What is the mid and upper back (thoracic spine)? The thoracic spine refers to the upper and middle back. It joins the cervical spine and extends down about five inches past the bottom of the shoulder blades, where it connects with the lumbar spine. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae, with 12 ribs that attach along its length. At Hoppers Physio, we also include the shoulder blades, and all associated shoulder blade and spinal muscles in the area as mid and…
Have you considered a bike set up & cycle assessment by a professional physiotherapist? A bike set up by a physiotherapist will ensure that your biked is adjusted for your body will ensure that you can maximise your performance and should eliminate the common complaints of regular riders. A clinical cyclist assessments will examine important factors such as your body measurements flexibility, posture and technique. A correct individual bike set up will result in reduced incidence of injury and…
Acute Tennis Elbow is an injury to the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers. The site of injury is typically the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outside of the elbow where these muscles attach. Tennis Elbow symptoms that have lasted more than 6 weeks are considered to be sub-acute and beyond three months, as chronic tennis elbow. What are Tennis Elbow Symptoms? Typically the Tennis Elbow sufferer will experience pain when performing gripping tasks or resisted wrist/finger…
The Runner’s Stretch (A) Step your right foot forward and lower into a lunge, placing your fingertips on the floor or on two firm cushions if your hands don’t reach. (B) Breathe in, then, in one motion, exhale as you straighten your right leg. Slowly return to the lunge position. Repeat four times. Switch sides.
Running is a great way to get fit, feel better and even form new relationships with other runners. Starting a new running habit doesn’t have to be hard — all it takes is a comfortable pair of shoes and a willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace. RUNNING FORM Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other. And you…
Have you ever wondered why your joints click and what really makes your bones moan and groan in the first place? Here are three different reasons as to why your joints persist to click... Your tendons may be simply slipping over some bumps on your bones so that when the tendon slips over the bump it clicks. But don't worry, this isn't usually a problem. Occasionally it is due to poor joint positioning or ligament damage. There are easy remedies…
Spinach & Kiwi Smoothie This energising tropical spinach and kiwi smoothie is vegan and gluten-free, and is made with just five simple ingredients to help you keep up with this busy time of year! What you need: • 1 Banana, frozen, and cut into chunks • 1 Kiwi • 1 Cup spinach, loosely packed fresh • 1 Cup almond milk, unsweetened • 1 Granola • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds • 4 Ice cubes Instructions: Combine the kiwi, banana, spinach, almond milk, chia seeds, and ice in…
March 2016 Myotherapy Myotherapist assess and physically treat myofascial pain, injury and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility. Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissue structure (muscle, tendons, ligaments and fascia) of the human body. Pain or symptoms caused by muscle (myo) or fascia is described as myofascial. Myofascial pain is usually not specific and is often described by the patient as a, deep ache,…
March 2016 Spring Back into Gardening Spring is a great time of the year lending itself to longer days, warmer weather and a rampaging garden growth. After our winter hibernation, we undertake our gardening chores and adopt all those lovely positions and postures that we try and refrain from to avoid the infamous lower back condition. Bending and twisting to prune and pick out weeds followed by digging and shoveling all place undue stress on the lower lumbar spine and…
November 2016 Sport Massage The athlete has to sustain rigorous use of their muscles with a tremendous amount of force being placed on their joints and body during their desired sporting activity. Our muscles are a bunch of contractile units overlapping to produce the force we need to operate our limbs and perform activities of daily living. With repetitive use, our muscles build up lactic acid and other waste products that can lead to pain and reduced ability to perform…