ආරෝහා Physio Care

World physiotherapy day 2023 focuses on the prevention and management of arthritis 👇👇
අද ලෝක භෞත චිකිත්සක දිනයේ ප්‍රධාන අවධානය යොමු කර ඇත්තේ ආතරයිටිස් රෝගී තත්ත්වය හා එය ඇති වීම වළක්වා ගැනීමට භෞතචිකිත්සාව යොදා ගන්නා ආකාරය පිළිබඳවයි.

ලෝක භෞත චිකිත්සක දිනය සෑම වසරකම සැප්තැම්බර් 8 වන දිනට යෙදී ඇත. මෙම දිනය ලොව පුරාවටම භෞතචිකිත්සක වෘත්තියෙන් ලැබෙන තීරණාත්මක දායකත්වය පිළිබඳව දැනුවත් කිරීමට අවස්ථාවකි.

1996 දී, ලෝක භෞතචිකිත්සාව ලෙස හැඳින්වෙන ලෝක භෞත චිකිත්සක සංගමය (WCPT) සැප්තැම්බර් 8 වන දින ලෝක PT දිනය ලෙස නම් කරන ලදී. ලෝක භෞතචිකිත්සාව 1951 දී ආරම්භ කරන ලද දිනය මෙයයි.

මෙම දිනය ගෝලීය භෞතචිකිත්සක ප්‍රජාවේ එකමුතුකම සහ සහයෝගීතාවය සනිටුහන් කරයි. භෞතචිකිත්සකවරුන් තම රෝගීන් සහ ප්‍රජාව වෙනුවෙන් කරන සේවය හඳුනා ගැනීමට අවස්ථාවකි. ලෝක PT දිනය අවධානය යොමු කිරීමක් ලෙස භාවිතා කරමින්, ලෝක භෞත චිකිත්සාව අරමුණු කරන්නේ වෘත්තිය ප්‍රවර්ධනය කිරීමට සහ ඔවුන්ගේ විශේෂතාව ඉහළ නැංවීමට දරන ප්‍රයත්නවලදී සාමාජික සංවිධානවලට සහාය වීමයි.

ලොව පුරා වාර්තා පෙන්වා දෙන්නේ ලෝක PT දින ක්‍රියාකාරකම් වෘත්තියේ පැතිකඩ කෙරෙහි ධනාත්මක බලපෑමක් ඇති කරන අතර මහජනතාව සහ ප්‍රතිපත්ති සම්පාදකයින් සමඟ සිටීමයි.

බොහෝ ලෝක භෞතචිකිත්සක සාමාජික සංවිධානවලට දැනටමත් ඔවුන්ගේම ජාතික භෞත චිකිත්සක දින, සති සහ මාස තිබේ. කෙසේ වෙතත්, තමන්ගේම නිශ්චිත දිනයක් නොමැති සංවිධාන බොහෝ විට සැප්තැම්බර් 8 තෝරා ගනී.

ඔවුන් සංවර්ධනය කිරීමට බලාපොරොත්තු වන ක්‍රියාකාරකම් සහ ද්‍රව්‍ය මොනවාද යන්න තීරණය කිරීම තනි පුද්ගල භෞතචිකිත්සකයින් සහ ලෝක භෞතචිකිත්සක සාමාජික සංවිධාන වෙත පැවරේ. එමඟින් ඔවුන්ට ප්‍රධාන ජාතික ප්‍රමුඛතා සහ පණිවිඩ පිළිබිඹු කළ හැකිය. නමුත් සෑම වසරකම ලෝක භෞත චිකිත්සාව මගින් අදහස්, ප්‍රචාරණ සහ ආධාරක ද්‍රව්‍ය සපයයි.

