Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists help people to improve their range of movement in order to promote health and wellbeing. This can help people to live more independently.

In particular, physiotherapists concentrate on problems that affect muscles, bones, the heart, circulation and lungs.

Physiotherapy involves a range of treatments, including manipulation, massage, exercise, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy.

Is Physiotherapy right for you?

Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial if you are suffering from lower back pain, neck pain, recent injuries such as strains and sprains, or joint and muscular pain.

What will happen next?

At your appointment, the physiotherapist will ask you some questions and discuss your problem with you. This will enable them to make a decision about how best to assist you.

You will be either given advice to help you manage your condition or a follow-up appointment, referred to a more appropriate service or discharged.

Unfortunately, this service does not extend to under 16s, or people who have neurological, breathing, or gynaecological problems.

What can I do to help myself?

Research has shown that resting for more than a day or so does not help and may actually prolong pain and disability.

You may need to modify your activities initially, but the sooner you get back to normal activity, the sooner you will feel better. Getting stiff joints and muscles working can be painful, but this is a normal response and not a sign of damage.

Feeling a bit sore initially is also normal and often a good sign that you are making progress.

Changing your position or activity frequently throughout the day will help to prevent and reduce stiffness. Try to build up your general activity gradually.

Will painkillers help?

Over the counter painkillers can be helpful. A pharmacist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate tablets for you. If your symptoms continue to worsen you may wish to consult your GP

Hot or Cold?

If you have an old injury, you may find that placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, on the affected area for 10 minutes reduces your pain.

For a recent injury such as a (hot and swollen joint), you can use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel for 10 minutes.

Be aware that hot and cold can burn and that you need to check (every five minutes) that your skin does not become very red or blotchy. If this happens, remove the pack

Do not use heat or ice if you have:

• Blood/circulation problems
• A heart condition and you are applying the heat/ice to the upper part of your body
• Broken/thin skin or an unhealed wound to the area you are applying the heat/ice
• A patch which delivers drugs into your system in the area you are applying heat/ice,
• Diminished skin sensation
• Unstable medical conditions eg. diabetes, epilepsy.

Contact us

For all enquiries please contact 01226 644858.