Stabilise Physiotherapy

19/02/2026

Referral….pain or other sensations:

Referred sensation describes pain, tingling, numbness, or altered feeling that is perceived in the arm or leg but originates from a different structure—often the spine or nearby tissues rather than the limb itself. It is commonly not local damage to the structures/tissues experiencing the symptoms.


Mechanisms:
• Shared neural pathways: Sensory input from muscles, joints, discs, and nerves can converge at the same spinal cord segments, causing the brain to misinterpret the source of symptoms.
• Nerve root irritation or sensitisation: Compression or inflammation of a spinal nerve root can produce symptoms along its dermatome (e.g. pain or tingling down an arm or leg).
• Central sensitisation: The nervous system becomes more sensitive, amplifying or spreading symptoms beyond the original source.

Common sources of referred symptoms:
• Neck (cervical spine): Can refer pain or tingling into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
• Lower back (lumbar spine): May refer symptoms into the buttock, thigh, or leg.
• Myofascial trigger points: Muscles can refer pain in predictable patterns without nerve damage.
• Joint structures: Facet joints and discs can refer symptoms into the limbs.

Management:
Your therapist will be trained on finding the source of your referral and will provide appropriate management accordingly. This may include:
- Manual techniques to reduce pressure near a nerve or other structures involved.
- Targeted exercises and stretches.
- Bracing options may be considered.

The team are keen to assist. Call us now.

19/02/2026

A TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small, portable device that delivers low-level electrical currents through surface electrodes placed on the skin.

Uses:

- Musculoskeletal conditions.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Post-operative pain.
- Chronic pain


Benefits:

- Pain modulation/perception.
- Pain relief
- Non-invasive and painless treatment modality.
- Increased tolerances to movement and exercise.
- Portable home options available.


TENS is most effective as a symptom-modifying tool, not a curative treatment. It does not address the underlying cause of pain but can be useful as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.

19/02/2026

Achilles pain

The Achilles tendon is the common tendon of the muscles gastrocnemius and soleus. It can generate large amount of elastic (recoil) energy and shock absorption.

The tendon produces plantar flexion of the foot. This action is very significant in human locomotion and propulsion responsible for actions such as walking, running and even jumping. It can handle tensile loads up to ten times the body's weight.

Pain at the achilles tendon typically doesn’t mean there’s damage, but it could be that the tendon is not coping with it’s current demand. Eventually this may lead to injury at the tendon or an associated structure.


Risks for tendon issues:
• Sudden increases in running, jumping, or walking load.
• Reduced calf strength or endurance.
• Stiffness or altered ankle mechanics.
• Inadequate recovery between training sessions.
• Other factors such as age, metabolic health, or previous tendon pain/injury.

Common injuries include tendinopathy and tendon ruptures.

Management options are typically active as the tendon responds very well to loading. It is important to be guided on how to correctly load.

Treatment options:
• Progressive tendon (and surrounding structures) loading.
• Load management rather than complete rest
• Addressing contributing factors such as training errors or movement patterns, incorrect footwear and occupational related factors.


With the appropriate management the achilles tendon can have great adaptations and restore full loading capacity and function.

19/02/2026

The team at Stabilise are so very grateful for your feedback and support. 😁✅👌🏼

19/02/2026

What’s in a squat?

A squatting movement pattern is a highly functional and everyday motion. It is a very commonly used rehab exercise and one that is often scripted for the older population. Squatting movements include a sit to stand, stair climbing, lifting objects from the floor and transferring from bed.

Benefits:

- Muscle strengthening to quads, glutes, hamstrings, adductors and a lesser extent the lower leg and ankle/foot complex.
- Post surgery rehab for knees, hips, ankles and lower back.
- General pain management for knee/hip osteoarthritis and cartilage degeneration, pelvic pain, spinal stiffness and disc injuries.
- Postural improvement.
- Increasing bone mineral density.
- Increasing general manual handling and work-related tolerances.
- Falls prevention.
- Increases balance and neuromuscular control.
- Prevention of injuries.


