BGITC

Tag: Neuromuscular Therapy

  • Transient Ischemic Attack: Signs, Causes, and Rehab

    Transient Ischemic Attack: Signs, Causes, and Rehab

    A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, spinal cord, or retina. Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA does not cause permanent brain damage because the blockage resolves quickly but it is far from harmless. A TIA is one of the clearest warning signs the body can give that a full stroke may follow, which is why fast recognition and follow-up care matter.

    What Happens During a TIA?

    A TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is briefly reduced or blocked, usually by a small blood clot. Symptoms typically last a few minutes to under an hour, and by definition resolve within 24 hours. Because symptoms disappear, many people are tempted to dismiss the episode, this is the most dangerous mistake a patient can make.

    Common Symptoms of a TIA

    Symptoms begin suddenly and mirror those of a stroke. They may include:

    • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
    • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
    • Vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes
    • Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
    • Severe headache (less common)

    Remember FAST

    • Face drooping
    • Arm weakness
    • Speech difficulty
    • Time to call emergency medical services immediately
    FAST warning signs of TIA and stroke infographic

    What Causes a TIA?

    Common causes and risk factors include:

    • Blood clots from the heart or arteries
    • Narrowing of the carotid arteries due to atherosclerosis
    • High blood pressure
    • Diabetes
    • High cholesterol
    • Smoking
    • Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm)
    • Obesity and physical inactivity

    Why a TIA Is a Medical Emergency

    A TIA is a warning sign of an impending stroke, not a one-off event to shrug off. The risk of stroke is highest in the first 48 hours after a TIA, which makes prompt evaluation and treatment critical to significantly lowering the risk of a future, potentially disabling stroke.

    How Is a TIA Diagnosed?

    Although most TIA symptoms resolve within 24 hours, some patients are left with subtle deficits in balance, coordination, strength, or motor planning. Neuromuscular treatment after a TIA focuses on restoring movement, improving neuromuscular control, preventing complications, and reducing the risk of a future stroke.

    Goals of Neuromuscular Treatment

    • Restore normal movement patterns
    • Improve muscle strength and endurance
    • Enhance balance and coordination
    • Improve gait and mobility
    • Prevent falls
    • Promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize)
    • Reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke

    When to See a Specialist

    If you or a loved one has experienced sudden numbness, vision changes, slurred speech, or balance problems — even if symptoms passed within minutes — don’t wait. Get emergency medical evaluation first, then talk to our team at BGITC about a neuromuscular rehabilitation plan built around your recovery and long-term stroke prevention.

    Neuromuscular gait training after TIA at BGITC

    Social

  • Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

    Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

    Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon the tough, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It’s one of the most common causes of joint pain, often triggered by repetitive movement, overuse, or an old injury that never fully healed. Left untreated, tendonitis can limit how you move, work, and exercise. The good news: with the right treatment, most cases improve significantly without surgery.

    What Are the Symptoms of Tendonitis?

    Tendonitis symptoms usually build up gradually rather than appearing overnight. Common signs include:

    • Pain and tenderness near a joint
    • Pain that worsens with movement or activity
    • Mild swelling around the affected tendon
    • Stiffness, especially after periods of rest
    • Weakness in the affected area

    If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth getting the tendon assessed early, tendonitis that’s caught and treated early responds far better than tendonitis left to become chronic.

    Diagram of a tendon connecting muscle to bone

    What Causes Tendonitis?

    Tendonitis develops when a tendon is placed under more stress than it can handle, either suddenly or repeatedly over time. The most common causes include:

    • Repetitive movements eg: typing, sports, or manual labour
    • A sudden increase in physical activity or training load
    • Poor technique during exercise or sport
    • Aging-related wear and tear on tendon tissue
    • Direct injury or general overuse

    Common Types of Tendonitis

    Tendonitis can affect almost any tendon in the body, but a few types are especially common:

    • Achilles tendonitis — back of the ankle
    • Tennis elbow — outer elbow
    • Golfer’s elbow — inner elbow
    • Rotator cuff tendonitis — shoulder
    • Patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”) — below the kneecap
    Illustration comparing common tendonitis locations on the body

    Tendonitis Treatment: Neuromuscular and Alternative Approaches

    At BGITC, we treat tendonitis by addressing both the injured tendon and the muscular imbalances feeding the problem — not just masking the pain. A typical recovery plan combines:

    • Rest and activity modification — avoiding movements that aggravate the tendon while staying otherwise active
    • Ice therapy — 15–20 minutes, several times a day, to control inflammation
    • Compression and elevation where swelling is present
    • Neuromuscular therapy — targeted manual therapy that releases the tight, overworked muscles placing strain on the tendon
    • Guided stretching and strengthening — a physiotherapist-led programme that rebuilds tendon resilience and prevents recurrence

    This combined approach treats the root cause of tendon strain, not just the symptom which is why patients typically see longer-lasting results than with rest alone.

    Neuromuscular therapist treating a patient's shoulder tendonitis

    When Should You See a Doctor for Tendonitis?

    Most mild tendonitis improves with rest and conservative care. However, you should seek medical attention if:

    • The pain is severe or came on suddenly
    • Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
    • You cannot use the affected joint normally
    • There is significant swelling, redness, or warmth
    • You suspect the tendon may have torn

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the fastest way to treat tendonitis?

    Rest, ice, and early neuromuscular or physiotherapy treatment give the fastest, most lasting relief. Catching it early prevents the tendon from becoming chronically inflamed.

    Can tendonitis heal on its own?

    Mild cases often improve with rest alone, but ongoing strain on the tendon can turn it chronic without proper treatment and rehab which is why persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored.

    Is neuromuscular therapy effective for tendonitis?

    Yes. It relieves the muscular tension feeding tendon strain, addressing the underlying cause rather than just masking the symptom, so results tend to last longer.

    How long does tendonitis take to heal?

    Mild tendonitis can improve in a few weeks with rest and treatment; more persistent cases may take several weeks to a few months of guided therapy to fully resolve.

    Get a Tendonitis Assessment at BGITC

    Whether it’s your shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, or ankle, our neuromuscular therapy team can identify exactly what’s driving your tendon pain and build a treatment plan around it. Book an assessment at our clinic and take the first step toward pain-free movement.