What is physiotherapy ?
The primary focus of physiotherapy is to help restore movement and function when someone is affected by an injury. Physiotherapy has a scientific foundation and at Achilles Heel we use up-to-date and evidence based treatments so that you will receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition. Our team of physiotherapists are all highly trained and passionate about what they do and are committed to ongoing continuing professional development through learning and research. All our physiotherapists are Chartered and State Registered. This guarantees that their qualification is properly recognised, they are governed by a professional Code of Conduct and covered by professional liability insurance. For more information we recommend the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website.
What to expect on your first visit?
At your first appointment your physiotherapist will perform an initial assessment taking a detailed history of your condition together with any relevant past medical history. A physical assessment will then be undertaken to determine the clinical diagnosis of your problem which will be explained to you by your clinician. From this your physiotherapist will work with you to formulate an appropriate personalised treatment plan. The aim of this unique programme will be to cater for your personal needs, maximise your rate of recovery and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the problem. Your physiotherapist will discuss how many treatments you are likely to need and will modify the treatment plan as your condition progresses.
Each consultation lasts 45 minutes. You may be asked to remove outer layers of clothing so that the problem can be fully assessed and it may therefore be helpful if you brought some shorts or leggings to your appointment including any relevant equipment such as running shoes. Your dignity will be maintained at all times.
Throughout the appointment your physiotherapist will give you lots of opportunities for you to ask questions about your condition and give you lots of advice regarding the management and prevention in future. Having identified your treatment plan the physiotherapist will then administer the agreed treatment program to help correct the condition and alleviate any pain. Every situation must be examined in its own context. Whilst manipulation may work for one symptom, it may not be the right course of action for others. As a result we use a wide range of treatments from mobilisation to acupuncture.
List of Physiotherapy 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 and manipulations may also be applied to joints to restore normal movement. Soft tissue massage and manipulation are effective at reducing scar tissue, stretching tight structures, relieving spasm and aiding the healing process.
Muscle energy techniques are based on the principal of reciprocal inhibition and are applied to a patient in order to relieve pain, normalize joint dysfunction and increase range of motion. The practitioner evaluates the primary areas of dysfunction in order to place the affected joints in precise positions that enable the client to perform gentle isometric contractions.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Your physiotherapist will provide a personalised exercise programme that can be performed at home or in your gym. The exercises provided will aim to address any weak muscles, stiff joints, muscle imbalance and poor posture where appropriate.
Deep Tissue Massage / Myofascial Release
Another form of hands on treatment often used by our physiotherapists is deep tissue massge and is often used to work on areas of muscle tightness or thickening. Myofascial release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure in the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced since 300BC. Western acupuncture involves the dry-needling of symptomatic areas, primarily for pain relief. Trigger point release and intra-muscular stimulation can decrease pain, release tight soft tissues and promote healing.
Research shows that acupuncture needles release 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. When acupuncture is used it may be combined with a range of other treatment techniques e.g. exercise and manual therapy.
Other effects of acupuncture include:
- Stimulation of the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain killers (endorphins)
- Stimulation of nerves to regulate pain and to prevent pain
- Release of hormones that reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Release of serotonin to promote a state of well being
- Trigger point acupuncture to aid relaxation of muscles
- Stimulation of blood flow
All our physiotherapists practicing acupuncture have completed a validated post graduation course in acupuncture theory and practice.
Muscle Imbalance / Core Stability Re-education
Physiotherapists are experts in human movement. Following your initial assessment they will be able to identify specific areas of muscle weakness or tightness and then devise an appropriate exercise program to address this imbalance.
Electrotherapy
We have electrotherapy equipment available in the clinic including ultrasound and laser therapy both of which aim to assist in promoting tissue healing and providing pain relief.
Ergonomic & Postural Advice
We are all told how important good posture is but do we actually know what this means? Over time many of us adopt habits or postures that we repeat many times a day and eventually it becomes habitual for us to stand or sit or walk that way. Over time these abnormal postures can cause musculoskeletal pain and injury. Working with one of our physiotherapists you will be advised on maintaining good posture and shown how to do this to prevent aches and pains. Your physiotherapist will discuss appropriate seating, desk position and computer alignment to prevent injury.