What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function as well as improve pain in people who are affected by injury, illness or disability. Good physiotherapy care should take a patient-centred approach, meaning the patient is heavily involved in the treatment plan through education, empowerment and participation in their care. Physiotherapy treatment consists of exercise, hands-on treatment, acupuncture as well as lifestyle advice - combined to get you moving with less pain and live an active life free from painkillers.

 

Physiotherapy can be helpful for people of all ages who are suffering from a wide range of pain complaints. Physio at The Door treats common conditions such as:

• back and neck pain including whiplash

• joint pains – e.g. shoulder, knee, hip

• sports injuries

• post operative management

• arthritis 

• ligament sprains

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What to expect:

During the first visit, your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your condition and general health. A comprehensive physical assessment will then follow, with the physiotherapist using skills and tests, combined with the subjective information gained to make a diagnosis.

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Treatment goals are then decided together - with the aim of having you back to doing the things you enjoy! Physiotherapists are well placed to give general advice about things in your everyday life that may affect pain - such as posture, the way you move and the amount of exercise you do. Specific exercises are often recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and strengthen specific parts of your body to reduce overload and pain.

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Physiotherapists are trained in prescribing specific exercises and rehabilitation programmes to improve movement, strength and pain. These exercises are influenced by what your treatment goals are and will look to correct any factors contributing to your symptoms. The main changes/improvements in your body usually stem from using & moving your body and exercise should be graded to find the right dosage that will be both safe and therapeutic. 

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As well as exercise treatment often also includes skills and techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to improve the flexibility and movement of your joints and muscles. Physio At The Door also offers acupuncture treatment which can be a great alternative to medication for pain relief. Acupuncture is used for various musculoskeletal conditions - find out more here. A combination of all treatment techniques is often used to bring about the best possible outcome and return you to the activities you love. 

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Typical session outline:

• Verbal assessment - conversation about your symptoms to develop idea of likely cause of symptoms

• Physical assessment - various movement tests performed to confirm diagnosis and contributing issues 

• Discuss treatment options and plan

• Treatment - this may include exercise, hands-on treatment and acupuncture

 

The profession is keen to facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay/return to work and remain independent for as long as possible. Often, the key to musculoskeletal health is having treatment promptly and this is why this service was set up, to see you at home at a time that suits you.

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If you'd like to find out more about how physiotherapy - and specifically Physio At The Door can help you please feel free to get in contact today. For any questions you might have, you can simply send an e-mail, phone now or arrange a phone call for another time.