What does treatment at The Physiotherapy Clinic involve?

Physiotherapy involves a large range of treatments. At The Physiotherapy Clinic we will use an initial assessment to determine which treatments will be best for your injury. Usually some combination of the following will be recommended.

• Mobilisation / Manipulation

This technique involves the physiotherapist applying a force to mimic the gliding that occurs between bones at joints in the body. It can be a passive or active technique and may be used when range of movement is lacking for some reason to restore movement in a joint. Manipulation may involve a faster movement which is also aimed at returning range of motion to a joint

• Specific re-training and strengthening of muscles.

Often specific strengthening of muscles will be required to correct issues such as postural problems, pain and repetitive strain injuries. Your physio will always provide you with exercises and a clear plan on how to strengthen problem areas with the aim of curing the problems and avoiding reoccurrence of those issues. One benefit of being based in Fitness First is the opportunity to use the gym equipment and studio space during assessment and rehabilitation sessions.

• Exercises and Stretches.

Your recovery will not stop at the allotted treatment sessions with your physio. You are most likely to be given an individually tailored programme of exercises and stretches to do in your own time at home or in the gym. The physio will go through these with you and ensure you have any equipment you may need such as therabands. Injury management is an ongoing process and your physio will provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to recover from your injury and, where possible, prevent the problem occurring again.

• Sports Massage.

Generally suitable for all patients, massage involves manual manipulation of the soft tissues. Pressure and kneading will be used to ease tension in the muscles and increase blood flow to the area. Massage therapy can increase flexibility and mobility which will improve range of movement in joints. This type of massage is generally targeted at deep tissues.

• Acupuncture.

Acupuncture involves the strategic placing of needles at certain points of the body. Research has shown that Acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals - endorphins. For many people this treatment can be very effective. It is a well controlled and hygienic procedure and sterile, single-use needles will be used. The physio will always discuss treatments with you beforehand and of course if you are averse to needles an alternative treatment method can be agreed!

• Electrical Therapy such as Ultrasound and Interferential.

Interferential uses controlled electrical impulses to stimulate and increase nerve activity. The electrical dosage is very low frequency and is not a painful procedure. Interferential is used to decrease muscle pain and aid repair and regeneration. Ultrasound may also be used. This is the painless application of high-energy sound waves which is believed to help facilitate the healing process.

• Hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy can be carried out in the indoor swimming pool at Fitness First. The buoyancy of the water allows muscles and joints to move more freely and the patient will be asked to perform exercises which will help to rehabilitate their injuries. Hydrostatic pressure from the water is also effective at reducing swelling.

Please click on the Appointments tab for details on the services that The Physiotherapy Clinic offers, including information on our strapping service.