OTHER THERAPIES AVAILABLE AT ST JOHNS PHYSIOTHERAPY
The following therapies can work in conjunction with physiotherapy as part of your treatment plan or separately, according to individual needs.
Acupuncture - Alison Jones
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine, having been used in China for over 3000 years.
The traditional Chinese view is that Qi (energy) flows freely through the body when it is healthy. If there is a problem then energy flow is blocked. Acupuncture stimulates appropriate points in the body using needles to free this blockage. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative with a build-up of effects as treatment progresses.
Research has been able to show that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce natural pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. These assist the body to heal itself through pain relief. 70% of people find acupuncture effective for pain relief.
Chartered Physiotherapists are in a unique position of being able to combine acupuncture for pain relief with other treatment methods such as hands-on therapy such as mobilisation and manipulation.
Conditions that may be helped by acupuncture:
Pain, nausea and dizziness
Arthritis and rheumatism
Neck and back pain
Muscle and joint problems eg tennis elbow, frozen shoulder
Headaches
Breathing difficulties eg asthma, bronchitis
Bladder and bowel problems
Skin conditions
Multiple sclerosis and stroke patients
Neuro-Physiotherapy - Judy Skinner
Neuro-physiotherapy is aimed at maximising an individual’s potential to recover their movement abilities and to optimise overall function.
It can help with any of the following conditions:
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Head Injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Neuropathy
• Guillan-Barre
• Cerebral Palsy
• Balance Problems
• Other Neurological conditions
Examples of problems that may be helped with Neuro-physiotherapy treatments include any of the following:
• Loss of control and strength of movement
• Poor balance
• Altered walking ability
• Stiffness/muscle tightness
• Impaired range of movement
• Difficulty with functional use of arms for reaching and grasping, dressing, washing, household activities
The Bobath Concept of Treatment is the most common and well respected method of Neuro-Physiotherapy Rehabilitation in the UK. It is a “hands on” treatment approach, tailored to individual requirements.
This Neuro-Physiotherapy service offers:
• Individual assessment and treatment planning
• Realistic goal setting in partnership with each individual
• Continuous evaluation of individual response to treatment and adjustment of treatment plans and goals as appropriate
• Individually designed home exercise programmes
• Advice to families, carers and other professionals about on-going management
Assessment and treatment can be offered in your home, at St John’s Physiotherapy Clinic or in residential or nursing homes.
Sports Massage Therapy - Selina Jervis
Sports massage is a deep soft-tissue treatment. It can be beneficial for a wide range of clients, not just for sports people. It can assist people who are feeling tired and stressed by bringing about relaxation of the muscles, allowing the individual to de-stress. It also helps those who want to improve and maintain muscle flexibility and those who are recovering from any type of injury. Selina is an expert in providing pre-event massage as part of the preparation for your race, and also post-event massage enabling a speedy recovery for tired and aching muscles, allowing you to return swiftly to your training regime.
Massage therapy could help you to maintain healthy muscles, improve posture, increase your energy levels, promote healing, improve flexibility or simply help you to relax.
Reflexology - Hilary Cole MAR IGPP
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that works on the feet to help heal the whole person, not just the prevailing symptoms. The specific technique, which is exclusive to precision reflexology, is called 'linking'. This involves holding two (sometimes three) identified reflex points at the same time to add power to the treatment. As the link is held, the practitioner pauses and is aware of 'listening' via her hands. In this way the treatment is matched to the individual with precision.
Reflexology can be used to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium. This gentle therapy encourages the body to work naturally to restore its own healthy balance. Reflexology has been shown to be effective for back pain, migraine, infertility, arthritis, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, sports injuries, digestive disorders and stress related conditions.
Hypnotherapy - Andrew Hagley
Hypnotherapy can help with a range of physical and psychological problems. Andrew has a special interest in working with those who lack confidence and who may experience severe phobias that interfere with everyday life. He has also successfully helped many smokers to quit. A free introductory consultation is offered to explain how therapy works.
Homeopathy - Ruth Hermolle LCPH MARH
Homeopathic medicine focuses on the individual rather than on their diagnosis – this means finding out their particular symptoms and how they experience the problem, on every level. The medicines have been developed over a period of 200 hundred years and are completely non-toxic, pleasant to take and are safe for the elderly and even in pregnancy.
How Homeopathy may help you
• Female problems: irregular periods, PMT, pain, related skin or migraine problems, polycystic ovaries, menopausal symptoms, cystitis.
• In children – recurring infections, glue ear, eczema, allergies, bedwetting, even behaviour and emotional difficulties.
• Headaches, nosebleeds, skin conditions, glandular fever, ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, digestive problems, skin conditions (e.g. psoriasis, chronic effects of grief), kidney infections.
Counselling - Rachel Southern and Jan Cavill
Counselling can help people with a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety/panic attacks, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, self-harm, abuse, and alcohol and drug problems.
Counselling can also help with relationship difficulties, bereavement and loss, and also just when you need to feel that someone is really listening and understanding you.