Physiotherapy Blog. Sharing knowledge & Encouraging growth.

Treatment Strategies for Cervicogenic Dizziness

August 09, 2016 by Sian Smale

This is the forth (and final) sequel to three previous blogs on sensorimotor dysfunction, the distinguishing features and differential diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness, this blog aims to explore the treatment strategies for cervicogenic dizziness. Identifying deficits in sensorimotor function is only the beginning of a new approach to manage of whiplash associated disorders and cervicogenic dizziness, as we discover more about this dysfunction in cervical afferent function.

Cervical Radiculopathy Part 3 - Physiotherapy Treatment

August 02, 2016 by Sian Smale

The third and final blog for this series covers the treatment modalities available for cervical radiculopathy. It is important to consider what the goals of your treatment are and how you are going to implement strategies to improve both the health and the movement of the nerve.

Cervical Radiculopathy Part 2 - Assessment & Diagnosis

July 26, 2016 by Sian Smale

This blog is dedicated to the physical examination for cervical radiculopathy. We discuss the current clinical prediction rule, neurodynamic tests and neurological examination involved in making this clinical diagnosis.

Cervical Radiculopathy Part 1 - Clinical Presentation

July 19, 2016 by Sian Smale

This is the first of a three part series on cervical radiculopathy. Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the cervical nerve roots are compressed resulting in pain, paraesthesia, and weakness into the upper extremity. The first step in making this clinical diagnosis is understanding dermatomal pain patterns indicative of nerve root pain.

Pancoast Tumour & Red Flags for the Upper Limb

July 05, 2016 by Sian Smale

When a patient presents with arm pain, paraesthesia and weakness, you may first suspect cervical radiculopathy. In the rare and more sinister cases however, a Pancoast tumour may be present. This blog reviews the clinical presentation and diagnostic work up of a patient with neck and shoulder pain.

Can the risk of Vertebral Artery Dissection be determined with pre-manipulative screening?

August 14, 2015 by Sian Smale

Cervical manipulation has inherent risks. One of the the most dangerous adverse effects following cervical manipulation is vertebral artery dissection (VAD). For the past two decades, functional pre-manipulative screening tests have been used by Physiotherapists to identify patients at risk of vertebral artery insufficiency (VBI). Many experts in the field of VAD and cervical manipulation have started to question the clinical validity of these tests and currently there is great uncertainty if the tests themselves are potentially dangerous enough to cause VAD.

This blog aims to review the risk of cervical manipulation, the clinical presentation of VBI and the current assessment recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. I'm also pleased to include the thoughts and recommendations of Dr. Mark Percy, Specialist Radiologist from MIA Lilydale, Victoria.