Physiotherapists/ rehab therapists 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 remain independent for as long as possible. Physiotherapy/ rehab therapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle.
At the core of care is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.
Osteopathy is an evidence based practice that comes under the umbrella of manual medicine, it concentrates on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries.
Manual medicine means that testing is done using a hands on approach where you may test muscles, ligaments, joints or nerves to reproduce symptoms and find the root cause of the problem. The overall picture gives an osteopath and understanding into the biomechanics of how the body moves.
Osteopathic technique includes massage, stretching and manipulation and it is with these the practitioner aims to bring the body into a more balanced form. Once the main problem has eased, the practitioner will look to see what other factors are causing reoccurrences of the problem and work on those for long term benefits.
The main objective is to relieve pain, gain normal range of movement and help the body heal. The practitioner will explain their findings and present a clear picture of how they can help you to feel more you.
On your initial visit a full medical history detailing lifestyle routines including sports, work, hobbies, habits and downtime will be taken. The practitioner will assess movement, palpate sore areas and test muscle strength to give an idea of what movements you can and can’t do. In order to gain an overall picture you will be asked to undress to your underwear, so it is worth bringing shorts.
Once assessments are complete they will go through the findings and explain where the focus of treatment will be and which areas need to be worked on.
You will be given a prognosis and with this a treatment plan specific to you will be formed, this will include exercises, stretches, postural advice and things to avoid to speed up your recovery.
At The Foot and Gait Clinic we are patient-centred and want to ensure you have the very best care, not just for the problem at hand, but also for preventing reoccurrences
Sometimes further investigations are required such as an X-ray or MRI. If this is necessary you will be guided through the best options for imaging.
Initial physiotherapy appointments are 1 hour. Initial osteopathy appointments are 30 minutes.
Follow ups are usually 30 minutes for both unless specifically requested
This is discussed between you and your practitioner depending the severity of your condition.
Please come in active wear. Preferably shorts, skirt, leggings or whatever you feel most comfortable in.