2023
රූමැටොයිඩ් ආතරයිටිස් සහ ආක්ෂීය ස්පොන්ඩිලෝආතරයිටිස් ඇතුළු සමහර ආකාරයේ ආතරයිටිස් ගැන ගැඹුරින් බැලීමෙන් මෙම වසරේ ලෝක PT දිනය සඳහා අවධානය යොමු වන්නේ ආතරයිටිස් වේ. මෙය ඔස්ටියෝ ආතරයිටිස් කෙරෙහි අවධානය යොමු කළ 2022 සඳහා තේමාවෙන් ඉදිරියට යයි.

ප්‍රචාරණය පහත සඳහන් ප්‍රධාන පණිවිඩ කෙරෙහි අවධානය යොමු කර ඇත:

ආතරයිටිස් යනු උග්ර හෝ නිදන්ගත සන්ධි වේදනාවක් ලෙස අර්ථ දැක්වේ. රෝග ලක්ෂණ වලට වේදනාව, ඉදිමීම, තද ගතිය සහ රතු පැහැය ඇතුළත් විය හැකි අතර එමඟින් ක්‍රියාකාරිත්වය අඩුවීමට සහ අකර්මණ්‍යතාවට දායක විය හැකිය. ආතරයිටිස් යනු තනි තත්වයක් නොවේ; විවිධ වර්ග තිබේ.
එය ළමුන්, යෞවනයන් සහ ක්‍රීඩක ක්‍රීඩිකාවන් ඇතුළුව - සියලුම වයස්වල පුද්ගලයින්ට සහ ශාරීරික යෝග්‍යතාවයට බලපෑ හැකිය. සමහර ආතරයිටිස් වැඩිහිටි පුද්ගලයින් තුළ බහුලව දක්නට ලැබේ.
ආතරයිටිස් රෝග ලක්ෂණ සතියෙන් සතියට සහ දිනෙන් දින වෙනස් විය හැක. එය විවිධ ආකාරවලින් මිනිසුන්ට බලපෑම් කළ හැකි අතර එක් එක් තත්වයට නිශ්චිත රෝග ලක්ෂණ ඇත. කෙසේ වෙතත්, නිවැරදි ප්‍රතිකාර සහ ප්‍රවේශය සමඟ, ඔබට ඔබේ රෝග ලක්ෂණ පාලනය කර හොඳින් ජීවත් විය හැකිය.
රූමැටොයිඩ් ආතරයිටිස් (RA) සහ අක්ෂීය ස්පොන්ඩිලෝආතරයිටිස් (අක්ෂීය SpA) ඇතුළුව සියලුම ආකාරයේ ප්‍රදාහ තරයිටිස් (IA) කළමනාකරණය කිරීමේදී නිතිපතා ශාරීරික ක්‍රියාකාරකම් සහ ව්‍යායාම වැදගත් වන අතර සෞඛ්‍ය ප්‍රතිලාභ රැසක් ලබා දෙයි.
භෞත චිකිත්සාව ඔබේ සමස්ත ප්‍රතිකාරයේ වැදගත් කොටසකි. භෞතචිකිත්සකයෙකු ඔබට ආරක්ෂිතව ව්‍යායාම කරන්නේ කෙසේද, ඔබේ ක්‍රියාකාරකම් මට්ටම් වැඩි කරන්නේ කෙසේද, ඉලක්ක සකසන්නේ කෙසේද සහ විවේකය සහ ක්‍රියාකාරකම් අතර නිවැරදි සමතුලිතතාවය සොයා ගන්නේ කෙසේද යන්න පිළිබඳව ඔබට මග පෙන්වනු ඇත.
