Treatments

T.E.N.S.– Transcutaneous (means thru the skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a counterirritant that reduces the Brains perception of pain. As such less pain results in less protective muscle spasm and stiffness.

Ultrasound produces mechanical sound waves which penetrate thru the skin. These waves result in movement of fluid in the tissues. It’s mechanical effects are very useful in reducing swelling following soft tissue injury. The gentle heat it causes eases pain and protective muscle spasm.

Even though the effects of these Electro-physical agents are only temporary, their use allows the patient to move with less pain and restriction. When used in conjunction with active and passive exercise they make it easier for the patient to rehabilitate.

Dry Needling is a form of acupuncture practiced by physiotherapist.

Prolonged muscular tension leads to the development of “Trigger Points” in the muscle.

These trigger points are a bundle of pain sensitive fibres that can refer pain to different parts of the body. They also make it impossible for the affected muscle to relax fully.

The insertion of an acupuncture needle into one of these trigger points allows the relaxation of the trigger point and thus the muscle as a whole.

Once these muscles relax, the physiotherapist will further prescribe active stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent them from returning.

Massage is very useful in relieving muscular tension.

It is also used to encourage lymphatic drainage and thus reduces swelling associated with soft tissue injury.

Other forms of massage, Soft Tissue Release Techniques are effective at releasing tight muscle fibres and Trigger Points.

Taping may be Dynamic or Passive

Dynamic Taping is the use of Kinesiology tape (Rocktape R), to support injured structures. The tape lifts the skin to stimulate the body’s proprioceptive sense, thus facilitating protective muscular activity around the injury. It encourages normal movement.

Static Taping is the use of Zinc Oxide tape (Sports Tape R). This is used to support injured tissues and restrict movement eg. to protect a sprained ankle.

Hydrotherapy is the use of specific, graduated, therapeutic exercise in a aquatic environment that is specially designed for the activity. The pool needs to be temperature neutral (37 degrees Celsius), have easy and safe access and ample railing for support. For more details see our Hydrotherapy page.

Manipulative Therapy is practiced by physiotherapists who have undergone special post graduate training in the field. It is the use of passive movement techniques to relieve pain and muscle spasm, and restore normal movement of all the joints of the body.

These include those of the limbs, the spine and even the jaw.

Manual techniques fall into two categories, Joint Mobilising and Joint Manipulation.

Joint Mobilising is the use of gentle, repeated, passive movement applied by the therapist for an extended period of time.

Joint Manipulation is a High Velocity Thrust technique applied at the end of joint range which is often met with an audible “Pop or Crack“.

As these techniques have different affects, they may be used in isolation or combination, depending on the therapist’s assessment of the patient’s condition.

Manipulative Therapy is extremely effect in restoring the patient’s normal function.

Stretching exercises fall into two categories, Active Stretching and Passive Stretching.

Active Stretching is where the patient uses their own muscles actively to stretch the opposing muscle group. (eg. using quadricepts to stretch Hamstring muscles).

Passive Stretching is where the patient relaxes the muscle to be stretched and applies an external force to stretch it. (eg. leaning against a wall to stretch the calf).

Both types of stretching have a different affects and may be used in isolation or combination depending on the condition being treated.

Real Time Ultrasound Imaging is the use ultrasound imaging to view and assess the ability of the patients to activate certain muscle groups. This is extremely useful in the rehabilitation of Low Back Pain and Women’s Health Conditions.

RTUI is used as a biofeedback to re-education the patient’s control of specific muscles. Core muscles such as Transverses Abdominus, Multifidus and the Pelvic Floor muscles can be imaged while the patient is performing specific exercises to improve their activation.

It is a vital tool in the first step to returning to normal and pain free function.

Pilate’s exercises were first devised by Josef Pilates in the early 1930’s in New York, while treating dancers in Broadway. He developed the now famous Pilates Reformer to perform therapeutic exercises to prevent the overuse injuries associated with dance.

Since the 1990’s Australian Physiotherapists have modified this approach into a structured regime of specific exercise concentrating on improving core strength, stability and generalized flexibility.
Clinical Pilates supervised by Physiotherapist is a very useful tool in the rehabilitation of the Spine and most other Musculoskeletal injuries.

Specific Floor Exercises are vital in any rehabilitation program. They generally consist of stretching and strengthening exercises that are convenient and easy to do regularly in the gym and at home.

They often consist of specific core strengthening and posture correction exercises.

The physiotherapist will assess as to what the biomechanical problems are and devise a exercise program to correct these mechanical defects, so as to prevent re-injury.

Weight training and Aerobic Fitness Training are a big part of the rehabilitative process.

Often after injury there is an initial period of resting and guarding of the damaged tissues. Pain, swelling and protective muscle spasm will lead to stiffness and weakness.

During this time muscle strength and condition is lost very quickly.

An absence from work or sport rapidly results in a loss of general fitness.

General strength and fitness can be regained with task specific exercises in the gym, pool or on the bike.

Our gym programs will include weight training to increase strength and muscle mass, but also aerobic exercises such as bike, treadmill, cross trainer and rowing machine to increase aerobic fitness.

Once the patient has progressed down the recovery path, and has good strength, endurance, flexibility and balance, it is important to correct any biomechanical faults.

Functional re-training is vital and should be task specific. These tasks may be work related, sport related or activities of daily living.

The physiotherapist will identify any movement dysfunction. Abnormal movement patterns can often be corrected by repeatedly practicing the correct biomechanics.