PROTOCOLS – WHAT TO EXPECT
A Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic with a Difference!
PROTOCOLS
On these pages we show some common problems and the treatment you may expect to receive for them. Obviously not all problems can be covered here. We are always happy to advise on the treatment you may expect and the timescale of your recovery.
Neck Pain
Mechanical
Treatment Goal: To restore range of movement, relieve pain, restore strength and function.
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Educate on cause, management of condition and posture correction.
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Mobilise level/area of problem with manual therapy, massage and soft tissue stretches.
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Home mobilising exercises and stretching exercises.
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Pain management with variety of possible modalites of treatment: mobilisation techniques, acupuncture, massage, electrotherapy, TENS, trigger point release techniques.
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Strengthening of deep neck muscles, core strengthening exercises,.
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Shoulder setting exercises to improve posture.
Whiplash
Treatment Goal: To restore range of movement, relieve pain, restore strength and function and reduce risk of re-occurance.
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Educate on cause, management of symptoms and predicted outcomes.
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Home mobilising exercises, gentle stretches and posture correction.
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Relieve pain – neck, upper back, headaches, pins & needles, referred upper limb pain, back pain with manual therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, massage, TENS.
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Stretches to soft tissue shortening.
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Restore mobility with mobilisation techniques, and exercises
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Posture correction with core strengthening exercises, shoulder setting, neck retraction exercises.
Trapped Nerve Arm Pain
Treatment Goal: To relieve pain and restore function.
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Explanation of cause, early management of pain by suggesting comfortable resting positions and pain management techniques.
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Manual therapy techniques, acupuncture, electrotherapy and TENS as required.
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Dural tension stretches.
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Posture correction and advice on prevention of re-occurance.
Mechanical/General Back Stiffness and Pain
Treatment Goal: To improve range of movement, relieve pain and restore strength and function.
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Educate on cause, management of condition and posture correction
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Mobilise level/area with manual therapy, massage and soft tissue stretches. Mobilising home exercises and stretches.
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Strengthening exercises: core strengthening exercises to stabilise area with a graduated programme level dependent on requied fitness level.
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Pain management as required and effective: mobilistion techniques, acupuncture, massage.
Discogenic Pain
Treatment Goal: To improve range of movement, relieve pain, restore strength and function.
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Educate on cause, management of condition and posture correction
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McKenzie exercise regime to correct bulge position.
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Strengthen postural muscles using core strengthening exercises
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Stretch to restore range of movement
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Pain relief: acupuncture, massage, electrotherapy, TENS.
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Possible referral for further investigation if indicated
Back Pain with Referred Leg Pain (Sciatica)
Treatment Goal: To improve range of movement, relieve pain, restore strength and function
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Same as general back stiffness/pain but with Nerve root stretches with hold relax techniques and home stretches.
Tennis Elbow
Treatment Goal: to ease pain in outer aspect of elbow.
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Educate and explain cause of pain.
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Mobilise any neck/thoracic stiffness using mobilisation techniques and massage.
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Deep transverse friction (deep massage) to common extensor origin (elbow)
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Ultrasound and massage to muscle bulk and acupuncture as required.
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Home excercises given and explained.
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Epicondylar splint to be used to allow inflammation to settle.
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If not completely resolved following six sessions possibly refer to specialist for cortisone injection to settle underlying inflammation.
Chronic Muscle Strain
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Examine and discuss training regime and causative factors.
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Deep transverse friction (deep massage) to damaged fibres, ultrasound usually repeated x 3 sessions to clear.
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Check lumbar spine for stiffness and dural tension stretch and mobilise as required.
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Massage to muscle bulk.
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Home stretches.
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Return to running/sport when full stretch and pain free resisted hold.
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Core strengthening and graduated strengthening programme.
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Home stretches