ඔබට ආතරයිටිස් ඇති විට ක්‍රියාශීලීව සිටීම සහ චලනය නොවී සිටීම වැදගත් වේ. භෞත චිකිත්සකයින් යනු ඔබේ ආතරයිටිස් කළමනාකරණය කිරීමට උපකාර කළ හැකි බහුවිධ කණ්ඩායමක කොටසකි. ඔවුන්ට ඔබේ තත්ත්වය සහ හැකියාවන් තක්සේරු කිරීමට සහ ක්‍රියාශීලීව තබා ගැනීමට සහ ඔබේ රෝග ලක්ෂණ කළමනාකරණය කිරීමට උපකාර කිරීමට ඔබට මඟ පෙන්වනු ඇත.
RA සහ අනෙකුත් ගිනි අවුලුවන සන්ධි ආබාධ ඇති පුද්ගලයින්ට හෘද වාහිනී රෝග (CVD) වැඩි අවදානමක් ඇත. CVD අවදානම අවම කිරීම සඳහා RA කළමනාකරණයේදී නිතිපතා ශාරීරික ක්‍රියාකාරකම් ඇතුළුව සෞඛ්‍ය සම්පන්න ජීවන රටාවක් තෝරා ගැනීම වැදගත් වේ.
කොඳු ඇට පෙළේ නම්‍යශීලී බව, මුළු සිරුරම නම්‍යශීලී බව සහ වේදනාව අඩු කිරීම සඳහා ඔබට ගැලපෙන තනි පුද්ගල, ව්‍යුහගත ව්‍යායාම වැඩසටහනක් ආරම්භ කිරීම සඳහා අක්ෂීය SpA සහිත පුද්ගලයින් භෞතචිකිත්සකයෙකු වෙත යොමු කළ යුතුය. ඔබට වේදනාවක් ඇති විට පවා, ඔබට ගැලපෙන මට්ටම්වල ව්‍යායාම කිරීම සැලකිය යුතු ප්‍රතිලාභ ලබා දෙයි.
OA සමඟ ජීවත් වන පුද්ගලයින්ගෙන් තුනෙන් එකක් පමණ කාලයත් සමඟ නරක අතට හැරෙනු ඇත, සමහරු වේදනාව සහ ආබාධිතභාවයේ වැඩිදියුණු වීමක් දකිති. භෞතචිකිත්සකයෙකුට ක්‍රියාශීලීව තබා ගන්නේ කෙසේද යන්න පිළිබඳව ඔබට මග පෙන්වීමට හැකි වනු ඇත.
ආතරයිටිස් බොහෝ විට වැඩිහිටි පුද්ගලයින් සමඟ සම්බන්ධ වේ, නමුත් එය දරුවන්ට ද බලපායි. ළමා ආතරයිටිස් වර්ග බොහොමයක් ජුවනයිල් idiopathic arthritis (JIA) ලෙස හැඳින්වේ. භෞත චිකිත්සාව JIA රෝග ලක්ෂණ කළමනාකරණය කිරීමේදී වැදගත් කාර්යභාරයක් ඉටු කරන අතර ඔබ/ඔබේ දරුවාට ඔබ කැමති ක්‍රියාකාරකම් කිරීමට උපකාර වනු ඇත.

