PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy is an allied medical profession. Physiotherapists qualify with a Bachelor of Science degree, often study further in their chosen discipline and are required to maintain their academic and manual skills with regular CPD (continuous professional development) courses.

At Southfields Physiotherapy we specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. You can find more information about this under our Scope Of Practice section.

Duty of care:

At Southfields physiotherapy we endeavour to provide a thorough and professional service that involves:

• A thorough clinical assessment of your condition
• Establishing the cause of the problem and providing a likely diagnosis
• An explanation of the condition
• Recommending appropriate treatment
• Establishing treatment aims and goals
• Carrying out hands-on treatment
• Prescribing an individualised exercise programme
• Providing exercise hand-outs
• Advising on the management and prevention of recurrences of your condition
• Communicating with your GP or specialist as appropriate

Treatment techniques:

The physiotherapists will use a variety of techniques or modalities to treat your condition, including:

• Soft tissue mobilisations (Massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release)
• Passive joint mobilisations
• Manipulation (high velocity thrusts)
• Electrotherapy modalities (Ultrasound, interferential)
• Acupuncture and dry-needling
• Strengthening (Clinical Pilates, core stability training, resistance training)
• Stretching
• Advice (Pain management, positioning, home exercises, ergonomics)

What to expect:

• On arrival at the clinic you will be asked to fill in a form asking for your personal details, a basic medical questionnaire and consent to treatment
• Your physiotherapist will greet you and see you to a private consultation room
• You will be asked a series of specific questions relating to your condition
• A thorough clinical examination will be carried out and the findings recorded
• A diagnosis will be made which will be discussed with you and a treatment plan will be recommended
• The aims and goals of the treatment plan will be agreed and treatment will usually commence on the first session

What to bring:

• Your GP or specialist referral letter
• Any investigations and reports e.g: X-rays and MRI scans
• If BUPA is your private medical insurer, your membership and authorisation numbers
• If appropriate please bring your sports shoes/trainers
• A pair of shorts should you feel uncomfortable being assessed in your underwear

EXERCISE REHABILITATION

Exercise rehabilitation refers to the specific and appropriate prescription of exercises for a specific injury or problem. Your Chartered Physiotherapist is trained to prescribe and teach the correct exercises to help you recover fully from your injury.

Our aim is to ensure that you will return to your usual daily activities and/or sport without the risk of re-injury.

Rehabilitation exercises include stretches, strengthening exercises, core stability exercises, endurance training and neuromuscular skills (such as balance and agility exercises). These will be prescribed and monitored during your treatment sessions in addition to your manual treatment.

Exercise rehabilitation is particularly appropriate following sports injuries, such as ankle sprains or pulled hamstrings and following orthopaedic surgery, such as ACL reconstructions and shoulder stabilisation procedures.