#physiotherapist consultation

[tradeunlisted01]

Get your Physiotherapist Consultation near Gurugram at Physioactiveindia

Reclaim your active life with physioactiveindia expert care. Our network of top Gurugram clinics offers personalized treatment plans, advanced facilities, and experienced physiotherapists. From sports injuries to chronic conditions, we're here to help you heal and thrive. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to a pain-free life.

[jobsnotices]

Ayurveda and Alternative Hospital Kathmandu Vacancy 2081

Ayurveda and Alternative Hospital Kathmandu Vacancy 2081 in contract service of Pharmacy Assistant, Acupuncture Assistant, Lab Technician, Physiotherapist, Ayurveda Practitioner, Consultant Surgeon. Interested and qualified candidates can apply within 15 days of publication of this notification. CAREER OPPORTUNITY Date of Publication of Notice: 2081/04/06 Ayurveda and Alternative Hospital…

[northgazaupdates]

Little Joan needs surgery!!!

Joan Al-Habil is has been repeatedly hospitalized due to severe gastrointestinal problems and overwhelming fatigue. This poor girl has been to multiple facilities and seen multiple doctors, undergone extensive testing (as extensive as is possible in Gaza’s collapsed medical system), even having to endure an unsedated endoscopy, which I know from personal experience is extremely uncomfortable.

She has now been diagnosed with severe gastritis due to starvation and hazardous living conditions. Remember, she and her family are living on the streets, which are cold and wet due to winter rain. Homelessness, stress, exposure to the elements, her previous injury when the IOF firebombed her tent, and malnutrition all conspire to sap little Joan of her strength.

Her condition is so serious that she now requires surgery. Gastritis very rarely requires surgery to treat, so this is an indication of how dire her situation is. In addition to surgery, she is going to need treatment to manage her symptoms.

The cost of this is very very high. One consultation alone cost $650 USD. Joan’s family is going to need your support to pay for her treatment.

Please, this little girl is in so much pain and misery. Her parents are watching her waste away as her condition worsens daily.

You can help Joan get her surgery and treatment ASAP! Her parents Maha @mahafamily and Ahmed @ahmed-family-1 recreated their GFM after their previous campaign was arbitrarily terminated. You can share this campaign by copy-pasting this link (https://gofund.me/85a1b400) in your own Tumblr posts and all across your social media accounts.

If you plan to spend any money for the holiday season, please save some back and send it to Joan. She is in absolute misery, but your support will go a long way toward extending and improving her life.

Please help this innocent little girl get the help she needs!!

Link to share: https://gofund.me/85a1b400

Link to donate:

@socalgal @idontwikeit @shesnake @russianspacegeckosexparty @vague-humanoid @appsa @sar-soor @sayruq @nabulsi @butchniqabi @butchfeygele @dykesbat @frigidwife @wellwaterhysteria @vakarians-babe @apollos-olives @spacebeyonce @fluoresensitivearchived @gazagfmboost @vetted-gaza-funds @90-ghost @gothhabiba @killbenedictcumberbatchagain @silicacid @irhabiya @buttercuparry

[prohealth365]

Benefits of Choosing a CORU Registered Physiotherapist

In the pursuit of better health and well-being, many individuals turn to the expertise of physiotherapists. When seeking professional care, it's essential to choose a trusted and qualified practitioner. At Prohealth365.ie, you can find CORU registered physiotherapist who offer top-notch services designed to help you achieve your health goals.

CORU Registered Physiotherapists: The Gold Standard

A CORU-registered physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who has undergone rigorous training and met the highest standards of practice. CORU stands for the "Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Registration of Ultrasound (CORU)," and it ensures that physiotherapists have received specialized training in ultrasound-guided procedures.

When you choose a CORU-registered physiotherapist at Prohealth365.ie, you are opting for the gold standard in physiotherapy care. These experts have the knowledge and abilities required to offer accurate diagnosis and successful treatment strategies, often incorporating ultrasound technology into their practice for enhanced precision.

Why Choose Prohealth365.ie?

Prohealth365.ie is a reputable platform that connects individuals with highly qualified and CORU-registered physiotherapists. Here are some compelling reasons to choose Prohealth365.ie for your physiotherapy needs:

Ø Expertise: All physiotherapists listed on Prohealth365.ie are CORU registered, which means they have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in the field. You may rely on their knowledge to address your particular needs.