*TODAY IS WORLD PHYSIOTHERAPY DAY !*

World PT Day is on 8th September every year. The day is an opportunity for physiotherapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the crucial contribution the profession makes to keeping people well, mobile and independent.

In 1996, the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) now known as World Physiotherapy designated 8th September as World PT Day. This is the date World Physiotherapy was founded in 1951.

The day marks the unity and solidarity of the global physiotherapy community. It is an opportunity to recognise the work that physiotherapists do for their patients and community. Using World PT Day as a focus, World Physiotherapy aims to support member organisations in their efforts to promote the profession and advance their expertise.

Reports from around the world indicate that World PT Day activities have a positive impact on the profession’s profile and standing with both the public and policy makers.

Many World Physiotherapy member organisations already have their own national physical therapy days, weeks and months. However, organisations that have no designated day of their own often choose 8th September.

It is up to individual physiotherapists and World Physiotherapy member organisations to decide what activities and materials they wish to develop. That way, they can reflect key national priorities and messages. But each year World Physiotherapy provides ideas, publicity and support materials.

2023
The focus for this year’s World PT Day is arthritis, with an in-depth look at some forms of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis. This follows on from the theme for 2022, which focused on osteoarthritis.

The campaign is focused on the following key messages:

Arthritis is defined as an acute or chronic joint inflammation. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness which may contribute to reduced function and dexterity. Arthritis isn’t a single condition; there are many different types.
It can affect people of all ages and physical fitness – including children, teenagers, and athletes. Some forms of arthritis are more common in older people.
The symptoms of arthritis can vary from week to week, and even from day to day. It can also affect people in different ways and each condition will have specific symptoms. However, with the right treatment and approach, you can manage your symptoms and live well.
Regular physical activity and exercise are important in the management of all forms of inflammatory arthritis (IA), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), and offer numerous health benefits.
Physiotherapy is an important part of your overall treatment. A physiotherapist will guide you on how to exercise safely, increase your activity levels, set goals, and find the right balance between rest and activity.
It’s important to stay active and keep moving when you have arthritis. Physiotherapists are part of a multidisciplinary team that can help you manage your arthritis. They will be able to assess your condition and abilities and guide you on how to keep active and help manage your symptoms.
People with RA and other inflammatory joint disorders have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Healthy lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, are important in the management of RA to reduce the risk of CVD.
People with axial SpA should be referred to a physiotherapist to start an individualised, structured exercise programme that is tailored to you to help maintain spinal flexibility, whole body flexibility, and reduce pain. Even when you have pain, continuing to exercise at levels that suit you has significant benefits.
Only about a third of people living with OA will get worse over time, and some see an improvement in pain and disability. A physiotherapist will be able to guide you on how to keep active.
Arthritis is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children. Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Physiotherapy forms an important role in the management of the symptoms of JIA and will help you/your child do the activities you like doing.

https://www.physedia.com/World_PT_Day

*නිවැරිදිව විෂය හදාරා ඇති සුදුසුකම් ඇති වෛද්‍යවරු ඔබව භෞතචිකිත්සාවට යොමු කරනු ඇත*

*Copied

Happy world physiotherapy day to all the dedicated physiotherapists out there❤

Knee Osteoarthritis: Unlocking the Secrets to Healthy and Pain-Free knee joint💪🔥🔥

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint gradually wears away, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While there is no cure for knee osteoarthritis, medical and physiotherapy interventions play a crucial role in managing the condition, alleviating symptoms, and improving overall quality of life. In this article, we will explore knee osteoarthritis in detail, including its causes, symptoms, and the medical and physiotherapy approaches utilized for its treatment.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis: Knee osteoarthritis commonly occurs due to a combination of factors,
➡Age,
➡ Genetic predisposition
➡Obesity
➡Previous knee injuries
➡Repetitive stress on the joint.
As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the knee joint can rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced functionality.
The most common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:

😣Pain: Individuals may experience pain in and around the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing activities or after prolonged periods of inactivity.

😣Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff and difficult to move, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.

😣Swelling: Inflammation and swelling can occur due to the degeneration of cartilage, leading to increased pressure on the joint.

😣 Limited mobility: As the condition progresses, the range of motion in the knee may become restricted, making it challenging to perform daily activities.

Medical Concerns for Knee Osteoarthritis

Medical interventions for knee osteoarthritis are aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, slowing down the progression of the disease, and improving joint function. Some common medical treatments include:

➡️ Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended for short-term relief.

➡️ Surgical management :The surgical management of knee osteoarthritis is typically considered when conservative treatment options have failed to provide sufficient relief or when the condition has progressed to an advanced stage. Here are some common surgical interventions for knee osteoarthritis:

🧐Arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions and using a thin tube with a camera (arthroscope) to visualize and treat the joint. It can be used to remove loose fragments, smooth damaged cartilage, or repair small tears.

🧐Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee joint to shift the weight-bearing load away from the damaged area. It is often used for younger, active patients who have early-stage osteoarthritis affecting only one side of the knee.

🧐Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) : In cases where the arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee, a partial knee replacement may be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the damaged portion of the knee with a prosthetic implant while preserving the healthy parts.

