Getting partial knee replacement surgery isn’t something that anyone wants to experience. It’s painful; it’s disruptive and just generally unpleasant. But, one of the biggest concerns that people have going into it is whether they’ll be able to maintain the same level of mobility they had before the surgery. There’s no cookie-cutter answer to this question because it depends on the individual situation.
For instance, if you’re a highly active person that partakes in marathons and other high impact activities, you might experience a decline in your mobility levels. It’s a fact that your body won’t be able to function the same again but you can take measures to adapt after the surgery.
manual therapy for partial knee replacement
Can you continue high impact activities after knee replacement surgery?
Generally, high impact activities like running are discouraged after a surgery of this magnitude. That’s because your body needs time to heal and it might take weeks, months or years before you feel like your old self again. Your ability to perform impact activities after surgery will also depend on a number of factors like your age, your level of motivation and your health status before you went into surgery.
Plus, each surgeon has a unique rehabilitation protocol and it’s wise to follow that in order to speed up recovery. While most surgeons advise against partaking in certain activities during the rehabilitation period, you’ll be able to enjoy other activities like swimming, golfing and rowing for example.
Manual Therapy for Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
Your surgeon might also recommend manual therapy as part of your outpatient recovery program. Cooperating with your therapist and getting regular treatment sessions will help to prevent another knee replacement surgery in the long run.
It’s also beneficial to participate in manual therapy in preparation for the surgery. Depending on the situation, pre-surgery manual therapy can significantly improve your results and speed up the healing process after the surgery. It will also strengthen your knee and help you achieve a better range of motion.
What is Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?
As the name implies, partial knee replacement surgery is meant to replace a particular part of your knee. This could be the kneecap, the lateral or outside part of the knee or the medial aka inside part of the knee. The point is to get rid of damaged bone and tissue in the knee joint. The removed part is replaced with a prosthetic that helps your knee to function normally even with the missing part.
The good news is partial knee surgery typically has a quick recovery time when compared to total knee replacement surgery. But, you’ll need manual therapy for at least 4 to 6 weeks afterward to safely transition your joints and soft tissues to their former state.
Within two or three months you’ll be able to perform high impact activities like running and plyometrics. And, your knee should hold up for another 10 years without incident but eventually, you may need a full knee replacement, especially if you constantly put pressure on the knee due to frequent, impact activity.
We’re always so excited to share fascinating facts and titbits about the spine with you, and we’ve reached the end of our “Learn about Your Spine” series. We hope you’ve enjoyed it. Today’s article is all about the 7th cervical vertebra which is one of the most important parts of the spine. Read on for more.
What is the C7 Cervical Vertebra?
Imagine you’re picking up the phone to take an important call when all of a sudden your arm starts to feel like jelly. This may be caused by your 7th cervical vertebra.
The 7th Cervical vertebra controls the triceps. The triceps is a large muscle situated at the back of your arm and it’s what most people go to strengthen at the gym on “arm day”. But, this muscle is good for more than just making your arms look good in a tank top.
triceps
C7 is easily identifiable because it protrudes through the skin. You’ll notice it if you feel around at the base of your neck. Due to its noticeable protrusion, this vertebra is often called vertebra prominens. C7 starts where the neck meets the upper back, at the beginning of your spine’s curvature. It connects two very different parts of your spine, as the upper back is quite rigid, while the neck is highly flexible.
What Happens when the C7 cervical vertebra gets damaged?
The C7 spinal segment is the exit point of the C8 nerve root, so when the C8 nerve root gets compressed, a condition known as C8 radiculopathy will happen.
What are the symptoms of C8 radiculopathy?
– Numbness, weakness or pain on the lower shoulder – Tingling sensation at the back of the arm and/or forearm – Tingling sensation or pain on the pinky finger
shoulder pain These symptoms can manifest on both sides of your arm or on one side depending on the cause and severity of the problem.
It’s also possible to experience C7 spinal cord injury as a result of the following: – Motor vehicle accident – Falls – Trauma – Tumors – Disease – Birth defects
Some of the most common symptoms of a C7 spinal cord injury include: – Losing control of bladder and bowel movement – Difficulty breathing – Difficulty extending the fingers, arms, and shoulders – Reduced dexterity in the hands and fingers – A burning and painful sensation at the back of the arms (triceps) and/ or in the shoulder blade
Causes of C7 damage
In addition to the above-mentioned symptoms and causes, C7 damage can manifest in the form of:
– A Degenerative C7-T1 Segment: The pain you feel on your shoulders could be a result of a degenerative C7 and T1 vertebrae. This happens as a result of inflammation or irritation from the degenerating disk.
