Physiotherapy Treatment Methods
Your first visit to Fountain Physiotherapy consists of a full musculoskeletal examination and the formation of a clinical diagnosis. Following this the physiotherapist will outline your treatment plan and estimate the number and frequency of appointments you will require.
Subjective Assessment
At your initial visit you will be asked questions regarding your general health, medical history and current complaint. You will be asked about how the problem started, where your symptoms occur, what aggravates them and what eases them. We will also determine what aims you have regarding your treatment.
Physical Assessment
A physical examination will take place which, in addition to determining which structure is causing the problem, seeks to discover what factors may be contributing to it. The physiotherapist will then examine the areas involved. If the spine or legs need to be examined please bring shorts to change into.
Diagnosis & Explanation
Your condition/problem will be diagnosed and the physiotherapist will explain why you are getting the problem. Often we will use models of the joint and muscles involved so that we leave you with a clear idea about what is going on. This is, in some ways, the most important aspect of the first session and we will endeavour to answer all your questions.
Treatment & Treatment Options
The physiotherapist will then discuss with you the options available to treat your problem. We will explain what techniques we can use, and where possible, suggest the different treatments available. This will enable you to make an informed choice regarding your treatment options. We will then tell you how many treatments we expect you will require. The Fountain physiotherapists believe there is a great importance in helping you understand your problem and how best to help it both within the treatment room and outside it. That is you will also receive advice on potentially necessary changes to your lifestyle that may speed up recovery and prevent recurrence.
The first session often involves treating the problem as well as assessing it.
Follow Up
If you need more sessions we will book them at your convenience. Our aim is your quick recovery, and as little disruption as possible to your life.
Manual Therapy
The physiotherapists at Fountain Health specialise in manual therapy. This consists of an analytical way of thinking, continuous evaluation and assessment, highly skilled manipulative treatment techniques and a total commitment to each patient. The therapy comprises a specific approach involving detailed examination, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of conditions which cause pain and movement problems.
As is clearly implied by the term ‘manual therapy’ this is a ‘hands on’ treatment. Back problems, for example, can be precisely identified and the joints of the spine specifically mobilized and treated. This type of therapy is also very effective in the treatment of other joints. Hip, knee and shoulder problems can, for example, be treated to reduce pain and improve movement and function.
Treatment Methods Include:
- Manual joint mobilization and manipulation
- Techniques to improve the mobility and function of the nerves
- Stretching and/or strengthening of muscle
- Explanation of the mechanisms of the problem and advice to help ensure the long term success of your treatment
- Training in posture and everyday movements and preferred sports
- Exercises and advice to promote self management
Throughout the treatment the physiotherapist will continually monitor the progress made to make certain that the most effective methods are used to bring about an improvement as quickly as possible.
