PHYSIOTHERAPY
Manual Therapy or Hands-on
“Hands-On” or manual therapy techniques, also referred to as musculoskeletal or manipulative therapy, encompass a variety of methods and maneuvers aimed at assessing and treating joint dysfunctions in the body. In Australia, much of the pioneering work that has had a global impact on manual therapy was developed. Geoff Maitland played a leading role in revolutionising and evolving these techniques within Australia. Additionally, Robin McKenzie made significant contributions to the field, particularly in mechanical treatments for spinal issues.
This system of assessment and treatment is applied to both the joints of the spine and peripheral joints, which include the joints of the limbs. Through skilled hands-on techniques, therapists can identify and address dysfunctions, aiming to restore optimal function and alleviate pain or discomfort.
In summary manuale therapy is a clinical approach to physical therapy that involves physical manipulation or mobilization using the hands to evaluate, diagnose, and treat soft tissue or joint injuries or conditions.
Manipulation
In the context of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, manipulation refers to a short, high-velocity movement of a spinal joint, often accompanied by a sensation of ‘click’ or ‘pop’. This technique aims to alleviate stiffness and release joints that may have become locked due to injury and subsequent muscle spasm. Prior to its application, the patient’s informed consent is essential, and safety testing is routinely conducted as part of the procedure. The use of manipulation can result in remarkable benefits for the patient. While it may be recommended for your condition, alternatives are available should you have any apprehensions.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique used by physiotherapists to treat muscle pain and dysfunction. It involves inserting thin, sterile, monofilament needles directly into myofascial trigger points, commonly known as “knots”, to relieve muscle tension, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles.
This technique is particularly effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain, headaches, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, and other soft tissue-related issues. When the needle penetrates the trigger point, it can provoke a local twitch response, which is often followed by a reduction in muscle tightness and pain.
Dry needling is typically combined with other physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy or therapeutic exercise, as part of a holistic treatment plan. Patients may experience mild soreness after treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness, but this typically resolves quickly. Prior to treatment, physiotherapists ensure the patient is fully informed, and treatment is only administered with consent.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is a form of soft tissue treatment that uses suction to stimulate blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and promote healing. During the session, cups, usually made of glass, silicone, or plastic, are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created, drawing the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup. This suction increases circulation, relieves muscle tension, and can aid in the removal of metabolic waste from the tissues.
Often used to treat conditions such as muscle tightness, back and neck pain, and even sports injuries, cupping can leave temporary circular marks on the skin due to the increased blood flow to the area. These marks are not bruises and typically fade within a few days.
Cupping can be performed in a stationary fashion, where cups remain in place for several minutes, or dynamically, where cups are moved along the skin for a massage-like effect. It is commonly integrated with other physiotherapy interventions to enhance outcomes, improve tissue mobility, and assist in recovery. Cupping therapy is safe when performed by trained professionals and is adjusted according to individual tolerance and treatment goals.
Other Techniques
Passive mobilization
involves gently applying small movements to a joint, ranging from gentle to firm pressure, with the goal of enhancing range of motion and alleviating pain. This technique is effective in addressing pain originating from deeper joint structures and can also help ease spasms and discomfort in the soft tissues surrounding the joint.
Stretching
is indeed a vital component of physical fitness and injury prevention. Sustained stretches involve holding a particular position for a period, allowing the muscles to gradually lengthen. Contract-relax stretches, or PNF stretches, take it a step further by involving contraction of the muscle before stretching it further, which can help achieve a deeper stretch. These techniques are particularly beneficial for muscles like the trapezius, gluteals, hip flexors, and hamstrings, which can often become tight due to various activities or prolonged periods of sitting. Incorporating stretching into your routine can improve flexibility, range of motion, and overall muscle health.
Manual traction
is a technique that involves applying controlled force with the hands to stretch a joint, thereby increasing the space within the joint. This method is often used in the neck region to alleviate pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. Additionally, it can be applied to peripheral joints such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, ankle, and foot to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Manual traction is typically performed by trained professionals such as physiotherapists and may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions like neck or joint pain, disc herniation, or nerve compression.
Sports Physiotherapy
Sports physiotherapy services are comprehensive and tailored to the unique needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts. The fact that our physiotherapists have experience across a wide range of sports and sports-related injuries speaks of their expertise in this area.
Clinic’s approach of implementing various physiotherapy intervention techniques demonstrates our commitment to providing holistic care, focusing not only on rehabilitation but also on injury prevention. Understanding the physical demands and stress that sports can place on the body is crucial in effectively treating and preventing injuries, and our expert Physiotherapists recognizes and addresses this aspect.
By combining their knowledge of sports-specific injuries with their expertise in physiotherapy, our team can help patients recover from injuries, improve their performance, and minimize the risk of future injuries. This comprehensive approach to sports physiotherapy can greatly benefit athletes of all levels, from recreational to professional, enabling them to stay healthy, active, and competitive in their chosen sports.
