Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone, jumps out of the shoulder socket of the scapula, which is called the glenoid. This can happen during severe wrench pulling the shoulder upward or outward, or from combined over-extension and external rotation of the humerus.

Glenohumeral dislocations are generally classified by the direction of dislocation of the humerus.

A dislocation can be full or partial:

·   A partial dislocation  which also known as subluxation, when the head of the humerus slips out of the socket momentarily and then snaps back into place (socket)

·    A full dislocation, when the head of the humerus comes completely out of the socket  

Shoulder dislocations are normally associated with fractures to different parts of the shoulder; there may be a fracture and dislocation at the same time. Nerves and blood vessels can sometimes be injured with a severe shoulder dislocation.

Causes

Shoulder dislocation can be caused by:

·    Falling on an outstretched arm

·    A direct powerful blow to the shoulder area.

·    Repetitive sports or activities i.e. Throwing or lifting 

·    Any kind of force applied to an outstretched arm 

Symptoms

Symptoms include

•   Swelling
•   Bruising
•   Pain, often severe
•   Shoulder contour appears abnormal
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Inability to move the shoulder
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Numbness and tingling around the shoulder or in the arm or fingers
•    Seek immediate medical attention.

Shoulder Injury for further in depth information on shoulder injuries and treatment, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions” and ”Treatments” for Cold laser therapy.

Call 02476 222002 . Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted

Stiff Neck. Inflammatory Diseases, Severe Injuries, Cervical Disc Degeneration, When Should You Seek Medical Care? What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD )or commonly known as ”Whiplash” (WAD) Diagnosis.

Non specific term for limited neck mobility often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end in the upper torso. The vertebrae along with the ligaments provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and movement of the neck. The neck supports the weight of the head which is 12lbs amounting to a significant load for the neck to cope with during motion thus increasing stress onto the neck (cervical spine). Compare to the rest of the spine, the neck is less protected and is more susceptible to injury and various disorders that can result in pain and restricted motion. Sometimes neck pain is a temporary condition going away on its own accord. Other cases require medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Cause

Neck pain may result from injury to the soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints of the spine. Soft tissue injuries or prolonged wear and tear are amongst the most common causes of neck pain. Infection or tumours may cause neck pain in rare instances. Sometimes neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Inflammatory Diseases

The vertebral column. Rheumatoid arthritis involves joints in the neck and may cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the upper neck area.

Cervical Disc Degeneration

Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people aged 40 and older. Disc’s act as shock absorbers between the bones. During cervical disc degeneration the normal gelatin like centre of the disc dries out and the gap between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is imposed onto the joints of the spine exacerbating further wear and degenerative changes. When occurs when cervical disc protrudes due to the weakening of its rim, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Injury

Due to its flexibility and the weight of the head it supports the neck is extremely vulnerable to injury. Road traffic or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls are the main causes of neck injury. A “rear end” shunt during car accident may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyper flexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The use of seat belts and head restrains in cars can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. The soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments are most commonly involved. Severe injuries including fracture or dislocation of the neck may lead to the damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) or’whiplash”?

“Whiplash” (WAD) injury occurs when the body reacts to sudden deceleration or acceleration force causing hyper flexion or hyperextension of the neck.

“Whiplash” (WAD) injuries are associated with car accidents. The “Whiplash”(WAD) injury is sustained when the muscles of the neck and shoulders do not have enough time to brace and hold the head during sudden acceleration or deceleration force application leading to injuries of the muscles, ligaments, capsule of the facet joints and discs of cervical spine.

Uncomplicated cases

“Whiplash” (WAD) cases that are uncomplicated are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck. The muscles spasm naturally to form a protective mechanism for the neck. The “whiplas”(WAD) injury may cause a stiff neck and pain may be present down one or both arms if the nerve roots of cervical part of spinal cord get compressed. Relief for “whiplash” (WAD) can be found with chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy or pain medication.

Severe cases

In severe cases of “whiplash”(WAD) may last for a month or more with persistent and in some cases constant pain. This may indicate that the” whiplash”(WAD) injury has extensive damage and resulting in disc’s rupturing and trapped nerves in the neck. This may also predispose to a “slipped”, ruptured or herniated disc in the back. (See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Other Causes of neck pain

Tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae are less common causes of neck pain.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Cases of severe neck pain occur following an injury such as motor vehicle accident, blow to the head or fall related accident. Only a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:

·         Continuous and persistent

·         Severe

·         Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

·         Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Diagnosis

Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain.

Your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor will take a complete history of the symptoms you are having with your neck. The Physiotherapist or Chiropractor may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that occurred to your neck, and any complaints you have associated with neck pain. Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted.

Physiotherapist or Chiropractor will also perform a physical examination. This examination may include evaluation of neck motion, tenderness of the neck and the function of the nerves and muscles in your arms and legs.

