Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where the nerves coming from the cervical spine becomes pinched. The two most common causes of this are a bulging disc of the cerivcal spine and cervical spine degeneration (aka cervical spondylosis). A 29 year old woman consulted me for 6 months of chronic left arm/neck pain which was due…
A 57 year old lady presents with 2 months of ongoing posterior (behind) knee pain which only came on after she had surgery to remove a large Baker’s cyst which was causing her pain and discomfort. Normally these fluid filled cysts are left alone or just aspirated +/- steroid injection. A Baker’s cyst usually occurs…
Trigger finger (aka stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when a finger/s get stuck when trying to straighten them. After a bit of force, the finger ‘triggers’ once it breaks the resistance that prevents it from straightening. The reason this occurs is because the flexor tendon of the finger develops a nodule. This nodule gets stuck in a…
Lumbar spondylosis a.k.a osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is a common cause of lower back pain. It occurs due to wear and tear of the lower end of the spine (lumbar spine) over time. More common in those who have more physically demanding jobs. Poor posture and core strength is a big contributor as well. …
A 57 year old gentleman presents with chronic bilateral calf tightness for the past one year. It is always aching, worse so after physical activity. He required painkillers most nights due to the discomfort. Stretching gives some temporary relief but the tightness always recurred. Physiotherapy did not appear to achieve long lasting relief. Examination indeed…
A 53 year old female patient of mine was commenting that she was getting hot flushes at least 4-5 times in a week. She would feel the heat well up until it reaches it’s climax followed heavy perspiration with accompanying red flush. She was here for another medical matter but I offered her treatment…
Laser acupuncture is a branch of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). A very important principle in LLLT is the Arndt-Schultz Curve which you can see above. The curve relates the dose of laser to the effects generated. Too little laser and nothing happens. Too much laser and you may actually get a flare up of…
This week I saw two patients in two days presenting with exactly the same complaint – a niggling pain around their shoulder blade (scapula). Both walked out astounded. One was a middle aged gentleman who had it for the past week and a half, and the other was a middle aged lady who had it…
Plantar fasciitis is becoming an increasingly common presentation. Laser acupuncture is surprisingly effective for this condition. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the connective tissue joining the heel and the forefoot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. Factors contributing to this are poor heel support in shoes; flat feet; jobs requiring prolonged standing; and being overweight/obese. The mainstay…
Updated 20/01/2021: I want to share some of my insights over the years of treating shoulder pain. Subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff tear/tendinopathy on scans does not necessarily mean that is the cause of your shoulder pain. I’ve seen a lot of subacromial bursitis on ultrasounds and many of these patients have NO pain. The…
