Functional Training
Our physiotherapists use knowledge of human anatomy coupled with extensive knowledge of human movement to establish movement impairments associated with pain and dysfunction.
Poor biomechanics result in movement mistakes and performance compensations. Our therapists isolate these faults and create functional programs to correct body alignment, muscle coordination and posture. These programmes integrate the areas of strengthening, flexibility, endurance, power and speed. We use integrated exercises in multiple planes that incorporate acceleration, deceleration and stabilisation. This multi-joint and multi-plane focus recruits several muscle groups to achieve the desired adaptive response. Our focus is to train the body with regimes based on function, life and recreational demands. We aim to be sports and life ‘appropriate’ with our regimes rather than purely muscle specific
‘Improving motor/movement patterns will improve performance’
As part of our assessment you may undergo several movement screen tests. These help isolate impairments and are also useful tools in demonstrating performance gains. These screens include:
- Deep squat
- Hurdle step
- In-line lunge
- Active straight leg raise
- Seated rotation
- Overhead reach
Manual Therapy
Manual, manipulative physiotherapy is the management of orthopaedic conditions using manual, hands-on therapeutic approaches. These include passive movement of joints and carefully controlled manually guided high velocity low amplitude thrust techniques (manipulation). These techniques are utilised to improve physiological function and range of motion at joints. Other manual techniques include soft tissue mobilisation, manual stretching and neural glides.
Some Manipulative/Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists have enhanced their knowledge and investigative skills by studying for postgraduate qualifications. These practitioners have acquired qualifications that equip them with the tools for advanced diagnosis and treatment.
While all physiotherapists can help relieve a wide range of painful conditions, a manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapist has advanced skills in treating musculoskeletal problems. In conjunction with manual, hands –on therapeutic techniques manual therapists will also provide corrective exercise regimes to facilitate maximum return to function and optimal recovery.
Before any treatment is initiated our therapists will complete a comprehensive subjective history allowing for continuous clinical-reasoning that is followed with a thorough physical examination.
Treatments
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is used in the treatment of pain and dysfunction associated with myofascial problems. Myofascial concerns included problems of the muscle and fascia. Fascia is connective tissue. It interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibres, creating a unique environment for the body to function. Muscle functions to create movement, stabilise and maintain posture of the skeleton.
Dysfunction of these systems can result in musculoskeletal strain disorders such as back and neck pain, postural strain patterns and some types of headache. It is associated with muscle strains, overuse type injuries, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, chronic stress injuries, as well as trauma recovery and tissue repair.
Dry needling uses very fine needles that are inserted through the skin to an appropriate pain associated region. It works by changing how your body senses pain (neurological effect) but also by having a mechanical response at an irritable site. Physicians Travell and Simons described ‘Trigger Points’ as sites of hyperirritability within muscle groups. These tender spots may be painful on compression, give rise to referred pain and tenderness. They can alter movement and on some occasions be associated with autonomic symptoms.
Chartered Physiotherapists at Prem1er Physiotherapy are specifically trained in Dry Needling techniques. Our expertly trained therapists will provide you with a detailed explanation on the treatment approach and expected outcome prior to initiating a treatment.
