Your First Appointment
This will normally take 40 minutes as we give you a thorough assessment. We can set up your ACC claim, if that’s appropriate. After we’ve taken a detailed history, we will look at how you move, and fully identify your problem. We may look beyond the specific area because some problems can be more complex. The first session will include the assessment and the start of your treatment.
Each time you come to see us for treatment we will reassess how you’re going and make sure you’re on track to achieve your goals. There are a variety of treatment options that physiotherapists use and you will have a personalised programme and schedule of recovery.
Your treatment may include:
Mobilisation and manipulation
These are manual techniques applied to joints and soft tissues of the body.
They are used to:
- Relieve pain
- Restore full range of joint movement
- Relax muscle spasm
- Release endorphins , giving you pain relief
- Restore the normal spin, roll and glide of the joint
- Stretch ligaments around a joint
- Stimulate the area around the joint, increasing awareness of the joint position and helping with balance
Mobilisation techniques differ from manipulation techniques, as they are slower and more repetitive. Manipulation will often only require a single thrust.
Soft tissue massage
This can help reduce any scaring and swelling in the soft tissues, aiming to decrease discomfort and ensure the soft tissues heal optimally.
Ergonomic advice
Ergonomic advice will help you to manage your problem better. We will make sure you are not doing things to irritate or aggravate your problem – whether it is advising you on how to sit, or how you play your sport.
We will always encourage you to do as much as you possibly can to get you better as fast as possible. This may include some exercises to do at home, or simply a change in the way you do things.
Muscle imbalances
This relates to faulty movement patterning. It is really important that you use of all your muscles appropriately. We spend time assessing muscle imbalances and give you exercises to addresses any weakness or tightness in the muscles.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be a fantastic adjunct to physiotherapy to reduce pain reduction and to promote the healing process.
Click Here to find out more about acupuncture.
Each time you come to see us for treatment we will reassess how you’re going and make sure you’re on track to achieve your goals. There are a variety of treatment options that physiotherapists use and you will have a personalised programme and schedule of recovery.