How deep is safe?
There is no evidence that increasing squatting depth increases risk of injury in the healthy population…but if you do have any knee concerns, consult your Physio / EP because:
- Building tolerances for compressive load forces should be a focus rather than being the blame for knee pain in a squat.
- Appropriate dose and depth need to be guided.
- Tracking your knees over your toes in a squat is NOT unsafe. It is a natural movement.
- Long term loading can improve cartilage integrity.
- Individuals naturally move different and a good therapist wil know what your body will need and tolerate.
- Deeper squats may improve muscle activation and functionality.


Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologists are here to guide you on a squat’s safety and give you the confidence not to avoid them.

19/02/2026

Thumb Pain

What may be the cause?

- Inflammation and irritation of tendons and ligaments.
- Osteoarthritis resulting in stiffness and weakness.
- Repetitive strain from such things as gaming, typing, caring for newborn and prolonged manual work.
- Fall / impact injury.


Why see your Physiotherapist?

✔ Assessment and diagnosis: Identifying which structure is painful and what movements aggravate it.
✔ Load management: Loading the thumbs structures in an optimal way for recovery.
✔ Graded exercise therapy: From gentle range of motion → strength → functional tasks.
✔ Manual therapy: Gentle joint mobilisations or soft tissue techniques to improve comfort and movement.
✔ Splinting or bracing: Strategic use to unload painful tissues.
✔ Education & ergonomics: Teaching optimal thumb posture and task modification to prevent recurrence.
✔ Recommendations of appropriate injectables such as a corticosteroid or PRP.

Chat with us today if you’re experiencing any discomfort.

19/02/2026

Compression

What is it?
Compression garments are specially designed items of clothing designed to apply controlled pressure to an area of the body. Often, they are professionally selected and fitted.
The garments will have some type of elastic fibres. They can vary in the level of compression which is often related to the purpose of the garment.
Ill-fitting compression may be harmful.

Compression works best when combined with strategies such as appropriate loading, active recovery, sleep, and individualised physiotherapy care.

What are the benefits during exercise?
- Muscle support and stabilisation for performance.
- Improved blood flow.
- Increased time to fatigue.
- Enhanced body awareness and coordination.
- Provide comfort and reduce skin irritation.

What are the benefits for general health?
- Pain relief for osteoarthritis // warmth and support.
- Reduced inflammation // pain relief.
- Support soft tissue and bony injury recovery.
- Enhanced venus blood flow at rest/recovery // muscle oxygenation.
- Enhanced arterial blood flow during activity.
- Lymphedema management.

** There is no evidence that compression is a specific performance enhancer. Further studies are needed to see if there is any benefits to metabolic responses, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiorespiratory measures.
** The types of fabric and style of compression are poorly researched.

19/02/2026

What is serratus anterior?

The Serratus anterior (SA) is a key muscle for shoulder and upper limb function. It attaches from the ribs the scapular.

The SA has grouping of muscle fibres that spray in slightly different directions. This allows it’s efficient function, including:

- Protraction of the scapular (like we do when we throw a punch)
- Upwardly rotate the scapular (as with overhead reach/lifting).
- Supporting the scapular staying flush to the rib/thoracic cage.
- Acting as a breathing accessary muscle.
- Improves shoulder/scapular control for movement and stability.
- Reduces risk of rotator cuff injury.
Your Physio or EP can advise you on the most appropriate exercises to assess and strengthen your SA.

19/02/2026

Angela and the team at Stabilise would love to hear from you!

19/02/2026

14/02/2026

Deep breathing is often referred to as diaphragmatic or controlled breathing. It is a technique that emphasizes slow, efficient breaths using the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing.

Benefits:
• Improves function of the diaphragm allowing more efficient oxygen exchange.
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (via the vagus nerve), helping reduce physical and mental stress.
• Improved emotional regulation. It can slow heart rate and reduce cortisol levels.
• Reduction of excessive muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and chest.
• May reduce perception and sensitivity of pain.
• Improve movement patterns and posturing, benefiting the spine and functional movement control.
• Assist relaxation, sleep quality, and recovery between training or therapy sessions.

While deep breathing won’t “fix” injuries on its own, it positively influences the nervous system, pain response, and movement efficiency. It is a valuable addition to active rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

11/02/2026

Mel is one of our amazing Physio’s. Book in with her now. 😁✅