Physiotherapy faq

10 frequently asked questions about physiotherapy Ever wondered what physiotherapy actually involves? Is it the same as having a massage?

How long does the average session last and how should I dress? We’ve put together these answers to the questions that we often asked…

What exactly is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is treatment that can be given patients in order to aid with pain relief, healing and rehabilitation of injuries, pain, medical and surgical conditions. The treatment is often recommended for a variety of muscular, joint and nerve conditions that may be the result of injury, illness or disability.

Achieve Physiotherapy will treat the patient using hands-on techniques. Aside from the included manual treatment, physiotherapists can also give advice on how to alter your lifestyle which can reduce the possibility of further muscular pain and joint problems, as well as providing you with exercises to take care of chronic conditions.

Is physiotherapy the same as massage?

Physiotherapy will introduce massage techniques if it is a suitable treatment to aid in a patient’s recovery however; it is more than a massage. Treatments can range from manual therapy which moves the joints, soft tissue mobilisation which would introduce a massage, to acupuncture, exercises and many more.

What problems can physiotherapy help with?

There is a wide variety of health conditions that physiotherapy can aid with, many of these conditions are in relation to the bones and joints, nerves, and soft tissues. Achieve Physiotherapy specialises in the assistance of conditions such as: arthritis; sports injuries; antenatal and postnatal; post operative recovery; back and neck pain; issues with the bones and joints and issues that

occure in the occupational/corporate workplace environment.

What does treatment involve?

Upon meeting a physiotherapist, they will initially begin a full assessment and physical examination in order to determine the nature of the patient’s condition, as well as the cause. Following this, the impact of the condition will be reviewed, as will the patient’s medical history to establish, in mutual agreement with the patient’s wishes, which treatment is most suitable and will then compile a tailored treatment programme.

How should I dress?

It is advised that patients wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bear in mind that a physiotherapist will need to visually assess a patient regarding posture and movement, and will possibly need to move various areas of the body, thus these areas will need to be visible and assessable. Additionally, when the treatments involve manipulation and massage the site of injury will need to be exposed.

How long does a regular session last?

The initial appointment will involve a full assessment and will last 30 minutes. Most follow up appointments will last for 30 minutes.

Is it possible for treatment to be received on the first appointment?

Initial meetings with a physiotherapist will involve a full assessment and, frequently, recommendations and treatment will be made.

Will I need to see a doctor prior to treatment?

If a patient is referring themselves to a physiotherapist and will be paying for their own treatment, a visit to the GP is not necessary.

If a patient holds private medical insurance, they may need to obtain a referral from their GP in accordance to their insurer’s requirement. It is important to know that you should always check with your insurance company prior to attending your first session.

Will treatment hurt?

On some occasions there can be discomfort. Physiotherapists will provide patients with an overview of what to expect prior, during, and following treatment and what reaction is expected from the treatment that is being given. Patients are advised to consult with

their physiotherapist immediately if they have any concerns about the treatment.

Can I bring someone with me?

Patients are welcome to bring a friend/family member with them to act a chaperone, of sorts, during the treatment. There are some cases where a chaperone is obligatory, such as with a patient with a disability or a child.

If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our Birmingham-based physiotherapists who will be happy help‌

Chronic lower back pain Achieve - Physiotherapist Birmingham: Case Study

In this post, we outline a case study of a patient who visited our clinic in Birmingham (Physiotherapy Edgbaston)in relation to lower back pain...

Low back pain, 16 month history

Patient X visited the Achieve Physiotherapy Birmingham clinic in Edgaston complaining of low back pain referring down the left buttock and hamstring into the calf region. This had been going on for about 16 months and the patient was unaware of any cause. The patient had been to see GP on 3 different occasions, on the 1st visit he was given pain relief (paracetamol), on 2nd visit was then given co-codamol and Amitriptyline and sent for Lumbar spine X-rays, and on the 3 rd visit was sent a referral for NHS physiotherapy assessment, for which he had to wait 8 weeks for.

After initial assessment by the physio, he was seen 3 times and was given lumbar extension exercises, mechanical traction and advised to use heat as much as possible. This course of treatment had little impact on his symptoms and the patient was referred to the chronic back pain classes after being discharged from one-to-one physiotherapy. He was given a maximum of 6 sessions consisting of core stability exercises and cardiovascular activity on a cross-trainer and bike. The patient reported a minor improvement since the onset of pain 16 months previously but was still complaining of 7/10 pain. The patient found out about Achieve Physiotherapy Birmingham through a friend who had also had treatment with us and was very happy with the outcome.

