Physiotherapy

Choosing physiotherapy can offer numerous benefits for individuals of all ages and activity levels seeking to improve their physical health and manage various conditions. Physiotherapy is effective in alleviating acute and chronic pain, such as back pain, joint pain, and sports injuries, without the need for medications. After surgery  or injury, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function through tailored exercise programs. Physiotherapy techniques can enhance mobility and flexibility, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with greater ease and reduce stiffness. For athletes, physiotherapy can optimize performance through injury prevention strategies, strength training, and functional movement assessments.

Modern acupuncture, often practiced by physiotherapists, incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques with contemporary understanding of anatomy, physiology, and neurobiology. Similar to traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points, but physiotherapists may also use additional techniques like dry needling, which targets trigger points in muscles. Physiotherapists blend acupuncture with other modalities like manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment often focuses on improving physical function, reducing pain and swelling, and facilitating rehabilitation. Physiotherapists performing acupuncture undergo specific training and certification to ensure safety and efficacy, adhering to established professional standards.

Cupping can be an effective complementary treatment modality in physiotherapy when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Cupping therapy  involves placing cups (typically glass cups) on the skin to create a vacuum suction using a hand pump. This method is often used by physiotherapists to help relieve pain associated with various musculoskeletal issues, improve circulation, and promote muscle relaxation and healing. Treatment time typically last between 5 to 15 minutes. After removing the cups, the skin may appear red or have circular marks, which is normal and caused by the suction action on the skin. Cupping therapy may not be suitable for everyone, including those with certain health conditions or skin issues.  

Shockwave therapy, often referred as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment technique used by physiotherapists to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder tendinopathy, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow and chronic pain conditions. Shockwave therapy involves the use of high-energy sound waves that are delivered to the affected area. These sound waves create mechanical stress on the tissues, which in return promotes increased blood flow, stimulates the production of collagen, and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. It may also help in reducing pain and inflammation without the need for surgery or medication. The process is generally well-tolerated, though patients may experience some discomfort during treatment. Soreness post-treatment  in the treated area is also common and usually subsides within a few days. Each session typically lasts a few minutes and may require multiple visits, depending on the severity and nature of the condition. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone; individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, infections, coagulation disorders and cancer) should avoid this treatment. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate.

The MR4 LaserStim is a device that combines low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with electrical stimulation to promote healing and pain relief. This technology  is often used in physiotherapy  and rehabilitation settings to treat various conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., back pain, neck pain), joint disorders (e.g., arthritis), sports injuries, tendonitis and bursitis, post-operative recovery and scar healing. This non-invasive dual therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light that penetrates the skin and stimulate cellular activity potentially reducing inflammation and pain in targeted areas. The therapy also promotes increased circulation, enhanced tissue regeneration and improved cellular repair and recovery. Sessions typically last a few minutes and are completely painless with almost no side effects. Treatment frequency can vary; some patients may require several sessions per week for optimal results. While MR4 LaserStim therapy is generally suitable for various age groups, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain conditions such as cancer or pregnancy. It is vital to consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a person experiences a blow to the head or body, resulting in a rapid movement of the brain within the skull. This can lead to various symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, and cognitive impairments. Physiotherapy approach for concussion includes a thorough evaluation to identify symptoms, including physical, cognitive, and emotional responses as well as an assessment of balance and vestibular function. Treatments  of concussions are focused on symptom management and strategies for fatigue management and cognitive load management. Treatments also include targeted exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and dizziness symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunction. Exercises may include gaze stabilization, balance training, and habituation exercises that aim to reduce sensitivity to motion. The physiotherapist can also educate the patient about concussion, including symptom management and the importance of rest and gradual return to daily activities or physical activities and sports. Other vestibular-related issues such as vertigo, Menières's disease and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can also be treated in physiotherapy.