David Wall Massage Remedial Massage in Newtown Sydney

Achilles tendonitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Biomechanical, muscular and training factors can contribute to this condition.

Adductor tendonitis

Commonly occurring in athletes, with localised pain over the tendon origin of the adductors from the pubic bone on either side of the genitals.

Ankle sprain

Usually an over stretch of the outside ligament of the ankle joint. Sprains vary from minor over stretching to complete ruptures of the ligaments.

Ankylosing spondylitis

chronic inflammatory arthritis and auto-immune disease which can affect the joints in the spine and pelvis. This condition can lead to complete rigidity of the spine known as “bamboo spine”.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

internal ligament of the knee, running from the front of the tibial plateau extending upwards and posteriorly to the Femur. The ACL is frequently injured during twisting actions occurring on sporting fields e.g. AFL, Soccer and Netball.

Arthroscopy

Using a micro-camera (intra-articular camera) to assist the Orthopaedic Surgeon to assess, repair or reconstruct various tissues both within and around joints.

Articular cartilage

Covers the ends of bones and allows the distribution of compressive force over the cross section of bones, as well as providing a smooth and wear resistant surface for joint movement to occur.

Atrophy

a shrinking in muscle size, following a period of disuse or immobility.

Avulsion

Muscles being pulled away from its Tendon insertion point. Can also occur in ligament injuries, where the insertion of the ligament may pull bone fragments off when it is damaged.

Bruxism

Grinding of the teeth, closing link to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Bucket handle tear

when the body of the Menisci pulls away from its medial border attachment with the Medial collateral Ligament (MCL), creating a tear which looks not unlike a bucket handle. Frequently the tear will slip into the joint, causing further problems.

Bursa

A fluid filled sac, usually located at areas of friction e.g. between tendon and bone.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa caused by overuse or direct trauma.

Calcaneal spur

where there is repetitive micro trauma at the attachment of the Achilles tendon resulting in the formation of a spur, extending from the calcaneal bone into the tendon.

Carpal tunnel

A tunnel formed at the wrist, by the flexor retinaculum and the carpal bones.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Where there is compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, resulting in nerve and muscular disturbances of the hand.

Cavitation

Collapse of bubbles in liquid. Popping sound frequently heard during spinal adjustments.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Cervical spine

Seven vertebrae of the neck - C1 - C7. Extending from the base of the skull to the junction with the Thoracic vertebra inferiorly.

Compartment syndrome

A pain syndrome caused by Fascial restriction not allowing a trapped muscle to expand within its fascial compartment.

Concave

curved in, hollowed inwards.

Convex

curved out, bowed in appearance.

Cranio-sacral therapy

a very gentle non invasive technique. This manual system of diagnosis and treatment involves the practitioner influencing the cranio-sacral motion by strategic placing of hands on the Cranium, Sacrum or other specific positions. Gentle movements are initiated to remove restrictions or to enhance natural movements.

Crepitus

A grinding noise or sensation within a joint.

Deep transverse frictions

Cross fibre, soft tissue massage technique.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Blockage of the deep veins, usually occurring in the calf muscles.

Disc herniation

Partial collapse of the exterior surface of the Intervertebral disk which allows the internal gel like substance to leak out.

Discectomy

Surgical removal of prolapsed disk

Dura mater

Thickest, outermost covering of the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Also lines the inside of the skull.

Ecchymosis

Bruising.

Endorphins

chemical compounds produced by the Pituitary gland and hypothalamus during strenuous exercise, excitement, pain and or stress.

Entrapment (nerve)

Any change in Connective tissue surrounding a nerve which alters the nerves integrity, ability to glide or neural conductivity.

Erector spinae

Deep layer muscles of the posterior spine.

Fascia

Fibrous Connective Tissue occurring beneath the skin which envelopes bone, muscles and organs and forms a 3 dimensional web running through out the entire human body.

Fasciotomy

Surgical separation of fascia. Often associated with compartment syndromes of the lower leg.

Fat pad

Acts as a shock absorber and pressure chamber for high impact areas. The most common are the infrapatellar fat pad and the Heel fat pad of the foot.

