Understandably, social distancing can be
boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you
may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside
with other people.
At times like these, it can be easy to fall
into unhealthy patterns of behavior which in turn can make you feel worse.
There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and
physically active during this time such as:
Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home like walking, dancing, and yoga, cycling and swimming.
spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programs
try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Keep your windows open to let in the fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden.
Stay connected with your family and friends. Try to be in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.
Talk to your physician or counselor
Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too.
If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with the suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds using soap and hot water, particularly after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose, or after being in public areas where other people are doing so. Use hand sanitizer if that’s all you have access to.
To reduce the spread of germs when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or your sleeve (not your hands) if you don’t have a tissue, and throw the tissue in a bin immediately. Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizing gel.
Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces using your regular cleaning products to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.
Social distancing measures are steps one can take to reduce social interaction between people. This will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
They are to:
Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough
Avoid non-essential use of public transport when possible
Work from home, where possible.
Avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces, pubs, restaurants, leisure centers, and similar venues as infections spread easily in closed spaces where people gather together.
Avoid gatherings with friends and family. Keep in touch using remote technology such as phones, internet.
Use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
Everyone should be trying to follow these
measures as much as is practicable.
It is strongly advised to follow the above measures
as much possible and to significantly limit face-to-face interaction with
friends and family if possible, particularly if you:
Book an appointment with Dr Hadel Radwan | Physical Therapist | BSc. MSc. PhD
Physiotherapy
is one of the most widely used forms of treatment adopted for gaining relief
from low back pain. It is used in both modes, as a single line of treatment as
well as in combination with other treatments such as massage, heat, traction,
ultrasound or short wave diathermy.
The human back is basically a highly complex system of series of interlocking elements including the vertebrae, discs, facet joints, ligaments, and muscles. Owing to such a complex structure, an episode of back pain needs a strong physiotherapy-based assessment and rehabilitation program, once the basic medication course has been undertaken.
Low back pain can be broadly classified
into four main categories:
Musculoskeletal – mechanical (including muscle strain, muscle spasm, or osteoarthritis); herniated nucleus pulposus, herniated disk; spinal stenosis; or compression fracture
Inflammatory –arthritis including ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease
Malignancy – bone metastasis from lung, breast, prostate, thyroid, among others
Infectious – osteomyelitis; abscess
We have briefly listed the key aspects of the role of physiotherapy in the management of lower back pain:
Advice and early activity – There is significant evidence to prove that encouraging early movement in case of lower back pain is one of the most significant aspects of treatment in this condition.
Mobilization or Manipulative physiotherapy – This aspect concentrates on promoting mobilization of the specific affected area. The approach of manipulative physiotherapy is used to target the specific point of pain for the purpose.
Specific stabilization exercises – In this aspect of physiotherapy, stress is laid on improving the strength and stability of the muscles which have been weakened due to the lower back pain.
General exercises and stretches – A series of properly structured exercises and stretches are usually carried out in the context of the patient’s individual condition and cause of the lower back pain.
Ergonomic advice – Since work-related hazards account for more than 65% of lower back problems, physiotherapists also concentrate on providing accurate ergonomic device, guiding the patient on using the appropriate infrastructure at work to avoid and cure lower back pain.
Postural guidelines – This aspect of physiotherapy focuses on guiding the patient about the correct postural habits and ways to maintain an accurate posture to avoid lower back pain.
Should you need additional information or would you like to make an appointment with our physical therapist – Please email us at physio@westminsterclinic.ae
Disclaimer:Contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.
The shoulder joint is the most moveable joint in your body, but also the most unstable. Shoulder pain can be agonizing with many possible underlying causes for the pain, including rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, and sprains. If you are experiencing increasing pain and reduced movement and function in your shoulder joint, you have to see a doctor.
Book an appointment with Dr. Ishrat Azam Khan | Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon | MBBS, FRCS Orth, FRCS (England), MCh Orth, Dip in Sports Medicine (Ireland), Fellow of European.
A physiotherapy assessment will help to differentiate between a number of different diagnoses determining the best possible management plan. Pain within the shoulder joint can be due to a number of different mechanical faults such diagnoses may include:
Subacromial impingement
Shoulder bursitis
Labral tear
Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Shoulder instability
Muscular/ tendon strains (rotator cuff)
Traumatic injury resulting in fracture
Ligament Low to high-grade sprain
Osteoarthritis / rheumatoid arthritis
Nerve injuries
Neurological conditions
Referred pain from the neck
Effective shoulder
pain treatment depends on the underlying cause. Our doctors and physical
therapists take a consultative approach to your treatment and will involve you
every step of the way.
