Physiotherapy Treatments & Prices
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. It is a degree-based healthcare profession and regulated by the health and care professional council.
I use my knowledge and skills to improve a range of conditions associated with different systems of the body, such as neurological e.g. M.S, stroke, Parkinson’s and neuromusculoskeletal systems such as back pain, whiplash, sports injury and arthritis to name just a few.
The goal is to maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain, long term conditions and prevent disease.
Myofascial Release
60 minutes — from £60
Myofascial release (MFR) is a full body hands on technique that release the fascial system, a 3 dimensional web connecting every system and cell in the body. Through trauma and repetitive motion or positioning (lifting all day or sitting all day) restrictions can form in the fascial system. Releasing the fascial restrictions throughout the body increases function, decreases pain, increases blood flow and nutrition to the body and increases overall health.
+ What is Fascia?
The fascial system is a complex three-dimensional web connecting and surrounding every cell in the body. Through daily life of repetitive movement, injury, trauma and prolonged positions restrictions can occur. Currently it is not possible to see these restrictions with modern imaging techniques such as Xray and MRI and often fascia is the missing link for why people feel pain, particularly complex, chronic pain. Fascial restrictions have been shown to exert up to 2000 pounds per square inch. As the fascia system runs throughout the body it can have an impact on any part of the body including vascular, neurological, circulatory, digestive.
+ What does treatment involve?
Myofascial release (MFR) is carried out directly on the skin and is a whole body approach so not always centred where you feel pain. Through my training I have developed a sensitivity in my touch to feel where fascial restrictions are located. The treatment consists of engaging the barrier of restriction and then waiting to allow release to happen. This often takes 3-5 mins. This is one of the main differences of MFR for me as a therapist is holding and waiting for the structure to release, rather than forcing it. You will be encouraged during the treatment to discuss what you are feeling, this is important as it helps me follow your body and for you to work with your body day to day.
+ What to expect after treatment
Often people report feeling very relaxed after treatment, they sleep well. Long term pain can resolve, but often if it has been present for many years, several treatments may be required. There can be a flare up of pain as the body adjusts to the release it has undergone but this is short lived. I advise drinking plenty of water and of course am available to contact if you have any concerns regarding what you are feeling after treatment.
Acupuncture
60 minutes — From £60
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine stainless steel needles into the skin. It has been used in China for over 2000 years and increasingly in Western medicine with a body of scientific evidence and clinical research supporting its effectiveness.
Acupuncture is often used alongside other physiotherapy treatment modalities to treat a wide range of common health problems and reduce pain.
+ What are the benefits?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin which are the body’s own pain and feel good hormones. It may also promote sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and may also encourage a sense of wellbeing by stimulating the release of serotonin.
Acupuncture can also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals reaching the brain therefore reducing the sensation of pain.
+ What does it involve?
Ideally you should have eaten within the 2 hours prior to your appointment as this reduces the feeling of feeling faint during your treatment as it helps keep your blood sugar up.
When you first see me I will take a full medical history and ask you about your current health problems. I will also ask you to complete an ‘Acupuncture in Physiotherapy Consent Form’. The number of needles required will depend on your symptom and condition but generally range from 1-10.
The needles are inserted into the skin at acupuncture points sometimes where you feel pain or can be away from the pain or a combination. The needles are left in from anything around a few seconds to 30 mins. I may stimulate the needles by gentle rotating them. The needles are then removed and you will be asked to rest for a few minutes.
+ What to expect after treatment
Different people respond in different ways and at different rates. Some people feel an immediate improvement whilst some see a gradual improvement after a few treatments, and some see no benefit. Some people see their condition/symptom flare up for up to 24 hours after treatment but then see a marked improvement.
Although acupuncture can help reduce pain, particularly when more conventional treatments have failed, it does not work for everyone.
Side effects are normally mild and include light bleeding from the site of needle insertion, bruising, pain/aggravation of symptoms, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.
+ Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture should not be painful. The needles used are approximately the width of human hair, so having acupuncture does not feel the same as having an injection.
When the needles are inserted, you my feel a temporary, sharp pricking sensation. During treatment itself, you may have a feeling of warmth or ‘fullness’, heaviness, pins and needles, numbness, tension around the needle or a mild ache or discomfort.
You may also feel a little lightheaded or relaxed. It should not feel unpleasant. These are signs that your body is reacting to the acupuncture. Alternatively, you may not feel the needle at all.
Physiotherapy Assessment
60 minutes — from £60
As a physiotherapist I treat a wide range of conditions ranging from simple muscle strains and headaches through to complex conditions such as M.S. I use a wide range of treatments depending on the issue. This is discussed and planned with you and we work out the best way to achieve your goals, whatever these may be.
+ What does the assessment involve?
A physiotherapy assessment will take a detailed history of previous medical conditions and injuries as well as your current issue. Following this you will get a thorough assessment. Often joint range of movement and strength will be assessed, more specialised tests may be required depending on the issue.
+ What does treatment involve?
Physiotherapy treatment can involve exercise therapy specific to your problem such as joint mobilisations, massage, myofascial release, acupuncture and sometimes a combination of all of the above. Myofascial release and acupuncture are also stand alone treatments.
+ What to expect after treatment
Initially pain can feel slightly worse for the first 24 hours but then symptoms often improve. You will often have a jointly agreed program which could include strengthening exercises and stretching and other factors highlighted in the assessment.