Physiotherapy is a well recognised treatment for many conditions.
The Howard Clinic has experience in the management of:
| Sports injuries | |
| Post-operative Orthopaedics (for example – rehabilitation after a joint replacement or soft tissue surgery)u | |
| Acute and chronic neck or back pain | |
| Neurological conditions such as strokes and Parkinsons Disease, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and head injury Tuina (Chinese medical ) | |
| Chronic conditions such as arthritis | |
| Movement dysfunctions including sports training errors and postural related problems | |
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Hand Therapy – Injuries or conditions affecting the hand are not only much more common than most people think, but can also have a large affect on your daily life. Hand Therapy is the specialist side of physiotherapy that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of hand injuries and conditions. This can range from simple muscle injuries to fractures, nerve compromises or joint arthritis. |
Treatments may include various manual therapy or manipulation techniques, Tui Na massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy e.g ultrasound, interferential therapy, exercise rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, postural and ergonomics/ workstation advice. We can also advise on referral to a specialist consultant or other health professional. You may be referred by your GP, Consultant or you may choose to refer yourself directly.
| THE SARAH KEY METHOD (APSKM) |
Cathy and many of the team have been trained by renowned
Australian Physiotherapist Sarah Key, author of “The Back
Sufferer’s Bible” and Principal Physiotherapist to The Royal Family.
This unique, highly effective technique of mobilizing stiff spinal segments (the
primary cause of most back pain) usually using the heel of the foot, is followed by “pressure change therapy” exercises. This stimulates inter vertebral disc
metabolism, which is vital for the long term health and pain relief for the spine.
| ACUPUNCTURE & TUI NA |
Acupuncture is an ancient healing therapy which uses fine needles inserted into certain points of the body to promote health and alleviate pain in the body.
Tui Na is the Chinese precursor to the Japanese Shiatsu. It uses a variety of massage and gentle manipulation techniques.
Just as Western medical professionals monitor blood flowing through blood vessels and messages travelling via the nervous system, in Acupuncture and Tuina the flow of ‘vital energy’ or ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) is assessed within pathways known as meridians or channels.
Tui Na and Acupuncture are very effective treatments that can be combined with traditional Physiotherapy treatments. The Howard Clinic has a number of Physiotherapists who practice Acupuncture and Tuina which provide the patient with a holistic as well as local approach to their health problems.
| HYDROTHERAPY |
This is physiotherapy in warm water, used mainly for
rehabilitation and pain relief, providing many physical benefits.
Usually an assessment is carried out in the treatment room first.
Hydrotherapy is a very effective treatment for many different conditions – early post orthopaedic surgery (eg after a joint replacement, or after a fracture), following a sports injury, osteo or rheumatoid arthritis and neurological conditions (eg after a stroke or spinal cord injury). Many patients find that they can rehabilitate much more quickly, and less painfully in the water and it is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience for both exercising and having manual
therapy by the Physiotherapist.
We have several Physiotherapists with specialist hydrotherapy skills and we offer sessions during weekdays, evenings and some Saturdays.
| NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION |
Injury or disease to any part of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) may result in many different problems, such as difficulties with movement, balance co-ordination and loss of function. This requires specialist understanding, assessment and treatment approaches, in order to maximize the potential for a person to recover and improve their overall health and well-being.
At the Howard Clinic we have a number of Specialist Physiotherapists in Neurological Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy.
We also have close links with other health professionals, such as Consultant Neurologists, Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, and Hand Therapists in both the NHS and Private Practice, to enable us to assist our patients with the best treatment plan.
Rehabilitation can be carried out in either the treatment room, hydrotherapy pool or within the gym areas in the club. It may also be appropriate and convenient to treat within the patient’s own home and many of our therapists are able to provide this service.
| GAIT AND RUNNING BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENTS |
Do you suffer from Foot Pain?
The structure of your foot supports your entire weight. The slightest misalignment of muscles and bones can cause many different problems. If you’re a competitive sports person or an active keep-fitter, this may apply;
The symptoms of faulty foot mechanics may begin with any of the following:
| localized foot pain | |
| bunions, hammer toes | |
| foot arch, heel pain | |
| leg, knee pain | |
| hip or low back pain |
Kevin at The Howard Clinic can prescribe and provide you with individually customised foot orthotics (supportive shoe inserts) to help correct your specific body imbalance.
GaitScan™ is state-of-the-art computer hardware and software that helps in the assessment and analysis of your feet. Information gained from a scan made with GaitScan™ is used in combination with many years of practitioner experience to detect abnormal foot function which may be adversely affecting your feet and/or other parts of your body, and prescribe appropriate remedial orthotics.
| WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY |
Women’s Health Physiotherapy focuses on all issues related to Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy can help whether you are pregnant, a new mum, recovering from gynaecological surgery or experiencing incontinence or pelvic floor problems.
| Conditions treated (both ante and post natally) | |
| Pelvic pain – including symphysis pubis dysfunction | |
| Low back pain | |
| Rib pain | |
| Thoracic pain | |
| Coccyx pain | |
| Rectus abdominus divarication (a separation of the abdominal muscles) | |
| Stress urinary incontinence | |
| Urinary urgency and urge incontinence | |
| Pelvic organ prolapse | |
| Weak pelvic floor muscles following childbirth | |
| Bladder Problems |
Women’s Health Physiotherapy can help to improve your health, fitness and general well being.
At the Howard Clinic, Fiona, the specialist Physiotherapist in Women’s Health, offers individualised assessment and treatment programmes to women experiencing Women’s Health related problems.
For further information or to make an appointment please phone us on .
| SPORTS THERAPY |
What is Sports Therapy?
Sports Therapy is an aspect of health care specifically concerned with the treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of neuromusculoskeletal (nerves, muscles and skeletal) injuries.
A sports therapist can help anyone with an injury or requiring rehabilitation (whether sports related or not), to return to full functionality, regardless of their age, sport, occupation or ability.
Injuries can occur in any physical activity, and recovery can be painful and slow without the right help. A sports therapist can help recent acute injuries heal faster, and manage and rehabilitate long term injuries properly, to reduce the likelihood of further damage or reoccurrence further down the line.
Vicki, the Sports Therapist at The Howard Clinic, has completed a three year full time degree course and passed with a First Honours. She is regulated and insured by the Society of Sports Therapists. As part of the Society, regular on going CPD (Continued Professional Development) training is undertaken.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports massage is a very effective way for treating muscle pain, tension and restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal system.
Anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious, who have occupational, emotional and postural stress which can produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries.
Sports massage is a firm, deep tissue massage focusing on your problem areas. This type of massage is used to ‘break down’ and realign scar tissue, ease any trigger points you may have, and reduce focused areas of muscular tension. It is also brilliant at speeding up recovery of muscular strains and sprains, and is highly recommended to prevent injury.
