Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of treatment for many illnesses and conditions. This form of treatment dates back thousands of years ago and is based on the belief that it restores a balance within the bodies systems through the application of fine needles.

The westernised clinical application of acupuncture is used by practitioners based on recent evidence based practice. The theory is that through the use of very fine needles it can aid in the release of endorphins which can help to relieve pain.

Acupuncture can help many conditions such as:-

• Post-operative pain
• Chronic pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sports injuries
• Arthritis
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue

Although the use of acupuncture isn't always based on scientific evidence there is some research to suggest that acupuncture does help to treat certain conditions.

Our specialist physiotherapists are highly qualified and have been certified to use acupuncture as a specialised form of treatment. An initial assessment with the physiotherapists and the presenting condition will enable the physiotherapist to thoroughly assess the condition and will make a recommendation and the benefits of acupuncture.

At Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy our physiotherapists educate every patient about their condition by providing a detailed explanation of what their condition is, how their condition has occurred and how it can be improved and prevented. Your physiotherapist will give you professional advice on exercises and precautions which are specific to your current stage of recovery.

Your physiotherapists will advise on effective exercise and training regimes to be carried out between physiotherapy sessions as well as educating sports trainers and coaches on how to assist and monitor your progress. Your physiotherapist will also educate you on preventative measures to reduce the risk of future injury in order for you to return to full physical function.

Good balance is an essential part of our everyday living and is important during all functional movements such as sitting, standing, walking and reaching. To balance we require the activation of the 3 core stability muscles; multifidus to extend the vertebral column, transversus abdominis to unilaterally rotate the trunk to the same side and bilaterally flex the vertebral column and the internal obliques. When these muscles work effectively they hold the spine and pelvis in a neutral position, this stabilises the trunk to take up the weight during activities so that movements can be initiated and controlled more effectively. If an individual's balance has been impaired, for example due to a spinal injury, then they will experience great difficulty in carrying out functional tasks and may be at risk of falling.

At Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy our specialist physiotherapists can provide you with treatment aimed at strengthening your core stability in order to improve your static balance e.g. your balance in sitting as well as your dynamic balance e.g. your balance when moving around. Your physiotherapist will provide you with an exercise programme aimed at strengthening the 3 core stability muscles as well as advising on appropriate exercise equipment and starting positions.

Dry needling is a treatment technique which is similar to acupuncture. However dry needling consists of the insertion of a fine needle into a particular area of spasm; the needle is directly inserted into a muscle belly, tendon or ligament where spasm is occurring. The insertion of a needle into these particular tissues causes inflammation.

When an area becomes inflamed blood flow to this particular area increases. Blood carries nutrients to the damaged area and removes dead cells and tissues. As a result the process of healing is promoted as well as muscle relaxation.

Dry needling can be used to treat spasm in muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as acute / chronic injuries and sports injuries.

The specialist physiotherapists at Sport and Spinal Physio are highly qualified in assessing and treating postural conditions which can lead to pain and a decline in quality of life. Bad posture can result in other problems such as back pain, shoulder impingements, headaches and hip joint pain.

Our physiotherapists will initially conduct a thorough assessment to gage the underlying issue of what is causing the incorrect posture. Following this assessment and the information provided by you of contributing factors such as occupation, driving positioning then evidence based practice treatments can be performed to help realign your posture in relation to the activities that are performed by yourself.

Postural Re-Education is used based on the principle of correct alignment, biomechanics and neuromuscular coordination. Postural re-education isn't just for those that display problems with their posture but other relating musculoskeletal conditions that are a contributing factor in to bad posture alignment.

Our physiotherapists understand that everybody presents differently with their own signs and symptoms so treatments plans are tailor made based on the individual and presenting condition. Our physiotherapist will not just concentrate on the posture but will use holistic treatment modalities so that long lasting results are made.

Who is it suitable for?

Postural re-education is suitable for those that experience weakness, pain, stiffness with a loss of movement making it difficult to perform normal functional movements.

