Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them to remain independent for as long as possible.

Why physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a degree-based healthcare profession. Physios use their knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as:

• Neurological (brain or spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis)
• Neuromusculoskeletal (back pain, whiplash, ligament injuries, arthritis)
• Cardiovascular (stroke, chronic heart disease)
• Respiratory (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis)

What is a chartered physiotherapist?

The title "Chartered Physiotherapist" and the initials MCSP indicate that a physiotherapist is Health Professions Council (HPC) registered and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

When you attend a Chartered Physiotherapist, you can be sure of:

A professional, scientific approach to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of your complaint, who has qualified with a University degree and who is committed to continuing education and research.

Physiotherapy approaches

Physiotherapists use therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen the affected body area. They need to be repeated regularly, usually daily, for a set number of weeks.

As well as specific exercises, gentle activities such as walking or swimming may be recommended if you are recovering from an operation or sports injury that affects your mobility.

For someone with a mobility problem caused by a condition such as a stroke, a physiotherapist may suggest doing exercise that targets the affected area of the body.

Manual therapy involves using the hands to mobilise joints and soft tissues. It is suitable for most people and can be used to:

• Improve blood circulation
• Help fluid drain from parts of the body more efficiently
• Improve movement of different parts of the body
• Relieve pain and help relaxation

There is evidence to show manual therapy is beneficial in treating some types of musculoskeletal conditions, such as long-term back pain (where the pain lasts for longer than six weeks).

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be offered to you as part of your rehabilitation and pain management programme. Acupuncture is one number of different types of treatment that the physiotherapist can offer and there is good evidence of its effectiveness. Often a physiotherapist will use acupuncture alongside treatments such as exercise, joint mobilisation and general rehabilitation.

Recent research is now supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture, particularly in the management of pain, suggesting that it is effective in the treatment of low back pain, neck pain and knee osteoarthritis.

Our Physiotherapists use Acupuncture to help with pain management and other conditions such as fertility problems.

What does acupuncture treatment involve?

Your acupuncturist will use sterile, single use needles. The needles are fine (a lot finer than an injection needle) and they are inserted quickly through the skin and into the tissues. Acupuncture needling should not be painful although some people do experience a pinprick or scratch like sensation.

How many treatments are needed?

Research suggests that for a longstanding condition such as lower back pain, a course of 6 - 10 treatments is required to achieve the best results. If after a course of 4 treatments your symptoms remain the same, it is unlikely that acupuncture will help you.

Some people experience lasting relief of symptoms especially when used to manage a recent acute problem. Your physiotherapist will discuss your individual management plan. Acupuncture treatments may vary depending on the condition being treated and how you respond to treatment.

Your treatment will be tailor-made to you and your condition.

Is it safe?

Members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) are required to train to a minimum standard and are bound by professional codes of conduct through Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health Professions Council (HPC).

Acupuncture is safer than many of the drug treatments used. However, any procedure that involves inserting needles into the body has some potential problems, but these remain minimal and will be discussed with you.

Hypnotherapy & Hypnobirthing

Hypnotherapy is used to assist people in breaking free of any problems that keep on spoiling you everyday life in some way. Hypnotherapy can help people to deal and cope effectively with the pressures and stress of modern day living. Hypnotherapy is not just about problems it is about effortless change, getting in touch with why you are the way you are, and who you want to be.

Hypnobirthing is logical, simple, practical and very effective, a complete antenatal education. It makes a difference to your experience of giving birth and gives you the tools to give your baby the best possible start in life. Hypnobirthing changes and empowers both the mother and father, and has the most profound effect on the body which lasts a lifetime.

To book an appointment please contact:-
Compass Physiotherapy Clinic
Tel: 0151 928 5445
Mob: 07725731073

Reiki

During a Reiki treatment, the practitioner directs healing universal energy called Qi, to several areas of the body. This helps to activate the natural healing processes of the body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

Reiki can relieve pain and acute symptoms quite rapidly while more chronic problems may require more extensive treatment.