Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps patients recover from injury and conditions which affect muscles, joints and soft tissues.

This may be by stretching, strengthening, relearning movement patterns, manipulation, massage or by using some electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, shockwave or interferential, and sometimes acupuncture. These may be used in conjunction with injection where appropriate.

Whatever is eventually used, nothing is done until a comprehensive examination and assessment has been carried out. It is usual for people to be taught a little about the mechanism of their problem so that they can see the purpose of various exercises they will almost inevitably be asked to do.

In some instances supportive or corrective taping may be used for a time and if this is a long term problem patients will be shown how to do this for themselves.

Insoles may be fitted when there is a need for correcting foot position, as well as other supports, braces etc needed for some conditions.

Basic biomecanics are explained and are extremely helpful in dealing with most problems, ergonomic advice for work, home and the sport environment are equally important.

Physiotherapy may be appropriate in the following situations:

  • Sprains or strains of any joint or muscle
  • Muscle aches
  • Neck or back pain
  • Following fractures
  • Following surgery, including joint replacement.
  • Incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
  • Falls and balance problems
  • Strokes, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis

PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR ACHIEVING PERSONAL SPORT CHALLENGES

Mostly, people come to see a physiotherapist if they have injured themselves. Many people ignore regular niggling pain during or after exercise. However, you don’t need to have any pain at all. Most likely the pain is a result of overtraining certain muscle groups compared to other ones, changing movement patterns after injury or poor posture. For example, think about how your gait changes after a twisted ankle.

We can examine you, and once we know what your problem is, can design an exercise program for you to deal with your particular problem. The benfits are quickly noticable and once achieved you will be able to train painfree and push yourself to a new “personal best”.

We can also work preventatively. Regular ‘body service’ prevents possible injuries. “It’s like teeth. If a dentist maintains your oral health, they can prevent a cavity from occurring”.