Physiotherapy Clinics in Central London

Headaches, especially migraine headaches, could be too severe to even perform simple tasks. It is a disabling condition which could affect a person’s life. Migraine headaches are centrally-mediated pain disorder which means it is a disorder of the central nervous system involving the brain, spinal cord and nerves. A person with a migraine could have muscle and joint problems aside from classic symptoms like blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds, nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness.

How physiotherapy can help with headache

Migraine cures are mostly elusive and may even be too risky. Migraine medications can affect the central nervous system causing terrible side effects. Physiotherapy could help manage pain and address any joint or muscle injuries as a result of migraine headaches

Diagnosing headaches

A physio will first assess your condition to check if your headache is due to a health condition. He will also formulate a complete health history assessment to effectively create a management plan for your headache or a migraine headache. A physical assessment will also be done before any treatment is given.

Headache treatments

There are certain physical therapy techniques that can help with migraine pain especially with the initial onset of headaches. There are techniques that can reduce the intensity of the pain at least temporarily.

Physiotherapists can teach patients how to utilise special techniques such as ice and relaxation to reduce pain. The patient’s family members may also be taught simple massage techniques or manual cervical traction.

Usually, migraine headaches are accompanied by a certain feeling of tightness and discomfort along the neck area. This tension is thought to be secondary to migraine headaches and not the initial cause of migraines. A physio can teach simple stretching exercises that reduce pain along the area.

Repetitive strain injury or RSI is a term used to describe pain from the muscles, nerves and tendons that are due to repetitive movement and the overuse of these tissues. RSI may also be called work-related upper limb disorder or non-specific upper limb pain. This condition mostly affects the upper parts of the body such as the forearms and elbows, wrists and hands and neck and shoulders,

RSI symptoms happen gradually as the limb or part is used over and over again. There is pain or tenderness, stiffness, numbness or cramping on the affected area. Symptoms often appear only when the particular repetitive task is done but gradually, the symptoms appear even when a person is rested. Pain may be experienced for longer period of time.

How physiotherapy can help with repetitive strain injuries

Physiotherapy can help with effective, drug-free management of pain, numbness and stiffness along the affected area. A physio may provide techniques on good posture and how to strengthen the affected muscles and the muscles and ligaments that support the affected part. Physiotherapy can help relieve symptoms of pain together with massage, yoga and other natural pain management techniques.

Diagnosing repetitive strain injuries

Before a physio provides treatment for RSI, he will first check if the pain, numbness or stiffness is caused by a medical illness or health condition. A complete health history will be taken and this will help your physio to create a more effective RSI management plan.

Repetitive strain injuries treatments

A physio will recommend muscle strengthening exercises to support the affected part. He will also recommend posture changes and the use or ergonomic furniture to reduce pain caused by repetitive strain injuries.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two types of arthritis which share similar characteristics but may also differ in symptoms and treatment. Osteoarthritis is due to the mechanical wear and tear of joints while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition wherein the body’s own immune system attacks the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis begins any time and symptoms could worsen in just weeks or months. Joints are usually painful, stiff and swollen and affect the small and large joints on both sides of the body. Meanwhile, osteoarthritis usually begins later in life and symptoms develop slowly. The joints in osteoarthritis ache and may be tender but there is little or no swelling seen. Symptoms start on one side of the body and gradually spread to the other side.

How physiotherapy can help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 

Physiotherapy techniques can help patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in many ways. A physio can create management strategies to reduce pain as well as exercise routines that will help bring back the physical functioning and range of motion of a joint. A physio can work together with the medical team in formulating medical and physical treatments for the patient.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

A physio collaborates with the medical team in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. He will complete a medical profile or history to be able to more effectively create a treatment plan for your condition. Clinical examinations, imaging such as X-rays and MRI can confirm the presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis treatments

A physio will be able to help reduce pain and regain the mobility of the affected joint with the use of physiotherapy techniques without pharmacological treatments. A physio will assist the patient in performing exercises that will restore the movement of the affected part. A physio can train the patient or a family member to correctly perform the exercises at home. Aside from manual therapy and exercise, other techniques such as massage therapy and heat therapy.

Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged or diseased joint and replacing it with a new one usually made of an artificial material. Sometimes the entire joint or only the damaged part is removed and replaced. The surgery is done by an orthopaedic surgeon.

The most common joint that undergoes replacement surgery is the hip joint. Other joints that are surgically replaced are the shoulders, ankles, elbows and fingers. Joints are usually replaced because of diseases, injuries, arthritis and other diseases and only a doctor can advise if joints need to be replaced.

