Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a form of needling, using an acupuncture needle; that is particularly effective in treating long term conditions such as Sciatica, Chronic lower back pain & Neck complaints.
IMS is also becoming increasingly popular for the relief of short term pain, with many professional athletes using the technique. IMS differs from the usual forms of acupuncture, by targeting shortened muscles with the needle inserted into a plunger for better direction and ease.
Focused shockwave therapy is an excellent alternative with impressive results for people with chronic pain who have exhausted all other treatment. What sets this treatment apart from traditional treatments is that it treats the muscloskeletal pathology instead of just offering symptomatic relief.
Each shockwave treatment works to increase the metabolic activity around the site of pain or discomfort, stimulating the activation of collagen and stimulate the body’s natural healing process, thus reducing pain.
During Radial Shockwave therapy a high-intensity sound wave interacts with the tissues of the body. This leads to a cascade of beneficial effects such as neovascularisation in growth, reversal of chronic inflammation, stimulation of collagen and dissolution of calcium build-up.
Stimulation of these biological mechanisms creates an optimal healing environment. As the injured area is returned to normal, functionality is restored and pain is relieved. We use EMS radial shock wave machines, who are acknowledged as market leaders in the radial shock wave field.
Rehabilitation of an injury is the cornerstone for full recovery and prevention of re-injury.
Whether it’s a lower back problem, a joint replacement, a tendon problem or a post operative rehabilitation program that is required, our physiotherapist will design a program for you and instruct you on the exercises and the correct technique for each exercise. Follow-up sessions will involve one-to-one coaching and exercise progressions.
Interferential Therapy (IFT) is traditionally described as a low frequency brought about by electrical currents crossing each other.
The treatment is not unpleasant and the patient experiences only a mild tingling sensation.
The treatment encourages cellular changes depending upon the frequencies selected. Many conditions can be treated where inflammation and pain is present e.g. sports injuries, arthritic conditions, bruising and swelling. It can also be used to speed healing following surgery, fractures and manipulation.
Therapeutic Ultrasound can trace its roots as far back as the 1920’s. It has stood the test of time and is found in most physiotherapy clinics.
Ultrasound is applied using a transducer that is in direct contact with the patient's skin. Gel is used on all surfaces of the head to reduce friction and assist transmission of the ultrasonic waves.
Joint manipulation is characteristically associated with the production of ‘pop’ or 'click' sound. They are safe to perform in the correct circumstances and with the correct training.
Joint manipulations have been shown to relieve muscle pain, unlock stiff joints that leads to restoration of normal joint range of motion. They are rarely performed in isolation, typically the area is pre-treated with electro therapy, massage or acupuncture and manipulated at the end.
Sports massage uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the body.
Sports massage has been proven to be effective for releasing and reducing tension in the muscles, improving circulation, encouraging the removal of waste products such as lactic acid when performed soon after intense training activities. This creates an additional benefit of reducing the risk of future injuries.
Dry Needling is an effective treatment for tension or spasm within the muscle. The needles are directed to Trigger Points, which are irritable points in muscles associated with a sensitive nodule or knot.
During a session of dry needling the needle will elicit a local twitch response, which is an involuntary reflex, in which the muscle fibre’s contract and relax. Dry Needling that creates a twitch response speeds up the healing process and improves treatment outcomes.
When a muscle is inflamed, the space between the skin and muscle is compressed causing pain. By stretching a muscle and applying kinesio tape, convulsions are formed when the area is relaxed. This increases the space between the skin and muscle, improving drainage and blood flow, and reducing pain.
In contrast to other taping - Kinesio tape does not restrict the movement of the skin, joints or muscles, instead it encourages the bodies own healing mechanism. The tape is applied to the skin and can last up to 4/5 days. It is comfortable to wear and allergic skin reactions are very rare. Waterproof kinesio tape does not need to be renewed after sports activity or contact with water.
Ultrasound guided injections are an important treatment pathway for many musculoskeletal and degenerative conditions.
When physiotherapy is failing or the problem is better suited to injection therapy we can advise you of the options available and carry out the procedure with ultrasound guidance, ensuring the injection is administered in the precise location needed.
Corticosteroid injections (often termed steroid injections) are used when there is chronic inflammation within a joint that is not settling within normal time limits, typically 8-12 weeks. Corticosteroid is a naturally occurring hormone within the body. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is very effective at reducing the pain of inflamed areas.
