What is Functional Electrical Stimulation?
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment technique that uses electrical currents to activate nerves in a muscle that has become paralysed or weakened due to damage in your brain or spinal cord. Essentially, it’s like giving your muscles a little poke to get them moving again. A FES device consists of a control box (about the size of a pack of cards) with a battery and electrodes that attach to the skin.
Read moreStroke is usually associated with older people, however this is not always the case. Young stroke is defined by a haemorrhagic (bleed) or ischaemic (blockage) stroke which occurs in an individual aged 18-65 years old.
The Stroke Foundation reports that in 2020 there were 27,428 Australians who experienced stroke for the first time in their lives. This equates to one stroke every 19 minutes. More than 445,087 Australians are currently living with the effects of stroke. In 2020, 24% of first-ever strokes occurred in people aged 54 years and under. That equates to approximately 20 strokes per day affecting a young person under the age of 65.
Regardless of age, it is important to recognise stroke and think F.A.S.T
Joint replacements are becoming increasingly common. In 2017–18, 54,102 knee replacements (218 per 100,000 population) and 32,929 hip replacements (133 per 100,000 population) were completed. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). Between 2008-09 and 2017-18 the rates of total knee replacements increased by 27% and total hip replacements increased by 33% in Australia (AIHW, 2020). The most common joint replacements involve the hip or the knee, however, shoulder and ankle replacements also occur.
What is Osteoporosis?
The aptly-named osteoporosis (‘bones with holes’), is a common condition that affects 6.2 million Australians. During childhood our bone formation exceeds our bone resorption (breakdown). As we age, we have a gradual and progressive decline in hormones, particularly estrogen, which is linked to bone loss. The decline of estrogen production causes a reduction in bone formation, hence, increased rates of bone resorption/breakdown. Over time, this leads to a low bone mineral density making the bones weaker and more susceptible to fractures.
Women over 50 are at increased risk (23%) of developing osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency-related to menopause, compared to men with a 6% chance of developing the condition.
You’ve probably heard of the term rehabilitation. In essence, it is what physiotherapists do! We get you back doing the things you love following an injury or surgery. But did you know that prehabilitation in the lead up to the sporting season or surgery is just as important?
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If you have been involved in sport or the occasional boogey on a Saturday night, the chances are that you’ve probably sprained your ankle at some stage in your life.
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