Initially, our therapist will to have a comprehensive chat about what has been going on, This will include questions regarding past injuries, your general health, medication, your job, hobbies and more importantly, what you have been struggling with, since having your injury. Once your therapist has built up a good picture about what might be going on, then they will go into a physical examination.
A physical examination is simply where your therapist will ask you to complete a set of movements, e.g. of your shoulder or problem area to see which movements might be restricted or causing your pain. From here, they may test your strength to see if that is an area they may need to work on; this can also lead the therapist to the structure or muscle that might be causing your pain. A key aim for your therapist is to get to the root cause of your pain efficiently, so they can begin the recovery process as soon as possible. Your therapist also has many “special tests” that target certain structures which are a good indicator of confirming a diagnosis.
After your therapist has completed the initial physical examination they will explain exactly what is going on and the reason for the pain you are having. They will discuss the different treatment techniques and advice that will help you with your rehabilitation. Often, your therapist will carry out some treatment after the physical examination, such soft tissue massage or joint mobilizations on your first visit to see how you respond, if time permits. You will also be given a few exercises and advice on things they would like you to do at home before your next appointment. Most often, people come in on a weekly basis at first until they can manage their pain, then it might mean you only need to attend every couple of weeks or once a month to keep symptoms at bay. Eventually, as your pain settles you should be able to self-manage your symptoms with continuation of your home exercise program and return to your normal activities/hobbies.
During the physical examination, your therapist will need to get to the problem area and direct treatment to this area if appropriate. It is advisable to wear a tank/strappy top or a top that is baggy enough to move out of the way; lower body, either shorts or jogging bottoms are a good idea. You may be asked by the therapist to remove certain clothing but if you feel uncomfortable, just let your therapist know and they can work around this.
Your therapist t will recommend treatment after the initial assessment. These treatment methods may vary depending on your condition; however, these are the ones they are most likely to recommend:
These are beneficial in increasing flexibility and strength are done in the clinic during your visit, your therapist will demonstrate the correct way to do these exercises for positive results. The exercises will also change and progress an you improve.
IFC sends small amounts of electrical current through the skin to stimulate the tissues around an injured body part to promote pain relief and healing.
This treatment makes use of high frequency sound waves to increase blood flow to any inflamed area of the body. Patients with soft tissue injuries or swollen joints will more likely need this treatment.
Warm compress such as hot flannels, heating pads are used in this treatment to relieve any pain. Massage Therapy Treatments
Massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relive pain.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points in the body to stimulate blood flow and encourage natural pain relief.
Assistive devices are external devices that are designed, made, or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task. Many people with pain or disabilities depend on assistive devices to enable them to carry out daily activities and participate actively and productively in community life
Feel free to discuss any doubts or concerns with your therapist. You might continue having more sessions or the therapist might end the session by giving you exercises you can do regularly at home. It is important to make a follow up visit just to track your progress.
We look forward to seeing you!