Ø Comprehensive Services: Whether you require rehabilitation after an injury, pain management, or post-surgical care, ProHealth365.physiotherapists provide ie's A variety of services to meet your needs.

Ø Cutting-Edge Technology: CORU registered physiotherapists at Prohealth365.ie leverage the latest technology, including ultrasound, to provide accurate assessments and tailored treatment plans.

Ø Convenience: Prohealth365.ie makes it easy to find and book appointments with CORU-registered physiotherapists in your area. The platform streamlines the process, ensuring you receive timely care.

The CORU Advantage at Prohealth365.ie

When you choose a CORU-registered physiotherapist through ProHealth365 i.e., you are making a choice that prioritizes your health and well-being. By opting for a practitioner with CORU registration, you can expect:

Ø Specialized Care: CORU registered physiotherapists are equipped to handle complex cases and provide specialized treatments, ensuring You get the best treatment possible for your disease.

Ø Precision and Accuracy: Ultrasound-guided procedures performed by CORU-registered physiotherapists enhance the precision and accuracy of interventions, leading to better outcomes.

Ø Effective Rehabilitation: Whether you're recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, CORU-registered physiotherapists have the knowledge and skills to facilitate effective rehabilitation.

Ø Peace of Mind: Knowing that your physiotherapist is CORU registered can provide peace of mind, assuring you that you are in the hands of a highly trained professional.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, when it comes to your health and well-being, choosing a CORU-registered physiotherapist through Prohealth365.ie is a decision that reflects your commitment to quality care. With their specialized training and commitment to excellence, CORU registered physiotherapist offer the expertise needed to help you on your journey to better health. Don't compromise your health; choose Prohealth365.ie for access to the best in physiotherapy care.

Blog Source URL:

[sriananya768]

Care to Cure: Empowering Women's Health with Female Physiotherapists in Madurai

Women's health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and having access to specialised care and support is essential. At Care to Cure in Madurai, women can find a unique advantage—an empathetic and professional team of female physiotherapists dedicated to addressing their specific healthcare needs. With a focus on providing personalised care and promoting optimal physical well-being, Care to Cure is committed to empowering women on their journey to better health.

1. Female Physiotherapists: Understanding and Empathy:

At Care to Cure, women have the opportunity to work with highly skilled and compassionate female physiotherapists. These dedicated professionals understand the unique physical challenges and concerns that women may face throughout various stages of life, from pregnancy to postpartum, menopause, and beyond. The presence of female physiotherapists creates a safe and comfortable environment, allowing women to openly discuss their health issues and receive personalised care with empathy and understanding.

2. Specialized Women's Health Services:

Care to Cure offers a range of specialised physiotherapy services tailored to meet the specific needs of women. Whether you require pre- and post-natal care, pelvic floor rehabilitation, treatment for urinary incontinence, or assistance with musculoskeletal issues related to women's health, the female physiotherapists at Care to Cure possess the expertise and experience to provide effective treatment and support.

3. Holistic Approach to Women's Well-being:

The female physiotherapists at Care to Cure understand that women's health extends beyond physical ailments. They take a holistic approach to address the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By incorporating various therapeutic techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and patient education, they empower women to take an active role in their health and make informed decisions regarding their well-being.

4. Supportive and Confidential Environment:

At Care to Cure, utmost importance is placed on creating a supportive and confidential environment for women seeking physiotherapy services. The female physiotherapists foster a safe space where patients can openly discuss their concerns and experiences without hesitation. Confidentiality and privacy are upheld throughout the treatment process, ensuring that women feel comfortable and respected during their therapy sessions.

5. Collaborative Approach to Care:

Care to Cure promotes a collaborative approach to women's health. The female physiotherapists work closely with other healthcare professionals within the centre to provide comprehensive care. They collaborate with obstetricians, gynaecologists, and other specialists to ensure that women receive a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses their specific needs. This interdisciplinary approach enables holistic care and optimal outcomes for women's health.

