PHYSIOTHERAPY

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a profession whose origins began in therapeutic massage over 100 years ago. It is now heavily science-based and concerns itself with human function and movement. Physiotherapists aim to restore function in the body, reduce pain and enhance the healing process using physical methods such as manipulation, massage, exercise, electrotherapy and acupuncture.

What conditions can be treated by physiotherapy?

Many conditions can be treated; some of the most common can be grouped as follows-

• Spinal Problems- back /neck pain and stiffness; sciatica; arthritis; ante/post natal back problems
• Joint problems- pain and stiffness of : knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, ankle and foot
• Injuries- Sports injuries to - muscles; ligaments and tendons
• Work-related issues such as repetitive strain injury and the provision of preventative ergonomic advice
• Fractures/ orthopaedic surgery- rehabilitation following fracture or surgery
• Headaches
• Post-mastectomy complaints

Do you need a referral from your doctor?

You can make your own appointment for private physiotherapy without a referral from your doctor, but your physiotherapist will usually liaise with your doctor at some point. However, a referral from your doctor is usually required if you are using a private health insurance scheme. It is useful to bring along any medical referral letters and X-rays/ reports that you may have in your possession.

What can be expected in a physiotherapy treatment?

The first consultation involves an assessment to establish why you have sought treatment and a detailed history is taken in order to gain an understanding of the problem. Questions about general health and past medical history helps build up a more complete picture and screening questions are asked to ensure that physiotherapy is appropriate and safe for your specific complaint.

The physiotherapist then examines the problem area. This includes observation, testing joint movement, muscle testing, feeling joints and soft tissues and may include specific orthopaedic tests.

During the examination, patients are often asked to remove parts of their clothing in order to expose the area that is to be treated. With a lower limb problem you should expect the lower spine to be examined. Similarly with a shoulder or arm problem you should expect examination of the neck and upper back. Based on this initial assessment a treatment plan will be formulated in partnership with the patient; goals are set and treatment and advice may start straight away.

During subsequent consultations the patient is re-assessed to ensure that the treatment plan is effective and relevant to the patient's changing circumstances and health status. Finally a discharge letter will be sent to any referring doctor on completion of the treatment.

	Siobhan Cowling Siobhan Cowling took her first degree in Psychology and Sports Science at Birmingham University before qualifying as a physiotherapist at the Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry in 1992. After completing rotational posts at hospitals in Worcester and Oswestry she chose to specialise in treating outpatients with musculoskeletal problems. She has been a specialist in this area for over 11 years and has a wealth of clinical experience, much of that time treating patients in the private sector. She has close links with Chester orthopaedic consultants and pain specialists having worked at the Grosvenor Nuffield Hospital for many years. Siobhan's specialised clinical skills were recognised by Keele University who invited her to become a part-time lecturer on the physiotherapy degree course, where she was able to successfully combine this lecturing role with her clinical role for five years. Siobhan specialises in manual therapy, mobilising and manipulating stiff joints, and releasing tight soft tissues. In her practice she combines this with offering advice on general and specific therapeutic exercises. Siobhan has a very "hands on" approach to her patients fostered by her post-graduate training through the MACP, "the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists" Siobhan is also qualified for using acupuncture and will often combine more conventional physiotherapy techniques with acupuncture to obtain effective pain relief. Siobhan is a registered provider with all the major insurance groups, and is also registered with The Health Professions Council.