The Physio Diary

Introduction Every part of your body goes through some degree of stress every day–some parts more than others. Just as we discussed in our post on repetitive stress, let’s take it a “nerve” higher and talk about what can go wrong with excessive use of the wrist. Office workers, manual laborers, new mothers, or anyone who spends long hours typing or scrolling on their phone–this post is for you. If you’ve ever experienced tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand and wrist after prolonged use, you might be facing an issue with your median nerve–the main nerve running through your wrist. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome–a common but often overlooked condition that affects hand and wrist function. Ever felt it before?  Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome You might have that feeling right now, but don't mix it up. It might just be from your neck as discussed in the post Understanding Wrist and Finger Tingles , or simply ...

Introduction Do you know your spine is designed to absorb everyday stresses like sitting, bending, lifting, even running? However, certain factors can weaken its natural protection; making it impossible. One of which is a condition called slipped disc. It occurs when one of the discs between your spinal bones moves away from normal alignment and presses on nearby nerves. This can lead to back pain, numbness, or tingling down the legs. However, two major factors can dramatically increase the risk of an individual having slipped disc: a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and a fall. Let’s break down why. How a Large BMI Affects Your Spine The discs act like cushions between the spinal bones. Therefore for someone with a large BMI, there will be increased pressure on these discs – making them vulnerable to wear and tear easily. As people age with a large BMI, a seemingly mild fall can lead to more issues than usual. Why and how? If your discs are already stressed from carrying extra weight, a fal...

Introduction Sometimes, our habits contribute to our health problems – and other times, they don’t. The good news is that when our habits are part of the problem, we can change them. One of the simplest but most powerful changes is becoming conscious of how we position our bodies. Think about it: how well do you sit? How straight do you stand? How do you sleep? Many of us assume positions that are less aligned than we realize. Over time, these habits can affect our spinal health – including conditions like scoliosis. In this post, we’ll walk you through the importance of alignment and posture, and how small changes can make a big difference.  Understanding the Basics of Scoliosis  Scoliosis, simply put, is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often taking on an “S” or “C” shape. In many cases, it’s congenital or develops during growth for reasons we don’t fully understand (this is called “idiopathic” scoliosis). While poor posture doesn’t directly cause sco...

Introduction Try this: stand in front of a mirror and smile. Do both sides of your cheeks curl up evenly? Or does one side look fuller or form lines while the other side stays flat? If you notice a difference, there may be more going on than you realize. No worries. Normally, if there’s a major issue, someone around you would have pointed it out already. But with today’s post, let’s take a closer look at what could go wrong, and why some people struggle with something as simple – yet powerful – as smiling. Learning Why Smiling is Hard Sometimes Have you ever seen someone smiling, yet no lines form to show the smile? Instead of assuming they’re sad or unfriendly, consider this: they may have an underlying medical condition called Bell’s Palsy – a neurological condition that affects the facial nerve. Bell’s Palsy isn’t rare – it affects thousands worldwide every year, and around 1 in 10 may even have it again. The exact cause is often unknown, though links have been made with pregnancy ...

Introduction Enough of brushing off the signs your body keeps showing you. That ache you feel after typing for hours, writing nonstop, scrolling endlessly, or gripping tools day after day – it’s your body waving a red flag. Most people notice it, yet keep pushing until the pain becomes unbearable, or worse, until they can no longer use the affected part properly. While repetitive strain can affect many body parts – from shoulders to wrists – today, we’re zooming in on a part you use more than you realize: your finger. What is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)? Think about it: your fingers (especially your thumbs) are always on duty. You scroll through posts, reply to messages, type out reports, or take notes for hours. Some days, it’s endless typing at work. Other days, it’s hours of swiping on your phone or writing by hand. These small, repetitive actions might seem harmless, but over time, they overload the finger joints, tendons, and muscles. That’s what we call Repetitive Strain Injur...

