cerebral palsy

[jamesgc]

Just wondering if anyone can possibly help me

I have a mild case of Cerebral palsy (or some have said hemiplegia) which effects my whole left side but i still play allot of sport & I’m currently in the australian paralympic soccer squad but due to a continuing back injury over the last few months I haven’t been able to train properly & I’m pretty much restricted to swimming.

I have seen chiro’s (spencer lam), physio’s (kate boothby) & acupuncturist (Daniel waldham).

They have all said that I’m pretty much ok to start training but I know this is not the case as I have a very sharp pain in my lower back (leftside) & no one can give me a straight answer.

I know it’s a complicated situation as there are so many different factors behind it.

I’m sorry I’m not the best at explaining it on here but if anyone can direct me to someone that is familiar with this sort of thing I would be very grateful.

I’m pretty much willing to try ANYTHING as it is killing me not being able to train.

[angieliu]

I would recommend that you go and see a sports physician who can help you try to figure out what is causing your back pain and rule out what may be affecting it.

Where abouts are you based?

With my lower back pain it had a lot to do with what was happening with my hips and the alignment of my spine. I saw an osteo to treat it and also starting doing yoga which has helped a great deal. I think that with the additional complicated situation, a sports doc would probably be more appropriate and then guide you on what type of treatment you need to have. You can also check out the Australian college of sports physician website www.acsp.org.au and they have a list of sports docs there.

Take care of your back. A heat pack (the wheat ones) I have found to be very effective to help relax the muscle. Magnesium is also very good.

[jamesgc]

thank you

i'm based in woollahra, sydney

after looking at the acsp site i booked into to see andrew macdonald in bondi junction for thursday (doctor for south sydney & sydney fc)

i have a similar problem with my hips because i have a leg length difference it throws my hips out allot.

yoga has been recommended by several people so when i’m a little better ill definitely look into it.

i have been icing it rather then using heat? would heat better for it?

cheers
james



I would recommend that you go and see a sports physician who can help you try to figure out what is causing your back pain and rule out what may be affecting it.

Where abouts are you based?

With my lower back pain it had a lot to do with what was happening with my hips and the alignment of my spine. I saw an osteo to treat it and also starting doing yoga which has helped a great deal. I think that with the additional complicated situation, a sports doc would probably be more appropriate and then guide you on what type of treatment you need to have. You can also check out the Australian college of sports physician website www.acsp.org.au and they have a list of sports docs there.

Take care of your back. A heat pack (the wheat ones) I have found to be very effective to help relax the muscle. Magnesium is also very good.

[angieliu]

With regards to your question about the use of heat or ice. Ice is usually to reduce the swelling and I understand is best to use when you have first injured yourself. Heat can help relax the muscles if they are spasming.

For my lower back I have always seemed to use heat but it is different for everyone. If it is not a fresh injury you could try ice for 20 and then heat for 20. See how you go. The other sport docs I was going to recommend who are in North sydney. Seamus Dalton specialises in shoulder and back pain so he could also be an alternative. I can send you the details for the clinic if you like.