READ OUR BLOG



MSK-Kids-blog-on-physio.png
12/Dec/2023

Our child has seen so many specialists and now they have been told to go to a kid’s physio. Are you thinking how will a physio help? Or how will this be any different to any other appointments we have? What do I tell my child they will be doing with them?

I am Nicole Pates, a Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist and director of Western Kids Health, a paediatric clinic in Perth Western Australia. I have been a Paediatric physio for over 13 years and these are the things I would like you to know about seeing a paediatric physio.

Children and teenagers, as we all know, are different from adults. Not just physically, but in all of their systems. Their brain is growing and their understanding of their body and how it works is constantly changing. Add into that school, friends and puberty and well, it can be a lot. Let alone managing chronic pain and fatigue on top of this. This is why it is important to work together with a physiotherapist who is experienced in working with kids and teens, who understands growth and development. You can search for a Titled or Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist, who has undertaken extra study or experience in paediatrics, on the Australian Physio website https://choose.physio/find-a-physio

For families of children with persistent pain and / or fatigue, finding the right help can be tricky.  You can find a practitioner experienced in working in paediatric pain on the Australian Pain Society website  https://www.apsoc.org.au/Home/wcontent2/60

Once you have chosen a physiotherapist you will be *hopefully* be on your way to an appointment. You may be required to fill out some questionnaires or forms, prior to your initial appointment, depending on your reason for visiting the physiotherapist.

Typically, an initial appointment for children with chronic musculoskeletal / rheumatological conditions will be an hour or potentially more. For some families at Western Kids Health, we might sit down for 2 hours with not just physio but also OT and psychology. I encourage you to contact your chosen clinic to find out more about the first appointment. It is important to dress in clothes that are comfortable to move in and take a water bottle if needed.

Your physiotherapist may ask lots of questions in the first appointment. Not just about your child’s condition, symptoms, history, current team and limitations but also about their strengths, likes and future goals. Your physio will then watch how your child moves and plays, particularly the things they are having trouble with.

We love watching kids move and figuring out the different reasons as to why they might be having trouble or moving differently.

Being able to identify the activities that trigger your child’s symptoms, understanding their experience and watching how your child moves will enable your physio to work with you to formulate a plan. This plan should be collaborative and based around your child’s goals such as getting back to school, sport or hobbies. Having pain or fatigue can be so annoying and make moving and doing things difficult. But with chronic conditions, waiting for the pain or fatigue to go away before you get back into things can be an endless waiting game. Your physio will help you get back into doing things in a way that is meaningful, fun and supported.

Your physio may also provide education around:

  • Symptoms such as pain and fatigue and potential triggers / aggravators
  • Strategies on how to bring awareness to and strategies to minimise triggers and aggravators
  • Why your child may be experiencing pain.
  • How best support your child and their pain journey through supportive language in a progressive mindset

Your physio will also work hard to understand where your child’s physical function is at present and work out a plan to build on their activity level, strength, balance, movement control and most importantly, function over time. Your physio will support your child (and you!) with a plan for flare ups or set backs.

Other team members who your physio may recommend supporting you are

  • An Occupational Therapist, who assists your child to minimise the impact symptoms may have on sleep, school and relationships
  • A Dietician to understand your child’s nutrition needs whilst they are growing and create plans to support and meet these needs
  • A Psychologist to build coping skills and resilience and manage mental health symptoms such as low mood, stress or anxiety. This is important as often these symptoms are contributing to or exacerbating your child’s ability to engage in the physical rehab.

At Western Kids Health we run specialised groups in conjunction with the Arthritis & Osteoporosis Association of WA, including group hydrotherapy and strength and conditioning classes.

Hydrotherapy and physical conditioning for children with conditions like Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is safe and effective. Building strength through range is essential to keep your joints healthy. Your physio will work with you to help your child understand their body’s reactions and sensations as they try new activities. This will help your child build their capacity and understanding of body awareness. Your physio will help explore what movements and types of exercise work best for your child’s body, and most importantly making it fun!

You should see improvements over time with the right support and if you aren’t seeing those improvements, or your child isn’t reaching their goals, please discuss this with your therapy team.

