Mobilising is a method of loosening the joints of the spine and limbs.
The physiotherapist applies a pulling or pushing pressure to a stiff joint to improve its range of movement.
Various soft tissue techniques such as massage, myofascial releases and trigger point therapy are often included in a standard treatment session to reduce pain and muscle tension and to lengthen shortened muscles.
Dry Needling involves needling to altered or dysfunctional tissues in order to improve or restore function.
It is distinct from acupuncture which examines changes in tissue through the prism of meridians. Dry needling commonly involves the needling of myofascial trigger points using acupuncture needles to deactivate and help resolve trigger points.
This effect of dry needling is attributed to a release of endorphins in the blood, stimulating the production of natural cortisone, which has an anti inflammatory effect and restores balance to the muscle at a cellular level.
Treatment ultrasound – ultrasound is used to reduce pain and swelling of soft tissue injuries.
IFT is particularly useful in the early stages of an injury to help reduce soft tissue swelling and pain
Laser therapy is primary used over small areas to speed up the heeling process. It is mainly used over small joints and for tendonitis. It may assist pain and swelling in the fingers associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Laser can also be used to assist healing of scar tissue. After the delivery of babies laser may assist with problems such as cracked nipples, painful episiotomy or caesarean scars.
The muscle feedback machine reads muscle output. This is particularly useful when retraining muscles around the knee and shoulder
A TENS machine may be used to help relieve chronic pain.
It is sometimes also used to reduce pain during pregnancy or labour.
Traction may be used in the low back or neck to reduce pressure on injured discs or nerve roots.