An emergency can occur anywhere and at any time, often unexpectedly.

According to statistics from the Federal Office for Accidents (2015), nearly every 4th sports injury, as well as almost every 6th household and leisure injury, involves the ankle area. Indeed, injuries to the upper ankle joint are certainly among the most common sports injuries in sports traumatology. In most cases, these involve a supination trauma. This injury occurs when the foot is inverted inwards across three axes of movement. In professional terms, this is referred to as plantarflexion, adduction, and inversion of the foot. Due to the severe stretching of the external (lateral) ligament complex of the ankle, it is often overstretched, leading to injury. There is a risk that this acute injury may result in chronic ankle instability as a long-term consequence.

As thoroughly explained in our blog about clinical trials, the hypotheses developed during anamnesis are analyzed through clinical reasoning and objectified using various diagnostic tests and assessments. This is crucial for reviewing your own methodology and therapeutic working hypotheses. Equally inspiring for the patient or client is the reassurance of being on the right path and achieving the desired, sought-after progress. In this way, problems or complaints can be measured and interpreted not only subjectively but also objectively. Changes, whether improvements or deteriorations, are clearly identified, documented, and demonstrated through re-tests.

The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a very common injury, especially among athletes. In our first blog on the topic of "Rehab and Prevention of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament," we delve into the anatomy of the knee and its structures. In our second blog on this subject, we take a deeper look at the incidence, costs, and consequences of an ACL rupture. At the same time, we describe the risk factors and injury mechanisms in more detail. In this blog, we want to focus on the treatment and rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The treatment scheme for isolated ACL injuries and combined injuries with menisci or collateral ligaments are very similar. However, we are assuming an isolated ACL injury here.

After pregnancy, a visible and palpable gap often forms between the superficial straight abdominal muscles – known as diastasis recti. This condition is not only perceived as visually unappealing by those affected, but it can also impact the entire body. How does diastasis recti affect the body? And are there any treatment methods or exercise programs that can influence its healing process?

Falls among older people are a common and often devastating issue. They frequently accompany serious injuries that lead to long-term pain, functional impairments, and a decline in quality of life. But what are the risk factors? And can the risk of falling be influenced by fall prevention and targeted training?

During one of our internal training sessions at BodyLab Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training in Zurich, we explored the topic of 'holistic thorax examination and treatment.' A movement restriction or disorder in the thorax area can cause a variety of issues, which may either lead to local problems or pain (e.g., in the area of the thoracic spine or the path of the ribs) or result in referred symptoms (e.g., arms, neck, and head areas).

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has been a global concern for over a year now, affecting the entire world and us in Switzerland. As the name suggests, SARS-CoV-2 is part of viral infections. But what exactly are viruses? And what is the difference between viral infections, bacterial infections, and parasites? How are these treated? What actually works?

As mentioned in our first blog about cruciate ligament and knee injuries, damage to this joint and its structures is very common, particularly for the anterior cruciate ligament. We observe this frequently at our practice, BodyLab Osteopathy and Physiotherapy in Zurich, where we regularly treat patients with knee injuries. According to Switzerland's accident statistics, there were on average approximately 50,000 occupational and non-occupational accidents per year from 2012 to 2016, involving knee dislocations, sprains, or strains.

In the summer of 2016, we first opened the doors to our practice, BodyLab | Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training, at Albulastrasse 50 in Zurich Altstetten. We had a dream, a vision - we had a goal... And so we set out on our journey. We didn't yet know how exciting and challenging it would be... But before we could begin our actual therapeutic work, we first had to "build" a practice, with everything that entails.

Due to its anatomical structure, the shoulder girdle offers a great degree of mobility, making it more prone to injuries and shoulder pain. If the intrarticular centering of the humerus doesn’t function properly, it can rub against the acromion, leading to the impingement of structures in the subacromial space.

Back pain is undoubtedly one of the most widespread conditions in modern Western society. According to research by the Swiss League Against Rheumatism, 8 out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. The 2014 health statistics reveal a similar trend: 35-45% of the Swiss population have experienced back or lower back pain for at least four weeks at some point. Back pain, therefore, ranks among the most common ailments in Swiss society.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the anatomical structure known as fascia has gained widespread attention. Fascia rollers, fascia balls, fascia massage, fascial distortion models (FDM), fascia yoga, and more... but what exactly are these fasciae?

Ligament injuries of the ankle (inversion trauma, ankle sprain, ligament tear) are very common and frequently occurring injuries, whether in everyday life due to a simple misstep or, even more so, during various leisure and sports activities (see accident statistics bfu): An ankle injury is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries of the human locomotor system worldwide.