🧐Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty): This is the most common surgical intervention for advanced knee osteoarthritis. It involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone and replacing them with artificial components. The prosthetic components recreate the joint surface, allowing for improved function and pain relief.

🧐Minimally invasive knee replacement: In recent years, advancements have been made in minimally invasive techniques for knee replacement. These procedures involve smaller incisions and specialized instruments, resulting in potentially shorter recovery times and less scarring.

It is important to note that the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with an orthopedic surgeon or a healthcare professional specializing in joint disorders. They will evaluate the severity of the osteoarthritis, the patient's overall health, and individual circumstances to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. Recovery and rehabilitation after surgery will also be an essential part of the overall treatment plan.

➡️Physical Therapy: Physical therapy involves exercises and techniques to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, improve flexibility, and enhance stability. Therapists may also use modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation for pain relief.

➡️Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices such as knee braces, crutches, or canes can help reduce pressure on the knee joint, provide support, and improve mobility.

➡️Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for individuals with knee osteoarthritis as excess weight puts additional strain on the joint. Weight loss programs and dietary modifications may be recommended.

Physiotherapy Concerns for Knee Osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of knee osteoarthritis by addressing pain, improving joint mobility, and enhancing overall physical function. Here are some key physiotherapy interventions:

🏋️ Exercise Programs: Physiotherapists prescribe specific exercises tailored to an individual's condition and fitness level. These exercises may focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint, improving flexibility, and promoting overall cardiovascular fitness.

🏋️ Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and stretching can help reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, and enhance tissue mobility.

🏋️ Electrotherapy: Modalities like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, and laser therapy can be utilized to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.

🏋️ Education and Lifestyle Modification: Physiotherapists educate patients about joint protection techniques, proper body mechanics, and lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration

preventative measures

While it may not be possible to completely prevent knee osteoarthritis, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk and delay its onset. Here are some preventive strategies:

▶️ Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional stress on the knee joints, accelerating the wear and tear of cartilage. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce the strain on your knees and lower the risk of developing osteoarthritis. If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can make a significant difference.

▶️ Engage in Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, providing stability and support. Include a variety of low-impact exercises in your routine, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or tai chi. These activities promote joint flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

▶️ Practice Joint Protection: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the knees, such as running on hard surfaces or participating in high-impact sports. Instead, opt for activities that are gentle on the joints and promote their long-term health. When engaging in physical activities, use proper techniques and protective gear, such as knee pads or braces, if necessary.

▶️ Maintain Proper Posture and Body Mechanics: Practice good posture and body mechanics to reduce the strain on your knees during daily activities. When lifting heavy objects, remember to bend your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back. Avoid prolonged periods of kneeling or squatting, and use supportive footwear that provides cushioning and shock absorption.

▶️ Warm-Up and Stretch: Prior to engaging in physical activity, warm up your muscles with gentle exercises to increase blood flow and prepare your joints for movement. Incorporate stretching exercises for the lower body, focusing on the muscles surrounding the knees. This helps improve flexibility and joint range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

▶️ Avoid Repetitive Stress: Avoid repetitive movements or activities that put continuous stress on your knees. If your work involves repetitive kneeling, squatting, or heavy lifting, take regular breaks, use proper ergonomics, and vary your tasks to minimize the strain on your joints.

▶️ Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle overall can contribute to the prevention of knee osteoarthritis. Ensure a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including foods that promote joint health such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Quit smoking if you are a smoker, as it can impair blood flow to the joints and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

▶️ Regular Check-ups: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a family history of osteoarthritis or if you have experienced knee injuries in the past. Early detection and intervention can help manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to knee osteoarthritis.

Remember, while these preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, they may not guarantee complete prevention. It is essential to listen to your body, pay attention to any early signs or symptoms, and consult a healthcare professional for guidance and personalized advice.