Contact our free national Help Line

If you have questions about managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, or accessing services be sure to call our nurses. They’re available Monday to Thursday between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.

More to explore


Andrew-Zhang.jpg
20/Apr/2023

In recognition of World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day on Saturday 6 May, Andrew Zhang, a rheumatology physiotherapist, has written this blog.

My name’s Andrew, and I work at a large tertiary hospital in Sydney. I have the privilege of working with some amazing rheumatologists in the management of people living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Ankylosing spondylitis is an uncommon disease that isn’t well recognised. Even some health professionals struggle to identify it early on. It’s frequently mistaken as common back pain, with the average time to be accurately diagnosed for many people being around 5-9 years!

AS is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis. That means the body attacks its own joints, tendons and ligaments, mainly in the spine, resulting in pain and stiffness. Over time, this inflammation can lead to fusion (ankylosis) of the spine and ribcage. If AS is not well managed, it can result in permanent changes to the spine and a hunched posture. The back is also susceptible to fractures, and breathing may be more difficult due to restricted movements.

We don’t know why, but it’s speculated that genetic and environmental factors are involved in developing the disease, including a strong family history and correlation with the HLA-B27 gene – but not with everyone. It’s quite common for people to notice symptoms from early adulthood.

People with ankylosing spondylitis commonly experience acute flares of back or buttock pain and tend to feel stiff in the mornings when they wake. They may also feel pain in areas other than the spine – commonly the back of the heel, underneath the foot, chest wall and eyes.

In addition, people with AS may also experience high levels of fatigue and other inflammatory conditions such as uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.

Early recognition and referral to a rheumatologist, specialist doctors who diagnose and manage musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases, is crucial for this progressive disease.

Diagnosis is based on a thorough history and physical examination, as well as blood tests and imaging which are usually requested to look for evidence of active inflammation. Nonetheless, someone can still have ankylosing spondylitis with these results being completely normal!

Rheumatologists treat ankylosing spondylitis patients with medications that reduce inflammation. This can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (biologics). Biologics dampen the immune system to reduce disease activity; however, this immunosuppression may increase the risk of infections and illnesses.

Physiotherapy is also important to help manage AS. The aim is to reduce pain, stiffness, and joint damage and increase physical function and quality of life. This should always involve a personalised exercise program consisting of movements and stretches to maintain flexibility and strength, as well as aerobic exercises to improve cardiovascular fitness and chest expansion. Hydrotherapy (exercise in warm water) also has a positive effect. Physiotherapists should also be great health educators highlighting the importance of regular exercise, back care and posture, and a healthy and active lifestyle!

Many patients I see with ankylosing spondylitis have bounced between many health professionals before their eventual diagnosis; which for them can both be a relief and overwhelming. That’s why working closely with my patients as a health educator and treating the whole person is essential. It’s also very rewarding work.

With the advancements in modern medicine, most people living with ankylosing spondylitis can go about their usual activities without limitations if it’s diagnosed early and well-managed with medication and physiotherapy.

So join me and help spread the word about AS on World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day!

Andrew Zhang

Contact our free national Help Line

Call our nurses if you have questions about managing your painmusculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issuestelehealth, or accessing services. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.


physical-therapies_blog.jpg
05/Aug/2021

This is the first of a series of blogs that will explore the different groups of health professionals and therapists who’ll help you live well with a musculoskeletal condition. For ease of reading, we’ll be referring to them all as practitioners.

Managing a chronic musculoskeletal condition – or multiple conditions – can be complicated. To help you get the best health outcomes and maintain (or improve) your quality of life, you’ll probably see a variety of different health professionals and therapists.

Who you see and how often will depend on your condition/s, symptoms and how they affect your life.

Physical or manual therapies

These therapies provide a hands-on approach to help relieve your pain and stiffness and improve your mobility, movement and joint function.

