Sports Physiotherapy
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sport Specific Strapping
Strapping and taping techniques can help prevent injury as well as protect the athlete from re-injury whilst returning to sport and provide compression to a recently injured joint
Sport Specific Rehabilitation
We treat patients who have suffered from a sport injury, pain or need to adapt their technique to enhance performance. The patient is evaluated and an individualised treatment programme is worked out according to their specific needs. Rehabilitation is a key component in any sportsperson (elite or social athlete) after an injury or painful experience. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in decreasing pain, locating the source of the pain or problem, correcting technique to prevent future injuries and strengthening specific muscles to prevent re-injury. The Physiotherapist will also refer the patient to other professionals if needed.
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.
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.
EMG machine
An EMG is a device used for evaluating and recording the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. This is used for the rehabilitation of muscle activation, strength and endurance during a rehabilitation program.
Sensorimotor Rehabilitation
A dysfunction in the sensorimotor control of the neck may be present after a whiplash type injury or a period of prolonged pain in the neck. In other words, there is a dysfunction in the proprioception/balance of the neck that may lead to further neck pain and dizziness. There are specific rehabilitation exercises such as strengthening of deep neck stabilisers and retraining the balance/proprioception of the neck to restore normal sensorimotor control of the neck.
