Your Treatment
Assessment
Each treatment will begin with a thorough assessment to establish the nature of the problem and how it may have started. Sometimes this is obvious, for example in the case of injury. Sometimes it is less obvious and we may need to dig a bit deeper and think about any postural, sleep or repetitive movement causes. The next step is a physical assessment where I will visually assess any obvious imbalances, hip and shoulder imbalance, leg length discrepancy or physical restrictions. I will then assess any problem areas by gentle palpation. Palpation can often reveal exactly where any problems lie as they can be felt by the fingers as knots, adhesions, tissue tension and restriction. Once we know the source of a problem it then becomes a lot easier to address and I will use a tailored combination of techniques to relieve the problem area.
NB Please note that physical therapy can be of great assistance in identifying physical problems and relieving pain. However it is sometimes necessary to have an x-ray or MRI to know it there is a more significant injury so it is always wise to consult a doctor and ask for a referral if in doubt.
The procedure
A treatment is relaxing and adjustments are made without the need for strong manipulations. Some moves will work more towards the surface layers of the body - particularly influencing fascia and connective tissue. Other moves deeper to affect particular muscles that may be restricted. Some moves are closer to joints to affect tendons, ligaments and mobility of the joint.
A treatment session usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes. During a session the client will usually lie on a therapy table, but it can also be effectively carried out with the client in a chair. The moves can be performed through light clothing or directly on skin but there is no need to undress (jeans are too heavy but track suit bottoms/leggings are fine).
How many treatments will I need?
A treatment usually brings about change in a relatively short period of time and many acute conditions should see improvement with between 1-2, possibly three weekly sessions. Chronic problems may take slightly longer with perhaps 3-5 weekly sessions until the problem is resolved or stabilised.
Many clients have regular maintenance treatments to maintain balance and their sense of well-being.
The benefits
The therapy aims to treat the cause of medical conditions and pain rather than working on the symptoms. It can offer deep, long lasting healing and pain relief, reduced stress, greater mobility, control of inflammation or swelling and improved physical and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes changes can be felt at the time of the treatment. More often, however, adjustments and changes occur in the days following treatment.