01223 350622
Treatments Available at Spinal Physio
Physiotherapy
In simple terms physiotherapy is about trying to recover normal function to the musculoskeletal system. Most people see a physiotherapist because they are in pain due to a musculoskeletal problem. The principle of physiotherapy is to get that musculoskeletal problem functioning properly and the pain will then look after itself, however chartered physiotherapists have a number of techniques they can use to treat the pain also, to make the rehabilitation process as comfortable as possible.
As part of rehabilitation physiotherapy may include:
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Advice – Diagnosing the problem through a thorough clinical examination and letting you know what to expect and how to manage yourself through the recovery
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Mobilisation - Hands on treatment to mobilise stiff and painful joints from grades I-IV.
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Manipulation – A grade V mobilisation technique to achieve full range of movement of a joint, only possible after grade IV mobilisation has been achieved. Otherwise known as a High Velocity Thrust.
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Electrotherapy -
Energy based therapy, which is sometimes referred to as electrotherapy in the UK, is a form of treatment that uses different types of energy, such as electric currents or impulses (small electric shocks) to stimulate the nervous system. The electric impulses make your muscles contract (tighten), which can help ease pain and promote healing.
Energy based therapies do not hurt, although with some types, such as TENS, you may feel a slight tingling sensation just below the surface of your skin. Energy based therapies include:
- TENS - a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine delivers an electric current to stop your nerves sending pain signals to your brain and encourages endorphins (natural painkilling hormones) to be released.
- Interferential - The basic principle of IFT is to use physiological effects of low frequency (at <250 pps) electrical stimulation of nerves without the associated painful and somewhat unpleasant side effects sometimes associated with low-frequency stimulation.
- Ultrasound - high-frequency sound waves treat deep tissue injuries by stimulating blood circulation and cell activity. It is thought to help reduce pain and muscle spasm and speed up the healing process. Can also be used in fracture healing and breaking down haematomas or blocked ducts in mastitis.
- Laser therapy - lasers (narrow beams of light) help reduce pain and muscle spasms. Laser therapy is thought to be most effective at treating tendon conditions, although studies have shown that it may not be as effective as other types of energy based therapies.
- Shortwave diathermy - an electromagnetic field generates heat within your body’s tissues. This is thought to help reduce inflammation (swelling), strengthen tissues and reduce pain.
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Acupuncture - involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to decrease tissue inflammation, reduce pain and promote healing. There is more information about acupuncture further down this page or by clicking the link.
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Trigger Point Needling - A method used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve problems using very thin, solid needles, with no medication (i.e. a dry needle) as used in acupuncture, which is based on western medical principles and scientific research. Click this link to see more information on trigger point needling.
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Pilates - Body conditioning system of exercise which stabilises the body’s central core and improves posture. At spinalphysio Pilates is carried out on a one to one basis with a suitably qualified chartered physiotherapist or in small groups of 3 or 4.
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Exercise – A physiotherapist can design an exercise programme to suit your personal needs and limitations. Exercise can be very important at keeping you right but it may not get you right. It is very important that a physiotherapist assess and if necessary treats your particular injury before recommending a suitable exercise program.
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Postural Education - Helping people to become aware of their posture and improve their posture, by finding ways to remember to regularly check and improve their position, and through exercises to strengthen certain muscle groups
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Ergonomics - Determining what equipment is needed, and in what way it should be used, to avoid muscular strain and repetitive strain injuries, taking into account people's capabilities and limitations
- Heat/cold therapy - applying hot or cold to the affected area.
To make an appointment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists call us on 01223 350622 or e-mail the clinic at info@spinalphysio.co.uk
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used, along with other evidence-based physiotherapy treatment modalities, to decrease tissue inflammation, reduce pain and promote healing. Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body.
Research shows that the acupuncture needle stimulates sympathetic nerve endings, enhancing pain modulation by the release of chemicals within the body, such as endorphins. These help to diminish the sensation of pain. Following an assessment, a physiotherapist will decide if acupuncture is an appropriate treatment option for you. It will depend on your condition as to where and how many acupuncture needles are inserted, and how long they are left in for.
After reviewing the best available evidence, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced guidelines which recommend the use of acupuncture to treat chronic low back pain. There is strong evidence showing that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of various conditions including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and tension type headache.
As a physiotherapy practice our clinicians use acupuncture to help pain relief with the consent of the patient when treating conditions from back pain to sports injuries. Acupuncture is rarely used on its own as it is a tool of treatment and the pain relief achieved by acupuncture can then allow other physiotherapy modalities to be used such as spinal manipulation, joint mobilisations and exercise.
For more information on acupuncture and the regulatory bodies who govern the licensing of acupuncturists see the links below.
http://www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk
To make an appointment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists call us on 01223 350622 or e-mail the clinic at info@spinalphysio.co.uk
When a muscle is been used or overused a lot of the time it may develop what is known as a trigger point. A trigger point is defined as a taut band within a muscle that on palpation will generate a local twitch response and causes a deep aching pain radiating from the region. These are commonly known as ‘knots’. All muscles are susceptible to developing trigger points and many muscles have what are known as dormant trigger points. A trigger point is active when it is causing pain and twitches when compressed.