Conclusion:

When it comes to women's health, Care to Cure in Madurai offers a unique advantage with its team of dedicated female physiotherapists in Madurai . With their expertise, understanding, and compassionate approach, these professionals empower women to take charge of their health and well-being. By providing specialised services, a supportive environment, and a collaborative approach to care, Care to Cure is committed to addressing women's specific healthcare needs and promoting their optimal physical well-being. Trust in Care to Cure for exceptional physiotherapy services for women is designed to uplift and support women on their journey to better health.

[modernfurnaceandair]

ALTA 2 adjust | Chiropractic Adjustment | Physiotherapy Clinic in Atlanta GA

Ours is a well-reputed Physiotherapy Clinic In Atlanta GA; we provide comprehensive physical therapy services to help you recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve your physical performance. From sports injuries to post-surgical rehabilitation, we can help you regain strength, flexibility, and function and get back to doing what you love with confidence. Moreover, we are also renowned for Chiropractic Adjustment in Atlanta GA, to help you achieve optimal spinal health. Whether you're seeking relief from back pain, neck pain, or other ailments, we can help you restore mobility, relieve pain, and improve your overall well-being. So, if you want to book an appointment, call or visit us today.

[thatsonemorbidcorvid]

“An 11-year-old girl who was misdiagnosed with sickness bugs and migraines was assessed by doctors about 30 times before they found that she had a brain tumour, according to her mother.

Tia Gordon, from Northampton, was admitted to hospital as an emergency despite previous visits to GPs, A&E and calls to 111.

Imogen Darby, Tia’s mother, said her daughter’s glasses prescription had also been changed four times before the tumour was found.

Darby had sought help regarding Tia’s migraines and vomiting for more than three years, before being told that the wait for an MRI scan would be at least eight months. It was only when Tia’s balance and ability to walk were affected that she was given an emergency scan, which found a brain tumour measuring about 3.5cm.”

Darby said: “I was told Tia had stomach bugs and migraines. The first thing I was told, because it was the summer, [was that] she just needed to drink more water.

“After probably a year, she got diagnosed with migraines and they gave her paracetamol for that. She was also given another medication for that and her final diagnosis in January from paediatrics was migraine with sickness.

“Over more than three years, I took Tia to doctors, she was refused MRIs, she was refused to be seen by emergency paediatrics, I called 111, I went to A&E. She had her glasses changed four times, she was given medication and she had a consultant, but it took for her to be unable to walk for her to get the care she needed.”

Darby first noticed Tia’s symptoms in March 2020 when she started vomiting with increasing frequency. Darby twice tried to get her daughter referred to emergency paediatrics, but was declined both times and told it was not an emergency.

Later, Tia began holding her neck in an unusual way and complained about stiffness, for which she was referred to a physiotherapist.

Despite several visits to A&E and calls to GPs and the NHS’s 111 service, Tia’s remained undiagnosed. From November 2023 to January 2024, Tia was vomiting violently every day, and began to lose her balance. “She was tipping her milk out in the kitchen sink,” Darby said. “She was standing there and … she didn’t notice she was doing it at all.”

After a phone call from Tia’s school, which said Tia was holding her neck and was off balance, Darby took her to Northampton General Hospital. While there, Tia was unable to walk in a straight line, and a CT scan revealed a pilocytic astrocytoma — the most common type of brain tumour in children.

Tia was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where she had a ten-hour operation to remove the tumour. “It was quite a horrendous day,” Darby said. “They managed to get 96 per cent of it out.”

Tia called the growth her “astronaut tumour”. Since the procedure, she gets very tired and can sometimes lose her balance. Her recovery will consist of an MRI scan every three months for the next five years, and she is having regular physiotherapy and meetings with neurologists.

She is keen to get back to her hobbies. Darby calls her “Dr Doolittle” due to her love for animals, and added that Tia is a keen reader and enjoys playing dodgeball.

Cameron Miller, director of external affairs and strategy at the Brain Tumour Charity, said “We wish Tia all the best with her continuing treatment and thank Imogen for sharing her story.

“Sadly, it’s one that we often hear. For many brain tumour patients, it simply takes too long to be diagnosed — and this is one of the reasons why we’re calling for a National Brain Tumour Strategy.”

