FAQ

Is lower back pain amenable to physiotherapy?

Mechanical low back pain (facet syndrome, degenerative disc disease, disc prolapse) is amenable to physiotherapy. However, some severe cases of spinal stenosis might require surgical intervention. Cauda equina syndrome requires an immediate surgery within the first 24 hours to avoid permanent loss of bladder, bowel and sexual function as well as weakness of the lower limbs.Can there be a permanent cure for knee osteoarthritis?

No please. Osteoarthritis simply means wear and tear (degeneration) of bones. As one advances in age, bone degeneration is bound to occur in any joint (intersection of two bones). There is absolutely no permanent cure for this. However, Physiotherapy helps to prepare the body for this through muscle retraining, balance exercises and lots more.Does a fractured arm or dislocated joint affect other surrounding joints?

Sure. For example, a dislocated elbow has to be reduced (realign the affected bones anatomically) by an expert orthopod or musculoskeletal physiotherapist. This should be followed by immobilization of the joint and/or very mild active exercises to the joint as healing takes place. It is indeed noteworthy that the shoulder and wrist joints should not be neglected as joints stiffness may occur.  This also applies to a fractured limb. A great deal of expertise is required and this lies in the hands of musculoskeletal physiotherapists.