SERVICES
I offer an honest, evidence-based and systematic approach to assessment and treatment and understand the value of taking time to fully understand your complaint.
Your initial physiotherapy appointment will begin by taking of a detailed history of your symptoms followed by a thorough physical examination.
If physiotherapy treatment is needed, what this will entail will be discussed with you (in terms of estimated time scales for recovery and the number of sessions required) and your agreement and consent obtained prior to embarking on it.
As a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a wealth of client experience and training, I can use my skills to help and work on YOU. I can offer a variety of treatments to aid your symptoms. These can include (but are not limited to):
TREATMENTS
MOBILISING SPINAL AND PERIPHERAL JOINTS
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
MOBILISING SPINAL AND PERIPHERAL JOINTS
Mobilisations may be appropriate if you are feeling joint pain or stiffness. There are a wide range of techniques that can be used to move a joint to increase its range of movement. This often takes place with the client in a relaxed position, allowing me to move the joint within the desired range. This can achieve movement of the joint that would not be possible by the client alone. The mobilisation can reduce stiffness, reduce pain and increase range of movement. They can benefit may problems such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, post injury and joint stiffness.
SOFT TISSUE TREATMENTS
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
MOBILISING SPINAL AND PERIPHERAL JOINTS
Soft tissues include ligaments, tendons, muscles and fascia. The treatment of these structure aims to reduce pain and promote normal movement and function.
There are many types of soft tissue treatment, and these can include:
Massage - Massage can be used to stimulate the soft tissues in your body in order to relieve pain, improve circulation, promote healing, and aid relaxation.
Trigger points - Trigger points are areas of tight and irritable muscle that cause localised and referred pain, muscle tightness and loss of movement. They can feel like small ‘knots’ in the muscle. The muscles affected often have a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients. If a trigger point is identified, treatment can include trigger point release where deep strokes are applied with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. This technique aims to relieve pain, ease muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
Myofascial release - Fascia are bands of connective tissue that cover and support all structures in the body including bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and organs. The fascia that surrounds muscles (myofascia) can become tight and restricted and this may cause pain, restricted movement and reduced flexibility. Myofascial release is a treatment that includes applying pressure directly or indirectly to the tissue, with the aim of stretching the fascia and releasing pain and tension.
Deep transverse frictions - This technique involves applying deep pressure to a localised area of injured soft tissue. The aim of this treatment is to increase blood flow and enhance tissue healing, as well as realigning the fibres of the soft tissue in an organised way. The treatment improves the tissues functional ability and strength. Deep transverse frictions can be used to increase muscle length, improve circulation, stimulate the healing process and reduce pain.
Stretching - Stretching exercises can be incorporated into your treatment if you have tight and short muscles. The stretch is a position further than the normal range of movement which is then held to increase the length of the muscle. Other techniques can also help to increase muscle length such as muscle energy techniques (where the affected muscle is actively contracted and then stretched) and soft tissue release (where a ‘lock’ is applied above the tight portion of a muscle so as a more effective stretch can follow).
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Sports, deep tissue and remedial massage is an excellent treatment that can benefit many individuals. This includes anyone with muscular tension, tightness, discomfort and pain, and those seeking overall relaxation. Those preferring a deeper form of massage will appreciate this treatment, and you don’t have to be experiencing any symptoms to benefit from the therapeutic effects.
Sports, remedial and deep tissue massage is certainly not just for the sports person. Many of the activities that we complete in everyday life and work can put stress on the musculoskeletal system. Think about the demands we routinely place on our bodies, for example, poor sitting posture at work, carrying young children or the repetitive use of a body part when doing DIY. Massage can be an excellent way to restore balance, reduce the likelihood of, or assist in the recovery from strains and injury, whatever the cause.
The massage practice incorporates a range of different techniques to bring about a therapeutic effect on the tissues. It can also include techniques to help to stretch and lengthen the muscles.
Many clients worry that this form of massage may hurt. The truth is, it entirely depends on you. How you feel on the day of treatment, what it is you’re having massaged, what training or activities you’ve done or not done recently, or your mood can all affect how a massage feels. Everyone’s a little bit different and I will ask you if the pressure during a massage is acceptable. Clients can report feeling a “good pain” which they describe as a mild discomfort, that somehow you just know is doing you good.
For more information please click on the button below.