Introduction In our last post , we explored how neck problems — not just “bad sleeping positions” — can trigger shoulder pain, arm numbness, or tingling fingers. If you’ve been feeling these nagging symptoms, this post is for you. We’ll walk you through how physiotherapy helps manage these sensations without relying on medications. From simple stretches to posture correction, and safe modalities for your neck – to restore comfort and function. Are Medications Needed In This Condition? For cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis), medications may sometimes be prescribed — but usually only if the pain is severe. However, here’s the catch: medication only reduces the pain for a few hours. The heaviness, numbness, or tingling in your arm and fingers will likely remain — because the real cause hasn’t been fixed. That’s why relying on painkillers alone won’t solve the problem. The underlying issue is mechanical — pressure on nerves from changes in the neck. This is where physiotherapy steps in,...

Introduction  It’s another post that makes you pause and think about how you’ve been living. Have you ever woken up with pain in your shoulder, arm, or even your fingers — sometimes numb, sometimes tingling, sometimes weak? If yes, you might have blamed it on sleeping awkwardly on your arm. That’s fine, because in many cases the discomfort fades within a few hours. But here’s the catch: what if the pain or numbness doesn’t leave? What if it keeps coming back every few days? Then it’s no longer “just a wrong sleeping position.” In such cases, the real culprit might not be your shoulder at all — but your neck. And that’s where cervical spondylosis comes in. Understanding Cervical Spondylosis For easy understanding, cervical spondylosis is the medical name for what most people call “neck arthritis” or “wear and tear” of the neck. As we age, the bones, discs, and joints that form your neck naturally start to change. Most often, these changes are harmless – but in some peopl...

Introduction Think about this. Do you wake up every morning with pains on either of your two heels? Or pain on either of your two heels after walking for standing for a while. Is this a one off occurrence or a recurring pain? If it is a recurring pain, then there is a possibility you are dealing with one of the most common causes of heel pain – plantar fascitis.  What Should You Know About Plantar Fascitis? Plantar fasciitis simply means there is an inflammation (swelling and tenderness) of the plantar fascia – a strong band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. This tissue works like a shock absorber and plays a vital role in supporting the arch of your foot. When the plantar fascia is overloaded or strained repeatedly, tiny tears can develop; and over time, these tears trigger irritation and inflammation, leading to intense heel pain. How Can You Recognize It? One of the most common signs is a stabbing pain in the heel when you take your first s...

Introduction Every walking day ends the same: you get home, exhausted, your feet screaming after hours of work. Sometimes you blame the shoes, swap them for something softer — but still, the ache returns. Other nights you pop a painkiller and collapse into bed, only to wake up and repeat the cycle. At this point, the problem may not be your shoes at all — it could be your feet. Take a quick look right now: do you see a natural arch in the middle of your foot? Or does the entire sole rest flat against the ground? If it’s the latter, you may have pes planus (flat feet) — and if the pain sounds familiar, this post is written for you (or someone you know who’s been complaining of the same thing). What Exactly is Pes Planus? From UPMC In a normal foot, there is a natural arch in the middle that acts like a spring. This arch helps absorb shock, distributes your weight, and gives balance while walking or running. But in some others, that arch is missing – meaning the e...

Introduction We’ve all had our Jack-and-Jill moments — that dramatic tumble down the stairs, the quick slip on wet ground, or the awkward fall that leaves you staring at the floor in shock. Sometimes you laugh it off. Other times, you wince, pop a painkiller, and move on — at least you think you do. But not every fall forgives so easily. Some leave the body complaining for weeks, months, or even years. And here’s the part most people miss: it’s not always about how bad the fall looked. Sometimes, it’s about the body you brought into the fall. That’s where your Body Mass Index (BMI) comes in. Do you know yours? When was the last time you checked? What About The Body Mass Index? Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to check whether someone is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It’s calculated from your weight and height: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²) Underweight: <18.5 Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9 Overweight: 25 – 29.9 Obese: ≥30 Now, BMI isn’t perfe...