Treatments
Our Physiotherapists use their clinical analysis skills to determine the correct course of treatment. Here are just a few examples of the many treatments we use:
Soft tissue and joint mobilisation:
Soft tissue mobilisation refers to movements of individual muscles and ligaments to help realign fibres, improve blood flow and flexibility. Muscle mobilisations tend to be used mainly in neurological conditions to help improve changes in muscle alignment as a result of increased muscle tone. Ligament mobilisations referred to as 'frictions' tend to be used following an injury to break down scarring.
Joint mobilisation consists of small passive movements, usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth rhythmic fashion to the individual joints. They are applied at various angles and at various grades or degrees of pressure depending on whether the Physiotherapist is working to relieve restriction in movement or to relieve pain.
Joint manipulation:
Manipulation of the joints is a technique which your Physiotherapist may consider if joint stiffness is the primary cause of your problems. A precise assessment of musculoskeletal alignments is carried out to ascertain which structures are involved. Manipulation of those structures are carried out which involves a quick thrust movement at the end of joint range which may cause an audible popping noise from your joints, similar to cracking ones knuckles. Manipulation often has dramatically quick results but isn't for everyone. More gentle mobilisations may have a better overall effect and your Physiotherapist will discuss the best approach with you.
Massage:
Soft tissue massage creates changes at cellular level in the soft tissues of the body which includes the tendons and ligaments and not just muscles. A variety of techniques can be employed by your physiotherapist to improve circulation, decrease muscle tension and help alleviate physical and physiological stresses in the body.
Sports massage tends to be a more vigorous massage that is utilised pre and post sports performance and can help in the prevention of injury, improvement of performances and in the reduction of muscle soreness and scar tissue formation.
Posture management and movement facilitation:
The control of one's posture relies on correct alignment of body segments in relation to each other and to supporting surfaces such as a chair, wheelchair, bed or the ground itself. When body structures are under stress, as a result of poor posture, injury or disease, the body tends to alter its shape and postural alignment can change dramatically. Soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and joint capsules tend to get either short and tight or stretched and weak. The consequences of this are bent or distorted postures which limit functional performance. Our Physiotherapists will look at how to correct posture where possible or in some instances, particularly neurological conditions, how to manage altered posture to prevent further deterioration.
Movement facilitation is a hands on treatment technique by which your Physiotherapist can help align your body segments and guide your body through dynamic movement. By stabilising areas of muscle weakness and mobilising tight structures such as shortened muscles or stiff joints. It can be used for musculoskeletal conditions but is more commonly used in neurological rehabilitation to help teach an awareness of normal movement and more energy efficient ways of moving.
Electrotherapy:
Electrotherapy tends to be used as a 'catch all' term encompassing a wide range of modalities used to introduce some physical energy into the bodies system. This energy brings about one or more changes, which are used for therapeutic benefit. At Physio 1 to 1 we favour a hands-on approach but where indicated we can use:
- Interferential Therapy
- Ultrasound
- Laser
- TENS machines
- EMG Biofeedback
- FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)