Don’t leave painful shoulders untreated. At Westminster Ortho Med Clinic we can offer you:
A full assessment by an expert pain doctor
Medical history including a detailed shoulder pain history
A complete physical examination of your shoulders
Relevant investigations including MRI scans and x rays with our consultant radiologists
Specialist shoulder physical therapy.
Our trusted second opinion service.
Physiotherapy can significantly speed up the rehabilitation process after a shoulder injury and will help strengthen the muscles around the shoulder that support the joint. Specialized exercises will also improve mobility and restore the desired range of motion.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which the man is unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
Though it’s not rare for a man to have some problems with erections from time to time, ED that is progressive or happens routinely with sex is not normal, and it should be treated.
Book an appointment with Dr. Noor Buchholz | Consultant Urologist | MBBS (D), MD (CH), FSSU (CH), FKNMG (NL), FFMLM(UK)
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction can happen: • Most often when blood flow in the penis is limited or nerves are harmed • With stress or emotional reasons As an early warning of a more serious illness, like: • Atherosclerosis (hardening or blocked arteries), • Having high blood sugar (Diabetes) • Having high blood pressure • Having cardiovascular disease • Having high cholesterol • Smoking • Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol • Being obese • Being over age 50 • Lacking exercise Even though ED becomes more common as men age, growing old is not always going to cause ED. Some men stay sexually functional in their 80s. ED can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Finding and treating the reason for ED is a vital first step.
Emotional Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Normal sex needs the mind and body working together. Emotional or relationship problems can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Some emotional issues that can cause ED are:
• Depression • Anxiety • Relationship conflicts • Stress at home or work • Stress from social, cultural or religious conflicts • Worry about sex performance
Symptoms of ED include:
• Erections those are too soft for sex • Erections that are don’t last long enough for sex • An inability to get an erection at any time
Diagnosis:
Finding the cause of your erectile dysfunction will help direct your treatment options. Diagnosing ED starts with your health care provider asking questions about your heart and vascular health and your erection problem. Your provider may also give you a physical exam, order lab tests or refer you to a Urologist. What Questions Will the Health Care Provider Ask? Questions about your health: • What medications, over-the-counter medications or supplements do you take? • Do you use recreational drugs? • Do you smoke? • How much alcohol do you drink? • Have you had surgery or radiation therapy in the pelvic area? • Do you have any urinary problems? • Do you have other health problems (treated or untreated)? Questions about Erectile Dysfunction: Knowing about your history of erectile dysfunction will help your health provider learn if your problems are because of your desire for sex, erection function, ejaculation, or orgasm. Some of these questions may seem private or even embarrassing. However, be assured that your doctor is a professional and your honest answers will help find the cause and best treatment for you.
Questions about your Erectile Dysfunction symptoms:
• How long have you had these symptoms? Did they start slowly or all at once? • Do you wake up in the morning or during the night with an erection? • If you do have erections, how firm are they? Is penetration difficult? • Do your erections change at different times, like when going in a partner, during stimulation by mouth, or with masturbation? • Do you have problems with sex drive or arousal? • Do you have problems with ejaculation or orgasm (climax)? • How is this problem changing the way you enjoy sex? • Do you have pain with erections, feel a lump or bump in the penis or have penile curvature? These are signs of Peyronie’s Disease which can be treated but calls for an expert in urology to assess and manage. Questions about Stress and Emotional Health Your health care provider may ask you questions about depression or anxiety. He or she may ask about problems in your relationship with a partner. Some health care providers may also ask if they may talk to your sex partner. • Are you often under a lot of stress, or has something recently upset you? • Do you have any anxiety, depression or other mental health issues? • Are you taking any drugs for your mental health? • How satisfied are you with your sex life? Has there been any change lately? • How is your relationship with your partner? Has there been any change lately?
Physical Exam
A physical exam checks your total health. Examination focusing on your genitals (penis and testicles) is often done to check for ED. Based on your age and risk factors, the exam may also focus on your heart and blood system: heart, peripheral pulses, and blood pressure. Based on your age and family history your doctor may do a rectal exam to check the prostate. These tests are not painful. Most patients do not need a lot of testing before starting treatment.
Lab Tests
Your health care provider may order blood tests and collect a urine sample to look for health problems that cause ED.
Advanced Erectile Function Tests
For some men with erectile dysfunction, specialized testing may be needed to guide treatment or re-assess you after treatment fails. • Blood work to check Testosterone and other male hormones • Blood work to measure blood sugar (Diabetes) • Ultrasonography (penile Doppler) to check blood flow • A shot into the penis with a vascular stimulant to cause an erection • Pelvic x-rays like arteriography, MRI or CT scanning are rarely needed to check ED unless there is a history of trauma or cancer • Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), an overnight test to check for sleep erection
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction:
The treatment for Erectile Dysfunction starts with taking care of your heart and vascular health. Your doctor may point out ‘risk factors’ that can be changed or improved. You may be asked to change certain food habits, stop smoking, increase workouts or stop using drugs or alcohol. You may be offered alternatives to the drugs you take. (Never stop or change prescription drugs without first talking to your health care provider.)