[disabled-dragoon]

Hello, would it be ok to use a walking stick/cane or is it not ok? I’d be a part time stick user and it would be used as 1/3 fashion accessory, like how people in 1800 England had sticks, 1/3 hiking stick/pole, and 1/3 part time aid for weight bearing.

for context on the aid part i have flatfoot and overpronation that causes pain in my heel and legs. I do have inserts that help enough and i do stretches and that helps too but I still have (sort of mild?) pain flare ups from time to time that can make me limp.

I’m asking because I don’t want to be ignorant towards ppl who use canes for a disability and I don’t want to come off that way… and I also think walking sticks are cool.

Hm.

This is a bit of a sticky subject.

There's some discourse about this that resurfaces every so often. Half of the argument is "using a cane for fashion/aesthetic purposes invalidates disabled people who actually need to use them" and the other half is "using a cane for fashion/aesthetic purposes might make them more mainstream and therefore accessible in the long run". I'm somewhere in the middle.

Canes are cool, I love mine dearly and I get incredibly excited when I see someone else out and about with one. It helps me feel better about using one, and that is something I have seen other people say as well. I also know that, historically, they have been and still kind of are popular accessories.

But, I have had people assume my cane and its predecessor were just accessories and I haven't been taken seriously because of it. A lot of people also treat them as disposable toys rather than an extension of their user, and I do worry that that attitude might only grow worse if they're seen as being "aesthetic" rather than a tool that many people physically cannot move without.

Also, using a cane when you might not need it, and without taking the proper time to research how to use one, can really damage your body in the long run. And while some canes are designed to be more weight-bearing than others, they're really more of a tool to be used for stability and relieving pressure on painful joints/muscles.

That being said, from a pain standpoint, if you believe it could help your flare ups, then a cane may certainly be something to look into. That is what they are designed for, after all. Just, again, make sure you look into how to use it properly, and maybe try and consult a doctor or a physiotherapist about it.

The fact you're taking the time to ask these questions instead of just plunging in shows me that you are being genuine when you say you don't want to come across as "ignorant", so thank you for being respectful, anon.

Have a good day/evening!

[theautisticdoctor]

Entry #012

Hypermobility

A problem many autistic fellows of mine, including me, are suffering from is hypermobility. It's a underdiagnosed, underrecognized part of autism.

I personally deal with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which runs in my family. My great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all have it, and so do I. It comes with a host of symptoms: atrophic scars, mitral valve insufficiency, postural / orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, gastric motility disorder, pelvic and bladder dysfunction, extremely soft and stretchy skin, and, of course, extreme hypermobility. I can bend my joints in ways that I only learned in medical school was abnormal, and I’ve often felt like a bit of a freak during skills practices. I remember asking an orthopaedic surgeon during training why people couldn’t do 90 degrees flexion and extension with their forefeet, only to be met with confusion. When I demonstrated what I meant, the look on his face was one of pure astonishment. This highlights how different our experiences can be and how misunderstood they often are.

One of the most frustrating parts is not being taken seriously by some doctors. I’m lucky to have a medical degree and trusted colleagues I can consult, but many autistic individuals don’t have this luxury. Too often, our symptoms are dismissed or attributed to our mental health, leading us to delay seeking help until things get really bad. Please, don’t wait. The longer you put off seeing a doctor, the harder it becomes to treat your symptoms. Find a physician who listens and takes you seriously. Hypermobility doesn't necessarily mean you have EDS, but hypermobile or not, moving and living isn’t easy. Chronic exhaustion is real and debilitating. I touched on managing energy levels in entry #003 with routines based on my modified spoon theory, which I call the cutlery theory. I’ll dive deeper into this in a future post.

Living with hypermobility means constant joint pain, frequent dislocations, and early arthritis. I’ve never known a pain-free day, and overdoing it physically just makes things worse. Recovery takes time, and I’m still figuring out if physical and mental fatigue recover together or separately. Overstraining definitely not only impacts physical, but also my mental state. Not everyone can access rehabilitation programs, but there are steps you can take on your own to make it a little easier or better. Start by tracking your symptoms to identify patterns. This can help you find ways to support yourself. Working with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist is ideal, but you can also use trial and error to find what works for you. I’m always here to brainstorm and offer support.

