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Uttoxeter Physiotherapy Team

Treatments

Manual therapy

Manual therapy is a term that encompasses a variety of Physiotherapeutic treatment techniques. Mobilisations are applied to joints to reduce stiffness and relieve pain; manipulations may also be applied to joints to restore normal movement. Soft tissue mobilisation and massage are effective at reducing scar tissue, stretching tight structures, relieving spasm and aiding the healing process.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic approach primarily used for pain relief, with treatment consisting of the insertion of very fine needles under the skin. It is one of the most rapidly growing complementary therapies in the UK.

Research shows that acupuncture needles stimulate the release of endorphins, the natural pain relieving chemicals stored in the brain. These chemicals not only provide pain relief but also assist the body in its healing process.

Western acupuncture involves needling of tight and dysfunctional tissues. Trigger point release and intra-muscular stimulation will decrease pain, release tight tissues and promote healing. Acupuncture can be used very effectively alone or in conjunction with other Physiotherapy techniques eg; exercise and manual therapy. Acupuncture does not work for all patients, and response rates vary, but most patients experience pain relief when conventional medical treatment has not worked.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy can by used as an adjunct to treat a variety of conditions to initiate or enhance the tissue repair process and help to relieve pain and accelerate the healing process. At Uttoxeter Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic your Physiotherapist may choose to use one of the electrotherapy modalities below as part of your treatment plan.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used on both chronic and acute conditions and is commonly used in the rehabilitation of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries. High frequency sound waves are focussed around the site of an injury by gently moving an ultrasonic head over the affected area. These sound waves perform a ‘micro-massage’ deep inside the injured tissues speeding up the healing process.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

TENS is a form of non-invasive pain relief often used in the treatment of chronic pain. This safe and effective technique involves the use of a battery operated device and is delivered across the skin via conducting pads. Two natural processes within the body are stimulated. The tingling sensation of the TENS inhibits the amount of pain signals received by the brain. TENS also increases the levels of the body's own natural pain killing substances called endorphins and enkephalins.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES is mainly used by Physiotherapists to strengthen very weak muscle groups but also has other benefits such as; reduction of swelling, relief of pain and wound repair. NMES is similar to TENS in the way that it is electrical energy applied via conducting pads. Excitation is caused in the nerves supplying the muscle group or area to be treated and an excitation, or contraction, is therefore caused in this muscle tissue.

Massage

Massage should play an important role not just in any sportsperson’s life, but for anyone who regularly suffers from muscular tension.

Massage can:

Biomechanics

Some of the common podiatry injuries are: Shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, Knee pain (runner’s knee), Calf strain, Plantar fasciitis. If you have repeated lower limb injuries, it is likely to be caused by a mechanical problem or imbalance in the body. To relieve the symptoms, the cause of the imbalance must be determined and treated accordingly.

Sports Rehabilitation

Early and correct treatment of sports injuries is vital for the most effective recovery. Sports injuries are treated to ensure optimal recovery and return to sport as soon as possible. The sports person will be provided with a sport specific rehabilitation programme and given advice to prevent re-injury.

Ergonomic and Postural Advice

Ergonomic advice is invaluable at work and home to help prevent pain caused by repetitive movements, poor seating, and desk position and computer alignment. You will also be advised on maintaining a good posture and shown how to do this to prevent aches and pains caused by poor posture during and after the working day.

Conditions Treated