SUBJECTIVE EXAMINATION (information from patient)

Patient x reports a pain level of 7/10 and stiffness in the morning when he first gets out of bed, this "eases off� after around 1 hour once he is up and moving around. The patient reports awareness of a dull ache at all times which is worse in cold weather, sitting for long periods and lying in bed at night. The patient enjoys playing 5 a side football once a week with friends and also likes walking his dog but is unable to do this as frequently as he would like due to pain. He would like to get back to playing 5 a side but is quite fearful it may cause more damage.

OBJECTIVE EXAMINATION (information from physical examination) On examination the patient had restricted lumbar (lower back) movements, especially in flexion, which caused the referring left leg pain to return. He also presented with pain through the range of back extension. There was noticeable stiffness and a reduction in movement of the vertebral joints and on palpation there was significantly increased muscle tension, tightness and pain throughout the left side lower back and gluteal regions with major trigger points in Left sided lower back muscles and in the piriformis muscle (in the glutes). Patient X presented with an asymmetrical gait (altered walking pattern) with reduced heel strike on left side. Leg length was measured and a discrepancy was found, left being longer compared to right, the patient also demonstrated a bi-lateral equinus condition at the ankle joint which caused his feet to overpronate (roll in excessively) when walking.

Clinical reasoning & diagnosis Due to the back pain being present for such a long time, joint and soft tissue stiffness, irritation and hyper-tonicity (spasm and knots in the muscle) in the left sided muscles (lumbar & gluteal) had led to altered mechanical function over an extended period of time and resulted in a chronic cycle of inflammation and pain, consequently leading to repeated formation of scar tissue and adhesions at the site(s) of trauma. The underlying factors causing the clients symptoms at the time of assessment were a combination of hypomobility (lack of movement) of the lumbar joints that had been inflamed at the onset of injury, and hypermobility (excessive movement) of the surrounding joints in an attempt to compensate for the aforementioned stiff motion segments, which in turn had led to spasm and tightness in the surrounding muscles.

Treatment protocol Time was taken to fully explain to Mr X the treatment and rehabilitation protocols required to tick the relevant boxes and the time scales required to achieve these outcomes. A basic overview of the physio treatment plan provided was: •

Sufficient rest from aggravating activities, needed to determine a baseline level of irritation, advised for 10-14 days.

•

Deep soft tissue massage/myo fascial release/trigger point therapy to the areas of irritation and surrounding tissues in the lower back and gluteal region.

•

Joint articulations and manipulation to the lumbar region and sacroiliac joint to facilitate normal movement mechanics and relieve stiffness and tightness in the joints

•

Biomechanical correction - bilateral orthotic devices fitted to negate leg length discrepancy and correct over-pronation – reinstating correct walking pattern and mechanical loading from up from the feet

•

Gentle stretching and mobility exercises

•

Once symptoms were under control, commenced low impact exercise to improve CV fitness and boost circulation to the affected area.

•

Tailored Strength & conditioning programme to reinstate normal muscular function and tone.

•

Introduced activity specific speed exercises and drills before returning to play 5 a side.

Outcome of treatment Patient reported all aggravating factors were resolved. Sleeping was much improved, and patient was able to sit comfortably for extended periods of time, though now understands the importance of not being too sedentary for long periods and maintaining good posture.

The patient returned to playing 5-a-side football 8 weeks (and 8 sessions) after first receiving treatment from Achieve Physiotherapy and is enjoying be able to return to previous activities without the back pain which had been hampering them for over a year.

If you would like to find out more about how Achieve Physiotherapy can help you with any injury or pain problems you have please get in touch!

Achieve Physiotherapy Birmingham

Achieve Physiotherapy Birmingham is based in Edgbaston and we want to help you conquer injuries, overcome pain and Achieve health and well-being.

With a background in professional sports and elite performance, Achieve Physiotherapy Edgbaston are making Premier League standards

of treatment and rehabilitation available to everyone.

Our mission is to help you eliminate pain, overcome injuries and lead the life you want to by utilising highly effective, proactive manual therapy and rehabilitation techniques proven in the

cauldron of professional sport.

Regardless of whether your injury is sports related or not, our specialised treatment will help you conquer your injuries, overcome your pain and Achieve health and well-being.

We'd be delighted to help you in any way we can, please feel free to get in touch and we will answer any questions you may have: info@achievephysiotherapy.co.uk

Stiffness and reduction in movement of the vertebral joints, an increased muscle tension, tightness and pain. Yes, the chronic lower back pain. A case study from Achieve Physiotherapy Clinic of Edgbaston, Birmingham.