I’m a big believer in creative therapy. One exercise is to color in a body image to show where you feel comfortable, uncomfortable, or in pain. This helps you and your healthcare providers understand your condition better and develop a personalised treatment plan.

Also, braces can be a lifesaver for dislocated or overstretched joints, even though I hate wearing them. They help prevent further injury and aid in recovery. Despite the awkward looks and comments, they’re definitely worth it.

In conclusion, hypermobility is often a comorbidity of autism. It can cause mental fatigue and chronic pain, among other symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence, but find ways to accommodate yourself and make life easier. Medication and surgery aren’t always the answers, although they can help. Awareness and lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference too. Talk to your physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and fellow patients to find what works for you.

[drchristophedelongsblog]

Injuries suffered by budding athletes: not to be taken lightly!

Children are often so passionate about sport that they play down their aches and pains.

Yet every injury, however minor, deserves special attention.

Why treat all sports injuries?

- Long-term consequences: A poorly treated injury can lead to chronic pain, functional limitations and the risk of recurrent injury

- Impact on performance: An untreated injury can affect a child's sporting performance and demotivate them

- Learning about the body: By learning to listen to their body and treat their injuries, children develop a greater awareness of their limits.

How should you react to a sports injury?

- Consult a professional: Don't hesitate to consult a doctor or physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment

- Rest and local care: Rest is essential to allow the injury to heal.

- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy helps to strengthen muscles and restore full mobility.

The parents' role

- Listen: Parents must listen to their child's complaints and not minimise their child's pain;

- Educate: It is important to explain to your child the importance of taking care of his or her injuries to avoid complications;

- Encourage: Encourage your child to resume suitable physical activity as soon as possible, under medical supervision.

In conclusion, every injury, however minor, deserves special attention. By taking care of their injuries, children will be able to continue playing their favourite sport in complete safety.

Further information

[jobsnotices]

Hetauda Hospital Vacancy 2081 for Various Health Positions

Hetauda Hospital Vacancy 2081 for Various Health Positions. Bagmati Province Government, Ministry of Health, Directorate of Health, Hetaunda Hospital are going to fill up the posts on contract according to “Procedures for Management of Doctors and Health Personnel Service 2078”. And notice has been invited to apply for the following positions within fifteen (15) days. CAREER…

[obfuscated-abstract]

Title: Breathlessness and dysfunctional breathing in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): The impact of a physiotherapy intervention

Date: January 2020 Published in: Autonomic Neuroscience Publicly available: It is now.

Citation: Reilly, C. C., Floyd, S. V., Lee, K., Warwick, G., James, S., Gall, N., & Rafferty, G. F. (2020). Breathlessness and dysfunctional breathing in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (pots): The impact of a physiotherapy intervention. Autonomic Neuroscience, 223, 102601. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2019.102601

Full text

Abbreviations:

BPAT: breathing pattern assessment tool

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DB: dysfunctional breathing

HVS: hyperventilation syndrome

POTS: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Article summary

Abstract

Introduction

POTS is a chronic syndrome with complex symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. It is defined as an increase in heart rate of ≥ 30bpm in adults (≥40 bpm in children) within 10 minutes of standing with no orthostatic drop in blood pressure.

POTS is more common in women. Symptoms can be debilitating (impairment comparable to congestive heart failure and COPD) and include palpitations, light headedness/syncope, chest discomfort, breathlessness, neuropathic pain, chronic fatigue, poor sleep efficience, gastrointestinal symptoms, syncope, cognitive slowing, and psychological distress.

Breathlessness is a common symptom in POTS. Breathlessness is often attributed to changes in breathing pattern, frequency, and/or quality occuring alongside cardiac symptoms. Breathlessness can be episodic, triggered by physical activity, stressful thoughts and events.