Non-invasive treatments:
Non- invasive treatments are the first options. Most of the best-known treatments for ED work well and are safe. • Oral drugs or pills • Testosterone Therapy (when low testosterone is detected in blood testing) • Penile Injections • Intraurethral medication • Vacuum Erection Devices – Vacuum devices for erectile dysfunction, also called pumps, offer an alternative to medication. You’ll place your penis inside a cylinder and use a pump to draw the air out. This creates a partial vacuum around your penis, which causes it to fill with blood and leads to an erection. You’ll wear an elastic band around the base of your penis to keep the erection while you have intercourse.
• Even when Erectile Dysfunction has a physical cause, psychotherapy can help. A therapist can teach the man and his partner techniques to reduce performance anxiety and improve intimacy. Therapy can also help couples adjust to the use of vacuum devices and implants.
Penile Implants & Surgery:
• For long-term Erectile Dysfunction, a penile implant could help to have intercourse again. An inflatable implant uses two cylinders you can pump full of pressurized fluid. A malleable implant uses rods that let you adjust the position of your penis. • If Erectile Dysfunction comes from a blocked artery leading to the penis, surgery can restore blood flow. The procedure usually works best on men under 30. Doctors don’t recommend it for older men with widespread narrowing of the arteries.
Erectile Dysfunction: Lowering the Risk
Following simple steps can help lower the odds of Erectile Dysfunction: • Exercise and maintain a healthy weight. • Stop smoking. • Avoid alcohol and substance abuse. • Keep diabetes under control.
Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Noor Buchholzplease e-mail us at westminsterclinicdubai@gmail.com
Disclaimer:All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.
Back pain is very common and normally improves within a few weeks or months.
Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the hips. In most cases, the pain is not caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time. There are things you can do to help relieve it. But sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back.
Book an appointment with Dr. Ishrat Azam Khan | Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon | MBBS, FRCS Orth, FRCS (England), MCh Orth, Dip in Sports Medicine (Ireland), Fellow of European.
Causes of back pain Often it’s not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Doctors call this non-specific back pain. Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain, but often it occurs for no apparent reason. It’s very rarely caused by anything serious. Occasionally back pain can be caused by a medical condition such as: • A slipped (prolapsed) disc – where a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nearby nerve • Sciatica – irritation of the nerve that runs from the pelvis to the feet These conditions tend to cause additional symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation, and they’re treated differently from non-specific back pain.
How to relieve back pain The following tips may help reduce your backache and speed up your recovery: • stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities – this is one of the most important things you can do, as resting for long periods is likely to make the pain worse • try exercises and stretches for back pain; other activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates may also be helpful • Take anti-inflammatory painkillers as prescribed by the doctors. • use hot or cold compression packs for short-term relief – you can buy these from your local pharmacy, or a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth will work just as well
Although it can be difficult, it helps if you stay optimistic and recognize that your pain should get better, as people who manage to stay positive despite their pain tend to recover quicker.
Treatments for back pain from a specialist A Specialist Doctor may recommend extra treatments if they do not think your pain will improve with self-help measures alone. These may include: • group exercise classes – where you’re taught exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture • manual therapy – treatments such as manipulating the spine and massage, usually carried out by physiotherapists, chiropractors or osteopaths • Psychological support, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – this can be a useful part of treatment if you’re struggling to cope with the pain Some people choose to see a therapist for manual therapy without seeing a GP first. If you want to do this, you’ll usually need to pay for private treatment. Surgery is generally only considered in the small number of cases where back pain is caused by a specific medical condition.
Preventing back pain It’s difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk: • do regular back exercises and stretches – a GP or physiotherapist may be able to advise you about exercises to try • stay active – doing a regular exercise can help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise a week • avoid sitting for too long when driving or at work • take care when lifting – read some safe lifting tips
• check your posture when sitting, using computers and watching television – find out how to sit correctly and get tips for laptop users • ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly • lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise if you’re overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain
Should you require additional information or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Ishrat Khan please e-mail us at westminsterclinicdubai@gmail.com
Disclaimer:All contents on this site are for general information and in no circumstances information be substituted for professional advice from the relevant healthcare professional, Writer does not take responsibility of any damage done by the misuse or use of the information.