Feldenkrais technique

manual therapy technique which utilises physical movement to create neurological changes in restrictive or painful tissues in the body and helps to create a greater physical self awareness for the client.

Frozen shoulder

a non specific, frequently misdiagnosed blanket medical definition. Seven widely different medical conditions are associated with “frozen shoulder” they are: Neurological Hemplegia, Idiopathic Capsulitis, Periarticaular Arthritis, Shoulder Hand Syndrome, trigger points in the Subscapulis muscle, Articular Capsulitis and misaligned bursa in the Supraspinatus muscle. These conditions range from Neurological complaints to Structural changes within the Joint capsule itself. I urge anyone who has been given a blanket diagnoses of “Frozen shoulder” to seek a second specific medical diagnose. Valuable time and money is frequently wasted on misdiagnose and incorrect treatment strategies based on faulty assumptions.

Gait

The biomechanical pattern of walking. Defects in the Gait cycle can be caused by Spinal, Hip and Ankle bone misalignments.

Gastrocnemius

Calf muscle made up of two medial and lateral heads.

Genu valgum

commonly known as "knock knees".

Genu varum

commonly known as "bowed legs".

Gluteus maximus

Large, superficial buttock muscle.

Gout

Uric acid crystals being deposited into the tissues, normally occurring in the lower extremities (feet). This condition is associated with Hyperuricaemia.

Groin injuries

injury to any one of the following muscles: sartorius; long head of rectus femoris; the adductor muscles and the lower abdominals.

Haematoma

Bleeding into tissues, usually as a result of physical trauma.

Hamstrings

Three muscles located in the posterior compartment of the thigh, made up of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles.

Head, neck and shoulder pain

Diffused painful muscular sensation resulting from overstretched muscles generally in the posterior part of the shoulders and neck. This conditions is known as Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) or Foreward Head Posture. The average therapist goes about massage the painful areas and achieves small gains in what is solely a postural structural deviation. Only when the contracted muscles in the front of the chest, diaphragm and front of the neck and arms are release will an individual actually see substantial changes and a decrease in pain.

Hydrotherapy

Rehabilitation exercises performed in a pool.

Ice therapy

used to reduce localized bleeding through vasoconstriction of nearby tissues.

Idiopathic pain

Pain without well defined physiological connections.

Iliopsoas

Deep hip flexor, with attachments to the lumbar spine. Frequently tight in the presence of lower back pain for many Australians.

Iliotibial band

found on the lateral surface of the thigh. Strongly influences the hip, knee and act as a shock absorber for the extend leg during heel strike during walking.

Iliotibial band syndrome

Pain over the lateral surface and compartment of the knee caused by repetitive friction injury where the iliotibial band passes over the femoral condyle. Number one cause of this injury is excessive running on hard surfaces.

Intercostal muscles

Muscles lying between ribs and are often injured by rotary stress of the chest.

Intervertebral disc

The disc forms a joint between the vertebral bodies, providing highly efficient shock absorption for the spine column.

Kyphosis

When looking at an individual side on, you will see that the curvature of the spine bends backwards, as seen in the Thoracic (shoulder blade area) of the spine.

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Structural changes affecting the Musculocutaneous junction and common tendon of the Extensor muscles of the forearm.

Lordosis

When looking at an individual side on, you will see that the curvature of the spine bends forwards towards the front of the body, as seen in the Cervical and Lumbar spine areas.

Lumbar spine

lower back above the buttocks, made up of five vertebrae, L1 – L5.

Manipulation

high velocity thrust technique with sufficient speed that the patient is unable to resist the movement.

Massage

A physical form of therapy, whereby the soft tissues are made supple with varying techniques, increased blood flow, range of motion and reduction in muscular pain.

Median nerve

one of five nerves originating from the Brachial Plexus. Formed from the Medial and lateral cords of the plexus. The median nerve is the only nerve passing through the Carpal tunnel and is subject to nerve compression leading to the condition known as “Carpal tunnel syndrome”.

Meniscus

The menisci are fibro cartilaginous structures that act as washers - to deepen the joint surfaces, act as shock absorbers, and assist in lubrication and stabilization of the joint. Normally, meniscus damage occurs in the knee when there is a twisting or rotational force involved in the injury.