Electrotherapy
Incorporates various technologies and techniques aimed at aiding the healing process and relieving pain, the following is often used at discretion of the practitioner
Ultrasound Therapy
This technique employs high-frequency sound waves to generate vibrations and warmth within tissues, which can accelerate the healing process. Ultrasound therapy is particularly effective in stimulating fracture repair when used in low-dose pulsed mode. The vibrations and warmth generated by ultrasound can enhance circulation, promote tissue relaxation, and potentially aid in the breakdown of scar tissue.
Interferential Therapy
Interferential therapy utilizes low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate the nervous system. By inducing therapeutic twitching contractions in muscle tissue, it can help increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain and muscle spasms. Additionally, interferential therapy has been shown to soothe nerves carrying pain messages and trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, into the central nervous system.
Intermittent compression Therapy
This device is used to relieve edema and promote healing, it is recommended to treat the following conditions
- 1. Lymphedema
- 2. Post ankle & knee surgery
- 3. Soft tissue damage
- 4. Achilles tendonitis
Electrotherapy
Exercise program
Recurrence of injury will drastically reduce with implementation of an exercise program. At Ringwood Physiotherapy, we offer manageable exercise programs tailored to patient conditions. This is usually recommended in discretion of the practitioner and whether they believe its implementation will improve patient conditions.
Hand therapy
Chest Physiotherapy
Chest physiotherapy is a specialized area of physiotherapy focused on improving lung function and clearing mucus from the airways. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and after surgery when lung function may be compromised.
Our experienced physiotherapists use a range of evidence-based techniques to support respiratory health. These may include manual techniques like percussion and vibrations to loosen mucus, as well as postural drainage, which involves positioning the body to help drain secretions from the lungs.
The goal of chest physiotherapy is to ease breathing, prevent lung infections, and improve overall oxygen exchange. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, ensuring a safe and effective plan whether the patient is recovering from illness, managing a chronic condition, or preparing for or recovering from surgery.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Commonly referred to as Shockwave Therapy or Radial Shockwave Therapy, is a non-invasive medical treatment used to address various chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Originally developed to treat kidney stones, ESWT has since been adapted for treating conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy.
During ESWT, high-energy acoustic waves are directed at the affected area of the body. These shockwaves penetrate the skin and target the underlying tissue, where they induce microtrauma and initiate the body’s natural healing response. This process can help stimulate blood flow, promote tissue regeneration, and break down scar tissue, ultimately alleviating pain and improving function.
ESWT is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions that have been resistant to other forms of treatment, such as rest, manual therapy, or medication. By providing a non-invasive alternative to surgery, ESWT offers patients a potentially effective option for managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.
It’s important to note that while ESWT has shown promising results for many patients, its efficacy can vary depending on factors such as the specific condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient characteristics. As with any medical intervention, it’s essential for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of ESWT with their healthcare provider to determine if it’s an appropriate treatment option for their condition.
Rehabilitation
Pre and post-operative rehabilitation programs are integral components of the treatment process for individuals undergoing surgical procedures. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in facilitating recovery and restoring optimal function both before and after surgery. Here’s how they contribute to the rehabilitation process:
Pre-operative Rehabilitation
Pre-operative physiotherapy aims to optimize the patient’s physical condition and functional capacity before surgery. By addressing pre-existing impairments, such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, or movement limitations, physiotherapists can help prepare patients for the upcoming procedure and improve their post-operative outcomes. Pre-operative rehabilitation may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, as well as education on post-operative precautions and expectations.
Post-operative Rehabilitation
Following surgery, physiotherapy plays a vital role in promoting recovery, reducing pain, and restoring function. Post-operative rehabilitation programs are tailored to the specific needs of each patient based on the type of surgery performed, the extent of tissue trauma, and individual factors such as age, fitness level, and comorbidities. Physiotherapists use various techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, modalities such as electrotherapy or ultrasound, and functional training to facilitate healing, improve mobility, and enhance overall function. The goals of post-operative rehabilitation may include restoring range of motion, reducing swelling and inflammation, strengthening muscles, improving proprioception and balance, and facilitating a safe return to daily activities and sports.
Early Intervention
Initiating physiotherapy as soon as possible after surgery is essential for maximising the benefits of rehabilitation and minimising complications. Early intervention helps prevent muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and functional decline, promoting faster recovery and facilitating a smoother transition to independence. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans and monitor progress closely throughout the recovery process. By providing personalized guidance, support, and encouragement, physiotherapists empower patients to take an active role in their rehabilitation journey and achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Reduced Postoperative Care
Effective pre- and post-operative rehabilitation can help optimise surgical outcomes and may enable some patients to reduce the duration or intensity of their postoperative care. By promoting faster recovery, improving functional outcomes, and minimizing complications, physiotherapy interventions contribute to a more efficient and comfortable recovery experience for patients undergoing surgery.
Overall, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation programs led by physiotherapists are essential components of comprehensive surgical care, helping patients achieve optimal recovery, restore movement and function, and enhance their quality of life.