Services

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a specific form of therapy which is delivered as a hands on treatment as opposed to by a machine or device. Pressure may be placed by the hands upon muscle tissue/tendons/ligaments and joints may be mobilized in order to decrease pain which is brought about by muscle spasm, muscle tension and joint dysfunction. There are many different aspects to manual therapy.

Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)

Following injury or immobilization soft tissue structures such as muscle, tendons and/or ligaments may be dysfunctional. The goals of soft tissue mobilization are to break down and/or reduce fibrous tissue (more commonly know as scar tissue), decrease pain, increase range of motion and decrease inflammation. All the effects of STM lead to the increase of the correct functioning of the soft tissue structures.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy that is used to treat painful muscles and restricted range of movement. The word myofascial refers to muscle and to the fascia that surrounds every muscle fiber. Pressure is applied by the thumb, elbow or other tools directly to the muscle in order to slowly stretch the restricted fascia and bring about changes in the myofascial structures.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are tiny knots that may develop in a muscle when it is injured or overworked. Usually these areas can be quite sensitive and in some cases when a trigger point is active pain may be felt away from the site that is causing the problem, e.g. a trigger point on a muscle on your shoulder blade may refer pain down the arm. Treatment involves applying direct pressure to the trigger point until the taut band or knot is broken down. Dry Needling is also a highly effective treatment.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization passive movement performed by the therapist on a joint in order to relieve pain or restore motion. Joint mobilizations are classified in 5 grades which range from I – V. Grade I-II are small oscillatory motions are carried out on the joint that do not stretch the capsule that surrounds the joint or other soft tissue structures. Grade III-IV are larger oscillatory or sustained motions while grade V is the same a joint manipulation.

Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is the practice of inserting a solid filament (acupuncture) needle into the skin and directly into a myofacial trigger point which is located within the muscle. Trigger points are tiny knots that develop in a muscle when it is injured or overworked.

Why is the muscle causing pain?

A muscle in spasm becomes a damaged muscle as there is a reduction in blood flow. This reduction in blood flow leads to a reduction in oxygen and nutrients entering the muscle. Muscle fibres then die off and are replaced by fibrous scar tissue which leads to the tightening of the muscle and continued spasm and pain.

What dysfunctions does it work on?

Dry needling can be used for a variety of chronic and acute musculoskeletal problems, such as hamstring strains, back pain, calf strains, muscle spasms, sciatic pain, headaches, shoulder pain and repetitive strain injuries.

Electrotherapy

Interferential therapy is the application of low frequency electrical current to stimulate nerve activity. This is designed to give you pain relief and increase blood flow to the injured area of your body. Ultrasound is often used by physiotherapists to reduce pain, increase circulation and increase mobility of soft tissues. Additionally, the application of ultrasound can be helpful in the reduction of inflammation, reducing pain and the healing of injuries and wounds.

Pilates

If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. Pilates’ system allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced. Intensity can be increased over time as the body adapts itself to the exercises. Pilates exercises can be used as a part of a rehab program following certain injuries or in a class setting. Classes are currently cancelled until it is safe to restart.