Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy uses proven techniques to help restore movement and function to anyone affected by an injury, disability or health condition. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle. They also deliver patient education and help people avoid injuries and maintain a fit, healthy body.
How does it work?
Physiotherapy integrates clinical expertise with evidence-based research. Our physiotherapists are trained to assess the underlying causes of joint, muscle and nerve disorders, educating pateints about managing their condition, and providing advice on ways to prevent pain and injury. Often, a personal exercise or rehab program is prescribed.
Physiotherapists use a wide range of drug-free techniques to relieve pain, restore function and movement, and prevent further problems, including:
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise and stretches
- Soft tissue massage and mobilisation techniques
- Acupuncture
- Dry needling
- Clinical Pilates
- Postural correction
- Running assessment silicon coach video analysis
- Ergonomic advice and education
- Electro-physical agents (ultrasound,TENS,RTUS)
- Continence assessment & Pelvic floor rehabilitation
As a profession, physiotherapists work within a framework of empowering the individual through education and the promotion of self-management of health and wellbeing.
Often therapeutic exercise is also prescribed for you to do on a daily basis that will help you to gain control of your condition. We actively encourage you to involve yourself in your own health care so that your learn how to manage not only your symptoms but the cause of your pain and functional problems.
Conditions commonly treated
Our physiotherapists are involved in helping people of all ages and commonly treat people suffering back or neck pain, postural pain, chronic pain, upper and lower limb muscular and joint pain and sports and work injuries.
Physiotherapy can also be applied in the management of a wide variety of other conditions, including: neurological illness such as Stroke and Parkinson's Disease; rehabilitation after major injury; headaches; incontinence; and recovery following orthopaedic surgery and child birth.
What to expect from your Physiotherapist
Our physiotherapists are registered health care professionals and have completed a university degree. Our staff are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing professional development each year, which ensures that they are keeping up to date with evidence based practise and cutting edge physiotherapy techniques to optimise your recovery.
When you visit us for the first time a full case history will be taken and you will be given an examination. You will normally be asked to perform a simple series of movements and special tests, which stress the muscles, joints and nerves, which may be causing your condition.
Our physiotherapists may require you to remove the outer layer of your clothing to see what is happening to the joints, muscles and overall posture as you move. It is a good idea to bring a pair of shorts with you to your physio appointment so you can be assessed in comfort.
The physiotherapist will identify points of weakness or excessive strain throughout the body. The Physiotherapist may need additional investigations such as x-ray or ultra sound scans. This will allow a full diagnosis and suitable treatment plan to be developed for you.
Physiotherapy programs are based on practical goals agreed between the physiotherapist and the client. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle.
When necessary, physiotherapists will consult with a client's doctor to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes.
How many treatments will I need?
Physiotherapy is patient centred, which means treatment is geared to you as an individual. Our physiotherapists should be able to give you an indication of your treatment plan after your first visit. For some acute pain one or two treatments may be all that is necessary. Chronic conditions may need more input initially to help you manage your symptoms.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
A formal referral from your GP is not necessary, whilst many patients are referred to us by Doctors and Consultants many patients self-refer.
Can I have Physiotherapy on my private medical insurance?
You may be able to gain some of your fees back. The important thing to remember is to check your policy and with you insurance company first before coming to physiotherapy for private treatment.