Meniscectomy

Removal of a torn section of meniscus performed during arthroscopic procedures.

Multifidus

Deep lumbar spine muscle. Its primary function is to stabilise the lumbar spine.

Myofascial Release (MFR)

a unique series of slow deep stretches, tractions and “unwinding” movements, targeting fascial restriction and pain points in the human body.

Myofascial trigger point

See Trigger Point.

Nerve mobilization

soft tissue technique in which neural tissue is released either by direct stretching of the nerve or by de-tensioning of the surrounding fascial structures through gentle prolonged movements.

Oedema

Soft tissue swelling.

Osgood-Schlatter's disease

There is often a noticeable lump on the Tibial tuberosity. Pain occurs on direct pressure and contraction of the thigh (Quadricep) muscles.

Osteophyte

Outgrowth of bone.

Osteoporosis

decrease in density of bone material within specific areas of spine.

Pain

An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pain has both a physical and emotional (somatic) components. The physical part of pain results from nerve stimulation. Pain may be contained to a discrete area, such as the site of an injury or it can be a more diffused whole body sensation such as Fibromyalgia. Pain is a major symptom in many medical conditions and can significantly interfere with person’s quality of life and well being. Pain that stops in a short period of time or without intervention is referred to as acute pain. Persistent pain which resists treatments and progress from a symptom to a separate illness in itself is referred to as chronic pain.

Palpation

examination by feel and subsequent evaluation of tissue texture, symmetry, range of motion, restriction and structural changes during the treatment.

Patello-femoral dysfunction

where the patellar tracking mechanism is altered, causing pain in the general area during movement.

Pes cavus

Foot deformity showing an increased elevation of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot.

Pes planus

Commonly known as “flat feet”. Characterised by a decrease or lowering of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot.

Piriformis syndrome

Where the Piriformis muscle is irritates the Sciatic nerve, as it passes underneath or in some cases through the muscle. Frequently produces deep buttock pain usually in the lower half of the buttock.

Plantar fasciitis

Characterised by pain at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the front of the heel bone. Normally the pain sensations are most painful first thing in the morning and decrease during the course of the day. Physical activities such as running or jumping will aggravate the condition.

Positional Release Technique

a non-invasive, passive and gentle technique which creates a neurological change, allowing the body to relax and return to a more normal condition/position.

Proprioception

Defined as the intrinsic feedback mechanism that participants use to monitor their own ability to maintain stability.

Pubic symphysis

Anterior joint of the pelvis.

Quadriceps

Large muscle located at front of thigh, made up of rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius.

Radial Nerve

one of five main nerves originating from the Brachial plexus. The Radial nerve innervates the Triceps and the posterior compartment of the Forearm.

Rehabilitation (Rehab)

Recovery from injury, with emphasis on return to pre-injury physical and emotional state.

Retrolisthesis

Posterior slippage of one vertebra on another.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory disease affecting synovial joints.

Rotator cuff

made up of 4 muscles they are: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis. The tendons converge to form a "cuff" over the shoulder joint, on their way to attaching from the shoulder blade (scapula) to the upper arm. One of its major functions is to control rotation movement of the shoulder joint.

Sacro-iliac joint

Synovial joint formed between the medial surface of the hip bone and the sacrum. It is a fibrous joint, supported and surrounded by a very large and strong ligament structure.

Scapula

Commonly known as the "shoulder blade".

Scheuermann's disease

also known as Sherman’s disease. Normally a Juvenile spinal deformity considered worst than Postural Kyphosis. Individuals are unable to consciously correct their posture in the thoracic region of the spine. Individuals frequently experience chronic muscular back pain in the thoracic area.

Sciatica

Traditionally defined as pain in the pathway of the sciatic nerve, or its branches, that is caused by direct compression or irritation of the nerve.

