activities of daily living. This goes hand in hand with muscle strength and therefore joint stability. Most importantly physical movement assists by preventing joints from becoming tight or permanently contracted.

Daily range-of-motion (ROM) exercises are essential in helping to prevent and delay and contractures (spasticity) as well maintaining mobility of joints. Stretching exercises are performed to increase range of motion. Progressive resistance exercises are important in developing strength. Fun Based exercises are also used for children to assist in posture correction, core and balance.

CP is a non progressive disease but can be managed through exercise which ultimately improves the individual’s quality of life.

Nicole obtained her BA in Human Movement Science at the University of Pretoria and completed her Honours Degree in Biokinetics at the University of Johannesburg. 

Nicole has an interest in Rhythmic Gymnastics and this particular sport led to her interest in the human body and orthopaedic rehabilitation, particularly of the back. She also has a keen interest in a variety of other sports. An area of focus that Nicole is also passionate about involves the training of children ranging from the very young child to teenagers. 

Nicole can be contacted on 082 888 8826 or nicolerobson@kinetics.co.za

Does your elbow need some elbow grease? - Natasha Eekhout (Paladin Biokinetics)

Ever experienced the kind of pain that makes bending or straightening your elbow virtually impossible without letting out a small yelp? You may very well just have elbow bursitis. You may be asking what the heck elbow bursitis is, so here’s the answer. It is the inflammation of the bursa situated behind your elbow. A bursa is a fluid filled sack and is located at joints to counteract friction.

So how do you know if you have elbow bursitis?

Usually elbow bursitis can occur when you whack that ‘funny bone’ of yours against the counter, causing swelling and localised tenderness. Initially symptoms include swelling which may not be accompanied with pain in some people however, as the inflammation and swelling increases often the pain on straightening and bending will increase too. Range of motion is not restricted in most cases, but due to pain limitations, restrictions may result. Inflamed areas are often warmer than the surrounding areas of skin and may also have associated redness. Chills or fevers may also be a symptom of septic bursitis.

How do you treat it?

Try avoid any aggravating movements and rest your elbow. Icing the inflamed area may also help and most obviously keep your elbow clear of any counters or tables. 

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction - Melissa Biffi (Paladin Biokineticists)

What is the (SI) Joint?

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are formed by the connection of the sacrum (triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine) and the right and left iliac bones (two large bones that make up the pelvis). While most of the bones (vertebrae) of the spine are mobile, the sacrum is made up of five vertebrae that are fused together and do not move. The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis and the sacrum and the iliac bones are held together by a group of strong ligaments.

There is relatively little motion at the SI joints, most of the motion in the area of the pelvis occurs either at the hips or the lumbar spine. When and individual is sitting upright of standing these joints  need to support the entire weight of the upper body, which places a large amount of stress across them and this can lead to wearing of the cartilage of the SI joints if the supporting muscles and ligaments are not strong enough.

Causes of SI joint dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction is a term used to refer to a condition that causes pain in the SI joints from a specific cause. There are a few common causes of SI joint dysfunction and these are conditions that change the normal walking pattern which places additional stress on the SI joints, This could include a leg length discrepancy (one leg longer than the other), or pain in the hip, knee, ankle or foot.

Degenerative arthritis is a common cause of SI joint dysfunction. As with most other joints in the body, the SI joints have a cartilage layer covering the bone. The cartilage allows for some movement and acts as a shock absorber between the bones. When this cartilage is damaged or worn away, the bones begin to rub on each other, and degenerative arthritis occurs. This is the most common cause of SI joint dysfunction.

Another common cause of SI joint dysfunction is pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormones are released in the female's body that allows for relaxation of ligaments which prepares the body for childbirth. Relaxation of the ligaments holding the SI joints together allows for increased motion in the joints and can lead to increased stresses and abnormal wear. The additional weight and walking pattern associated with pregnancy also places increased stress on the SI joints, 

What are symptoms of SI joint dysfunction?

The most common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction is sacroiliac pain. Pain in the SI joint is often related to either too much motion (hypermobility) or not enough (hypomobility) in the joint. Individuals often experience pain in the lower back or the back of the hips and can also be present in the groin and thighs. The pain is typically worse with standing and walking and improved when lying down. Inflammation and arthritis in the SI joint can also cause stiffness and a burning sensation in the pelvis.

How can Biokinetics help SI joint dysfunction?

 Biokinetics will focus on prescribing a specific individualised exercise regimen according to the needs of each person. The program will consist of low-impact aerobic activities , range of motion exercises for flexibility ,strength training  to improve muscle tone and stretching exercises. Exercise can help reduce pain and fatigue and improve muscle and bone strength. It is very important that the correct exercises be prescribed and done obediently, as incorrect exercises; a lack of effective management of SI Joint dysfunction and poor compliance of the individual can lead to progression of and increase pain of the SI Joint.

Melissa Biffi obtained her BCom Sports Management Degree at the University of Johannesburg and completed her Honours in Biokinetics at the University of Witwatersrand.

She has a special interest in dancing and other sports such as soccer and hockey, which lead to her interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation, particularly knee rehabilitation.

