Facet syndrome and SI syndrome are two of the most common lower back injuries I see in practise and usually very easy to treat. The athlete would typically suffer a very specific sharp pain on one side of their lower back in both cases and there is often discomfort in the hamstring, hip and groin area.
Slipped Disc: This is a misnomer. A disc can actually never slip, what happens is that there is damage to the disc and this causes irritation to the nearby nerve causing significant pain. Most cases of disc injury can be managed conservatively without surgery.
Myofasial Pain syndrome: This problem occurs in any part of the body and typically in the lower back the patient will have a non specific ache in the lower back and buttocks. However myofascial pain syndrome is usually associated with other problems such as facet syndrome or SI syndrome.
My approach to treatment for sports injuries in general involves three different techniques. These are loosening of the soft tissue structures surrounding the joint (using massage, dry needling/acupuncture and/or Transeva Therapy). Following the soft tissue release is realignment of the joint in the form of manipulation. This corrects the structure for the functional muscles to ‘reset’. Thirdly passive and proprioceptive-neurofascilitation (PNF)stretching along with basic home exercises is advised. I recommend a rehabilitation program by a Physiotherapist or Biokineticist to continue with strengthening and to prevent re-injury.
In the case of a diagnosed nerve impingement or paralysis caused by trauma or post-surgery a more intense form of Transeva treatment is used. This modified faradic current effectively integrates nerve with the muscle, rapidly removing waste products (inflammation and scar tissue) and bringing in healing properties through healthy circulation to speed up recovery. For more information see the linkwww.transevatherapy.com
For any questions please contact Southfields Physiotherapy on 07716020676.