– Osteoarthritis: It’s very rare for osteoarthritis to manifest in the C7 cervical vertebra. But, the natural disintegration of facet joints can lead to C7 osteoarthritis, also known as neck arthritis. A severe injury could make matters worse, so be sure to get this area checked out if you’re constantly feeling pain or stiffness in it. Philani Natural Health offers a free assessment to anyone who books through our website appointment page. So, head on over there and get yourself checked out!
– Spinal stenosis: What is spinal stenosis, you ask? To put it simply, this condition manifests as a narrowing of the spinal canal, which is basically your backbone which runs from the base of your neck to the lower back.
The spinal canal is supposed to protect your spinal cord from impact and injury. But, when it narrows down it actually pinches the spinal cord and this is never a good thing.
At this point, the condition becomes myelopathy and it could lead to permanent spinal cord injury. When this happens, you could lose all sensation below the neck or experience leg or core muscle paralysis.
– Fracture: A bone fracture at this level can cause pain and discomfort.
– Infection: Although uncommon, it’s possible to get an infection in the C7 spinal segment. This usually happens in the case of a secondary lung infection.
– Tumour: This is another rarity, but we thought we’d cover it because spinal tumors are not to be taken lightly. Aside from the noticeable bulging, they often manifest as a painful sensation at the base of your neck that won’t go away.
– Herniation: Another common cause of C7 damage is disc herniation. Although rare, disc herniation can happen on the C7 cervical vertebra as a result of a muscle tear in this area. This causes a jelly-like substance to “leak” out from the disc.
This is not a pretty picture folks, and you want to avoid this at all costs by following some of the maintenance and treatment tips we’ll be sharing with you below.
C7 Treatment
The good news is you don’t have to undergo invasive surgery to treat most of the conditions related to the C7 cervical vertebra. The general recommendation is to stick with nonsurgical treatment consistently for 3 to 6 months before you seek more severe methods.
This is enough time to figure out if methods like manual therapy will work for you. If you still don’t feel relief after 6 months, then you’ll have to book yourself in for a proper surgical procedure to get rid of the problem.
Keep in mind that surgery at the C7/ T1 level is more difficult because it’s situated deeper in the body and it’s protected by a lot of bone tissue. Not only that, but it’s close to neurovascular bundles, which is a critical and sensitive part of the spine.
Above all, physical therapy comes highly recommended for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The goal of such treatment is to help the patient restore lost function in the affected area and live life as normal again.
Make sure to also keep a positive attitude as you go through treatment. So long as treatment starts early, it’s possible to regain function in the affected area and get your life back!
Good news! You can get a FREE assessment from Philani Manual Health when you book online. Click on our appointment page and get started today.
Learn about your spine series- Part 4: C6 Cervical Vertebra
painful shoulder
If you’re reading this, then you know that shoulder pain is nothing to be sniffed at. To say that performing daily tasks will be difficult is an understatement. A painful shoulder can negatively affect your quality of life and compromise your ability to perform simple tasks like picking up objects, lifting up your arm or even brushing your teeth. But, have you ever wondered what causes shoulder pain? Whether it happens gradually due to old age, or abruptly due to an injury or misuse, there are certain tissues involved in the problem that once corrected, can rapidly heal shoulder pain. As usual, we at Philani approach the issue from the purview of spine health and this article is dedicated to exploring a part of the spine which has a direct effect on shoulder function and pain.
The connection between your spine and shoulder health
If you’ve been following our “Learn about your spine series” then you know that the human spine consists of four major curvatures, each with several bones within it. The C6 part of the spine is part of the cervical curvature and is responsible for ensuring the proper function of the shoulders, the neck, and even your tonsils.
shoulder pain
Common types of shoulder pain
Shoulder pain manifests in different ways according to the cause. Generally, these are some of the most common types of shoulder pain and their causes:
– Calcific Tendinitis: This condition is characterized by a sudden sharp pain that tends to flare up particularly in the mornings. It’s very common among diabetes sufferers, as well as middle-aged individuals and the elderly.
Calcific tendinitis pain stems from calcium deposits that are found in the rotator cuff tendons, which is a fancy way of saying “the part between your arm and your shoulder.” According to experts, these calcium deposits develop when one is healing from an injury in this area and are caused by an inability to heal the problem properly. The most effective treatment for this condition is to take mild pain medication or herbs like Devil’s Claw and Capsaicin, in conjunction with physical therapy methods like such as Breuss Massage to help ease the deposits out of the way.
