Muscle and Joint Pain
Joint Specific Mobilisation and Manipulation
All joints in the body have been designed to move in a certain way for optimal functioning of the body as a whole. When a person experiences pain, discomfort or has decreased mobility in their joints, caused by many different factors including an autoimmune disease, immobility, pain or injury, it is necessary to retrain and move the joints in the correct pattern again. A Physiotherapist is highly qualified to be able to regain movement in joints and retrain correct movement patterns with the use of joint specific mobilisations or manipulations. This can increase range of movement of the joint, decrease pain and improve the patient's quality of life.
Soft Tissue Techniques
Soft tissue techniques can alter muscle fibres, tendon and ligament fibre orientation and connective tissue tensile strength.
Myofascial release specifically targets the muscle fibres, releasing taut bands, muscle spasms and stretching stiff muscles.
Massage is a superficial technique used to relax muscles in tension and prevent severe DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness).
Cross Frictions is a deep technique most commonly performed on muscle tendons close to the musculo-tendinous junction to correct the fibre alignment and break down any thickenings or adhesions in the tendon.
Dry needling therapy
Dry Needling involves insertion of a filament needle into the muscle in the region of a trigger point/muscle spasm. The aim of Dry Needling is to achieve a local twitch response to release muscle tension and pain.
Electrotherapy
(Ultrasound, Interferential Therapy, TENS Machine, Electrical Stimulation)
Electrotherapy is a unique treatment used by Physiotherapists to aid in the reduction of pain and discomfort which simultaneously helps increased blood flow and healing in the treated area. Different machines and types of electrotherapy are used to treat specific conditions ranging from pain, scar tissue healing, sinusitis and acute injuries. This method of treatment is very versatile and a physiotherapist is trained in all its aspects to maintain the best results for the patient.
Posture Correction
Posture correction is part of almost every Physiotherapy treatment. It is vital for any rehabilitation of a patient ranging from a sportsperson, admin officer or the elderly. Correct posture creates the platform for all movement and if there is a problem with a person's posture it could cause a ripple effect of pain and dysfunction in many different parts of the body. Physiotherapists are trained to correct any postural defects from the neck, back, shoulders, knees or feet. This can include stretches, strengthening exercises, re-education of stabilisers and body awareness.
Tempero-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Treatment and Jaw Rehabilitation
Headaches, jaw and neck pain can be caused by a stiff TMJ. Not many people are aware that physiotherapy can help decrease this pain by mobilising the TMJ, using dry needling therapy around the jaw and TMJ and exercises can be given to maintain good jaw range of movement and prevent future stiffness. People who clench their teeth at night can also benefit from the exercises to help relax the jaw and surrounding muscles.
Kinesio tape
Kinesio Tape is rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body's natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion. This tape is used to aid in rehabilitation of a muscle/joint, pain management and to manage swelling or edema.
Rehabilitation
An exercise or a rehabilitation programme is administered to each patient to meet his or her individual needs. This may be to manage an injury, acute or chronic pain, stress, chest conditions or a sports related injury.