Digital X-rays often will be obtained to allow your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor to look at the bones in your neck. This entails simple diagnostic imaging study (radiography) and aids your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment.

Further evaluation may involve the following:

·         MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non x-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

·         CT (computed tomography). This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.

·         EMG (electromyography). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.

Treatment

The treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis. Most patients are treated successfully with Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Treatment. Also rest, medication, immobilization, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods can be very useful.

Inflammation is a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, (See also Cold Laser Therapy under conditions treated; this therapy is extremely affective in the treatment of inflammation). Surgery is required in very few cases to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of Physiothrapy or Chiropractic treatment, rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis, such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.

Non specific term for limited neck mobility, often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

For further in depth information on neck pain, go to top left corner under pain and conditions.

The knee and what is its function?

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint.

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint. 

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (patellar tendon) which attaches to the front of the tibia bone. There are large blood vessels passing through the area behind the knee (referred to as the popliteal space). The large muscles of the thigh move the knee. In the front of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles extend the knee joint. In the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscles flex the knee. The knee also rotates slightly under guidance of specific muscles of the thigh.

The knee functions to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee flexes normally to a maximum of 120 degrees and extends to 0 degrees. The bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, serve as gliding surfaces for the tendons to reduce the force of friction as these tendons move. The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Each meniscus serves to evenly load the surface during weight-bearing and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication.

Knee Pain 

Knee pain can be caused by injury, degeneration, arthritis, infrequently infection, and rarely bone tumours. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Ligaments within the knee (cruciate ligaments) and on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) can be sprained or torn.

Surgical repair of ligament injury can involve suturing, grafting, and synthetic graft repair. Routine x-rays do not reveal ligament or meniscus tears, but can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and other tissues.

Injury and Symptoms

Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones forming the joint. The design of the knee joint and that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most injured joints of the human body.

(View Our cold/low level laser section ).

Ligament Injury and Treatment

Trauma can cause a severe injury to the ligaments on the inner (medial) portion of the knee, the outer (lateral) portion of the knee (lateral collateral ligament), or within the knee (cruciate ligaments). Injuries to these areas are noticed as immediate knee pain, but are difficult to localize. A collateral ligament injury is felt on the inner or outer portion of the knee. A collateral ligament injury is tenderness over and around the area of the ligament involved. A cruciate ligament injury is felt within the knee. It is sometimes noticed with a “popping” sensation with the initial trauma. A ligament injury to the knee is painful and may be swollen the knee pain is usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or even walking. The severity of the injury can vary from minor stretching or tearing of the ligament, such as a sprain to severe and complete tear of the ligament the knee can have more than one area injured in a single traumatic event.

Ligament injuries are initially treated with ice packs and immobilization, with rest and elevation. It is generally initially recommended to avoid bearing weight on the injured joint, and crutches may be required for walking. Some patients are placed in splints or braces to immobilize the joint to decrease pain and promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be necessary to repair severe injuries.

(View our cold/Low Level laser section.)

Meniscus Tears and Treatment

The meniscus can be torn with the shearing forces of rotation that are applied to the knee during sharp, rapid motions. This is especially common in sports such as football and other rapid motion activities. There is a higher incidence with aging and degeneration of the underlying cartilage. Several tears can be present in an individual meniscus. A meniscal tear may have a rapid onset of a popping sensation with a certain activity or movement of the knee. Occasionally, it is associated with swelling in the knee It is also associated with locking or an unstable sensation in the knee joint. X-rays while they do not reveal a meniscal tear can be used to exclude other problems of the knee. The meniscal tear can be diagnosed in one of three ways: arthroscopy, arthrography, or an MRI. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique by which a small diameter video camera is inserted through tiny incisions on the sides of the knee for the purposes of examining and repairing internal knee joint problems. Micro instruments can be used during arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus.

(View our cold/low level laser section)

Arthrography is a radiology technique whereby a contrast liquid is directly injected into the knee joint and internal structures of the knee joint thereby become visible on x-ray film. An MRI scan is another radiology technique whereby magnetic fields and a computer combine to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the internal structures of the body. It does not use x-rays, and can give accurate information about the internal structures of the knee when considering a surgical intervention. Meniscal tears are often visible using an MRI scanner. MRI scans have largely replaced arthrography in diagnosing meniscal tears of the knee. Meniscal tears are generally repaired arthroscopically.