Get updated and feel free from knee osteoarthritis 💪👍

-Physio Lakshani -

For physiotherapy treatments:📞0764006450
Lakshani Kanchana Gunarathne
Physiotherapist and Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Dry needling practitioner.
BSc( hons) in Physiotherapy (FAHS) UOP.
Diploma in Exercises and Sport Sciences ( FOM) UOP.
SLMC Reg No: 1303

Say goodbye to Sciatica: How Physiotherapy Can Help You Find Relief"

Sciatica is a common condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. It originates in the lower back and travels through the hips, buttocks, and down the back of each leg. When this nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the lower back, hips, and legs.

Causes:😵

There are several possible causes of sciatica, including:

❓Herniated or bulging discs: The discs between the vertebrae in the spine can herniate or bulge, pressing on the sciatic nerve.

❓Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can put pressure on the nerve.

❓Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition in which the discs in the spine wear down over time, leading to irritation of the nerve.

❓Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward onto the vertebra below it, compressing the nerve.

❓Piriformis syndrome: This is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, spasms and compresses the nerve.

Symptoms:🕵️

The symptoms of sciatica can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

😖Pain: The pain associated with sciatica can range from mild to severe and can be felt in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and down the back of the leg.

😖Numbness: Patients may experience numbness or tingling in the affected leg.

😖Weakness: Patients may also experience weakness in the leg, making it difficult to stand, walk or climb stairs.

Diagnosis:🧐🧐🧐

To diagnose sciatica, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam and take a medical history. They may also order special tests and imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to help identify the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment:

Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Non-surgical treatment options include:

⭕Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in managing pain associated with sciatica.

⭕Physical therapy: A physical therapist can develop a treatment plan that includes exercises to help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

⭕Hot and cold therapy: Alternating between heat and ice can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

⭕Epidural steroid injections: This is a procedure in which a steroid is injected into the spinal canal to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

⭕Surgery may be recommended for patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments or who have severe sciatica symptoms. Surgery may involve removing a portion of a herniated disc or widening the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the nerve.

However, there are other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of sciatica, and it is important to differentiate them to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the differential diagnoses for sciatica:

🧐Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: This is a condition in which the joints that connect the sacrum (the bone at the base of the spine) to the pelvis become inflamed or dysfunctional. It can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks that can radiate down the leg, mimicking the symptoms of sciatica.

🧐Tumors or infections: In rare cases, tumors or infections can cause sciatica-like symptoms. These conditions can cause more severe symptoms and may require urgent medical attention.

🧐Referred pain: Sometimes, pain in the leg may be referred from other areas of the body, such as the hip or knee. This type of pain can be mistaken for sciatica.

🧐Osteoarthritis: This is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis can affect the joints in the lower back and hips, and can cause symptoms similar to sciatica.

🧐Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and can cause chronic back pain and stiffness. It can also cause symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain and stiffness in the buttocks and legs.

🧐Peripheral neuropathy: This is a condition in which the nerves that carry signals to and from the legs and feet become damaged. Peripheral neuropathy can cause symptoms similar to sciatica, including pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet.

🧐Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury can cause symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and tingling in the legs and feet. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, these symptoms can be similar to those of sciatica.

🧐Fibromyalgia: This is a condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and joints. It can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Although fibromyalgia does not typically cause sciatica-like symptoms, it can sometimes cause pain and numbness in the legs.

To differentiate sciatica from other conditions, healthcare providers will look for specific signs and symptoms that are characteristic of sciatica. These may include:

✔️Pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg

✔️Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

✔️Weakness in the leg or foot

✔️Pain that is worse with sitting or standing for long periods

✔️Pain that is relieved by lying down or changing positions

✔️Pain that is aggravated by coughing or sneezing

Based on the specific signs and symptoms present, the healthcare provider can determine whether the symptoms are likely caused by sciatica or another condition. If another condition is suspected, additional testing or referral to a specialist may be necessary.

How physiotherapist can diagnose sciatica ❓❓❓

As experts in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, physiotherapists play an essential role in diagnosing and treating sciatica. Here are some ways that physiotherapists can diagnose sciatica:

⏩Assessment of symptoms: Physiotherapists will start by asking about your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and whether you have any other medical conditions. They will also ask about any recent injuries or trauma that could have caused the symptoms.

