Sixty percent of adults suffer from back pain every year, and half become chronic sufferers. Back pain is most often the result of poor posture, an injury or overuse, but there are other causes of back pain such as inflammation, and rarer, more serious problems such as progressive diseases affecting bones and joints.

Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose problems in the joints and soft tissues of the body, and will carry out a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan for your particular problem. Physiotherapy for back pain provides a wide range of treatments to relieve pain, promote relaxation and restore movement. They include manipulation, mobilisation and massage. Exercise may also be used to increase general fitness or to strengthen muscles, which support the spine. If you are prone to back pain, a physiotherapist can also offer preventive advice.

If you are in pain right now you could try:

> A warm bath:
This will relax your muscles and may get rid of spasm.

> Pain relief:

Take some pain relief tablets (unless you have any medical condition, which prevents you doing so). This doesn't just deal with the immediate pain but helps to reduce muscle spasm which is caused by pain.

> A heat-pack or hot water bottle:

This will soothe your back and deal with muscle spasm.

> Making an appointment with a physio:

You shouldn't have to suffer with regular back pain. Most backs get better with straightforward treatment.

Some practitioners recommend a hot pack followed by a cold pack - although this is not common practice, some persons find this helpful. Do take care with the cold pack though - they can induce spasm and make the problem worse, and of course, you need to make sure you don't put an ice pack directly onto your skin.

Headaches are often the result of stiffness and tension in the neck muscles and joints.
If you are suffering from frequent and severe headaches a physiotherapist could help by investigating whether your neck is contributing to your pain.
If it is, the physiotherapist could help by treating the joint and muscle with specific mobilisation and soft tissue techniques to relieve your pain

The team at Richmond Physiotherapy Clinic is experienced at assessing, treating and returning athletes to sport and see sports people from all levels - from elite to recreational levels.

Physiotherapy services may include the provision of the following elements as appropriate to each athlete:
> Biomechanical assessment
> Strengthening
> Biofeedback training
> Plyometric exercises
> Proprioceptive and balance exercises
> Core stability exercises or 'body control'
> Swiss ball exercises
> Technique correction
> Graduated and progressive return to sport
> Cardiovascular conditioning

> Joint manipulation or mobilisation

> Soft tissue mobilisation (massage)

> Stretching
> Semi rigid orthotic prescription
> Sports strapping and bracing

> Electrophysical modalities (electrotherapy) for acute inflammation such as interferential therapy, ultrasound and ice.

Repetitive Strain Injuries are caused by repetitive movement leading to muscular pains or problems with nerves, ligaments and joints to the upper limbs. Usually work related, the incidence of RSI has risen dramatically with the use of word processors and other automated equipment, which need only a limited range of movement. Many groups of working people can be affected, including computer operators, typists, musicians, shop staff and factory workers. Physiotherapists are trained and experienced in treating muscle, nerve, joint and ligament complaints. After assessing your posture, workplace, lifestyle and work patterns, we will devise a treatment program. This may include stretching exercises, mobilisation and electrotherapy, such as ultrasound, to speed up the healing process. If treatment is delayed, RSI can take longer to clear up. We will also provide information to help minimise your risk.

If you are experiencing an injury which you think could be an RSI, here are some ideas you could try - but remember, this in no way replaces a proper examination or treatment:

> Try using your computer mouse in your other hand.

> Check your workstation - and pay particular attention to your chair:

You should be able to rest your arms on your desk which means being able to get your chair under your desk - chairs with arms (usually advertised as executive models) tend to be particularly bad.

> A warm pack on your neck can ease pain:
There are lots of specifically designed warm packs for your neck on the market.

> Take a break:

If you are suffering with RSI it really is essential to change whatever you are doing that is causing the problem.

The Richmond Physiotherapy Clinic can provide physiotherapy for work-related injuries. Occupational rehabilitation is aimed at maintaining the injured worker in, or returning them to suitable employment. Rehabilitation management will include effective communication with the workplace, other health professionals and the insurer.

Richmond Physiotherapy can provide the following occupational physiotherapy services:

> ergonomic design assessment
> hazard and risk assessment
> controlling hazards and risks using the hierarchy of controls
> occupational rehabilitation
> assessment for return to work

Professional fees for patients with workers' compensation claim may be billed directly to the insurer.

The physiotherapists at the Richmond Physiotherapy Clinic are experienced in providing rehabilitation to regain normal function after injury or Orthopedic surgery. Strengthening and stretching exercises are supervised in the clinic and prescribed in home programs. We have a well-equipped Pilates Gymnasium to assist in our treatment and management of patients. Patients may bring along their own clothing to change into for exercise.