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is an umbrella term describing breathing disorders where chronic changes in breathing pattern result in breathlessness and other symptoms without respiratory or cardiac disease. The most studied form of DB is hyperventilation syndrome (HVS)

Boulding et al. (2016) suggest classifying dysfunctional breathing into the following: 1) Hyperventilation syndrome (a respiratory pattern associated with symptoms both related to respiratory alkalosis and independent of hypocapnia), 2) Periodic deep sighing (frequent sighing with an irregular breathing pattern), 3) Thoracis dominant breathing (a respiratory pattern occurring separate to somatic disease may be considered dysfunctional and results in dyspnoea), 4) Forced abdominal expiration (inappropriate and excessive use of abdominal muscle contraction to aid expiration), 5) Thoraco-abdominal asynchrony (a respiratory pattern in which there is delay between rib cage and abdominal contraction resulting in ineffective breathing movements)

Patients with POTS often undergo extensive investigations due to the complexity of potential comorbidities but there is no guidance or consensus on the assessment of breathlessness.

Methods

Retrospective study of POTS patients referred to repiratory physiotherapy

Respiratory physiotherapy outpatient's referral criteria: tests performed and identification of DB/HVS are explained

Physiotherapy assessment and outcome measures

A standardised physiotherapy assessment of symptoms was performed on all patients (details provided in the paper)

Physiotherapy intervention:

The physiotherapy intervention was standaradised in terms of education and breathing re-training exercises and was delivered by a consultant physiotherapist of a highly specialised respiratory physiotherapist. Each patient was assessed and treated by the same physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy treatment

The educational component focused on patient's understanding of respiratory physiology and the mind-body link

Breathing re-training intervention involved teaching breathing control (details provided). The breathing retraining exercises were standardised and progressive. All techniques used were standard respiratory physiotherapy techniques commonly applied for acute and chronic respiratory disease. Their use for breathlessness in POTS had no previously been assessed.

Patients were discharged when they were confident to continue the re-training programme independently or if they did not attend for follow-up appointments.

Data analysis: details and figures provided in the paper

Results

Demographic information is given in Table 1

Signficiant improvements were observed and are noted in Table 2

Discussion

This paper is the first to characterise DB/HVS and investigate the impact of physiotherapy in POTS. The results indicate that breathing retraining results in significant improvements in breathing pattern and symptom burden thus potentially improving their health related quality of life. Further studies are needed.

Significance of the findings

it is estimated that DB/HVS affects 10% of the general population and is more prevalent in women than men. Patients with POTS who reported respiratory symptoms had DB/HVS. DB/HVS may coexist alongside chronic respiratory diseases and COPDalthough the relationship is unclear.

Although there were statistically significant improvements for the patient cohort as a whole, not all patients had complete resolutions of their DB/HVS and there are several limitations in interpreting the results for this study.

Unexplained breathlessness or 'air hunger' are predominant symptoms of DB/HVS and can result in significant patient morbidity and an array of non-respiratory symptoms which can themselves provoke anxiety/panic and further breathing irregularity

Whilst orthostatic tachycardia is the main symptom of POTS, orthostasis causes a variety of other symptoms through a vaireity of different mechanisms. The paper provides an overview of the hypothesised mechanisms.

Psychological influences (stress, axniety, depression, etc.) are highly prevalent in POTS patients and predispose them to DB/HVS. The impact of this study's intervention could, therefore, be partly related to a change in anxiety thanks to education, greater understanding of DB/HVS, and empowerment.

Proposed improvements for further studies include the inclusion of pre-post PaCO2 measurements, the exclusion of asthma and pulmonary hypertension, analysis of why patients attended appointments (and addressing the issues)

Access to respiratory physiotherapy outpatient services is limited across the NHS and many POTS patients are instead seen by muscluloskeletal physiotherapists due to comorbidities. Increased awareness may improve treatment for these patients

More data is needed to investigate the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing in POTS and how it relateds to other chronic conditions. More detailed investigation and assessment guidelines and techniques are needed.

Limitations

No control data were available

Outcome measures were potentially not sensitive to non-hyperventilatory dysfunctional breathing

Observational nature and small sample size did not allow exploration of the role of confounding variables

A selection bias may have been introduced due to this being a convenience sample

The Nijmegen score used to characterise these patients has not been validated in this patient population. Its limitations highlight the need for a holistic POTS-specific measure.

Physiological outcome measures for the diagnosis of HVS are often limited to specialist services so alternative diagnostic tests are sought. The Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool (BPAT) has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of DB in refractory asthma. Responsiveness of the BPAT to treatment remains to be ascertained.

