Treatment

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy helps people affected by injury, illness or disability to recover their movement and function to their full potential.
Jorvik Physiotherapy specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy (dealing with soft tissues, joints and bones). We encourage the patient to be involved in their own care from the start, so that by the time their initial problem has been addressed, and treated, they have been equipped with the knowledge and advice to confidently manage their own condition.

When to go to a Physiotherapist

People are often referred for physiotherapy by doctors or other health care professionals. Increasingly, as a result of changes in health care, people are referring themselves directly to physiotherapists without previously seeing any other health care professional
Are you deliberating whether physiotherapy is appropriate for you?
Have a look at some conditions which musculoskeletal physiotherapists often treat.

• Sports Injuries
• Neck/Back Pain
• Joint Problems
• Muscle, Ligament & Tendon Injuries
• Arthritis
• Post-Operative Rehabilitation
• Work Related Rehabilitation
• Whiplash & Personal Injuries
• Headaches

If you’re still not sure if a physiotherapist is the right person to visit, then please contact Jorvik Physiotherapy, via phone or e-mail. We can discuss your problem with you and advise on the best course of action.

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Techniques

Following an initial assessment of the problem and taking your general health and individual circumstances into account, the physiotherapist will prepare an appropriate treatment plan.
Jorvik Physiotherapy generally employs a number of conventional approaches and techniques for treatment which have proved highly successful in their aims:

Manual Therapy

Mobilisation – this involves using the hands to mobilise joints and soft
tissues. It can be used to
• improve circulation (blood flow around the body)
• help fluid drain from parts of the body more efficiently
• improve movement of different parts of the body
• relieve pain and help relaxation
• restore range of movement following trauma or orthopaedic surgery

Deep Tissue Massage – this involves using the hands to mobilise specifically the deeper muscle layers, using compression, kneading and friction, for relaxation and pain relief

Movement and Exercise
Prescribed therapeutic exercises – tailored exercises designed to improve flexibility and to strengthen muscle. Information is given to help you follow an exercise plan at home.

Ergonomic and Postural Advice – Ergonomic assessments can be carried out to identify any postural problems at home or in the workplace. Advice on posture correction is given, as well as suggestions to improve seating and other furniture.

Sports Rehabilitation – this involves movement analysis to determine how a person can adjust their body position during a specific activity, in order to correct a painful movement. This technique not only applies to sports enthusiasts but to anyone experiencing pain during activities of daily life.

Taping
Therapeutic tape is placed over and around soft tissue and joints in order to either give support or prevent over-contraction. It is used to offload affected structures in order to alleviate pain and swelling and to allow recovery. It is also used to support muscles and ligaments in order to optimise normal movement.

Electrotherapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – a TENS machine is a small, battery operated machine that delivers an electric current to the affected area via two electrodes (self-adhesive patches); the tingling sensation produced by the current can help block or suppress pain signals to your brain.
Ultrasound – high-frequency sound waves can treat deep tissue injuries by stimulating blood circulation and cell activity; it can help reduce pain and muscle spasm and speed up healing.

Advice
Post-injury care – advice will be provided regarding how to grade your activity levels following injury. In addition, we will give you guidelines when to return back to normal day to day and/or sports activities.

Post-operative care – there are often standard protocols following elective orthopaedic surgery, or a consultant may have specific requirements as to the post-operative regime. Prescribed exercises to stretch soft tissue and to strengthen muscle are given to restore normal movement.