Therapist and patient work together toward a common goal:
the wellbeing of the patient
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Patient Informaton
If you are exercising or doing any normal activities of daily living and notice a sudden pain in a muscle or joint, this may be due to a minor fo you are doing. The symptoms may go away fairly rapidly and with no return of symptoms but if they worsen or repeat themselves there may be an underlying problem which can be dealt with or resolved at an early stage. This will assist in preventing irritation in the future. Delaying assessment or advice can often cause long term problems which make treatment more lengthy or difficult.
what will happen?
The physiotherapist will discuss with you a proposed treatment plan
and will give you an estimate as to the approximate length of time treatment would be required as well as the proposed outcome of your treatment. The initial assessment and treatment can last up to an hour and a half and subsequent treatment sessions may last between 45 to 60 minutes approximately. Every opportunity will be given to you to ask
questions about your condition and advise regarding its management and possible prevention in the future.
The First Appointment
At the first appointment there will always be a comprehensive and thorough examination and assessment of the problem to identify what is causing your symptoms and/or pain. Physiotherapy examination, assessment
and treatment will mean that you will have to be touched by the therapist. So that you feel comfortable and reassured the physiotherapist will explain any assessment procedure to you at the time and you do have the right to decline any aspect of the assessment or treatment session if you so wish. You may feel that you would like to be accompanied by a friend or have someone with you while being assessed or receiving physiotherapy .
Post Assessment
At the first appointment there will always be a comprehensive and
thorough examination and assessment of the problem to identify what is causing your symptoms and/or pain. Physiotherapy examination, assessment and treatment will mean that you will have to be touched by the therapist. So that you feel comfortable and reassured the physiotherapist will explain any assessment procedure to you at the
time and you do have the right to decline any aspect of the assessment or treatment session if you so wish. You may feel that you would like to be accompanied by a friend or have someone with you while being assessed or receiving physiotherapy .
Take frequently short break. Take regular deep breath, at least every 10 minutes. Stretch out all your muscles regularly. Rotating your head (neck) to left and right. Rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards. Bend your head forward, so your chin touches your chest. You should feel a stretch in the back of your neck. Tip your head back so you are looking at the
ceiling.
Back Pain
Causes: Postural Stress : Ligaments are overstretched, muscles tire and joints and nerves are put under pressure. Muscle Strains: Minor back muscle strains quickly improve on their own, but more severe strains will need physiotherapy treatment to relieve pain and promote healing. Ligament
Sprains: Stretching ligaments too far or too quickly makes them tear and bleed into surrounding tissues, causing swelling and pain. Motor vehicle and sporting accidents are common causes. Disc Problems: Discs are anchored to the vertebrae, above and below, so they cannot 'slip' out of place. They can wear down with age, but most disc problems arise from injury. Discs can bulge (prolapse),
herniate or even rupture. Sciatica: The sciatic nerves run from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the back of your legs. Irritation anywhere along this pathway will cause pain in the back and legs. Arthritis: Degeneration and inflammation within the joint and the growth of bony spurs on the edges of the vertebrae.
Preventing Back Pain
Lifting: With your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the hips and knees. Grip the load firmly and hold it close to your body, tighten your
stomach muscles and use the strong muscles of your legs to lift. Keep your back as straight as possible. Avoid twisting - turn by using your feet, not your back. Posture: Think tall: chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, chin tucked in and head level. Posture should be stable, balanced and relaxed when sitting, walking or standing. Sitting: Don't stay seated for too long - stand up, stretch and walk around. The right back support will also help. Exercise: Stay in shape - healthy body-weight is less strain on your back. Your physiotherapist can show you how to keep your back flexible and strong with correct back and abdominal exercises. Driving: Good support from your car seat will prevent back pain. If you need more lower back support, use a lumbar roll or a rolled-up towel. Sleeping: Your Mattress should be firm enough to
support your natural shape.
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Headaches
Headache is often caused by disorders of the neck or physical and emotional tension. Physiotherapists can successfully treat most headaches and show you how to prevent the pain recurring. Emotional tension and anxiety can cause the muscles at the base of the head and jaw to become very tight,
irritating the nerves and restricting blood flow. This produces a headache. If migraine, allergic reactions or other causes are suspected, your physiotherapist will recommend that you see a medical ractitioner.
Preventing Headaches
Here is some useful advice to help you prevent headaches:
Posture Think tall: chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, chin tucked in and head level. Your neck should feel strong, straight and relaxed. Work: Avoid working with your head down for long periods. Stretch and change position frequently. Sleeping on a down pillow or urethane molded pillow is best for most people. Talk to your physiotherapist. Exercise Keep your neck joints and muscles flexible and strong with correct neck exercises. Your physiotherapist can show you how. Relaxation: Recognize when you are tense. You may be hunching your shoulders or clenching your teeth without realizing it.
Neck Pain
Injury and postural problems are the main causes of neck pain. Physiotherapists can identify the reasons for your neck pain and provide effective treatment. Prevention Posture Think tall: chest lifted, shoulders relaxed, chin tucked in and head level. Your neck should feel strong, straight and relaxed. Sleeping A down pillow or urethane pillow is best for most people. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Relaxation: Recognize when your are tense. You may be hunching your shoulders or clenching your teeth without realizing it. Work: Avoid working with your head down or to one side for
long periods. Stretch and change position frequently. Exercise: Keep your neck joints and muscles flexible and strong with correct neck exercises. Your physiotherapist can show you how.
