Physical AssessmentA visual physical assessment will be carried out and then a more detailed investigation via specific ACTIVE movements by the patient (e.g; walking, squatting etc) and PASSIVE movements of the patient, controlled and carried out by the therapist (e.g; joint range of motion or muscle strength). Checking movement patterns such as walking and squatting as well as static posture can give a more holistic picture of the patient and indicate areas possibly needing attention, to the therapist.
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Therapy TreatmentAs a Sports Therapist and Soft Tissue Therapist there are a wide variety of techniques that can be utilised as part of a treatment approach, and I will select the appropriate methods to achieve the desired outcome for the patient. No doubt a large part of the treatment will be treating the 'soft tissue' (muscles, tendons, ligaments), through hands on therapy, though this is not usually a 'passive' treatment and the patient will likely be asked to assume certain postures or movements to best allow the therapist to treat specific areas of the body. Think of the term 'Massage with Motion'.
A selection of therapy treatment types used
Massage (Soft Tissue Therapy): Soft Tissue Therapy is the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is applicable not just to sports people but to anybody wishing to guard against or recover from a soft tissue injury. The techniques used by soft tissue therapists have been developed to ensure effective and efficient results are gained from each massage given. Soft Tissue Therapy may:
More information about Soft Tissue Therapy HERE Joint Mobilisation (Osteopathic Techniques): Joint Mobilisation is a manual therapy technique comprising a continuum of skilled passive movements to the joint complex that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, that may include a small-amplitude/ high-velocity therapeutic movement (manipulation) with the intent to restore optimal motion, function, and/ or to reduce pain. More information about Joint Mobilisation HERE MET's (Muscle Energy Techniques): Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a technique is a form of manual therapy, widely used in Osteopathy, that uses a muscle’s own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via autogenic or reciprocal inhibition and lengthen the muscle. As compared to static stretching which is a passive technique in which the therapist does all the work, MET is an active technique in which the patient is also an active participant. More information about MET's HERE Myofascial or Sports Cupping (RockPods): Cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine using a special cup directly on the skin for a short period of time to create suction. Rockpods, are medical grade silicone cups designed to create myofascial decompression. Using negative pressure (the suction), the cup targets a specific area to create a lift or space (fascial decompression) and introduces neurosensory stimulation to the tissue. It can be used for many reported purposes, including:
More information about Cupping Therapy HERE TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): TENS (a.k.a; Electrical-stimulation) uses electrical pulses to mimic the action of signals coming from neurons (cells in your nervous system). These mild electrical currents target either muscles or nerves. E-stim therapy for muscle recovery sends signals to targeted muscles to make them contract. By causing repeated muscle contractions, blood flow improves, helping repair injured muscles. The type of e-stim that focuses on pain relief sends signals on a different wavelength so they reach the nerves, rather than the muscles. Electrical stimulation can block pain receptors from being sent from nerves to the brain. More information about TENS and EMS HERE Kinesiology Taping: Kinesio Taping Method is a therapeutic tool utilised by injury rehabilitation specialists. The idea of using elastic tape to mimic the therapist's hands was first presented by Dr Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. Since then, it became the modality used in pain management, soft tissue injury, tissues and joints malalignment, oedema, and more. More information about Kinesiology Taping HERE |
Exercise PrescriptionThe primary goals are to help you recover faster, prevent re-injury and develop resilience. Rehabilitation exercise aims to bring back full function following injury through restoring muscle strength, endurance, power, and improving flexibility. A therapist can achieve these results by carefully selecting and planning various exercises and drills for each client.
Rehabilitation is as important as treatment following any injury but is often forgotten. It is really important to understand that injuries will improve and heal more successfully if an exercise plan is followed. However, every person responds differently and healing times will vary The main thing to remember is that prevention is better than cure and a good, well thought out rehabilitation plan will help keep injuries at bay. Combining sports massage and exercise rehabilitation following an injury is a fantastic way to get back to fitness quickly and to prevent further injuries from happening.
Rehab Guru is a tried and tested Home Exercise Prescribing platform trusted by sole-practitioners, private practices, the NHS, PMIs, and the UK Ministry of Defence. It contains over 5500+ exercises |
Please get in touch so we can discuss your needs and to take your first step towards recovery and pain free sport and exercise once more
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