Physiotherapy

Lots of studies show that physiotherapy are very effective in treating many conditions that cause chronic (long-term) pain. For some conditions, this is the mainstay of treatment.

For more complex conditions, physiotherapy often work best alongside appropriate medical treatment, surgery or psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

As well as being essential for recovery following surgery or joint injury, they can also be used to delay or prevent the need for surgery.

This is seen if physiotherapy are started early enough and followed appropriately under experienced supervision.

Physiotherapy provide effective treatment for a wide range of different conditions and as part of the recovery from joint injuries or surgeries.

They can help treat many causes of joint pain and stiffness, including arthritis and sciatica (a pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which can cause pain in the lower back, buttock and down the legs).

Physiotherapy for sciatica usually involves strengthening exercises, stretching, and aerobic conditioning.

Our team at The London Clinic are also able to offer targeted therapies for conditions that cause more generalised pain and fatigue, such as chronic widespread pain (fibromyalgia) and cancer.

In these cases, gentle and appropriate movement can help prevent muscle deconditioning and help maintain strength and mobility.

Exercise-based therapies can also be very helpful in managing and treating stress-related illnesses and mental health problems.

More specialised physiotherapy can be used to target certain conditions.

For example, vestibular rehabilitation can be used to treat conditions affecting the inner ear that cause problems with balance and vertigo.

Speech and language therapy can be used to treat a number of problems from simple speech defects to airway disorders and neurological conditions (such as stroke) that affect swallowing.

There are very few risks associated with physiotherapy that are supervised and monitored by trained experts.

After treatments that involve exercise or stretching, some people may feel a little joint or muscle soreness. This is normal, and can last for a few days until the muscles and joints have fully recovered and started to strengthen.

For people receiving physiotherapy due to joint pain or injury, it may help to take painkillers beforehand so that they can complete their session without being hindered by pain.

Before starting treatment, a specially trained therapist will ask questions about the symptoms and carry out a thorough clinical examination of the problem area(s).

They may also discuss the shared treatment goals to help put together a tailored plan.

The therapy sessions themselves will vary depending on the treatment. Any hydrotherapy or aquatic rehabilitation will take place in our fully equipped and heated swimming pool.

Other therapies usually take place in a quiet clinic room or dedicated physiotherapy gym.

The majority of sessions will involve completing targeted movements, stretches or exercises under the supervision of the therapist.

These exercises can be practiced at home between sessions to speed up recovery time.

The therapist will assess progress at each session and modify the exercises and treatment accordingly.