Scoliosis

A lateral curvature of the spinal column. The cause may be congenital, structural or compensatory in nature. Scoliosis patterns are defined by their physical location and the side of the convex curve. Thoracic DextroScoliosis: is a Scoliosis pattern in the thoracic region with a right convex curve occurring. Subsequently Lumbar LevoScolisos is a Scoliosis pattern in the Lumbar region with a left convex curve occurring. This complex spinal condition can be further complicated with an addition of a vertebral rotation referred to as a RotoScoliosis. Latest research from Harvard Medical School is suggesting that Scoliosis may be caused by physical traumas or severe fall in early puberty.

Spondylolisthesis

Forward displacement of one vertebra on its lower neighbour. Most commonly seen at L5/S1 vertebrae.

Spondylosis

the formation of bony spurs along the junction of the vertebral bodies and the corresponding intervertebral discs.

Straight leg raises (SLR)

Technique for measuring sciatic nerve mobility and/or hamstring length.

Supraspinatus impingement

If the subacromial space is narrowed, an impingement of the supraspinatus tendon may occur.

Supraspinatus tendonitis

Overuse or trauma to the supraspinatus tendon.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Joint formed by the condyle of the mandible and the mandibular fossa.

Tendonitis

Inflammation of the tendon. Pain is reproduced with resisted movements and tendon stretching, with active range of motion often normal, but with pain experienced at the end of range.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Squeezing of the neurovascular bundle, comprising the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, which produces a range of symptoms, ranging from pain in the shoulder and arm, to vascular and neurological symptoms. The compression usually occurs in the thoracic outlet of the neck (Brachial plexus impingement) which is caused by a decreased space between the collar bone and the first rib and anterior Scalene syndrome where the nerve bundle is squeezed between the anterior and medial scalene muscles.

Thoracic spine

Comprising 12 vertebrae, sitting between the cervical and lumbar spines. Provide attachments for the ribs.

Trigger points

hyperirritable spots in muscles that can be clearly palpable within the taut bands of the muscle fibres. Compression of a Trigger point (TrP) can produce a local tenderness, referred pain or a localized twitch response from the TrP to the insertion of the muscle. This is not to be confused with a muscle spasm or a Neurological Reflex point referring from rotated vertebrae.

Trochanteric bursitis

typically inflammation of the bursa overlying the greater trochanter of the femur. Frequently caused by a muscular overload of the Gluteus Medius muscle, trying to stabilize an incorrectly balanced pelvis.

Ulna Nerve

one of five main nerves originating from the Brachial plexus. Frequently hurt when individuals bash the back of the elbows against hard objects (funny bone). The Ulna nerve can becomes compressed in two different locations in the anterior compartment of the fore arm.

Upper cross syndrome

condition in which the clients has a noticeable forward head posture, rounded shoulders and sunken look to the front of the chest area. Suffered by numerous Australians spending hours at a desk, using a computer (Mouse-ititis, Wii-ititis), driving and carrying heavy school backpacks. Clients will frequently experience pain in the head, neck and shoulder region and in between the shoulder blades. Prolonged Upper cross syndrome can cause problems in the shoulder joint leading to a “Frozen shoulder” condition occurring at a later stage.

Vastus intermedius

One of four muscles forming the Quadricep muscle group. The muscular fibers are located centrally and run down the vertical length of the Femur bone.

Vastus lateralis

One of four muscles forming the Quadricep muscle group. This muscle lies laterally to the Vastus intermedius muscle and has a stability function rather than a locomotive action.

Vastus medialis

One of four muscles forming the Quadricep muscle group. This muscle lies medially to the Vastus intermedius muscle.

Vertebral artery testing

Always performed before any cervical neck work to ensure the clients safety and well being. It is used to assess if the client runs the risk of cervical vascular comprise during neck extension and rotation.

Visceral Manipulation

A French Osteopathic soft tissue technique where the fascia of the Viscera (organs) is gentle moved and released to restore range of motion and functionality of the organ.

Winging scapula

Brought about by chronic muscular tension in the Serratus Anterior and Pec minor muscle. Frequently occurring with faint tingling sensations running down the arm caused by nerve impingement of the Brachial plexus by the Pec minor muscle located under the Collar bone towards the front of the shoulder muscle.

X-rays

Radiographs, normal taken to determine if a bone fracture has occurred.