FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A scientifically and evidence based assessment and treatment of patients with various disorders. At Como Physiotherapy we have Senior and Junior Physiotherapists skilled in all aspects of Physiotherapy treatment and depth of pain disorder management. See Webpage for our Clinicians expertise.

No. Physiotherapists can be seen without a referral from a GP. However you will need a Doctor’s referral if you are seeing a Physiotherapist under Workers Compensation, Veteran’s Affairs, or Motor Vehicle Accident claims.

101 A Canning Highway (Cnr Salisbury Avenue)
SOUTH PERTH WA 6151

Approximately 30 minutes but sometimes it may take longer for complex cases.

Yes, you can attend Pilates classes only, once you have had a one on one assessment with a Physiotherapist, they may suggest a couple of 1 on 1 sessions until you are efficient enough with the exercises to join a small class of three.

A sprain is an injury involving the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments connect bone to bone and their main function is to keep the joint stable and strong. Therefore following a sprain, the injured joint will feel unstable.

Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, such as turning or rolling your ankle. The most obvious symptoms of a sprain are pain and rapid swelling around the joint. This may result in the inability to move the injured joint.

There are 3 grades of sprain severity:

• Grade I (mild) sprain – some stretching or minor tearing of a ligament.
• Grade II (moderate) sprain – partially torn ligament but still intact.
• Grade III (severe) sprain – the ligament is completely torn, resulting in joint instability. A severe grade III sprain may result in a fragment of bone being displaced (an avulsion fracture).

At the time of injury there may be a sharp stabbing pain or a tearing sensation and even a popping sound.

A strain involves an injury to a muscle or tendon. It occurs when the muscle is overstretched, and is consequently torn. This may be the result of muscle tightness, weakness or excess stress on the muscle. At the time of injury there may be a sharp stabbing pain or a tearing sensation and even a popping sound.

Symptoms of a muscle strain include:

• localized pain
• swelling
• bruising
• weakness

An Ankle sprain usually occurs when the foot rolls under the leg and the ligaments around the ankle become strained or torn. Ankle sprains are common in contact sports which require sudden direction changes, such as basketball, netball and football. Uneven ground, contact with another player, landing awkwardly and wearing unsupportive footwear can contribute to someone rolling their ankle.

The initial treatment for an ankle sprain is to rest the ankle; in severe cases crutches may be required. The following guidelines will be provided by your physiotherapist:

• Ice – applied immediately to the area for 20 minutes
• Compression bandage – should also be applied and the foot elevated
• NSAIDs – prescribed by a doctor and can help to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physiotherapy – please contact us for more details on how physiotherapy can help your recovery following an ankle sprain.

The Achilles tendon connects the large calf muscle (consisting of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the calcaneum. Achilles tendinopathy is when this tendon becomes inflamed, usually due to overuse.

Achilles tendinopathy usually starts as a gradual onset of pain that is felt at the back of the heel. It may be accompanied by tenderness, thickening and swelling around the Achilles tendon. Pain is often worse in the mornings or at the beginning of activity (prior to the ankle and tendon warming up). Pain is usually reproduced by walking, running and going up stairs.

Achilles tendinopathy can be caused by low or high arches (feet), hard surfaces and unsupportive footwear. Sudden increases in training or changes in physical activity can contribute to the development of Achilles Tendinopathy.

Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy should include:

• Rest
• Ice packs
• Avoiding aggravating activities
• NSAIDs (as prescribed by your doctor)
• Modifying foot posture (changing footwear, wearing orthodics, adding a heel lift if it is indicated)
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises

If pain is persistent and severe, a cortisone injection may be required.

Patellofemoral pain is when the patella (knee cap) and surrounding areas become inflamed and painful. This is due to poor biomechanics resulting in the patella not tracking correctly. It is usually a gradual onset that worsens with activity, and can be aggravated by activities that require knee flexion (bending) such as squatting, running, cycling, jumping and going down stairs. This condition is especially common in distance runners.

Treatment should include:

• Apply ice to the area
• Rest from aggravating activities
• NSAIDs (as prescribed by your GP)

Changing footwear and the training surface may help to reduce your symptoms. Physiotherapy is recommended in the treatment of patellofemoral pain. To find our more information, please contact us on (08) 9367 4966.

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that relies on synchronized muscle action to maintain stability. Four small muscles, collectively called the rotator cuff, play a significant role in supporting and moving the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscles attach to the humerus (upper arm) via their tendons. Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain associated with damage to the internal structure of the tendon(s).

Symptoms include upper arm and/or localised shoulder pain which are commonly (but not always) aggravated by overhead activities, such as hanging out the washing, dressing, throwing or repetitive activities such as painting or cleaning. Initially pain is often felt only during warm up, after activity or sometimes not until the next day. If left untreated, this tendinopathy can progress to the point where you are unable to continue with the aggravating activity due to pain.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy occurs due to overuse or injury to one of more of the rotator cuff tendons. The most commonly affected muscle tendon is supraspinatus, which passes tightly through a small space called the subacromial space (the space between the acromion process of the scapula and the humerus) and repetitive usage can result in the tendon rubbing against the bone. This can produce an impingement, and even small tears within the tendon and often painful and restricted shoulder movement.

If you think you may have rotator cuff tendinopathy then an appointment with a physiotherapist is vital. A physiotherapist will assess your condition and provide you with a rehabilitation program that is specific to your injury and integral to your recovery.