– Osteoarthritis: This has to be one of the most common conditions that we deal with here at Philani, and not just among the elderly but with middle-aged patients as well. While most people think that osteoarthritis only affects the hands and knees, it can also manifest in the shoulders as an incessant pain that flares up every time you try to move your arm or your shoulder.
This happens due to an erosion of the cartilage cushions that stand between the bones in your shoulder. Once this happens the bones rub up against each other and can cause a gnawing pain. The most common osteoarthritis treatments include taking corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. The latter can be quite excruciating, especially if you rely on conventional physical therapy methods. On the other hand, Dorn Method Therapy corrects the problem without clicking or cracking the joints into place, thus reducing the amount of pain you feel during treatment sessions.
– Adhesive Capsulitis: You might be familiar with this condition as “frozen shoulder” and it happens when the tissues around the shoulder joint stiffen. It’s mostly common among middle-aged individuals that suffer from medical conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Frozen shoulder can also happen after a minor injury, a tendon tear or a rotator cuff impingement. This condition makes it difficult to move the shoulder and sufferers tend to avoid all movement as a result. The good news is that you can completely heal from adhesive capsulitis by using nonoperative treatment methods such as manual therapy.
stretching
Also, performing simple stretches on a daily basis can fast-track the healing process for frozen shoulder as well as the other conditions mentioned in this article.
Performing these stretches two to three times a week can help to alleviate pain and increase muscle flexibility as well.
This week on our “Learn about your spine” series we focus on the C4 and C5 vertebrae. These vertebrae are part of the cervical spine and sit at the base of your neck. Injuries pertaining to this part of the spine are usually characterized by respiratory difficulties, trouble controlling the bladder, weak muscles and even paralysis in one or several parts of the body.
Read on to find out how spinal cord injury affects children and what you can do about it.
children riding scooter The C4 and C5 Vertebrae Some of the motor functions associated with these vertebrae include: – Controlling the mouth through the facial muscles – Ability to breathe – Moving and controlling the head – Moving the neck from side to side and up and down
laughing children Common Symptoms of CS and C5 Damage If you notice one or a combination of the following symptoms in your child, they may be suffering from spinal cord injury: – Muscle weakness: Your child may have difficulty lifting the shoulders or bending their elbows. That’s because C4 nerve damage weakens the rhomboid, trapezius, deltoid, bicep, and scapulae muscles. This disrupts motor function. – Weak breathing: Nerves emanating from the C4 and C5 vertebrae support the diaphragm, a muscle that contributes to our breathing ability. Severe damage to these nerves can cause breathing difficulties. – Pain or numbness in the arms and shoulders: The C4 and C5 nerves receive sensory signals from the dermatome, which includes the shoulder, shoulder blade, collarbone and the uppermost part of the arm. Whenever there’s pain or a “pins and needles” sensation in these parts of the body, it usually points to damage in the C4 and C5 vertebrae.
crying child Other symptoms include: – Limited range of motion – Loss of diaphragm function – Difficulty controlling bladder and bowel movement – Paralysis in torso, legs, wrists, and/ or hands
Causes of C4 and C5 Damage in Children
The above symptoms usually occur in children that experience physical development issues as a result of: – A car accident – Slipping and falling from a height – A sports injury from doing gymnastics, playing rugby, wrestling and other types of contact sports Birth defects are another major cause of C4 and C nerve damage in children. It can go unnoticed until the child reaches a school-going age.
painful ache
Children are predisposed to C4 and C5 injuries because unlike adults, their anatomic features aren’t yet fully developed. For instance, they have a different head-to-size ratio and reduced elasticity in their spinal ligaments capsules.
Treatment
Damage to the C4 and C5 vertebrae is irreversible, but you can take measures to prevent further damage and make the most of the remaining function.
The most common forms of treatment for spinal cord injury that affects the C4 and C5 vertebrae include spinal fusion. This helps to expand the nerves around the spinal cord to facilitate a speedy recovery.
In the long term, it’s worth looking into sustainable rehabilitation through methods such as Manual Therapy. This is a great way to gradually heal spinal cord injury in children and can help to improve your little one’s quality of life.
healthy child
Manual Therapy: How it Works
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment modality that includes certain movements and stretching exercises to facilitate motion. It’s aimed at helping patients to manage the pain and improve overall health and wellness.