How physiotherapy can help patients after joint replacement surgery

Physiotherapy can help manage pain and improve mobility after joint replacement surgery. Physios collaborate with other members of the medical staff in reducing post-operative pain and to reduce complications of surgery. A joint replacement post op management plan is usually created. A patient progresses through the plan according to his presentation which is assessed by his physio throughout the treatment.

Joint surgery post op goals

Immediately after the patient is discharged after surgery, a physio will likely conduct home visits and collaborate with the patient and his family member regarding home exercises and various treatments. A physio starts with gentle mobilisation of the joint including muscle conditioning to support the movement of the joint, reduce pain and oedema on the surgical site.

In the upcoming weeks, the physio continues with a home program using functional and aerobic exercises. He will assist the patient until he is able to perform simple tasks and movements at home. A physio will recommend progressing from a home gym set up to taking up sports and other outdoor activities. He will continue to assist the patient as necessary and only advise the patient to progress to move complicated movements and activities according to the patient’s presentation.

Engaging in sports keeps the body healthy and the mind sound. Sports also encourage a more active lifestyle, however, there are a few downsides of sport and that is sports injuries.

How physiotherapy can help with sports injuries

Physiotherapy techniques are very effective for lower back pain as well as upper or middle back pain. If you consult a physiotherapist as soon as you experience pain, you will be able to quickly recover and even prevent back pain from recurring.

Diagnosing sports injuries

Before any treatment, a physio will initially check if your back pain is due to a health problem. A physio will find the reason for your back pain and will look into ways on how to avoid further complications. Your complete medical history will also be taken to help a physio develop better therapeutic treatments ideal for your specific condition.

Sports injury treatments

A physio has a variety of treatments that have been proven to be effective in the relief of back pain. Treatments include manual manipulation, the use of natural techniques and acupuncture. Before a treatment is begun, your physio will advise you about it. He will also suggest the proper exercise and natural remedies to reduce pain.

Dancing is an art and therefore it demands perfection. And as a dancer trains to excel in his or her own genre, dance injuries may happen. Dance injuries are common in almost any type of dance and this is mostly due to hyperextension and hypermobility of the muscles, joints and ligaments of the body. Just some of the most common dance injuries include shin splints, spondylolisthesis, hamstring tears, back pain and more. A physio is an expert in the treatment and the prevention of dance injuries.

How physiotherapy can help with dance injuries

A physio will be able to start a dance injury rehabilitation plan that does not include the use of medications and surgery. He can also be vital in preparing dancers to reach their perfect form before any performance or event. A physio will collaborate with other members of the medical team for the treatment of injuries and can provide home services as well.

Diagnosing dance injuries

Dance injuries vary from minute tears and stresses on a muscle, bone or ligament to fractures resulting from slips and falls. Diagnosis of dance injuries is done through imaging (X-rays or MRI), ultrasound or radiographic imaging or arthrography when joints are affected. A physio will also create a complete medical or health history to create a more effective dance rehabilitation plan specific for a patient.

Dance injuries treatments

Treatments for dance injuries vary according to the extent or the severity of the patient’s injuries. These may include the use of muscle strengthening exercises, taping techniques to support a muscle and techniques on how to release overused muscles. A physio will also provide instructions and educate patients regarding his or her injury and how specific exercises are done at home.

There is a wide range of degenerative and inflammatory diseases and disorders that result from hazardous work activities and work conditions. Work-related injuries usually affect the soft tissues of the body such as the tendons that connect muscles to the bone, the ligaments that connect the bones to other bones, nerves and blood vessels. These diseases lead to pain and various impairments in movement and usually cause poor work performance and missed works schedules.  Among the most common work-related injuries are injuries that affect the lower back while neck, upper back and neck injuries are also very common.

How physiotherapy can help with work-related injuries 

Physiotherapy offers a drug-free, safe and effective way of dealing with work-related injuries. Physios will be able to provide natural and effective ways to relieve pain which is one of the most common initial complaints of people with work-related injuries. A physio will also be able to create a rehabilitation plan to help patients regain their previous physical capabilities and to possibly return to work as soon as possible.

Diagnosing work-related injuries

Before any treatment is given, a physio will initially check if an injury is work-related or could be due to a health or medical condition. Diagnosing work-related injuries includes imaging of the affected area with the use of X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiologic imaging. A physio will also complete a health and medical history to properly create an effective rehabilitation management plan.

Work-related injuries treatments

Treatments for work-related injuries are mostly focused on pain relief and recovery of the affected muscle, joint, tendon or ligament. A physio will create treatments based on the severity and the complexity of the patient’s injuries and will make adjustments according to the patient’s progress. Treatments usually include massage, exercise and strength programs, posture correction, joint mobilisation, the use of ergonomic devices and taping. A physio may also recommend changes in the patient’s workstation or workspace.