Melissa is also very passionate about working with children in specific areas such as rehabilitation and development of individuals from very young ages all the way through to adolescents.

Melissa can be contacted on 082 822 9677 or melissabiffi@kinetics.co.za 

Joint Laxity... Are you bent out of shape? - Nicole Robson (Paladin Biokineticists)

Ligaments connect bone to bone and therefore play an important role in joint stability. When ligaments are lax, there is less stability and the ligaments are termed “loose.” When this affects more than one joint in the body it is termed hypermobility and is often the cause of chronic pain. Causes are either genetic or as a result of an injury (torn ligament). Individuals with lax ligaments are more pre-disposed to injury and resultant joint degeneration with increasing age.

Common symptoms include

•  pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
• clicking joints
• pre-disposition to dislocation.
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• recurrent injuries – such as sprains

Exercise is a great way to help manage pain and create stability around the joints. As a biokineticsist we can determine which joints are more hypermobile than others and therefore can determine which muscles are compensating. It is important to have specific exercise prescribed so that strength can develop and assist with stabilisation. It is also important to learn what normal range of motion is for each joint, in order to avoid hyperextension.

It is important to concentrate on both isometric and concentric strengthening exercises. In isometric exercise, the joint doesn't actually move, but the muscles around it are contracting. This enables the joint to remain stable whist gaining strength. With concentric exercises, muscles shorten as they contract (i.e. when you lift a weight in a bicep curl).

Emphasis should focus on the most susceptible joints such as your shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles. Core strengthening surrounding joints in your lower back, pelvis and hips is also of vital importance. A strong core assists with overall stability and therefore less chance of injury.

How do I know I need a Biokineticist? - Bianca Bunge (Paladin Biokineticists)

• Have you been suffering from lower back pain for the last month, year, or all your life?
• Have you recently sustained a sports injury?
• Have you undergone any Orthopaedic surgery?
• Are you planning on undergoing any Orthopaedic surgery in the near future, and need to do some strengthening and conditioning beforehand?
• Do you suffer from any joint pain or niggles?
• Do you suffer from daily headaches?
• Does your whole body feel tight and tensed?
• Have you recently undergone any Cardiac surgery?
• Are you unhappy with your weight and want to shed a few kilograms?
• Is your posture worrying you?
• Are you an athlete looking to enhance your performance?
• Do you Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?
• Do you have High Blood pressure or Cholesterol?
• Do you experience knee pain when running and/or squatting?
• When you embark on your ab challenge workout, do you seem to feel every exercise in your lower back instead of where you actually need to feel it, uhm, your abdominals?
• Do you occasionally feel numbness and tingling down your legs?
• Do you suffer from any chronic conditions such as Parkinsons, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, to mention a few?
• Have you sustained a Neurological or Spinal injury?
• Do you just generally feel tight, tired, tensed and weak

Have you answered yes to any, or even a few of these questions? Well, then chances are you need a Biokineticist!! And we can help you!!

Bianca completed both her BA in Human Movement Science as well as her Honours degree in Biokinetics at the University of Pretoria. 

Bianca has a keen interest in various sports, particularly Netball and Running. She loves working with individuals and athletes of all levels and assisting them in achieving their desired goals. It’s all about the comeback! 

She’s passionate about the human body, movement, and working with different people and has a special interest in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, in particular knee, hip and back rehabilitation. 

Bianca can be contacted on 082 8297 438 or biancabunge@kinetics.co.za

Children and Biokinetics... Let's have some fun! - Nicole Robson (Paladin Biokineticists)

Exercise and physical activity is just as important for children as it is for adults. In today’s society the rate of obesity and overweight children is increasing at an alarming rate. This is consequently leading to an early onset of type two diabetes. Poor posture from bad sitting habits can also cause lead to problems such as muscular imbalances and therefore undue stress on certain joints.

This represents the need for physical activity and exercise. Exercise, monitored by a trained professional such as biokineticist can help manage both chronic and orthopaedic conditions in children.

Biokinetics in children is a specialised form of exercise treatment that assists in long term physical development and also improves mental and emotional well being. Using a fun form of exercise therapy, many conditions can be managed conservatively through activity and exercise.

Conditions that would benefit from Biokinetics include conditions like Autism, ADHD/ADD, low muscle tone, spina bifida, perthes disease, in-toeing and out-teoing, scheurmanns disease, scoliosis, juvenile arthritis, asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Following an assessment the Biokineticist can put together a structured and monitored exercise programme, with the correct and necessary progression based on the child's needs.

In general it is important to develop good lifestyle habits from an early age.

Physical activity, monitored specifically by a biokineticist has a variety of benefits such as:

·         The development of a healthy heart and lungs

·         Increased flexibility

·         Improved balance

·         Enhanced co-ordination

·         Muscle imbalance corrections

·         Postural correction

·         Development of strong bones

·         Weight management

·         decrease  risk of certain diseases

·         improved mood and self-esteem

Early intervention not only slows progression of certain conditions but also helps maintain and prevent further problems in the future.