Physiotherapy is the treatment of nerve/muscle/joint /ligament problems identified by questioning and examination using non invasive techniques which influence the body, its movements and function.
Manual therapy refers to a specific division which involves ‘hands on’ treatment i.e. having something done to you as a patient which will influence the tissues. This usually involves joint by joint examination to enable treatment to be precise.
Rehabilitation is a sequence of graded exercises to take the body through a step by step return to function or sporting activity as a progressive but appropriate pace.
The sort of conditions which respond to physiotherapy and which we treat include
Back pain and disc problems
Neck pain and spinal problems of the neck region
Arthritis
Face pain, headaches and jaw pain
Nerve irritation or ‘trapped nerve’ causing numbness, tingling or sciatica
Knee pain caused by ligament or cartilage problems
Wear and tear or maltracking of the knee and knee cap
Elbow problems – tennis / golfers elbow
Wrist and hand problems – fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and strains
Foot and ankle problems eg sprains, plantarfasciaitis and tendonitis
Shoulder and arm pain – rotator cuff / impingements and frozen shoulder
After surgery / injury - recovery, repair and rehabilitation
Work related disorders – ergonomics
Pathology – where the musculoskeletal system is affected or compromised
Our team of highly qualified, experienced physiotherapists aim to provide patients with a choice of the best therapeutic care in the field of physiotherapy. We work together and share experience to provide ourselves with a means of mentoring, peer review and case conferencing so that each patient gets the best all round service and most effective treatment from the group.
We are able to achieve this by utilising and providing the following
Precise procedures of assessment and detailed examination
Analysis of the patients problem on a theoretical and clinical level
Manual examination
Muscle, ligament and joint testing
Muscle balance/imbalance grading
Neurological assessment
Instruction and advice
Questioning
Integration of current scientific evidence tailored to the patient
Observing posture, movement, balance and quality of these
Taking into account the individuals needs
What can I expect?
When you visit the clinic for an assessment the physiotherapist allocates time to take a detailed history of your problem including any previous episodes. You will undergo a thorough examination of the area as well as the surrounding and associated tissues and joints to pin point the exact nature of your symptoms.
These findings are correlated with aspects from your own account, any pathology, your lifestyle and the behaviour of your symptoms in different circumstances such as what aggravates you, what is relieving etc so that the most appropriate treatment method can be identified.
The physiotherapist will use constant reassessment and ongoing examination to keep close tabs on your status and ensure the treatment programme is as effective as possible in the shortest timeframe. Treatment is modified or progressed (or occasionally the dosage reduced) where necessary to bring about the maximum improvement with the minimum discomfort as quickly as possible.
What treatments do you offer?
Treatment techniques commonly used include the following
Manual therapy – joint mobilisations and manipulation
Techniques to increase range of movement and ‘loosen off’ stiff areas
Pain relieving procedures
Massage of the soft tissues, skin and deeper muscles
Specific stretching and strengthening
Advice and explanation
Return to function / sports training and rehabilitation
Exercise prescription
Self management programmes
How can I ensure quality and consistency?
We believe it takes a long time and high levels of motivation and care for a physio to become confident and competent in their patient management. A good therapist is constantly being challenged and trained to ‘expect the unexpected’ as each patient presents and responds differently. It is essential to receive and give review of clinical practice and progress / update skills in line with new research. They will have had a varied and impressive career path and clocked up a substantial amount of ‘patient mileage’ to draw on. Our physios all work to this high standard having achieved either high grade NHS status previously or undergone additional clinical training from internationally renowned physiotherapists (such as IMTA). To this end some of us have preferred areas of treatment or have specialised in a particular field enabling further refinements to the patient treatment experience.
All our physios are registered with the Health Professions Council and the Chartered Society of physiotherapy (professional bodies). We are recognised by the main private health insurers, Westfield and other cash plans.
How do I make an appointment?
You can either telephone the clinic or send us an email. It is not necessary to have a referral letter from your GP (unless claiming through certain health insurances) although we do like to advise your doctor with your permission of our own clinical findings and your treatment. We also take referrals from hospital consultants, solicitors, podiatrists and some private companies who may make the appointment on your behalf.
