CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
are specialists in human movement; knowledge of how joints, muscles, ligaments
and nerves function will indicate why an injury has occurred or why a person
is experiencing pain. Physiotherapy helps to improve the link between the brain
and body and uses a variety of techniques including motivational techniques,
education, exercise programs, manipulation, mobilisation and electrotherapy.
They aim to help to repair damage, assisting the healing process, whilst reducing
pain and stiffness.
WHAT CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY BE USED FOR? Our physiotherapists can treat virtually
any condition that affects your muscles, joints or nerves. Common problems we
deal with include, back and neck pain, including whiplash, arthritis, sports
injuries, as well as work related disorders including postural problems and
repetitive strain injuries.
WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INVOLVE? On your first visit a detailed assessment of
your condition will take place, from which the physiotherapist will be able
to diagnose the problem, and help you to understand what is wrong.
They will then work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that takes
account of your lifestyle, leisure activities and general health. The treatment
is likely to include advice on self-help techniques for you to work on between
appointments for example an exercise plan, and where appropriate advice will
be given to carers on how they can help with the treatment processes.
WHAT SORT OF TREATMENT WILL I RECEIVE? Our treatment is based on postural correction
and movement control and our three major tools are education - to give you the
motivation to improve, manual therapy - things we do to you to help, and exercise
prescription - to enable you to continue to help yourself.
At the Achilles centre our physiotherapists have a variety of skills and techniques
that they use in the course of their treatments including:
Manipulation and mobilisation - to reduce pain and stiffness
Exercise programs to improve mobility- strengthen muscles and increase stability
Electrotherapy - to assist healing and reduce pain
Acupuncture - to aid pain relief
Massage - to release tissues
Injection therapy – to treat joint and soft tissue problems
Spinal and injury screening – is an examination to give you an indication
of the likely source of your symptoms and whether physiotherapy could help.
Please note it is not a diagnosis.
Muscle energy techniques – to increase joint mobility and reduced pain
within the spinal segments and pelvis.
Myofascial release – provides a gentle relief of acute muscle spasms and
strain.
Core stability is the training of the abdominal muscles to support the spine
and is fundamental to the Pilates concept, Yoga, and current physiotherapy treatment
of low back pain.