Back pain is usually caused by a serious medical condition.

As mentioned above, back pain is rarely caused by a serious condition that will require medical intervention.

Scans are always needed to detect the cause of LBP.

Scans are only necessary in a small number of cases. In fact, scans will often pick-up things that are part of normal, age-related changes in the back that aren’t necessarily the cause of the pain.

Pain during exercise means that exercise is bad and causes more damage.

When back pain persists, that area of the spine can become more sensitive, but this does not indicate tissue damage/further injury. Regular exercise can settle this pain over time and is known to be one of the best ways to treat LBP.

Repetitive lifting and bending causes wear and tear of the structures in my back.

The back is a strong structure that is made to move and bend. Regular movement is good for the spine, as it is with other body parts. Pain related to lifting and bending are safe if they’re done gradually and regularly. Pain related to lifting is often more the result of a sudden increase in load that the body is not used to - e.g. moving house.

LBP is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing and/or lifting.

Research shows that LBP is not caused by poor posture or by a specific way we lift. When we are in pain, there may be certain postures that can exacerbate the sensitive areas but this is not a direct cause of the pain.

Moving with Parkinson's - Empowerment Through Physio | City Baths Spinal and Sports Medicine Clinic

Emily mcinerney

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting movement, but it doesn’t have to stop you from living an active life.

Physiotherapy can be a powerful tool in your Parkinson’s management plan, helping you move with greater confidence.

Understanding Parkinson's

Parkinson’s presents a range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Some of the most common include:

Slowness of movements
Muscle stiffness/involuntary tightening of muscles
Tremor
Balance changes or difficulties
Changes in speech, swallowing and walking.
Sleep changes and/or hallucinations and vivid dreams.
Emotional changes, including possible anxiety and depression.

There are over 50 symptoms of PD. Some of these involve movement and speech, and can be obvious to others, but many symptoms of Parkinson’s are ‘non-motor’ or ‘invisible’ symptoms.

The term “Parkinson’s Iceberg” has been used to depict its symptoms and highlight that the visible symptoms are just the ‘tip of the iceberg’. Below the surface, the more than 20 invisible symptoms impact the everyday lives of those living with Parkinson’s.

These symptoms are caused by a decline in dopamine production in the brain and associated changes in the way messages from the brain to the body (and vice versa) are delivered. Physiotherapy can’t reverse this decline, but it can help to slow functional changes involved with PD.

Physio for Parkinson's: The Benefits

Physiotherapist prescribed exercises, and/or exercise classes led by a physiotherapist, can be a great way to keep anyone moving, but for someone with Parkinson’s, can be especially beneficial for maintaining mobility and strength.

Our physiotherapists can create personalised exercise programs to target your specific needs.

Physio can assist with:

Improved Mobility and Balance: Targeted exercises can enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination, making daily activities like walking and getting dressed easier and safer.
Pain Management: Physiotherapy techniques like massage and stretching can alleviate muscle stiffness and pain associated with Parkinson’s.
Maintaining Independence: By improving your ability to move and manage daily tasks, physiotherapy empowers you to stay independent for longer.
Enhanced Mental Well-being: Exercise is a well-known mood booster, and physiotherapy programmes can help combat depression and anxiety (common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s).
Social Interaction: Group physiotherapy or exercise classes provide a safe, supportive environment to connect with others.

Taking Control of your Parkinson's

Physiotherapy is a crucial part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing Parkinson’s.

Working alongside your neurologist and other healthcare professionals, a physiotherapist can create a programme that helps you move with greater confidence and maintain your quality of life.

Parkinson's Awareness Month

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this condition and the resources available to those living with it. Physiotherapy is a key component of Parkinson’s management, and at City Baths Spinal and Sports Medicine Clinic, we are committed to helping you move your best.

Participants in City Baths Physio’s “Clinical Exercise” program, who are attending as part of their Parkinson’s management, have reported both physical and mental benefits, including maintenance of balance and strength and improved psychological wellbeing.

In addition to physiotherapy, find numerous resources that can help you on your Parkinson’s journey via Fight Parkinson’s Victoria.

Let’s work together to help you stay active and live a fulfilling life with Parkinson’s. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.