What is vertigo? 

Vertigo is a term commonly used to describe various sensations of dizziness. The technical definition of vertigo refers specifically to the perception of motion when there is no actual movement. Vertigo occurs due to a disturbance in what’s known as the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for telling our brain when our head is moving and it allows us to keep our vision steady during movements. For example, when we are walking, the vestibular system is what allows us to turn our head to the left while keeping our eyes forward so we don’t fall over.

The vestibular system is a sensory apparatus that lies within the inner ear, which is why you may have heard people say that your ears are responsible for your balance! The inner ear is located within the bony labyrinth of the temporal bone and contains the cochlea, semicircular canals & the otolith organ.

Figure from https://www.brainkart.com/article/Vestibular-Apparatus—Control-of-Posture-and-Movement_21021/

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Whether you’re trying to stay physically active or just making your way around your workplace, for the 25% of adults that develop knee pain, movement and daily life can quickly become difficult and uncomfortable. So when it comes to getting help for your knee pain, a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist can both help.

With both physiotherapists and exercise physiologists on our team, and both professions playing valuable roles in optimising the recovery following a knee injury, here’s a look into what each respective profession does and how they can help you.

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Type 2 diabetes is a condition that is rapidly increasing in prevalence with an average of 165 new diagnoses every day in Australia. However, the good news is that lifestyle interventions, such as regular physical activity, can play a significant role in both preventing and managing this condition. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of exercise and how the expertise of exercise physiologists and physiotherapists can be instrumental in the prevention, management, and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

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Living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can be challenging, but incorporating regular exercise into your routine can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. However, exercising with POTS requires careful consideration and customisation to avoid exacerbating symptoms. This blog aims to provide the benefits of exercise for those with POTS and practical recommendations. It is encouraged that you work closely with a healthcare provider for an individualised plan based on your needs and capabilities. 

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‘Dizziness’ is a common term used to describe a large group of symptoms and sometimes it can be difficult to put these symptoms precisely into words. There are a wide range of terms used to describe dizziness and some of these include:

• Vertigo
• Spinning
• Nausea
• Imbalance
• Unsteadiness
• Light-headedness
• Floating or falling sensations
• Difficulty focussing vision
• Feeling ‘drunk’
• Feelings of a ‘surreal environment’ or ‘detachment’ from self
• Brain fog and difficulties concentrating
• Feeling unsteady or anxious in busy environments.

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When it comes to concussion recovery, many may not be aware that physiotherapists play an important role in guiding individuals back to optimal health. It’s a lesser-known fact that you can seek the expertise of a physiotherapist for concussion management. Let’s delve into the reasons, methods, and benefits of consulting a physiotherapist when dealing with the aftermath of a concussion. 

The Unseen Side of Concussion Management: While conventional wisdom may associate physiotherapists primarily with musculoskeletal issues, their expertise extends to the intricate world of neurological rehabilitation, making them well-equipped to handle concussions. 

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In the rapidly advancing field of physiotherapy, staying ahead with the latest advancement in technology is crucial. We are thrilled to introduce BlazePods to our practice – a smart-reaction training device to elevate your rehabilitation experience. Whether you are managing a neurological condition, recovering for an injury, or looking to support your child’s developmental milestones, BlazePods can be a fun and creative way to make a difference in your rehabilitation journey. 

What Are BlazePods?  

BlazePods are a portable reaction training device, that brings a new dimension to physiotherapy. These small, versatile pods light up in various colours and can be controlled through an easy-to-use mobile app. BlazePods are designed to improve your reaction time, coordination, strength, and overall physical performance through engaging and dynamic exercises. 

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Falls are a significant health concern, particularly among older adults. They can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence, and even death. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury deaths worldwide. While the statistics are alarming, the good news is that falls are often preventable. One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falls is through regular exercise.

In 2020-2021, 42% of hospitalized injury cases and 40% of accidental injury deaths in Australia were due to falls. Falls resulted in 243,000 hospitalization cases in Australia in the same period. This means that around 950 people per 100,000 population were hospitalized due to falls.

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There are several different assessments we use as paediatric physiotherapists when working with infants and children. These assessments assist us with objectively evaluating a child’s gross motor skills, identifying difficulties and tracking progress. Some of the assessments we use at The Physio Clinic include: 

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS): 

The AIMS is a standardised observational assessment which is used with infants from birth to 18-months-old. The AIMS assesses an infant’s early gross motor development in 4 different positions: 

• Prone (lying on tummy) 
• Supine (lying on back) 
• Sitting 
• Standing  

The skills an infant demonstrates in each position are noted, and then compared against expected norms for their age (eg. 5^th percentile, 50^th percentile, 75^th percentile etc.). The AIMS is often used as a quick and easy screening tool to identify infants delayed in their gross motor skills, which supports early intervention. The AIMS is also very useful to track an infant’s progress over time and can be used as supporting evidence for NDIS applications.  

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Walking for the first time can be one of the most exciting milestones in a child’s early development. As paediatric physiotherapists, we often see parents who are concerned that their child is not walking yet but other children their age are.  

In a child’s first year of life, they are busy learning so many new skills at such a fast rate. Each new skill builds on the previous skill. To be able to walk, your child must have strong muscles, be able to keep their body balanced, be able to coordinate the reciprocal stepping pattern of walking and shift their body weight from one foot to the other. A child develops these skills when they are learning to sit, crawl, pull to stand, squat and cruise along furniture. There are so many ‘inch stones’ that build up to the complex milestone of walking! 

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