Biomechanics series – Costotransverse and Costovertebral joints.

Following my last post from the front of the body to the back, we find the ribs entering into a biomechanical relationship with the spine. Noting that a rib with have an articulation with the vertebrae above and below the rib. Essentially one rib with articulate with two vertebrae. Being able to differentiate between theContinue reading "Biomechanics series – Costotransverse and Costovertebral joints."

Biomechanics series – Sternochondral and Costochondral joints.

Here we are going to start with a basic overview of these joints and then further down we will get into a little more specifics. Sternochondral Joints: Location: Sternochondral joints are found where the ribs meet the sternum (breastbone). Type: These joints are typically classified as synchondrosis joints, which means they are cartilaginous joints whereContinue reading "Biomechanics series – Sternochondral and Costochondral joints."

Pain series – Gate control theory

The Gate Control Theory of Pain is a widely accepted and influential theory in the field of pain perception and management. It was first proposed by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965 and has since played a significant role in understanding how our nervous system processes and modulates pain signals. This theory suggests thatContinue reading "Pain series – Gate control theory"

Pain series – Peripheral Afferent Nociceptors

Peripheral afferent nociceptors are specialized nerve endings found throughout the body that detect and transmit information about noxious or potentially damaging stimuli, such as extreme temperatures, mechanical pressure, and chemicals that can cause tissue damage or inflammation. These nociceptors play a crucial role in the body's ability to sense and respond to potentially harmful stimuliContinue reading "Pain series – Peripheral Afferent Nociceptors"

TFCC – Is it bothering you?

What is the TFCC? TFCC stands for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex, which is a structure located in the wrist. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the wrist joint and enabling smooth movements between the ulna (one of the two forearm bones) and the carpal bones in the hand. Injuries to the TFCC can occur dueContinue reading "TFCC – Is it bothering you?"

Extracellular Matrix – The basics.

What is Extracellular matrix, why does it concern us and what can we do about the health of this extra cellular space (in a future post) Cells congregate (come together) to form structural and functional associations. These are called tissues. There are four basic tissues in the body, epithelium, connective tissue, muscle and nervous tissue.Continue reading "Extracellular Matrix – The basics."

Pain series – Sensitization

Central sensitization and peripheral sensitization are often discussed in the context of pain perception and the body's response to painful stimuli. These terms describe different mechanisms through which the nervous system becomes more sensitive to pain signals, leading to heightened pain perception and potentially chronic pain conditions. Through a short series of posts, I willContinue reading "Pain series – Sensitization"

Neck pain? Try this isometric routine to increase strength with minimal joint movement

Check my other post about a basic summary as to why isometric exercises are beneficial for rehabilitation and general strengthening. Exercise 1: Supine Neck Extension Isometric Hold Lie down on your back on a comfortable surface such as a yoga mat. Place the back of your head slightly on a slightly elevated surface, a bookContinue reading "Neck pain? Try this isometric routine to increase strength with minimal joint movement"

Isometrics, why you should do them.

In the world of rehabilitation theres a lot of different things you can do to better your body but sometimes it's better to keep it simple. In such cases when people have facet joint inflammation or Osteoarthritic changes. Here are a few points as to why they are a great alternative to other forms ofContinue reading "Isometrics, why you should do them."

Biomechanics – Carpal Bones; The basics.

Carpal bone biomechanics play a crucial role in wrist health. The carpal bones are a group of eight small bones located in the wrist joint. They are arranged in two rows: the proximal row, which is closer to the forearm, and the distal row, which is closer to the hand. These bones, along with theContinue reading "Biomechanics – Carpal Bones; The basics."