03/09/2017
Why physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps patients recover from injury and conditions which affect muscles, joints and soft tissues.
This may be by stretching, strengthening, relearning movement patterns, manipulation, massage or by using some electrotherapeutic modalities such as ultrasound or interferential, and sometimes acupuncture. These may be used in conjunction with injection where appropriate.
Whatever is eventually used nothing is done until a comprehensive examination and assessment is carried out. This may take up to an hour. It is usual for people to be taught a little about the mechanism of their problem so that they can see the purpose of various exercises they will almost inevitably be asked to do.
In some instances supportive or corrective taping may be used for a time and if this is a long term problem patients will be shown how to do this for themselves.
Insoles may be fitted when there is a need for correcting foot position, as well as other supports, braces etc needed for some conditions.
Basic biomecanics are explained and are extremely helpful in dealing with most problems, ergonomic advice for work, home and the sport environment are equally important.
Physiotherapy may be appropriate in the following situations:
Sprains or strains of any joint or muscle
Muscle aches
Neck or back pain
Following fractures
Following surgery, including joint replacement.
Incontinence and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
Falls and balance problems
Strokes, Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR ACHIEVING PERSONAL SPORT CHALLENGES
Mostly, people come to see a physiotherapist if they have injured themselves. Many people ignore regular niggling pain during or after exercise. However, you don't need to have any pain at all. Most likely the pain is a result of overtraining certain muscle groups compared to other ones, changing movement patterns after injury or poor posture. For example, think about how your gait changes after a twisted ankle.