Thursday July 29 , 2010
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Physiotherapy

  • Headache
  • Migraine
  • Pre/post operative conditions
  • Neck and shoulder injuries
  • Muscle pain and sprains
  • Back pain
  • Work related strain injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Sports injuries
  • Arthritis  

The physiotherapist influences the body's natural healing mechanism by correcting joint positions, posture, changing and restoring soft tissue conditions (muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia) and reducing levels of inflammation and pain.

Prevention of injury is a very important part of physiotherapy;  therefore we teach our patients how to prevent injury and how to avoid recurrence of the problem.

Before any treatments it is essential the physiotherapist conducts a thorough assessment to identify the problem especially as pain may be referred from another area.

There are a wide range of different techniques and skills a physiotherapist can use:

  • Manual therapy including joint mobilization, manipulation, traction
  • Soft tissue techniques (massage, trigger point release, soft tissue release, connective tissue massage)
  • Passive stretching of soft tissue
  • Auto stretching of soft tissue
  • Acupuncture
  • Electrical treatments
  • Taping and strapping
  • Hot/ cold therapy
  • Exercise therapy
  • Posture correction
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Pre/post - operative rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation after a stroke (CVA) or other neurological illness
  • Reflexology

What are the most common conditions patients complain of on their first visit?

SPINAL PROBLEMS

  • Spine related headache, migraine
  • Neck and back pain

JOINT PROBLEMS

  • Shoulder, hip, knee pain etc.
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Arthritis

NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

  • Sciatica
  • Nerve related conditions such us feelings of numbness or pins and needles

SPORTS RELATED INJURIES AND OTHER ACTIVITY INDUCED INJURIES OF

  • Cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, bursa (fluid filled sac)

POST FRACTURE

  • With increased joint stiffness, muscle weakness, decreased weight bearing

OCCUPATIONAL (work related) PROBLEMS

  • Unsafe sitting posture at the desk or using the mouse, keyboard or laptop  inappropriately
  • Unsafe manual handling (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying of  heavy objects)

STRESS

  • Fatigue
  • Headache, pain


AFTER SURGERY

  • Weakness or stiffness in the limbs
  • Reduced activity of daily living and function

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS such as

  • Strokes, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease

Why should you see a physiotherapist in a private clinic?

  • Speed of service
  • No waiting list
  • Immediate free advice
  • Immediate treatment after an injury promotes better recovery
  • Early physiotherapy treatment encourages a complication free healing process so reducing or avoiding sick leave
  • Education of pathology, advice on therapeutic methods, exercises after an assessment
  • Acceptance of private health insurance
  • Individual attention and treatment
  • Ability to refer to your GP if further investigation or treatment is necessary
  • This practice can offer a referral to a radiologist for an MRI scan for an all inclusive price of £380 (price depends on how many areas needs to be filmed). In case of having a health insurance, patients can discuss financial support with their insurance company.
  • Assessed by highly trained practitioner who completes a thorough assessment
  • Differentiate between problems and identify the diagnosis
  • Treat joint problems with mobilization and manipulation and soft tissue injuries (muscle, tendon, ligament) with soft tissue techniques such as trigger point release, soft tissue massage, soft tissue release
  • Appropriate, specific exercise therapy and rehabilitation for each individual
  • Pain relief with acupuncture, electrotherapy, application of hot or cold therapy, soft tissue therapies
  • Restore muscle imbalance with special techniques (Pilates, Sharmann)
  • General services

 

PHYSIOTHERAPY

  • Highly trained practitioners complete a thorough assessment.
  • Physiotherapists differentiate between problems and identify the diagnosis.
  • Physiotherapists treat joint problems with mobilization and manipulation and soft tissue injuries (muscle, tendon, and ligament) with soft tissue therapies such as trigger point release, soft tissue massage, and soft tissue release.
  • Appropriate, specific exercise therapy and rehabilitation for each individual.
  • Pain relief with acupuncture, electrotherapy, application of hot or cold therapy.
  • Restore muscle imbalance with special techniques (Pilates, Sharmann).

ERGONOMICS  

According to the Health and Safety Law employees' welfare, health and safety must be protected. It is everybody’s responsibility to look after each other. In case of a problem, discussion with a safety representative is important.

The research behind physiotherapy helps to understand the mechanism of movements and the response of the body to repetitive activities.
Physiotherapists know how to prevent work related repetitive strain injuries and change the response of the body to painful sensation.

In order to protect people’s health and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury we have designed an assessment program and advice sheet to maintain your flexibility, endurance and mobility during your working life.

If injury occurs, our chartered and state registered physiotherapists are generally able to offer an appointment on the same day and commence treatment immediately (ease the pain, resolve stiffness and restore muscle balance).

Physiotherapy begins with an assessment to identify the problem and suitable treatment.

Physiotherapists keep in contact with general practitioners, legal firms, health and safety executives and human resources departments as required.

Our service can provide a written report but only with the client’s consent


SITTING POSTURE

Poor posture in sitting increases the risk of acquiring a work related strain injury as there are increased incorrect stresses on muscles, joints and ligaments.

How can you adjust your work station to gain an efficient working posture in sitting?

  • Adjust the height of the seat.
  • The head is balanced on top of the spine and your chin is pulled in.
  • Angle of vision between the eyes and screen should be 0 - 15 degree below horizontal level.
  • Thighs are horizontal, hips and knees are bent to 90 degrees or the thighs are tilting forward slightly.
  • Forearms are horizontal with wrists slightly extended.
  • Think about your wrist and hand position while writing on the PC.
  • Adjust the back rest so it provides support for the lower back. Keep the neck muscles relaxed.
  • The chair should be close to the desk in order not to stretch too far forward.
  • You must have adequate space for your thighs under the table.
  • Your feet should be flat on the floor. If your feet are not touching the floor after all the adjustments have been carried out, you need a foot rest.


ADVICE FOR YOUR WORKING DAY

  • Allow yourself frequent mini breaks (10- 15 seconds hourly)
  • Change your position frequently at work. Stand up and walk away from your desk. Take regular breaks: hourly if possible.
  • Do stretching exercises for all parts of the body.
  • Change your activities (tasks) frequently.
  • Increase visual precision by using brightness and contrast to minimize glare.
  • Ensure the screen is stable.
  • Do some exercises, sporting activities in your spare time. It is your health. It is worth it!

WORKING ON A LAPTOP

  • Do you use a laptop because you have to travel to different destinations?
  • Is there a desk or a business room to use for work related purposes when you stay in a hotel?
  • If so, use a stable surface that provides comfort and enables the muscles to relax with your forearms supported horizontally.
  • Objects should be within easy reach while you are sitting in front of the laptop.
  • Remember to take frequent (hourly) breaks and do frequent stretches to all parts of the body.
  • Use a separate mouse (vertical mouse) and keyboard, if possible.
  • Do not forget to adjust the brightness and contrast for the best visual effect.

HOW TO USE THE MOUSE

  • Rest your hand on the mouse.
  • Use a mouse pad.
  • Use shortcut keys to reduce active hand work on the computer.
  • Position the mouse to the side that you are using most often.
  • Use a mouse bean to keep your wrist in a relaxed position.
  • Use a vertical mouse if possible.
  • Keep enough space free for arm support so you have easy access to the mouse and the keyboard.