Measuring Neural Respiratory Drive (NRD) in breathlessness patients with POTS may be advantageous. NRD provides a global measure of breathlessness and a physiological correlate to breathlessness but there is no data on whether NRD is increased in POTS or on NRD pre-post respiratory interventions

Conclusion

[alexbkrieger13]

Sara Bjork’s pregnancy story shocked women’s football, but it’s different at Chelsea

Everyone at Chelsea has been so supportive of Melanie Leupolz before, during and after her pregnancy. Her baby boy has even become our mascot!

Possibly the biggest story in women’s football so far this year has been that of Iceland captain Sara Bjork winning her case against her former club Lyon after they stopped paying her when she got pregnant.

I read her account on the Players’ Tribune and it is fair to say it raised questions about the culture of women’s football and attitudes towards pregnancy and motherhood. The same goes for Reading captain Emma Mukandi’s comments recently questioning the maternity conditions available to WSL players.

Both stories created headlines but I would like to paint a different, more encouraging, picture for you. Last weekend my Chelsea team-mate Melanie Leupolz was back in our matchday squad for the first time since giving birth in September.

Since the day she surprised us by announcing her pregnancy, everything has been positive inside our club surrounding Melanie. We have had open discussions and shared in her joy. Not for a second was there a feeling of “she won’t be able to play now”.

We were actually in a meeting room expecting something on tactics when we found out. An ultrasound scan appeared on the screen and her name was there at the top: Melanie Leupolz. She then stood up and told us and the response was like she had won an award.

We had a baby shower for her and a goodbye meal before she went back to Germany to give birth. When we played at Paris-Saint Germain in the Champions League in October she paid us a surprise visit with her baby boy.

Where Emma Mukandi said her baby was not welcome at her club’s training ground, things could not be more different with Melanie.

Of course, there are certain restrictions regarding times and places but the staff and team have welcomed Melanie’s baby with open arms. Whenever he is around the training ground, everyone just lights up – he is like a little mascot and gets passed around. He is such a happy baby and puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Melanie even brought him and his nanny along to our mid-winter training camp in Spain, and it was cool to see the club allow that. When we got emailed the squad list for that trip, Melanie’s name was there and his below – like he had been called up too, which was so cute.

If I am giving you a positive picture, I acknowledge that pregnancy does raise big question marks for female athletes. In some ways, things will never be the same and you have to make sacrifices. And if you do not have a partner who can look after the baby, there is the financial cost of childcare.

Yet I am optimistic things are changing for the better. The WSL took a forward step, for example, with the introduction of a league-wide maternity policy for the first time ahead of this current season. This means a player going on maternity leave is paid 100 per cent of her weekly wage, as well as any other remuneration and benefits, for the first 14 weeks before reverting to the statutory rate. Emma Mukandi has said it is not enough but it is a start at least.

Going back to Melanie, the specialist support she has received has been wonderful. We are fortunate at Chelsea to have help from a sport scientist called Georgie Bruinvels who is a consultant with our menstrual cycles, and she was in weekly contact with Melanie even while she was back in Germany.

With the break from playing football, Melanie was able to focus on other aspects of her body, including building up the strength in her glutes and her hamstrings. Crucially, the club engaged a pelvic-floor physiotherapist to work with her too

What impresses me is how quickly Melanie has got her fitness back. I know her sleep is not the same – as you would expect – but she has surprised herself with her physical condition since coming back at the end of November. It is important not to rush back, though, and she finally rejoined us in full training at the start of this month.

Melanie is not the first team-mate I have seen bounce back after having a baby. A couple of years ago, my Sweden colleague Elin Rubensson recorded her best sprint-test speed six months after giving birth.

I am fascinated by the science of this and Georgie at the club explained to me this week that during pregnancy, a woman’s heart rate and the oxygen-carrying capacity in her blood increases – after all, her heart has to pump for two. For athletes who continue to train during pregnancy, these benefits can last longer than the usual six to 12 weeks after giving birth and bring performance improvements.

As Georgie added: “Quite a few people are known to have improved their personal best in track and field, for example. There are cases of athletes coming back and being better, partly because their body has gone through this process.” In short, keep a close eye on Melanie in the weeks ahead!