Whelehans Therapists Blog

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

The following article aims to serve only as a guide for low back pain (LBP). Lower back pain (LBP) is a very common condition, with most adults (60-80%) experiencing LBP at some point in their lives. The pain can originate from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints and other structures in the back.  Often pain in the back can be very intense and worrying. However, it is important to remember that the spine is a strong stable structure and in most cases the pain is not due to any serious damage

GLUTEAL STRAIN (AS PER ROB KEARNEY) – That’s a pain in the bum!

As rugby fans wait with bated breath for the outcome of Rob Kearney’s scan today, FlexPhysio explains exactly what a gluteal strain is and how to manage this injury.

Firstly, what is a gluteal strain?

Well, the gluteal muscle group comprises of three different muscles – the gluteus maximus (the biggest one), gluteus medius (middle size one) and gluteus minimus (the little one).  Basically, these are your buttock muscles. A gluteal strain is when there is excessive stretching of the fibres of the muscle resulting in a level of tearing. Strains can range from Grade I strains which are mild and heal quickly, to a Grade III, which is a complete rupture – let’s hope that Rob is experiencing the former!

If you think you are suffering from a gluteal strain, contact Sinead from FlexPhysio Mullingar for more information.

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171

Cycling is an easy way to exercise
A bicycle can be cycled almost anywhere, at any time of the year, and without spending loads of money on equipment. Many people are put off doing certain sports because of the high level of skill that seems to be required, or perhaps because they can’t commit to a team sport due to time pressures. The same is not true for cycling. All you need is a bike, a half an hour here or there, and a bit of confidence.

Cycling builds strength and muscle tone
Contrary to normal perceptions, cycling is not a fitness activity that solely involves the legs. Cycling builds strength in a holistic manner since every single part of the body is involved in cycling.

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, progressive, unpredictable disease characterised by acute and chronic inflammation of the joints in the body. This results in pain, swelling and stiffness which can subsequently lead to joint damage and associated disability. RA is known as an 'autoimmune disease' because it is caused when the body's immune system, which normally fights infection, starts to attack healthy joints.

Sinead Brogan is a Chartered Physiotherapist and runs FlexPhysio Physiotherapy Clinic at Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. To book an appointment or ask a question call Sinead at 083 1722171 

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury caused by repetitive use of muscles. For the purpose of this article I will refer to repetitive strain injury as RSI. It usually occurs in the back, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be undertaking heavy manual work such as drilling or shovelling to develop RSI. Most RSIs are caused by seemingly safe jobs such as writing, using a computer or packing boxes. The most important factor is that the activity is continuous, usually for a long period of time.