A common area of the body susceptible to trigger points are the muscles connecting the shoulders to the neck or upper trapezius muscles. The Upper trapezius muscles are responsible for keeping your head up straight, rotating your head away and bringing your ear down to your shoulder or vice versa bringing your shoulder up to your ear.
Commonly when sitting at a computer for long periods of the day the trapezius muscles are working to maintain your head position. If your work station is unsuitable you may be increasing the load on these muscles because you are looking down at the screen, particularly the lap top, or your head is rotated slightly to one side more than the other. Not quite as common nowadays is holding the phone between your ear and shoulder but if you do this especially when using a mobile, that is most likely to cause the development of a trigger point in the muscle.
In the upper trapezius muscles the trigger point will produce an aching pain deep in the shoulder blade area and can refer down the arm to the back of the elbow. It may even cause pins and needles locally. It can also radiate up the skull behind the ear and be responsible for tension headaches.
In order to treat a trigger point it is essential to find the route cause of the problem. This may be something so subtle that you won’t be aware of it until it is pointed out to you. It is best to get someone to observe you as they can see you move, or not as the case may be, than you can see yourself. Common faults are the computer being at the incorrect height or angle, poor posture sleeping, having your arm up on the window frame when driving, television being in the corner of the room so you have to turn your head to see it, etc.
Once the main cause is established, this of course can be altered. To treat the trigger point the physiotherapist has a couple of options. They may try some myofascial release which will involve deep tissue palpation of the trigger point in order to desensitise it. Another option is to treat the area with what is known as trigger point needling. This involves putting a fine needle (usually an acupuncture needle although it is not acupuncture) into the muscle to deactivate the trigger point. An acute spasm is felt in the muscle and a release of tension follows.
You will then be shown how to stretch the muscle and this will have to be carried out regularly. Trigger point needling may be very effective in one session or may take a number of sessions to fully resolve the pain depending on the severity of the problem.
To make an appointment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists call us on 01223 350622 or e-mail the clinic at info@spinalphysio.co.uk
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Sports Massage
Sports and Remedial massage uses a variety of different soft tissue techniques incorporating skills from many different types of massage including Swedish, Thai, Lymphatic Drainage etc. These base skills are then added to with the use of more recently developed techniques such as Muscle Energy Technique and Positional Release which have developed from our understanding of how the muscles and other soft tissues react to stretch, changes in circulation etc. The result is a comprehensive set of tools from which your practitioner can deal with a variety of conditions and create the effect required.
No one treatment session will be the same as each will be personalized to your requirements and what the practitioner finds. You may wish to have a relaxing massage and ask for the practitioner to relieve tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back built up through stress or alternatively you may have been feeling very fatigued and require a massage to help boost your circulation and make you feel more alert.
What happens during a treatment?
For your
first treatment a detailed history will be taken to determine the most
effective course of action. We will also discuss your current lifestyle and
expectations to set realistic targets by which you can see your improvement.
During the massage you will be required to remove only the necessary
items of clothing and underwear will remain worn at all times. For work on
the legs if you prefer you may bring a pair of loose fitting comfortable
shorts. Towels will be used to cover any parts of the body that are not
being worked on.
Typically most sessions will begin with broad effleurage strokes to warm the muscles and help with relaxation. Depending on the outcome of the initial assessment the session will then be tailored to your individual needs and may incorporate any of the following techniques:
Effleurage or Petrissage
Compressions or Frictions
Percussive Techniques
Muscle Energy Techniques
Positional Release
Neuromuscular Techniques
Stretching
Soft Tissue Release
Trigger point work
How often should I have Sports Massage?
Ideally Sports Massage should be used for injury prevention and general maintenance meaning that having a treatment weekly or once every few weeks is often more helpful than only having massage once an injury has occurred or long period of time has passed. However due to the hands on approach of Sports Massage even after just one session people often find a marked improvement in how they feel.
Sports Massage or Physiotherapy?
If your first point of contact with the clinic is for sports massage and you are unsure if you need sports massage or physiotherapy, our sports massage therapists are ideally qualified to identify injuries that may require physiotherapy and will then refer you to one of our Chartered Physiotherapists. Generally speaking it is best to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists first.
Sports massage can be an important part of a long term rehabilitation plan for more chronic problems as well as early intervention in acute soft tissue injuries. Many of our chronic back and neck pain patients benefit from regular sports massage to help maintain a pain free status once they have finished their treatment with our physiotherapists. If your Chartered Physiotherapist believes this might be a good option for you they will discuss that with you.
How much does it cost and will my Health Insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Sports massage at the clinic is £40 per hour.
Currently Sports Massage treatments will not be covered by your insurance company.
To enquire about sports massage call us on 01223 350622 back to top of page