ATTENTION:

Modalities of Treatment

As a physiotherapist, we consider the body as a whole, rather than just focusing on the individual aspects of an injury or illness.

Some of the main approaches used include:

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• manual therapy – where the physiotherapist uses their hands to help relieve pain and stiffness, and to encourage better movement of the body

• education and advice – to provide condition specific information and general advice about things such as posture and correct lifting or carrying techniques to help prevent injuries

• tailored exercise and physical activity advice – exercises may be recommended to improve your general health and mobility, and to strengthen specific parts of your body

• electrotherapeutic modalities – electrotherapy is typically used in conjunction with other treatments, rather than by itself. Electrotherapy used are electrical currents (TENS / EMS), soundwaves (ultrasound) and focused light (laser) to decrease pain and increase tissue healing

• Strapping – This technique can be used for many different complaints and its use can vary from restricting certain movements while allowing other movements, muscle facilitation, muscle inhibition, support and proprioceptive feedback.

• Dry needling - This treatment technique uses a sterile, single-use, fine filament needle (acupuncture needle) which is inserted into the muscle to assist with decreasing pain and improving function through the release of myofascial trigger points (knots in the muscle).

• Assistive devices – the appropriate prescription of assistive devices with the primary purpose to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence.

• Chest physiotherapy - is an airway clearance technique to drain the lungs, and may include percussion (clapping), vibration, deep breathing, and huffing or coughing.