Manual Techniques

A wide range of physiotherapy techniques may be used.

Most traditional physiotherapy techniques such as Maitland mobilisation of vertebral or peripheral joints, McKenzie exercises, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), massage (light/deep/scar/lymphatic drainage etc.),miofascial release, fascial mobilisation, nerve stretches, muscle stretches and exercises for strenghtening, proprioception, balance, agility and function are used in this practice.

Craniosacral therapy is now also available – the physiotherapist is trained on a level 1 through the Upledger Institute. This is a new therapy that is most helpful for patients recovering after some kind of trauma and is not invasive in any way. It is based on the idea that your body and mind can self heal when fascilitated to do so.

More specialized techniques such as lymphatic drainage massage and lymph drainage exercises and bandaging, high velocity thrusts (manipulation - where circumstances dictate), exercises for the treatment of incontinence/pelvic floor exercises as well as miofascial release, the use of muscle energy techniques, nerve gliding or neural flossing/neural mobilisation etc. are also available at this practice.

Neurodevelopmental therapy with an emphasis on activation of the abdominals and core muscle strength is utilized in our younger patients in need of developmental assistance. Clinical pilates can also be applied.

Sports taping can be done using kinesio tape, dynamic tape or (McConell) leukotape.

Specific mobilisation and strenghtening for all vertebral and peripheral joints is available. This includes hand therapy too. All rehabilitation including that of the shoulder and elbow joints, hip, ankle or knee joints is done working together with the rest of your medical team.

There are different regimes and the practice attempts to have as an holistic view as possible, to enhance your overall wellbeing, health and wellness. Patient safety is our biggest concern and therefore occasionally a more conservative route may be opted for rather than the most speedy recovery. However, the patient him/herself and the doctor or specialist is just as important a part of the decision making and active taking of ownership of your rehabilitation process is encouraged.

Referrals can be made to orthotist-prototists for specific garments or prosthetics. Soft braces such as a lumbar brace or soft cervical collars can be provided or ordered. Full biomechanical assessments can be performed. Advice can be given on kinetic handling, wheelchair transfers, the selection of appropriate mobility devices, and how to move your body to obtain maximum functionality in activities of daily life. Good postural advice and exercises for specific spinal problems such as scolioses, thoracic kyphosis, increased lumbar lordosis or listing of the spine in any way can be given. I refer on to other medical specialities as and when needed.