Treatment Techniques

Mobilisation

Mobilisation is a manual therapy involving the use of small, rhythmical movements applied to painful joints, muscles and connective tissues. When these structures are restricted, they can be the cause of pain, stiffness and swelling. Mobilisation helps to free the restriction and thereby provide symptomatic relief.

Manipulation

Manipulation is a carefully controlled, precise movement of the joint using a short, rapid thrust motion. Similar to mobilisation, it helps to restore mobility, reduce pain and is particular useful in problems of the lumbar and thoracic spine.

Soft-tissue massage

Massage is a “hands on” therapy predominantly used to relieve tension and stiffness, break down minor lesions and help to improve flexibility. It has the added benefit of helping to improve blood flow to damaged tissues and helps to remove toxins from the body. Visit our Massage Therapy page for more information.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound equipment uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into tissue, causing tissues to vibrate and creating a gentle deep heat. Ultrasound helps to relieve pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasm and promotes the healing process by encouraging better blood flow to the affected area.

TENS

TENS stands for ‘Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation’ – a small battery operated unit provides electrical stimulation by way of two or more electrodes which are applied directly to the skin. The frequency of the impulses is controllable. The stimulation causes the body to release it’s own natural pain relieving chemicals to provide symptomatic relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine, sterile, single use needles at specific points of the body. Usually between 2 and 6 needles are applied, but sometimes more depending on the condition. Similar to the way TENS works, the insertion and stimulation of the needles at specific trigger points, tricks the body into releasing its own pain relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and enkephalins. Visit our Acupuncture page for more information.

Taping

In certain situations taping or strapping can be used to limit unwanted movement at a joint or to offload specific anatomical structures where a weakness has been identified. Muscle retraining

The ways in which the body moves can be affected by poor muscle control, often leading to pain or discomfort. Over time, muscles can become physiologically adapted to this movement dysfunction, sometimes referred to as muscle memory. Physios are able to employ exercise strategies to “retrain” muscles to function correctly, thereby improving quality of movement.

Core stability/balance work

Core stability relates to the way in which the core musculature of the trunk (abdominal muscles, lower back, pelvis and diaphragm) controls posture and movement. Poor core stability can often be a factor in lower back pain and poor posture. Specific exercises (such as ball work and balancing exercises can help to improve muscle control and quality of movement.

Personalised exercise programmes

To help facilitate recovery, physiotherapists will often prescribe specific rehabilitation exercises, which will help to improve posture, strengthen weak muscles and improve flexibility to stiff joints. Rehabilitation exercises are a fundamental part of physiotherapy practice. The exercises provided will be specific to your particular condition and designed so that you can do these at home between treatments. Emphasis is always on quality, not quantity.