What is Physiotherapy?
Definition
A simple definition of physiotherapy might suffice but with physio being such a complex subject, any definition tends to be equally complex.
The World Confederation of Physical Therapy formally described Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy) as "providing services to people and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan"
Their full description is over a page long and as I am sure that is too much, I thought that giving a brief description of some of the more common treatments would help give an understanding and appreciation of how physiotherapy can help you.
Click here for these more common treatments and potential ailments
The Aim of Physiotherapy
The basic aim of physiotherapy is to help alleviate pain and restore normal movement and function patterns to help return the body to its natural state.
Physiotherapy includes the assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation of a patient's treatment.
What can be treated?
The answer is a surprising amount of conditions! In essence, it is better actually talking to Estelle to see if she can help.
However, looking further and to give some common ailments, their conditions and treatments: click on any of the undernoted. More are being added on a regular basis so please come back often or let us know your ailment and we will try and post our views.
| Spinal Problems including prolapsed discs, degeneration, sciatica, lumbago, stiff / painful neck, arm and leg pains, whiplash type injuries. |
Injuries to muscles, ligament, cartilage and tendon problems. Work related conditions such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). |
| Fractures treatment to increase the healing rate and to gain full function once the bones have healed. |
Chest Conditions both medical and surgical including asthma, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, bronchitis and bronchiectasis.; |
| Joint Problems arthritis, injury, pain / swelling / stiffness in joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles. |
After Surgery rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery e.g. hip replacements or general physiotherapy after surgery. |
| Gynaecological Conditions including stress incontinence, salpingitis and post surgery rehabilitation. |
Neurological Conditions such as strokes, head injuries, nerve injuries, multiple sclerosis, shingles and ME |
How Will My Treatment Work?
Full History and Assessment
Over and above the condition that a patient brings to the clinic and in order to fully treat this condition, the wider view of the patient's lifestyle is taken into consideration to try and avoid a recurrence of the problem.
Discuss Appropriate Treatments
There are usually a number of different treatments that will achieve the same goal and after assessment and explanation, treatment can commence with the patients consent.
Physiotherapy Treatments
Such treatments can include; manual & electrotherapy techniques, advice on appropriate exercises, posture re-education, taping and correct support advice. A full explanation of the problem is provided and when appropriate, a specific home management regime is given.
Technology
Estelle is basically a "hands-on" physio but there are times when technology simply can not be beaten. As well as the most up-to-date electrotherapy equipment such as ultrasound, interferential and low level laser - all of course regularly serviced - Estelle now has the revolutionary and ground breaking FOOTMAXX orthotic system. This is the first such system in mainland Europe and more details can be found by visiting www.footmaxx.com or clicking on their logo.
Estelle also has a a cryotherapy unit (deep but ultra safe cold air) that is currently only available in the major european based football clubs. To date, it is understood that the only such system in the UK is with Manchester United
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