Treatments

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. 

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, works by applying heat to an affected area to treat damaged muscles, joints or tissues in the body. Its primary use is to help relieve persistent pains associated with muscle stiffness, sensitivity and cramping.

Cold therapy is also known as cryotherapy. It works by reducing blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain, especially around a joint or a tendon. It can temporarily reduce nerve activity, which can also relieve pain.

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Our licensed PT is specially trained to use his or her hands to push, pull and knead your muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves in precise ways to help bring you pain relief and return you to functionality.

Specific techniques for soft tissue mobilization include:

Sustained pressure – pushing directly on the restricted tissue and holding

Unlocking spiral – pushing on the restricted tissue in alternating clockwise and counterclockwise rotating motions

Direct oscillations – rhythmic pushing on the restricted tissue

Perpendicular mobilization – pushing on the myofascial tissue at right angles

Parallel mobilization – pushing along the seams of muscles

Perpendicular strumming – rhythmic pushing along muscle border, followed by rubber of top of muscle

Friction massage – pushing across the grain of the muscles, tendons and ligaments

Being able to implement soft tissue mobilization techniques requires a significant amount of training in human anatomy and physiology and understand how manipulating the tissues will impact physical function. Physical therapists specialize in evaluation, assessment and treatment of movement function disorders. Soft tissue mobilization is just one of the strategies that we use to help our patients meet their functional goals.

Mobilisation is a very commonly used hands on technique that aims to address joint stiffness, pain and work towards restoring normal pain free movement. Mobilisations are carried out on stiff spinal or peripheral joints and are performed as small, rhythmic, gentle movements and stretches. Although mobilisations are primarily used to treat joint conditions, they have also been seen to be very effective in the treatment of muscular or nerve injuries too. Mobilisations are also beneficial when used in conjunction with other treatments such as muscle stabilising techniques and exercise. A thorough preliminary physical assessment by a physiotherapist will determine whether this is the most appropriate technique for your particular issue.

Manipulation is an advanced type of mobilisation characterised by a small but sudden high velocity, thrust or movement performed at the end of the joint range. Manipulation is most commonly carried out on the neck or back (although it can be carried out on other joints too) and is often accompanied by a crackling or popping sound which indicates the release of pressure in the joint. Research has shown manipulation to be very effective when treating pain, particularly if used alongside other therapies such as mobilisations, acupuncture and exercise programs. Any manipulative procedure must only be performed by a fully qualified and experienced physiotherapist and only after a thorough physical examination and assessment of medical history.

Muscular imbalance is an imbalance between two muscles or muscle groups that have opposite functions. Usually, it involves a combination of shortening, tension, and weakness. Various everyday events or sports may lead to the development of this muscular imbalance.
Postural realignment involves a postural assessment, advice about your posture and exercises to help you improve your posture. The physiotherapist will look at your posture in the treatment session. If it appears that postural problems are causing or adding to your problems and pain, postural realignment will be included as part of your treatment.

Exercise therapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses physical activity to help treat injuries or conditions. It can be used independently or with other treatments like medication or surgery. Although exercise therapy can be challenging, the benefits are worth it.

​The goals of therapeutic exercises include the restoration of movement, improvement of function and strength, improvement in gait and balance, and the prevention and the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness. Specific exercises are aimed at restoring strength, power and work, or endurance, or a combination.

ULTRASOUND

When tissue is exposed to ultrasound, the sound waves cause a micro-vibration within the tissue. This vibration creates heat energy that increases blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes an increase in oxygen and chemicals that are essential for healing of the damaged tissue.

LLLT (LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY 

Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique that utilizes a therapeutic dose of light to promote cellular healing and decrease inflammation. It provides a deeper, more targeted effect that reduces pain and restores the normal range of motion to the dysfunctional area.

 This process is referred to as 'low-level' because the energy or power densities employed are low compared to other forms of laser therapy such as ablation, cutting, and thermally coagulating tissue.