WHAT IS MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession concerned with human function and movement. It offers a combination of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation skills to offer a multidimensional approach to the treatment and prevention of injuries. There are different specialties within physiotherapy itself, of which musculoskeletal is responsible for all problems associated with the skeletal system i.e. Dysfunction related to soft tissues, muscles, joints and nerves.

WHAT IS CORE STABILITY?

Pilates and core stability exercises target the group of muscles that attach to your abdomen and spine to provide stability through movement. All movements that are carried out need to originate from a stable core, i.e. your torso. Joseph Pilates referred to this as the girdle of strength. Otherwise excessive movements can occur within your spine resulting in pain or results in you moving your body in ways in which it is vulnerable to injury.

It is a programme of exercises that focus on muscle control as opposed to strength. This is based upon available research which indicates that people who experience low back pain or who are prone to injury have reduced core stability. It can therefore be used to prevent injury, improve performance, body awareness and treat existing spinal dysfunctions that cause pain.

WHAT CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY DO FOR ME?

• Reduce pain
• Restore joint mobility, flexibility, strength
• Mobilise neural structures responsible for neural tension
• Improve function / maximise potential / enhance performance
• Promote natural healing processes after an injury has taken place
• Treat and Prevent low back pain by improving core stability
• Minimise secondary problems associated with musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis or biomechanical variations.

WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST OFFER?

• Joint mobilisation / manipulation
• Soft tissue techniques
• Provision of individualised home exercise / rehabilitation programmes
• Core stability / Pilates training
• Biomechanical analysis
• Identify and correct movement / postural dysfunction
• Preventative education and advice
• Low back pain management
• Acupuncture

WHAT WILL THE INITIAL SESSION CONSIST OF?

The initial assessment will last for 45 minutes. A detailed description of the current symptoms and history of the problem will be discussed including questions regarding your past medical history, current levels of activity and goals you would like to achieve from receiving treatment.

Following this a thorough physical examination will take place based on skilled clinical reasoning linked to your specific problem, to identify the source or structure responsible for the pain / dysfunction.

A full explanation of the problem will be given with a discussion about appropriate treatment techniques or rehabilitation available according to the latest research to maximise effectiveness.

ABOUT THE PRACTITIONER

Victoria Pledge graduated with a first class honours in physiotherapy 4 years ago. As a chartered physiotherapist she specialises in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. She currently works as a senior therapist in a large NHS teaching hospital within Bristol. She has gained a variety of experiences within different clinical settings in the NHS and external sporting events. Her knowledge has developed throughout her career from attending numerous post graduate training courses including acupuncture, core stability and orthopaedic medicine.

She is highly dedicated to providing care with a holistic approach to identify the most effective treatment, as she appreciates that problems and pain can often originate as a result of an indirect cause linked to the skeletal system. She is very excited about the opportunity to work in conjunction with the osteopaths within the clinic, to combine manipulative techniques with specific rehabilitation / core stability programmes. All core stability programmes will be taught on a 1:1 basis to ensure the exercises are selected and progressed according to an individual’s specific needs and level of ability, as opposed to that within a group setting.

MAKING CONTACT

To book treatments or for further information please contact:
The Chandos Clinic, 21 Chandos Road, Redland, on 0117 974 5084