When faced with issues and complaints involving the human body, musculoskeletal system, and movement apparatus, we at BodyLab - Osteopathy and Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Training in Zurich - are the experts. Whether referred by a doctor or not, patients come to us seeking our help and support. Our first task is to determine where and in which structure the problem resides. This is crucial, as even medical diagnoses often only vaguely (or not at all) pinpoint the exact issue.

The human body has the fascinating ability to heal itself! To a certain extent at least. But when you consider the condition of a house or a machine after 50, 60, or 80 years, this ability is truly remarkable! Most people push their bodies quite hard, often without using them correctly. It's not movement that harms the body, but rather the lack of it or improper use! "It’s not movement that destroys a machine, it’s friction."

An ACL injury is common in sports and leisure activities due to the high stress on the knee coupled with its significant mobility. This frequent occurrence has led the topic to be widely discussed and researched in the scientific community. In the latest survey 'Sport Switzerland' conducted by the Observatory Sport and Exercise (Federal Office of Sport BASPO) in 2014, which aimed to provide a detailed picture of the current sporting activities among the Swiss population, 35.4% of respondents reported skiing as an activity [1]. Alongside hiking (44.3%), cycling (38.3%), and swimming (35.8%), skiing ranks among the most favored sports in Switzerland [1].

As part of a case study during my Master's in Osteopathy at the School of Health in Fribourg, I explored the topic of tinnitus. During my first internship, one case particularly impressed me. It involved a patient who complained of somatic tinnitus. The patient described a unilateral tone in the ear that was sometimes triggered by certain head positions or stress. After just one osteopathic treatment, the patient was completely symptom-free. Do you also know the feeling of an annoying tone in your ear? Then read on here!

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition where various causes lead to often progressive and sometimes irreversible damage (wear and tear) to the hyaline cartilage. This results in changes to the joint itself (subchondral bone, capsule) and its surroundings (ligaments, muscles). Common symptoms, which typically increase gradually, include initial and load-induced pain that intensifies over time, limitations in movement, and stiffness, possibly leading to contour enlargements, thickening, and swelling. This may eventually cause misalignments and instabilities.

Mental stress has a significant impact on the human body! It often manifests with effects on the jaw muscles. Have you ever noticed yourself unconsciously clenching your teeth during particularly stressful situations? Or waking up at night because you're grinding or pressing your teeth? And then you wonder why your cheeks feel so tense and you have pain in your jaw joint or even in your teeth. If you've experienced this yourself, it will be worthwhile to continue reading here!

The synapse (terminal button) consists of the presynaptic membrane (at the end of the axon), the synaptic cleft (filled with extracellular fluid), and the postsynaptic membrane (e.g., dendrite, muscle cell). It forms the contact point with another neuron (dendrite), or a muscle or gland cell/organ. Essentially, the synapse serves as a bridge between two excitable cells, transforming electrical impulses from the nerve cell into a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter), which in turn initiates an electrical signal. This can either inhibit or depolarize the postsynaptic cell!

What is meant by health, and how do we define or categorize it? Some might say it's the ability to move without pain, while others believe it's about being able to pursue your career. Health holds a different meaning for each person, making all these answers somewhat correct. Health is a diverse, variable concept that is uniquely different for every individual.

As we detailed in our previous blogs (Nerves, Pain Transmission), signals such as pain are generated and transmitted by our nerve cells and then interpreted by the brain. But how exactly does this signal generation work? How does our body accomplish this? This occurs through differences in electrical voltage—an exciting and fascinating process.

At BodyLab | Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training in Zurich Altstetten, we often hear people say: "My posture isn't good. Because of my poor posture, I have neck, shoulder, and back pain. I try to be mindful of my posture, but it doesn't help much. What should I do then?"

In the previous blog, pain was described as a reaction to actual and potential tissue damage. Actual tissue damage is easy to understand—a cut on the finger, a broken leg, and so on. But what is meant by potential tissue damage, and how does the perception of pain occur in the brain?

A neuron (nerve cell) is the structural and functional unit of our nervous system. Billions of such neurons form a functional mosaic through countless synaptic connections, enabling the perception and interpretation of sensations (sensory stimuli), the storage of experiences (memory), and the facilitation of responses (behavior).

At BodyLab, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training in Zurich, we frequently encounter patients with painful shoulders and limited mobility. Often, patients wait several months before seeing a doctor, by which time notable movement restrictions have already developed. In this blog, we delve into the development and causes of what is known as a Frozen Shoulder (stiff shoulder), aiming to enlighten and inform patients to potentially facilitate earlier diagnosis.

"Pain - So Simple Yet So Complex" Why do we experience pain? Where does it come from? What purpose does it serve? Why do individuals perceive pain differently? At BodyLab, Osteopathy, and Physiotherapy in Zurich Altstetten, we engage with the topic of pain on a daily basis. The main reason for visiting a doctor, osteopath, or physiotherapist often lies in the presence of pain, whether it's due to an injury, age-related factors, or simply from a lack of movement.