They’re often referred to as physical, manual, manipulative or hands-on therapies. The most common are:

  • Chiropractic – this involves manipulation and manual adjustment of your spine. It’s based on the premise that if your body, especially the spine, is out of alignment, it can affect the health and function of other parts of your body.
  • Massage – involves rubbing and manipulating the soft tissues of your body, especially your muscles. Massage can improve blood circulation, ease muscle tension and help you feel more relaxed. There are a variety of different types of massage available.
  • Myotherapy – involves assessing, treating, and managing the pain associated with soft tissue injury and restricted joint movement caused by problems with your muscles and the tissue surrounding your muscles (the fascia).
  • Occupational therapy – helps you learn better ways to do everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, working, eating or driving. An occupational therapist can also provide information on aids and equipment to make everyday jobs easier.
  • Osteopathy – is based on the premise that your body’s wellbeing depends on your bones, muscles and other soft tissues functioning smoothly together and correctly aligned. It uses physical manipulation, massage and stretching.
  • Physiotherapy – uses physical means (e.g., exercise, massage, heat and cold) as well as education and advice to help keep you moving and functioning as well as possible. Physiotherapists can also show you pain relief techniques and design an individual exercise program for you.
  • Reflexology – involves pressure applied to specific points of your feet or hands. These points are believed to match up with other parts of your body.

All of these therapies will provide additional support apart from the hands-on treatment. This may include specific exercises for you to do at home, relaxation techniques and pain management strategies. Some practitioners (e.g., chiropractors, physiotherapists and myotherapists) may also use medical devices such as ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or dry needling alongside their hands-on treatment.

Talk with your GP and/or specialist

Before seeing any new practitioner, it’s best to discuss the treatment with your GP and/or specialist (e.g. rheumatologist). They may have some cautions about a treatment as it relates to your specific health condition/s. For example, they may recommend that you not get a treatment if you’re going through a flare or have active inflammation. Or, if you have fused joints or osteoporosis, they will likely advise against treatments that manipulate or adjust your joints or spine.

On the flip side, they may also provide you with recommendations of practitioners they’ve worked with or who have a particular interest in your condition.

Do your research

When making enquiries about a potential practitioner, ask lots of questions. For example:

  • How does the treatment work?
  • What are the possible side effects or risks?
  • Have you treated other people with my condition or health issues?
  • Do you need to see any of my recent medical tests (e.g., x-rays)?
  • How long does it take for this treatment to work?
  • How will I know if it’s working?
  • What can I expect during a treatment session?
  • How often will I need to see you?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Can I claim this treatment on my private health insurance?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • Do you receive regular training and updates?
  • Are you a member of the professional association for this treatment/practice?

You can also contact the professional association and check their list of members to ensure the practitioner is registered. Or visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website and search for the practitioner.

What to expect at your first appointment

Regardless of the type of practitioner, you can expect to have a detailed discussion about your musculoskeletal condition and medical history, symptoms and what you hope to get out of the treatment.

Be wary of any practitioner that doesn’t give you this time and attention to understand your situation and your needs. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to healthcare.

Keep track of your progress

It can be helpful to keep a daily diary tracking your symptoms so you can see if the therapy is working for you. Write down any changes in your pain levels, fatigue and other symptoms for a period (e.g., a month). Also include any changes to your medications, exercise routine, the amount of sleep you’re getting and anything else that could affect your symptoms. After a month of tracking, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether or not the therapy is working.

And keep your GP and/or specialist informed about how you’re going with the physical therapy.

Be careful

All treatments – from hands-on physical therapies to medications and vaccines – have benefits and risks. You need to weigh these up to make an informed decision as to whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks for you.

And if you have conditions such as osteoporosis or inflammatory arthritis, you should avoid manipulative treatments such as chiropractic and osteopathy.

Contact our free national Help Line

If you have questions about managing your pain, your musculoskeletal condition, treatment options, mental health issues, COVID-19, telehealth, or accessing services be sure to call our nurses. They’re available weekdays between 9am-5pm on 1800 263 265; email (helpline@msk.org.au) or via Messenger.

More to explore

Professional associations


musculoskeletal health australia

Musculoskeletal Health Australia (or MHA) is the consumer organisation working with, and advocating on behalf of, people with arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, gout and over 150 other musculoskeletal conditions.

Useful Links


Copyright by Musculoskeletal Health Australia 2024. All rights reserved

ABN: 26 811 336 442ACN: 607 996 921