(View our cold/low level laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Tendonitis and Treatment

Knee Pain and tendonitis of the knee occurs in the front of the knee below the kneecap at the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or in the back of the knee at the popliteal tendon (popliteal tendonitis). Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which often occurs by a strain or impacted sport such as jumping. Patellar tendonitis also has the name “jumper’s knee.” Tendonitis is diagnosed based on the presence of pain and tenderness localized to the tendon. It is treated with ice packs, and cold laser therapy {see our cold laser section} cortisone injections, which can be given for tendonitis elsewhere, are generally avoided in patellar tendonitis because there are reports of risk of tendon rupture as a result of corticosteroids in this area. In severe cases, surgery can be required. A rupture of the tendon below or above the kneecap can occur. This may lead to bleeding within the knee joint and severe pain with knee movement. Surgery of the ruptured tendon is often necessary.

(View Our cold/low level laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Diseases or Conditions

Diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area can result in knee pain. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that involve various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation within a joint. The causes of knee joint inflammation range from types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration, or wear and tear, of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type with cold laser being one of the most effective types of treatment in managing the inflammation.

Baker cyst is another common cause of pain at the back of the knee resulting from swelling of the knee joint from arthritis leading to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee.

Tumors and Infections of the bone or joint can rarely be a serious cause of knee pain and have associated signs of infection including fever, extreme heat, warmth of the joint, chills of the body, and may be associated with puncture wounds in the area around the knee.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a calcification of the collateral ligament on the inside of the knee joint. With this condition, the knee can become inflamed and can be treated conservatively with ice packs, immobilization, and rest. Infrequently, it requires a local injection of corticosteroids.

Chondromalacia refers to a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of deep knee pain and stiffness in young women and can be associated with pain and stiffness after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest may help.

(View our Cold/low level Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Bursitis of the knee occurs on the inside of the knee (anserine bursitis) and the front of the kneecap (patellar bursitis, or commonly known as “housemaid’s knee”). Bursitis is generally treated with ice packs, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications or Cold laser therapy.

(View our Cold/low level laser section under inflammatory conditions.)

For further in depth information please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”, treatments can include cold/low level laser therapy is excellent in treating foot Injuries and pain.

(Cold/low level laser therapy top left under “Treatments” for in depth information). 

Sports Injury Clinic;   Sports Injuries,

Orthotics. Cold/Low Level Laser Therapy and Treatment for Soft tissue injuries, and used by David Beckham, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, A.C. Milan and Chelsea football club all use Cold/Low level Laser treatment.   

It’s estimated that in excess of 92% of all world-class athletes use Chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential.

Chiropractic addresses the function of central nervous system which is the “master system” of the body controlling ad regulating function of all other subsystems including musculoskeletal system. Properly aligned skeletal system would improve performance and reduces the risk of injury and improve healing of existing injuries.

Chiropractors specialize in the non-drug treatment of musculoskeletal problems, including joint sprains and disc injuries. To some extent, the chiropractic approach to sports injuries is similar to that of traditional medical care.

Usually chiropractor’s initial examination would include standard orthopaedic and neurological tests to diagnose whether a particular pain is due to a strain, sprain, or disc problem. Digital X-ray examination is also performed to screen for fractures and other bone disorders, such as osteoporosis.

Chiropractic management of sports injuries often includes widely used physical therapies such as ice, Cold laser therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation, or electronic muscle stimulation for muscle strains and spasms.  

Importance, of Restoring Structural Body Balance.

Chiropractic management of sport injuries has an emphasis on adjustment and improving function of spinal and other joints through manipulation as well as restoring overall structural balance of the body. Chiropractor assess the effect of the muscle injury on the rest of the body as it would cause tightening of other muscle and joints in order to maintain general balance. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore the natural balance that was present before the injury.

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle. 

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Athletic and sports injuries,

Soft Tissue Injuries including; Fractures, Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis, conditions and disorders.

Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps, Muscle Tears, Rotator Cuff injuries.

Knee, ligaments, Runners Knee, Bursitis, conditions and disorders

Hip Pain, Sacroiliac Joint inflammation

Ankle, Foot, Heel Pain and injuries

Achilles tendonitis, 

Plantar Fasciitis

Back pain and Lower back pain

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, 

Trapped nerves.

Sacroiliac Joint inflammation 

“Whiplash”, (WAD) Neck Pain and injury

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic pain relief and Muscle Spasm.

Pain Relief for Muscle and Joint Pain

Skin infections.

 TOG GaitScan.

Our GaitScan™ System is a revolutionary diagnostic tool for assessing patient’s foot biomechanics. GaitScan™ has an industry high 4096 sensors and scans at an industry high 300Hz (scans per second).  These measurements provide today’s Healthcare Professionals with a sophisticated explanation of foot mechanics and assists them with orthotic and/or shoe solutions. 

We supply and fit TOG GaitScan Orthotics. Our TOG GaitScan Orthotics are inexpensive, comfortable and very effective.

Foot Orthotics: for further in depth information please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”; treatments can include Tog GaitScan. And “Cold Laser Therapy” is excellent in treating Knee and foot pain.

(Listed in our “Cold Laser Therapy” top left under “Treatments” for in depth information)