Corticosteroid Injections can be used for:
· Trigger fingers
· Wrist and elbow tendinitis
· Rotator cuff tendinitis
· Osteoarthritis of all joints
· Bursitis
· Frozen shoulders
· Morton’s Neuroma
* Please note we do not offer spinal injections as this requires X-ray guidance within a hospital setting.
Hyaluronic acid has been used in medicine for over 10 years to help relieve the pain and reduce the progression of osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within all joints so there is no limit to the amount of injections you can have – unlike Corticosteroids.
In effect hyaluronic acid injections are the equivalent of performing an oil change as you would during a car service. The result is increased lubrication, protection of cartilage and reduced pain from osteoarthritis.
All our hyaluronic acid injections for large joints follow a one-injection protocol using Ostenil™. More information on this product can be found at ostenil.trbchemedica.co.uk.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections can be used for:
· Knee Osteoarthritis
· Hip Osteoarthritis
· Big Toe Osteoarthritis
· Thumb Osteoarthritis
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a relatively new technique for the UK which has been used for over 20 years in the USA and Canada. It is fast becoming the treatment of choice in place of Corticosteroids.
PRP involves taking a small sample of blood and then spinning it in a centrifuge. After approximately 8 minutes the blood is separated into the red blood cells and proteins. The proteins are then drawn up into a syringe and injected into the injury.
PRP injections are often referred to as ‘blood injections’ and they are commonly used on elite athletes to aid fast recovery from injury. There have been multiple positive research trials demonstrating successful treatments for a number of conditions.
PRP can be used for:
· Knee Osteoarthritis
· Meniscus/Cartilage Tears
· Achilles Tendon Pain
· Plantar Fasciitis
· Tennis Elbow
· Golfers Elbow
· Wrist Pain
· Rotator Cuff Tears
· Shoulder Pain
· Muscle Tears
Ultrasound imaging, as used in pregnancy scans, is a brilliant way to assess the condition of muscles, tendons and joints. The advantage of ultrasound is that it is very safe (no radiation) quick and accurate at diagnosing many injuries. Patients can expect to see their injuries in real time during initial assessments.
Please note that we use diagnostic ultrasound for musculoskeletal injuries only and do not assess hernias or lumps and bumps. Due to the depth of the spine ultrasound is not used to look at spinal injuries.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for diagnosing:
· Shoulder Injuries
· Elbow Injuries
· Wrist and Hand Pain
· Hip Problems
· Knee Pain
· Ankle and Foot Injuries
· Ligament Tears
· Tendon Pain
· Muscle Tears
With the current pressures that the NHS finds itself under, patients are commonly finding it difficult to get MRI scans authorised and when they do, they find the waiting times are often unacceptable to them and delaying appropriate treatment.
Private MRI scans are cheaper than you would think. We liaise with both Vista-Health and Oryon Imaging with self-pay rates of £250. We are happy to assess and do the necessary paper work required for a referral. More importantly, when the results are back we will telephone you to discuss the results and direct you to the most appropriate treatment.
This gentle technique promotes lymphatic circulation, reduces swelling, detoxifies the body, and enhances the immune system. It's also known to improve skin tone and reduce cellulite. Treat yourself to this rejuvenating experience and enjoy the long-lasting benefits it offers.
Benefits of Brazilian manual lymphatic drainage can offer several benefits for individuals undergoing post-cosmetic procedures. Here are some potential advantages:
1. Reduced Swelling: Post-cosmetic procedures can often lead to swelling and fluid retention. Brazilian manual lymphatic drainage can help to reduce this swelling by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting the removal of excess fluid from the treated area.
2. Enhanced Healing: The gentle and rhythmic movements used in Brazilian manual lymphatic drainage can promote blood circulation and oxygenation, which are essential for the healing process. This can help to speed up recovery time and minimize scarring.
3. Detoxification: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in eliminating toxins from the body. Brazilian MLD can help to optimize lymphatic function, aiding in the removal of waste products and toxins that may have accumulated during the cosmetic procedure.
4. Pain Relief: Post-cosmetic procedures can sometimes cause discomfort or pain. Brazilian manual lymphatic drainage can help to alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.
5. Improved Skin Appearance: Brazilian MLD can enhance the appearance of the skin by promoting a healthy complexion, reducing puffiness, and minimizing the appearance of scars or bruising.