At the end of my studies, I delved into scleroderma. It's not a widely known illness but is truly fascinating for physiotherapy or osteopathic treatment due to its symptoms. Here, I will give you a brief insight into the illness. If you want to explore the topic more deeply or are personally affected, feel free to read my master's thesis or reach out to me.

The joint capsule (Capsula articularis) and the ligaments (Ligaments) encompass every true joint in the body. The capsule encloses and forms the joint space and produces synovial fluid. The movements of a joint are regulated and controlled by it, and even more so by the ligaments. They influence the passive stability of a joint.

Modern imaging techniques such as MRIs often reveal meniscus injuries in middle-aged or older individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis and knee pain.

This blog discusses the issues surrounding spinal discs and the treatment options available. The biggest problem with our spinal discs is likely chronic underuse. In our modern Western society, most people suffer from a lack of physical activity, leading to insufficient load on our spines and their structures in daily life.

Our intervertebral disc (Discus intervertebralis) has a round-elliptical shape. It is situated between all vertebral bodies from C2-C3 to L5-S1. In young people, it's a white, gel-like, transparent structure. Over the years, like all collagen structures, it adopts a more yellow-brown color and gradually loses its elasticity, flexibility, and durability.

Each of our knee joints contains two menisci. These are large, fibrocartilaginous wedges. They differ slightly in shape, are fully located within the joint, and are enclosed by the joint capsule. The outer (lateral) meniscus has a rather round O-shape, while the inner meniscus takes on more of a crescent-like C-shape. Both menisci are divided into a posterior and an anterior horn.

Cartilage is characterized by chondrocytes (cartilage cells), which reside in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and produce it, similar to other types of connective tissue. Depending on the type and amount of ECM fibers, there are three types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. In adults, all types of cartilage are largely free of blood vessels, with their nourishment coming from diffusion processes through the vessel-carrying cartilage skin (perichondrium) or, in the case of hyaline joint cartilage, directly through the synovial fluid produced by the joint capsule.

Most people associate the word 'connective tissue' at best with fascia, but not with bones. However, bones are also a specialized form of connective or supportive tissue.

Behind the unassuming, almost disparaging term 'connective tissue' lies much more than one might suspect at first glance: Unlike other tissues in our body such as skin, muscle, and nerve tissue, which are composed of cell groups, connective and supporting tissues consist of dispersed cells, varying amounts of fibers, and intercellular substances (known as the extracellular matrix or ground substance), which can be liquid, semi-liquid, or solid. You can imagine it like a meshwork that is more or less permeable.

Often it starts very slowly, but now the shoulder hurts noticeably. Especially when lifting the arm to grab a glass from the kitchen cabinet. Or taking off a bra. Or pulling up pants. Or putting on a jacket. Or brushing hair. And then eventually at night too—particularly if you accidentally lie on the affected side. Sometimes the pain is greatest just before or just after shoulder height when you raise your arm. However, once the hand is above the head, the pain subsides again.

MOVE IT OR LOSE IT Everyone has heard this saying. Everyone basically knows it. But why exactly? The body operates much like a machine – if, for example, you let a car sit too long without using it, it slowly deteriorates. The same goes for the human body. Regular movement is needed to keep the joints well-oiled and prevent rusting, ensuring the entire human organism functions properly as a whole. Otherwise, various physical complaints, dysfunctions, and illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system can develop over time.

You didn't do anything special. Didn't lift anything heavy. Just a small, uncontrolled movement and BAM! – and suddenly your back twinges. Pain.

The First Year on Albulastrasse - Autumn 2017 is approaching us slowly, for now, and BodyLab has had its doors open for over a year. We've been through a very intense and challenging period, but it has also been an exciting, diverse, and successful one, which we truly appreciate... BodyLab is growing!

We can't say we're slow when we look back at what we've achieved over the past year. But as with many things in our practice, including photoshoots and their preparation, good things take time... Gradually, our small, dedicated team is evolving, and so is our practice. Just like our already well-visited webpage (a big thank you for all the support and feedback!). A 'big black spot' on this is that we haven't yet been able to present photos of ourselves and our team. We see this as a significant downside, as you might want to see who you'll be dealing with before signing up. However, our standards didn't allow us to just put up a simple phone photo.

On April 1st, we at BodyLab seized the opportunity to attend the running shoe test day by numo Systems AG in Dietikon, allowing us to delve into the remarkable and exciting work of Laurent and his team.

Welcome to our website

After a thorough search and intense deliberation, we were convinced that we found the perfect location: Takt9 at Albulastrasse 50 on the ground floor. It's in a chic urban setting, easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, skateboard, or your own car in the thriving Zurich Altstetten district.