Posts

Showing posts from March, 2025

Case Study: Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Clinical Experience (2010–2012) Presenting Complaint: A 45-year-old female clerical staff member reported with pain on the outer aspect of her right elbow. She complained of discomfort during wrist extension, gripping objects, and especially while twisting movements like turning a key or wringing clothes. The pain had gradually developed over the past month and had worsened with her daily office work, which involved repetitive keyboard use and paperwork handling. History and Background: The patient was right-hand dominant and had no history of trauma. Her occupation required prolonged sitting and repetitive hand movements, contributing to strain on the extensor tendons. Her symptoms were typical of overuse injury, consistent with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Assessment: During the clinical evaluation: • Observation: No visible swelling or redness • Palpation: Point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus • Pain Provocation Tests: o Resisted wrist extensio...

Case Study: Supraspinatus Tendinitis in a Middle-Aged Female Patient

  Clinical Experience (2010–2012) Presenting Complaint: A female patient, approximately 49 years old, presented with pain in the left shoulder, particularly during overhead activities and when lying on the affected side. She described a dull, aching pain that had persisted for a few weeks, gradually worsening. Her main complaint was difficulty lifting objects, combing hair, and reaching overhead due to sharp pain at the top and lateral aspect of her shoulder. History and Background: The patient reported no recent trauma but had a physically demanding routine involving repetitive arm movements due to household work. She had no known history of diabetes or other systemic conditions. Symptoms suggested overuse and strain of the rotator cuff muscles, particularly the supraspinatus. Assessment: On examination: • Observation: No swelling or visible deformity • Palpation: Tenderness localized over the supraspinatus tendon (just below the acromion) • Active ROM: o Painful arc betwe...

Case Study: Post-Operative Rehabilitation Following Distal Tibial Fracture (Home-Based Care)

Clinical Experience (2019-2020) Presenting Complaint: A 42-year-old male patient was referred for physiotherapy following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for a distal tibial fracture sustained during a road traffic accident. The patient was recovering at home post-surgery and required a structured rehabilitation plan to regain mobility, strength, and functional independence. I conducted home visits to manage his recovery and guide his progression. History and Background: The patient underwent ORIF with plates and screws to stabilize the distal tibial fracture. By the time physiotherapy was initiated, he had been cleared for gradual weight-bearing and movement. He presented with swelling, pain on movement, reduced ankle and knee mobility, and difficulty with weight-bearing due to prolonged immobilization and surgical trauma. The main goals were to reduce post-operative complications, restore range of motion, improve muscle strength, and assist him in returning to normal dail...

Case Study: Post-Conservative Rehabilitation of Colles’ Fracture

Clinical Experience (2010–2012) Presenting Complaint: A middle-aged patient (exact age not recalled) presented to the physiotherapy department following conservative treatment for a Colles’ fracture of the left wrist. The fracture had been managed with immobilization in a cast, which had recently been removed. The patient reported stiffness, restricted wrist and finger movement, reduced grip strength, and difficulty in performing routine activities such as lifting objects, turning doorknobs, and writing. History and Background: The patient sustained the fracture due to a fall on an outstretched hand and was managed non-surgically with a below-elbow cast for approximately 6 weeks. Upon removal of the cast, the patient was referred for physiotherapy to regain wrist mobility and function. Assessment: During initial assessment, I conducted the following: • Observation: Mild swelling and visible atrophy of forearm muscles; healed scar at the dorsal wrist (from cast contact) • Palpation...

Case Study: Physiotherapy Management of Congenital Torticollis in an 8-Month-Old Infant

Clinical Experience (2010–2012 – Pediatric Outpatient Setting) Presenting Complaint: An 8-month-old female infant was brought to the clinic by her parents with a visible tilt of the head to the right side and difficulty turning her head to the left. The parents reported that the condition had been present since early infancy and was becoming more noticeable as she began to sit and attempt crawling. They were concerned about her head posture and its possible effect on her development. History and Background: The infant was diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis, suspected to have resulted from intrauterine positioning. There was no history of trauma or birth complications. On initial observation, the child exhibited a consistent right-side head tilt with limited cervical rotation to the left. Despite her condition, she was a bright, playful, and cheerful infant, and from the very first session, she responded positively to interaction. I took special care to build rapport through...

Case Study: Physiotherapy Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a 68-Year-Old Female

Clinical Experience (2010–2012 – Outpatient Setting) Presenting Complaint: A 68-year-old female patient attended the physiotherapy outpatient clinic with a primary goal of improving her functional mobility and joint flexibility. Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), she experienced generalized stiffness, joint pain, and reduced endurance—particularly in her hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Her motivation was to maintain independence in her daily routine and reduce morning stiffness. History and Background: The patient had been living with RA for several years and was under medical management with a rheumatologist. At the time of referral, she was in a relatively stable disease phase with no acute flare-ups. She presented with mild joint deformities, stiffness in the morning lasting about 30–45 minutes, and difficulty with prolonged walking or gripping small objects. Despite her age, she was active, mentally sharp, and highly cooperative. She showed enthusiasm toward participating ...

Case Study: Physiotherapy Rehabilitation of Knee Osteoarthritis in a 58-Year-Old Female

Clinical Experience (2010–2012 – Outpatient Setting) Presenting Complaint: A 58-year-old female, a housewife by occupation, presented to the physiotherapy outpatient department with chronic bilateral knee pain, more pronounced on the right. She had been experiencing discomfort and stiffness for several years, particularly aggravated by prolonged standing, stair climbing, and squatting. Her primary goal was to reduce pain and improve her ability to perform daily household activities independently. History and Background: The patient had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, confirmed radiologically. She had no history of trauma or surgery but reported gradual worsening of symptoms over time. Despite the chronicity, she remained active and highly cooperative, expressing a strong desire to follow all prescribed therapy and home exercise regimens. Assessment: Initial clinical evaluation revealed the following: • Observation: - Mild genu varus deformity - Joint swelling and...