Unlike conventional physiotherapy, manual therapy is aimed at aligning the spine from different positions and performing soft tissue and spinal massage.
Good news! Philani Natural Health is offering free assessments for a limited time only. This usually costs R390 and is a part of your overall treatment. Book today and only pay for the treatment- your assessment is on the house.
Do you often suffer from a stiff neck? Do you ever feel an uncomfortable tingling sensation on your neck, shoulders, and arms? Sometimes the sensation might travel down to your hands and fingers or manifest as a sharp pain in the affected areas. These are just some of the symptoms associated with a subluxation or herniation on the 3rd cervical vertebra (C3). This week’s article is a continuation of our series on the spine and we will focus on the C3. Read on for more. painful neckAbout the C3 VertebraC3 is in the last portion of the upper neck which makes sense why it affects the neck and upper body. The nerves that come out of this vertebra play a huge role in sending sensory messages from below the neck to the brain and conveying motor signals from the brain to the body. The misalignment of this vertebra significantly affects our ability to use critical organs such as ears, facial nerves, and teeth. A misaligned C3, would affect our ability to show facial expressions like smiling or frowning. SmilingThis vertebra also contributes to neck rotation and flexibility, which is why a C3 misalignment can lead to a stiff and sore neck. Symptoms of a misaligned C3 VertebraSome of the most common symptoms of a C3 misalignment include pain in the chest, arms, wrists, hands, and fingers. You may also feel a tingling in your arms and hands. A disc herniation can lead to excruciating pain when trying to turn your neck from side to side. This can limit neck motion and negatively affect your ability to perform simple activities like driving your car. Man driving carMost of the time, disc subluxation or herniation symptoms develop gradually over time. But, sometimes the condition can advance quickly and suddenly. That’s why we at Philani Natural Health recommend doing regular maintenance therapy to keep your spine in “ship shape!” CausesHere are some of the most common causes of disc subluxation or herniation: – Aging: As we age, the intervertebral discs dehydrate and lose their resilience, leading to disc herniation. This is known as cervical degenerative disc disease and it can cause pressure on the joints and muscles as well as a stiff and/or painful neck. – Accidents: Disc herniation can also happen because of an accident or unintentionally snapping and displacing the C3 vertebra. Once this happens, spinal fluid leaks out from the disc, causing an uncomfortable pressure on the neck that won’t go away. – Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors such as regular tobacco use, poor nutrition and lack of exercise can also increase your risk. Poor posture can also place pressure on the cervical spine and lead to disc herniation. – Text neck: This refers to the position that most of us take while texting or using the computer. This position is characterized by slouching for long periods of time. painful hands and wristsCertain movements like incorrect twisting, lifting and daily wear and tear worsen the situation and cause intense pain in these areas. The SolutionYour first line of defense against a herniated disc should be manual physiotherapy and exercise. Within 2 to 4 sessions of manual therapy, you should experience relief from pain and symptoms so that you can get back to living life as normal. Manual therapy can also help you avoid surgery and painful needle injection therapies which are considered as the last line of defense. manual therapy massageThe easiest way to get your disc back in shape is to start therapy as soon as the problem arises. This is not a quick fix but over time it will eliminate the problem completely and more sustainably. PreventionAging is inevitable and none of us can escape it. But, you can take measures to reduce your risk of developing a herniated disc. This includes regular exercise, practicing good posture and eating well. Be sure to consume the following nutrients and supplements to care for your joints and strengthen to strengthen your bones:– Calcium: green leafy vegetables (i.e. kale, spinach, bok choy), oranges, almonds, blackstrap molasses, etc. – Vitamin D3, K2, B12, and C: Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, red and green peppers, sweet potatoes, etc. Healthy food– Magnesium: green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, whole grains, avocados, bananas, etc. – Glucosamine: reduces osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints– MSM is a sulfur-containing supplement that helps with joint repair. – Tumeric, the curcumin in Tumeric is a helpful aid against inflammation.– Devils Claw: a herb that helps with muscle and joint pain. ConclusionA lot of the work we do here at Philani requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy. And we enjoy sharing this knowledge with you hoping it will enable you to better understand your body. Aging is inevitable and none of us can escape it. But, you can take measures to reduce your risk of developing a herniated disc. This includes regular exercise, practicing good posture, eating well and taking preventative manual therapy sessions. Good news! We’re offering free assessments to anyone that books an appointment through our website. Head over to our appointment page to book your free assessment and start your journey to better health today.
