THERAPY SERVICES

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment

A detailed assessment will allow me to identify the root cause of your condition and treat appropriately. A diagnosis can be formulated from the assessment, or sometimes from the help of scans or referral to another health professional. Treatment will always be discussed first and may include; advice, exercise, joint mobilisations, taping, soft tissue release (massage) or acupuncture, to name a few.

PILATES

Small groups or private sessions, to cater for each individual

Pilates is a great way to improve posture and manage persistent spinal conditions and tone muscle - it is often recommended by a health professional as a management technique if pain is chronic and/or cannot be cured. All are welcome; from novices to advanced, all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. You get to know your regular class attendees.

Pilates originates from Joseph Pilates, who developed "Contrology" - a way to rehabilitate himself through working "core" or what I call posture, muscles; the muscles deep in the torso, close to your skeleton, which hold you in an upright position, meaning your body can work at it's optimal efficiency (Hargrove, T., 2010). This is something I feel is very relevant in today's society considering our generally sedentary lifestyles; working in offices, or similar. Core, or posture, muscles are also very important in any activity, - particularly sport - where power is needed from the muscles further from the torso. This is because the core muscles provide stability so that power and strength can come for the muscles on the surface. Finally, it is a great way in which to keep your body aligned symmetrically; misalignment will mean your body is not working efficiently and one side of your body will be more prone to injury.

ACUPUNCTURE AND SPORTS MASSAGE

Patient-Centered Treatment

Acupuncture - The theory behind the Western approach; the tiny needles will increase blood flow to the area, to speed up the healing process. The "trauma" of the needle will activate the pain relief response. Stimulating the needles (usually through twisting) will wrap muscle fibers around the needle, making the brain think the muscle has tightened & send out natural muscle relaxants.

The traditional Chinese approach aims to restore the body's equilibrium through allowing qi (the body's energy) to flow freely (The British Acupuncture council). This can be done at any point along an appropriate meridian (12 non-physical pathways through the body, each corresponding to an organ). Therefore, needles may be placed further from the injury site than you might expect. "As long as Qi flows freely through your meridians and your organs work in harmony, your body can remain healthy". (TCMworld.org)

Sports massage for the prevention and rehabilitation of (but not limited to) sports injuries. Using sport and exercise science principles to normalise soft tissue (muscles, tendons, fascia for example). For clients to reach optimal levels of function; pathological and physiological processes are incorporated. (society-of-sports-therapists.org)