What causes musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain usually occur due to a strain in the soft tissue of the body that can be brought about by trauma, prolonged poor static posture, poor movement pattern or repetitive movements.

What are the common conditions that can cause musculoskeletal pain?

1. Neck and Low back pain:

• Muscle strain​

Do I need to seek treatment immediately?

In most cases, musculoskeletal pain will resolved by itself if the tissue damage is minor. The self healing for soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments and tendons usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks with the pain gradually reduced overtime. The healing period may be affected by degree of injury, age and lifestyle. You will need to seek medical help if you have:

• High impact injury or accident causing substantial pain
• Suspicion of fracture
• Swelling, warmth and high intensity of pain over injured area
• Severe weakness with or without numbness or tingling sensation of the skin
• Gradual or sudden onset of unexplanatory pain that is not triggered by trauma or any possible physical stress on the body

How does Physiotherapy treatments help to improve the pain?

A Certified Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist is trained to assess your condition through a series of questions and physical testings before concluding on your diagnosis. A treatment plan is then decided based on The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. The framework will factor in not just the patient's health aspect but also the function, level of activity, type of participation, environment and personal factors of the patient which helps the patient reach his/ her rehabilitation goal. Types of treatment may include but not limited to:

1. Advice on correct posture and movements
2. Advice on use of walking aid or orthotics to offload or support injured area
3. Manual therapy
4. Soft tissue or deep tissue massage
5. Supportive taping
6. Pilates
7. Light strengthening and stretching exercises

What are the common surgeries that require Physiotherapy rehabilitation?

Orthopaedic surgeries such as:

• Spinal surgeries

• Ligament reconstruction
• Muscle repair
• Partial or total joint replacement
• Fracture stabilibisation

Breast surgery:

• Mastectomy with or without reconstruction

When can I start my Physiotherapy rehabilitation after a surgery?

Depending on your condition and surgery, physiotherapy rehabilitation usually starts the next day after an operation even while you are still in the hospital. Physiotherapy session may include:

• Assessment on physical function such as getting out of bed, sit to stand or walking ability
• Teaching the use of walking aid if needed
• Simple exercises to improve movement and swelling
• Advice on RICE (Rest, ice, compress, elevate) to reduce swelling
• Gentle lymphatic massage to reduce swelling

How does Physiotherapy help you?

A treatment plan is decided based on The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. The framework will factor in not just the patient's health aspect but also the function, level of activity, type of participation, environment and personal factors of the patient which helps the patient reach his/ her rehabilitation goal.

How long do I need to receive Physiotherapy?

The duration of post surgery Physiotherapy depends on a few factors:

• Type of surgery
• Key hole surgery or open surgery
• Type and number of soft tissues involved or extend of the injury
• Patient's recovery
• Pain intensity

What is Pilates exercise?

Pilates exercise is a form of low impact exercise that works on core strength, muscular endurance and flexibility of the body. It is usually performed either on the mat or reformer.

Can I do Pilates exercises after a back surgery?

Yes. Pilates exercise is a low impact exercise and the exercise can be modify to meet the level of your fitness.

How different is Clinical Pilates from normal Pilates?

Clinical Pilates as its name would have suggested that it is use clinically to treat population with spinal conditions. It combines the knowledge of movement pattern dysfunction in spinal disorders such as slipped discs or spinal instability with Pilates exercise principle to help patient regain their core strength and slows down recurrence of low back pain.

Should I join a Pilates class or have an one-on-one session with an instructor?

It is always better to start off with one-on-one session with a Pilates instructor than to join the class straight away. That is crucial for one who already has some form of musculoskeletal pain or injury. However, our Pilates Introductory class is mild and suitable for anyone with no Pilates or exercise background. It is a small class of maximum 8 participants to ensure that you get the necessary adjustment on your posture and form of you movement. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you check with your doctor if you are unsure if you are physically well to perform any form of exercise.

What is Pilates exercise?

Pilates exercise is a form of low impact exercise that works on core strength, muscular endurance and flexibility of the body. It is usually performed either on the mat or reformer.

Can I do Pilates exercises after a back surgery?

Yes. Pilates exercise is a low impact exercise and the exercise can be modify to meet the level of your fitness.

How different is Clinical Pilates from normal Pilates?

Clinical Pilates as its name would have suggested that it is use clinically to treat population with spinal conditions. It combines the knowledge of movement pattern dysfunction in spinal disorders such as slipped discs or spinal instability with Pilates exercise principle to help patient regain their core strength and slows down recurrence of low back pain.

Should I join a Pilates class or have an one-on-one session with an instructor?

It is always better to start off with one-on-one session with a Pilates instructor than to join the class straight away. That is crucial for one who already has some form of musculoskeletal pain or injury. However, our Pilates Introductory class is mild and suitable for anyone with no Pilates or exercise background. It is a small class of maximum 8 participants to ensure that you get the necessary adjustment on your posture and form of you movement. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you check with your doctor if you are unsure if you are physically well to perform any form of exercise.

What is Pilates exercise?

Pilates exercise is a form of low impact exercise that works on core strength, muscular endurance and flexibility of the body. It is usually performed either on the mat or reformer.

Can I do Pilates exercises after a back surgery?

Yes. Pilates exercise is a low impact exercise and the exercise can be modify to meet the level of your fitness.

How different is Clinical Pilates from normal Pilates?

Clinical Pilates as its name would have suggested that it is use clinically to treat population with spinal conditions. It combines the knowledge of movement pattern dysfunction in spinal disorders such as slipped discs or spinal instability with Pilates exercise principle to help patient regain their core strength and slows down recurrence of low back pain.

Should I join a Pilates class or have an one-on-one session with an instructor?

It is always better to start off with one-on-one session with a Pilates instructor than to join the class straight away. That is crucial for one who already has some form of musculoskeletal pain or injury. However, our Pilates Introductory class is mild and suitable for anyone with no Pilates or exercise background. It is a small class of maximum 8 participants to ensure that you get the necessary adjustment on your posture and form of you movement. Nonetheless, it is advisable that you check with your doctor if you are unsure if you are physically well to perform any form of exercise.

What is Electrophysical Agent?

Electrophysical agents are adjuvant treatment that helps to enhance the Physiotherapy manual treatment. It is often not used as the first line of treatment for patient.

What are the types of electrophysical agent we offer and their benefits?

The type of electrophysical agents are: 1) Interferential therapy and TENS for pain management 2) Neuromuscular electrical stimulation that helps to improve strength in really weak muscles 3 ) Ultrasound therapy to reduce swelling, scar tissues and pain management 4) EMG biofeedback which is used for activation and strengthening of muscles 5) Spinal traction whereby a distraction force is exerted on the neck or lower back spine to relieve tension in the spinal joints, ligaments and muscles. Conditions like disc herniation, nerve impingement, lumbar stenosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) may benefit from traction.