Harwich Physio Practice
On your first visit I will ask you to fill out a short form, providing your contact details, G.P. and current medications. Further details will then be taken about your current problem, general health and medical history. Other questions such as how your symptoms started, where they occur and what aggravates or eases them will also be asked. I will then examine your joints, muscles and other tissues with a range of tests.
At the end of the examination, I will explain my findings about you current condition. If needed, models of joints and muscles are used to explain so that you have a clear idea of what is going on. You will then have the chance to ask as many questions as you like before I discuss the options available to treat your problem and, in most cases, the first session will also involve treatment.
The information provided below lists the treatments that I offer at my clinic. All courses of treatment are tailored to your specific condition which will be discussed during your first session.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy uses a high-energy sound wave to ease painful joints and muscles. It promotes healing of tissues and increases blood flow to the affected area. It also helps with scar tissue formation. Treatment is pain free and usually takes between 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
Interferential stimulation
Interferential stimulation uses electrodes placed onto a specific part of the body and then electrically stimulated. This treatment has been shown to give pain relief, increase blood flow, reduce swelling and stimulate muscles. Interferential treatment is not painful and is usually performed in between 5-15 minutes depending on the injury.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the application of thin needles inserted into specific points along the body to help reduce pain, increase blood flow and reduce muscle tightness. Acupuncture is not a painful treatment and can help with many conditions from acute sporting injuries to neurological complaints. Treatment lasts between 10-30 minutes.
Wax therapy
Wax therapy is the application of hot melted wax to an injured area of the body. Wax is applied to the area and then wrapped in towels to retain heat. Wax therapy is used to speed up healing due to its thermal effects and helps soothe muscle and joint pain. Treatment lasts approx 15 minutes.
Massage and mobilisations
Mobilisation is the application of pressure on the spinal column for an allotted time. Pressure is applied to a specific vertebra which moves the joint. This treatment helps to reduce stiffness and pain. Mobilisations are usually performed for 30 seconds on each joint and increased in time and pressure depending on the injury being treated. Massage is usually used alongside mobilisations to help reduce stiffness and pain but can also be used as a sole treatment. Massage helps to reduce muscle tension, increase blood flow, reduce pain and increase flexibility. Treatment lasts between 15-45 minutes if used alongside other treatments.
Exercise and rehabilitation
Exercise and rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery and many physiotherapists will give a list of exercises for the patient to complete before their next physiotherapy session. Exercise helps maintain the effects of “hands on” treatment but also improves muscle strength, blood supply, flexibility as well as reducing inflammation and pain. Exercise rehabilitation is one of the main treatments for neurological conditions to help maintain muscle length and strength as well as joint flexibility. Treatment for neurological conditions using exercise lasts between 30 minutes -1 hour.