Psoriatic Arthritis: What Is It? Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that combines joint inflammation (arthritis) with skin lesions of psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in the fingers, toes, and spine. One frequent condition that affects…
The Buteyko breathing technique, also known as the Buteyko method, is a type of alternative or additional physical therapy that suggests using breathing exercises mainly to treat respiratory disorders like asthma. Buteyko claims that hyperventilation, or a persistently elevated respiratory rate, is the cause or aggravating factor of many medical problems, including asthma. The technique…
Introduction The superior gluteal nerve, a motor branch of the sacral plexus, originates from the posterior divisions of the L4, L5, and S1 anterior roots. The superior gluteal nerve and vessels travel through the greater sciatic foramen before passing superiorly to the piriformis muscle. From there, the nerve splits into its superior and inferior branches,…
Stretches for posterior pelvic tilt target specific muscle groups to correct the imbalances associated with this condition. Posterior pelvic tilt occurs when the pelvis rotates backward, flattening the lower back and potentially causing discomfort. Stretching tight muscles—especially the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back—can help restore balance and improve posture. Effective stretches include standing quadriceps stretch,…
What is a Chest Muscle Pain? Chest muscle pain, or myalgia, often results from muscle strain, overuse, or injury to the pectoral muscles. It can also be caused by poor posture, muscle imbalances, or referred pain from the neck or upper back. Symptoms include localized soreness, tenderness, and difficulty with movements like pushing or lifting….
Introduction The suprascapular nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus (C5-C6) that supplies motor innervation to the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, which are key for shoulder movement and stability. It also carries sensory fibers to the glenohumeral joint and surrounding ligaments. The nerve passes through the suprascapular notch, where it is susceptible to compression…
Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) refers to a sensation of difficulty or discomfort in breathing. It can be caused by various conditions, including lung diseases (like asthma or COPD), heart problems, anxiety, or high-altitude exposure. The severity ranges from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic. Proper diagnosis and management depend on identifying the…
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises focus on deep breathing using the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing. This technique enhances lung efficiency, reduces stress, and improves oxygenation. It involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the abdomen to rise while keeping the chest still, and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Common exercises include lying down breathing, seated…
Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome): What is it? Reactive Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that develops in response to an infection, usually in the urinary tract, intestines, or genitals. It commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Other symptoms may include eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), urinary problems, and skin issues. The…
McKenzie exercises, developed by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, are a set of movements designed to relieve back pain and improve spinal mobility. They focus on extending the spine to alleviate pressure on discs and nerves, making them particularly effective for conditions like sciatica and disc herniation. Common exercises include prone lying, press-ups, and standing back extensions….