⏩Physical examination: The physiotherapist will perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, and reflexes. They will also look for any signs of nerve damage, such as muscle wasting or decreased sensation in the affected area.

🕵️Special tests: There are several special tests that physiotherapists use to diagnose sciatica. These tests are designed to assess nerve root irritation or compression, which is a common cause of sciatica. Here are some of the special tests that are commonly used in physiotherapy to diagnose sciatica:

🕵️Straight leg raise test: This test is used to assess nerve root irritation in the lumbar spine. The patient lies on their back with their legs straight, and the physiotherapist lifts the affected leg to a certain height. If the patient experiences pain in the lower back or leg when the leg is raised, it may indicate nerve root irritation.

🕵️Slump test: This test is similar to the straight leg raise test, but it also involves forward bending of the neck and upper back. The patient sits on the edge of a table with their hands behind their back and their legs straight. The physiotherapist then instructs the patient to slump forward, while the physiotherapist applies overpressure to the patient's neck. If the patient experiences pain in the lower back or leg, it may indicate nerve root irritation.

🕵️Prone knee bend test: This test is used to assess nerve root irritation in the lumbar spine. The patient lies face down with their legs straight, and the physiotherapist bends the knee of the affected leg. If the patient experiences pain in the lower back or leg, it may indicate nerve root irritation.

🕵️FABER test: This test is used to assess hip joint and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The patient lies on their back with the affected leg flexed, abducted, and externally rotated. The physiotherapist applies overpressure to the knee of the affected leg. If the patient experiences pain in the hip or buttock, it may indicate hip or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

⏩Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, may be ordered to visualize the spine and look for any abnormalities that could be causing the symptoms. These tests can help to rule out other conditions, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

⏩Assessment of movement patterns: Physiotherapists may also assess your movement patterns to identify any postural or biomechanical factors that could be contributing to your symptoms. For example, they may assess how you walk, stand, or sit to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Based on the results of the assessment, the physiotherapist will determine whether your symptoms are caused by sciatica or another condition. They will then develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms and address any underlying factors that may be contributing to your condition.

Physiotherapy treatments for sciatica ⁉️️

The goal of physiotherapy treatment for sciatica is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. Here are some of the most common treatments used by physiotherapists for sciatica:

💆Exercise therapy: Exercise is an essential component of physiotherapy treatment for sciatica. The physiotherapist will design an individualized exercise program to help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. Exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular activities.

💆Manual therapy: This includes hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and spinal manipulation. Manual therapy can help to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and restore normal movement patterns.

💆Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The physiotherapist may recommend using heat or cold therapy as part of the treatment plan.

💆Ultrasound therapy: This is a non-invasive therapy that uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain. Ultrasound therapy can be helpful for reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

💆TENS therapy: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses a small electrical device to stimulate the nerves and reduce pain. TENS therapy can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for sciatica.

💆Postural and ergonomic education: The physiotherapist may provide education on proper posture and ergonomics to help reduce pressure on the affected nerves and improve overall spinal health.

💆Education and self-management strategies: The physiotherapist may provide education on self-management strategies, such as home exercise programs, pain management techniques, and lifestyle modifications to help reduce the risk of future episodes of sciatica.

Prevention:⁉️️

While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of sciatica, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. These include:

☑️Maintaining good posture: Poor posture can put pressure on the lower back and increase the risk of developing sciatica.

☑️Staying active: Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back and reduce the risk of injury.

☑️Lifting properly: When lifting heavy objects, individuals should lift with their legs rather than their back to reduce the risk of injury.

-Physio Lakshani -

For physiotherapy treatments:📞0764006450
Lakshani Kanchana Gunarathne
Physiotherapist and Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Dry needling practitioner.
BSc( hons) in Physiotherapy (FAHS) UOP.
Diploma in Exercises and Sport Sciences ( FOM) UOP.
SLMC Reg No: 1303