Olivia Hadfield, Author at Peak Physio

Inflammatory back pain

Olivia Hadfield / November 7, 2023 / Comments are off for this post.

Back pain is a common complaint presenting in > 80% of adults. Low back pain can be classified into acute, subacute, and chronic dependent on the duration of symptoms. Your Physiotherapist will use your consultation to screen for serious pathology and categorise whether the pain is inflammatory in nature, structural, radicular, disocgenic or that of a chronic pain disorder. Inflammatory back pain is oftentimes misdiagnosed as chronic back pain or SIJ disorders. The aim of this article is to clarify the diagnosis of inflammatory back pain and outline the steps needed by both patient and primary care provider for management.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Olivia Hadfield / July 25, 2023 / Comments are off for this post.

The diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be overwhelming. It can make you question how your pelvic floor will function, child-bearing plans, continence and the impact on physical activity and sex. This article aims to explain the pelvic floor, its function, what prolapse is and what treatment options are available.

Constipation

Olivia Hadfield / April 24, 2023 / Comments are off for this post.

Constipation can oftentimes be difficult to discuss, even with a health professional. It is a defecation disorder that can significantly impact daily life and should not be neglected. Normal bowel movements occur up to 3 times per day or 1 to every 3 days. If your bowel movements occur less than twice per week, continue reading.

Discogenic low back pain

Olivia Hadfield / December 19, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Lets start by breaking down the term discogenic. The disc is the structure that lies between the vertebrae, discogenic is pain that originates from this structure. Discogenic low back pain presents as pain in the lumbar spine with or without referral that is confirmed via X-ray, CT scan or MRI. Results are commonly reported as ” degenerative disc disease” or “multi-level disc degeneration”. This article aims to explain the role of the disc, what happens when they deteriorate and what it means for you if you have been diagnosed with disc disease or a disc herniation.

Menopause and Training

Olivia Hadfield / August 24, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Menopause discussions are often centred on weight gain and hot flashes, however there are many varying symptoms experienced through this life stage. Removing the stigma around menopausal ‘changes’ provides an opportunity to understand and implement meaningful strategies for overall health. This article aims to break-down menopause, the associated physical and psychological changes and interventions available.

Adductor strains in the sporting population

Olivia Hadfield / March 17, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Groin strains are commonly seen in sports with multi-directional and high velocity demands such as hockey and soccer. As a result, large sporting bodies have published preventative rehabilitation guidelines which are incorporated in pre-game warmups around the world to mitigate strain risk and reduce recurrence rates.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation

Olivia Hadfield / March 17, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Where Are We Now?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture has occupied a large portion of elite and amateur sporting injuries for decades. Discourse amongst the general population continues to support immediate surgical reconstruction followed by a lengthy return to sport timeframe. Thus, management of either surgical or conservative ACL ruptures necessitates robust rehabilitation protocols and a barrage of objective measures to meet the low return to sport levels and high recurrence rates.

Falls Prevention & Balance Training

Olivia Hadfield / March 17, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Approximately one third of individuals over the age of 60 experience a fall in a given year. This can be attributed to the normal changes in both sensorimotor and neuromuscular systems that occur in healthy older populations. Fortunately, balance training can mitigate falls risk and the implementation of specific exercise programs is strongly encouraged for older Australians.

Running: an evaluation of running biomechanics, strengthening programs and injury management

Olivia Hadfield / March 7, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

With the year that was, training has needed to be more versatile than ever. With the infrequent access to group fitness classes and gyms, there has been a significant increase in the number of people commencing running or incorporating it into their training regime. There are many factors to consider when getting into this often-addictive sport; how far, how often, how quickly, where and with what shoes. This article aims to present the most important factors to consider on this journey to mitigate injury risk and provide some confidence to make running a lasting activity!

Exercise during pregnancy

Olivia Hadfield / March 7, 2022 / Comments are off for this post.

Maintaining an exercise regime throughout pregnancy is becoming increasingly important for Mothers to be. Despite the willingness to engage in physical activity, Women often report confusion regarding clear guidelines for exercise prescription, duration, and parameters throughout the duration of their pregnancy. As Physiotherapists we work closely with Women throughout their antenatal and postnatal journey from a musculoskeletal and pelvic health perspective. Throughout these timeframes, ensuring appropriate prescription is vital for safety and to instil the confidence needed to participate in a training program.