ACUPUNCTURE
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE
Acupuncture can be used to help manage both acute and chronic pain, and to treat muscle tightness and discomfort. It is often combined with other physiotherapy treatments such as exercise and manual therapy.
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine stainless-steel needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points. The points are selected according to where you feel pain and usually needles are placed both near to the area of pain and away from it. Acupuncture needles are very thin and therefore having acupuncture feels very different to having an injection.
Scientific research and clinical evidence have shown that acupuncture helps with pain relief by encouraging the body to produce endorphins (pain relieving chemicals) and stimulates nerve fibres to reduce pain signals. It also boosts the production of oxytocin (stress relieving chemicals), melatonin (which promotes sleep) and serotonin (which encourages a sense of wellbeing). Perhaps then it’s no surprise that clients report feeling relaxed after a treatment.
Acupuncture can also be used to treat tight, sore and tense muscles through the needling of ‘trigger points’. The introduction of the needle into the trigger point can allow the muscle filaments to move apart, and hence the muscle will relax.
As a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) I have completed a recognised, accredited acupuncture training courses. It also means that I adhere to strict hygiene guidelines and must complete ongoing training. The treatment room also has a license for the practice of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when carried out by an AACP-registered physiotherapist. Any side-effects tend to be mild and short-lived. These may include fatigue, mild bleeding, bruising, mild pain/aggravation of symptoms, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent you from having acupuncture. A thorough assessment will be completed, including full medical history, to identify if acupuncture is suitable. You will be asked to sign a consent form before acupuncture is commenced.
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
Everyone can benefit from a greater understanding of their condition. If you have been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition it can often be difficult to digest all the information that you are given during a consultation. There will probably be questions that you think of later, and you may find it difficult to get the answers you need. Gaining an insight into your condition can help you better manage symptoms and helps get you on the path to recovery.
These appointments can be on a 'one-off' basis if that is what is required.
Perhaps you have you been told that you should stop doing the things that you love or that you have the joints of someone much older. Previous treatments may not have helped and now you’re facing more invasive treatment. It's always good to get a second opinion and Physio in the Forest can offer this.
I hope to be able to explain your symptoms in easily accessible terms - I can answer questions about your condition and always aim to give practical advice that will help.
Physio in the Forest can also offer assessment and treatment whilst you are waiting for NHS physiotherapy. A summary of your condition and treatment can be supplied for you to take to your NHS appointment.
TAPING
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
ADVICE, SECOND OPINION, AWAITING NHS APPOINTMENT
Taping is a treatment that is used alongside other physiotherapy techniques to bring about a multitude of therapeutic effects. These can include pain reduction, lessened swelling, restricted movement, increased movement, improved biomechanics, realigned joints and enhanced strength.
Different types of tape can be utilised depending on the condition being treated, these include:
- Kinesio (K) tape which is lighter and more flexible.
- Rigid tape which is heavy and inflexible.
Conditions that can benefit from tape include (but are not limited to) postural issues, knee pain, heel pain, ankle sprains, tennis and golfer’s elbow, arthritis, and shoulder impingements.
EXERCISE PROGRAMMES
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
Exercise programmes can be tailored to suit your condition and stage of recovery and are always devised with your end goal in sight. They can help to promote general health and well-being and can include a variety of different elements such as strengthening, mobilising, stretching and aerobic exercises. Such programmes can help to maintain and further improve the benefits achieved by any hands-on treatments and are an excellent way of enabling clients to self-manage symptoms in the longer term.
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
POSTURAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
Having a poor posture can cause a vicious cycle of muscle imbalance and pain which can be difficult to stop without intervention. A postural assessment can include identifying tight or weak muscles that may be causing you to have poor or painful posture. It can also involve assessing any stiffness or excessive mobility in your joints.
Postural advice involves educating you about the optimal sitting and standing positions, which will help to improve your posture. The advice will consider your occupation, hobbies, sports, driving habits and other activities, and will be bespoke to you.
An exercise plan that will help you to strengthen weak or stretch tight muscles can be offered. Other manual therapy techniques can also be useful in helping to manage and correct posture.
professional registrations & memberships
New Appointments Announcement
I am fully booked at the moment - it’s probable that I will take on some new clients soon but I don’t have any spaces at the moment.
If you would like to be added to my waiting list, please do let me know.
If you are an existing or past client, please get in touch in the usual ways.
With best wishes,
Katie Freeman @ Physio in the Forest