During pregnancy, massive hormonal changes that cause structural changes leads to unexpected discomfort and pain. From the first trimester when bodily changes are hardly noticeable, to the third trimester when a pregnant woman’s body has grown immensely to accommodate her unborn child, a mother suffers from joint and soft tissue conditions.

How physiotherapy can help with pre and post-pregnancy-related injuries

Physiotherapy can help relieve pain naturally, without the use of any medication. Most drugs and pain relief medications are prohibited to pregnant women, therefore, physiotherapy can help create a pain management plan that will effectively and safely deal with pain. Physios can also help with other ailments during pregnancy including low back pain, sacroiliac pain, postural dysfunction thoracic pain, tailbone pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, oedema, pelvic floor weakness and diastasis.

Diagnosing pre and post-pregnancy-related injuries

A physio uses medical assessment to determine any pre and post-pregnancy conditions. He will also check if an ailment is pregnancy related or could be due to a health or medical problem. He will take a complete health history of the patient to create a more effective pre or post-pregnancy treatment plan.

Pre and post-pregnancy-related injuries treatments

Treatment of pre or post-pregnancy-related conditions is mostly symptomatic with the end goal of providing pain relief and preventing complications in pregnancy. Common treatments include manual therapy for affected joint and soft tissues, strengthening exercises including Pilates and patient education. A physio can recommend sleeping positions, sitting and standing postures to reduce stress on the affected joints.

Childhood musculoskeletal pain usually happens after a child experiences a growth spurt or during a period of rapid growth. This pain is usually aggravated by a child’s daily activities like sports and also by poor posture. Childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal pain occur when a child reaches eleven years of age and this lasts until the end of the growth phase.

A child with musculoskeletal disorders may complain of sore knees, heels, feet, shins, shoulders, hips, neck or back. Classic back pain symptoms are also present and may be aggravated by physical activities like running, jumping and may even hurt during prolonged sitting or standing.

There are also childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal pains related to biomechanical conditions such as pronated feet, valgus knees, squinting patellae, tibial rotation, and hyperextension of the knees and variation of normal spinal curves. On the other hand, there are several musculoskeletal conditions that may be considered among adolescents including scoliosis, swimmer’s shoulders, plantar fasciitis, patellofemoral tissues, Sever’s disease, Osgood- Schlatter’s disease and Schuermann’s disease.

How physiotherapy can help with childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal disorders

Physiotherapy in paediatric patients includes the use of manual techniques and special natural therapies to alleviate existing pain and treatments to improve range of motion of the affected area. A physio w9ll  work closely with members of the medical team, the patient’s family or caregiver to provide musculoskeletal treatments even when the patient is at home or in school.

Diagnosing childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal disorders

A physio will conduct a complete physical examination of the patient focusing on the affected area or areas. He uses imaging techniques including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI or radiologic imaging to determine the severity of the patient’s condition. A physio will also create a complete medical or health history of the patient to create a better and more effective treatment plan.

Childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal disorders treatments

Treatments to most childhood and adolescent musculoskeletal disorders include the management of pain by reducing any biomechanical factors, the use of orthotic devices or prescription devices, taping, soft tissue manual work, joint mobilising, bracing or other physiotherapeutic modalities. A physio conducts client and family education to explain why this condition happened and the possible treatments for it.

One of the most common motor vehicle accident injuries is whiplash. This is a condition wherein the neck becomes injured as the torso accelerates forward, the neck lags and the head whip forward during a rear-end car crash. A person with whiplash complaints of pain and stiffness along the neck, shoulders and even the lower back. Other motor vehicle accident injuries are fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains. Physiotherapy can help manage pain effectively and safely and help restore the function of the affected body part.

How physiotherapy can help with motor vehicle accident injuries

Physiotherapy uses natural manual strategies to deal with motor vehicle accident injuries and therefore is safe and effective. A physio helps alleviate pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility of an affected joint, muscle, ligament or tendon and creates a rehabilitation plan to improve patient mobility in the long run.

Diagnosing motor vehicle accident injuries

A physio will initially make a physical assessment to identify the extent of your motor vehicle accident injury. He will collaborate with other members of the medical team to create an effective rehabilitation plan. Aside from complaints of pain, diagnostic imaging is usually done to evaluate your condition; the most common imaging procedures are x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and radiologic imaging.

Motor vehicle accident injuries treatments

Physiotherapy treatments commonly used for whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries include the application of ice or alternate cold and heat, the use of cervical support and gentle active movement. There are other types of treatments that have been known to be effective in reducing whiplash symptoms and these include electrical stimulation, acupuncture and some forms of physical exercises.

A physio is available for home visits should a patient require personalised treatment after surgery especially during severe motor vehicle accidents. The goal in this situation is to reduce pain and to assist the patient in returning to his previous state of health and mobility initially at home and gradually in a clinical setting.