Techniques Explained
Techniques employed in treating you:-
At The Vale Clinic we follow current best practice in our treatments – and all of our physiotherapists keep fully abreast of the latest developments through attendance at regular, updating professional training courses.
We principally use manual “hands on“ techniques including manipulation, massage and mobilisations– but these are supplemented whenever appropriate by the use of modern electrotherapies including laser, ultrasound and interferential therapy.
Some of our physiotherapists are also professionally qualified in the use of acupuncture techniques (and are members of the “AACP” – the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) – an area of treatment which is rapidly becoming accepted as part of mainstream medicine. It is widely used in this country as a means of reducing pain without taking medication. It is now recommended by N.I.C.E in the treatment and management of back pain in conjunction with manual techniques. How does acupuncture work? – your body is stimulated by the insertion of the needles to release chemicals called endorphins, which are natural pain relieving chemicals.
If acupuncture therapy is deemed suitable in your case, and if you consent to its use, then your physiotherapist will use only very fine, single use, sterile needles which are inserted lightly and quickly. Once the needles are in place you will be aware of them but the sensation is not unpleasant. Sometimes, the agreed decision will be taken to actively stimulate the needles by the application of electrical impulses – “electro-acupuncture” – which can be a very helpful additional tool in managing acute pain.
We also use “T.E.N.S” machines (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to help relieve pain – and these can be hired out to patients to take home when appropriate. They can also be purchased from the clinic.
The Vale Clinic has the benefit of a leading computer software programme to enable us to design, prepare and print out for our patients individually tailored exercise programmes to take home at no extra charge.
Advice is also given to help prevent the recurrence of injuries, including sports injuries.
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