It is also suitable for:-

• Soft tissue dysfunctions
• Children and adolescents
• Pre and post natal women
• Recovery after injuries
• Scoliosis, curvatures, kyphosis, lordosis
• Winging scapulae

Treatment may involve:-

• Manual techniques
• Initial positioning
• Progressive stretches
• Breathing techniques
• Educational advice
• Scapular setting
• Manipulations

Taping and strapping is applied to an area on of the body with the purpose of limiting movement whilst stabilising the area to prevent injury and limit any further injury to an area. Everybody presents differently so an assessment with one of our specialist physiotherapists will enable them to adjust the taping and strapping accordingly.

Taping and strapping is frequently applied to conditions such as ankle and wrist sprains and shoulder injuries. The most frequently taped joint is the ankle as this joint can become unstable due to the impact it endures on a daily basis. Evidence suggests that through taping and strapping it can help to avoid and prevent injury.

Our physiotherapists have a vast amount of experience in taping and strapping. It is very much a subjective treatment and it will be based around the feedback of yourself and what you feel comfortable with.

Benefits of taping and strapping

• Limits swelling
• Aids in biomechanical reinforcements
• Stabilises joints
• Prevents further injuries
• Enhances proprioception awareness
• Psychological affects
• Protects soft tissue structures

Taping and strapping can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment following an injury or it can be applied if no injury has occurred and if you feel that the joint needs some form of stabilisation. The physiotherapists can also use strengthening techniques and mobility techniques to increase the range of movement of the joints so that when the taping and strapping is applied it is to stabilise the joint following treatment.

Manual therapy refers to the hands on approach by a physiotherapist and consists of but isn't limited to soft tissue massage, joint manipulation, joint mobilisation, passive range of movement techniques. Manual therapy is an approach to treatment that specialises in a holistic assessment of the presenting condition that looks at treating the underlying cause rather than the actual condition itself. For instances if a individual is complaining of shoulder pain, the problem may not be with the actual shoulder but the biomechanical infrastructures of the back such as incorrect posture and gait pattern. Bu correcting these imbalances this can aid in the relief of pain that has been referred to another location.

Manual therapy can treat and is for the following:-

• Acute and chronic pain
• Incorrect posture
• Musculoskeletal imbalances and dysfunctions
• Increase flexibility
• Increase circulation
• Break up scar tissue
• Reduce referred pain

The specialist physiotherapists at sports and spinal physio maintain the most up to date evidence based practice treatments based on recent studies in order for their clients to receive the best form of treatment leading on to a faster recovery period.

The first appointment with one of our physiotherapists will assess the presenting condition and through evidence based practice and reasoning a treatment plan will be tailor made to aid in the best recovery possible. Manual techniques may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment modalities.

Electrotherapy is an umbrella term for a variety of modalities used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Electrotherapy works by using electrical impulses to help reduce pain, promote healing and repair damaged tissues. Electrotherapy has been used for a considerable amount of time in the treating of musculoskeletal conditions. recent studies suggests that electrotherapy does have an effect on the rate of wound healing if it is applied within a certain time frame within the repairing stage which our physiotherapists have great knowledge in.

The use of electrotherapy modalities are used in conjunction with other treatment such as exercises, resistant exercises, massage.

A full assessment by one of our specialist physiotherapist will be able to assess and diagnose present conditions. Electrotherapy will be used on their rational reasoning and if it appropriate to and if it is beneficial.

Electrotherapy consists of:-

• Ultrasound - uses mechanical energy to aid in tissue repair
• TENS - stimulates sensory nerves leading to pain relief

What does electrotherapy do?

Studies suggest that electrotherapy promotes a faster recovery if used at a sufficient point in the healing process.

It is also used to:-

• Reduce pain
• Improve blood flow
• Repairs damaged tissues
• Increase lymphatic flow
• Improve range of movement
• Increase motor control
• Increase protein and blood cells

Visceral manipulation is a type of treatment that is designed to target the internal organs of the human body. A hands on technique is adopted by our specialised physiotherapists with the goal of manipulating the tissue structures to encourage internal movement. Through a gentle compression used by our therapists, a sense of enhancement and an increase in bodily functions can be gained within the process.