Physio Connections - Treatments

Treatments
	Physiotherapy
	Physiotherapy is a holistic science and we believe it is important to treat the whole body and not just a specific injury or area of pain. Physiotherapy treatment may include different types of treatment including musculo-skeletal physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, electrotherapy and acupuncture (see Treatments). During your first physiotherapy treatment the physiotherapist will discuss the nature and history of the condition with you before assessing you physically and testing relevant muscles joints and nerves to establish what is causing your pain or discomfort. The findings of this examination are then discussed and used to instigate appropriate treatment to ease any pain and treat the cause to ensure that the problem does not return. What do I wear? For lower back and lower limb injuries or conditions a pair of shorts is most convenient. For upper back or shoulder injuries or conditions it is convenient for ladies to wear cropped or vest tops. If you do not have shorts or a vest top do not worry, it is not imperative, just wear comfortable loose clothing that can be arranged as necessary i.e. trouser bottoms can be rolled up.

	Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
	Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is a specialised area that uses manual techniques for the management and treatment of conditions arising from muscles, joints and nerves. Manual techniques may include joint manipulation, joint mobilisation, massage and exercise.

	Sports Physiotherapy
	Sports Physiotherapy is an aspect of medicine designed around the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of any injury to a person who participates in sport to any level. Sports injuries need to be treated swiftly to ensure a complete recovery and return to your chosen sport. These injuries require exercise rehabilitation specific to the demands of your sporting activities, this is important in prevention of re-injury.

	Electrotherapy
	Electrotherapy can be used in isolation or more commonly as an adjunct to physiotherapy. It generally assists in relieving pain or with healing in the tissues. Electrotherapy available at Physiotherapy Connections includes: ultrasound, TENS and PEMT. Ultrasound transmits mechanical vibrations into the tissues to positively influence the healing process in soft tissues i.e. tendons and ligaments. It can be very useful in the treatment of tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis or a sprained ankle for example. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) affects the nervous system to assist in relieving pain. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMT) has been shown to influence cell behaviour resulting in accelerated healing of tissues, increased circulation, decreased oedema or swelling and decreased pain. It can be used to treat sports injuries, arthritis and other painful conditions

	Acupuncture
	Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine concerned with the flow of energy around the body. It is useful to treat painful and physical conditions. When used in isolation or as an adjunct to physiotherapy it is thought to act on the nervous and circulatory systems to decrease pain and assist the body’s natural healing properties. All physiotherapists at Physiotherapy Connections are trained to administer acupuncture for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and pain. They are also members of the Acupuncture Association Of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) ensuring high standards of hygiene and regular training to keep up to date with advances in acupuncture.

	Massage Cupping
	Massage Cupping is a modified version of cupping therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. The technique uses negative pressure, rather than tissue compression as in traditional massage. This lifts the skin and tissues to release rigid soft tissue, loosen areas of adhesion and restriction and increase circulation to the area. This is a simple treatment that feels great, is very relaxing and can have remarkable effects on stiff and aching muscles and joints.