“I have sciatica” is a phrase that is heard frequently. The term is used in everyday life to describe almost any pain that travels from the lower back or hip to the leg. The problem is that “sciatic pain” is not a diagnosis: it is the description of a symptom. And many of the pains…
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Portugal. Its practice involves rapid changes of direction, accelerations, decelerations, trunk rotations, and repetitive overhead movements of the upper limbs. These demands make the game physically intense and can increase the risk of injury, especially when physical preparation is insufficient, or when there is an increase in...
The knee is one of the joints most put under strain during sporting activity. Running, jumping, stopping, changing direction, or pivoting on a foot planted on the ground exposes the knee's various structures to considerable forces. When the applied load exceeds the capacity of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, menisci, or other tissues, an injury can occur. In other...
Numbness in the arms is a relatively common sensation, often described as tingling, loss of sensation, a feeling of numbness, or small electric shocks. Although, in many situations, it is temporary and seemingly harmless, its frequent, persistent, or progressive presence may indicate changes that warrant clinical evaluation. Currently, numbness in the upper limbs is understood…
Headaches and migraines are common complaints that can significantly affect quality of life. Their clinical manifestation varies and can be associated with factors such as stress, muscle tension, hormonal imbalances, changes in cranial structures and postural problems. The diversity of potential causes contributes to the complexity of these conditions, highlighting the...
Physical activity is one of the cornerstones of good health. However, incorporating movement into your daily life doesn't always mean starting a structured training plan or going to the gym. For many people, the main challenge lies in counteracting increasingly sedentary lifestyles and finding simple, sustainable ways to move more…
Sleep is one of the fundamental pillars of a healthy and balanced life. During nocturnal rest, the body activates essential processes of recovery, cellular repair, and functional reorganisation. At the same time, mental activity slows down and emotions tend to stabilise. Despite its importance, sleep is often undervalued in the context of the rhythm…
Neck pain, also known as cervicalgia, refers to pain located in the neck region and is part of the broader group of spinal pain, potentially coexisting with back or lower back complaints. Neck pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints in the adult population, with a significant impact on daily functionality, work performance, and well-being…
About the author David Brandão is a Physiotherapist (Licence 3652 | College of Physiotherapists) and Osteopath (Licence C-0031697 | ACSS), specialising in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology. He sees patients at Integrativa, where he helps people with musculoskeletal complaints, chronic pain, and functional imbalances. Clinical assessment in Osteopathy is a process that analyses the body as a whole, not just the…
Low back pain, also known as lumbago, is pain localised in the lower region of the spine and is part of the wider group of back pains, which can also involve the dorsal, cervical or sacral regions. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the adult population, with a significant impact on daily functionality, labour participation...
