Treatment
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Manipulative / Manual therapy
The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: “Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction.”
Although treatment at the IN TOUCH therapy center is aimed at empowering our patients to become independent and facilitate their own healing process, we place great emphasis on “hands-on” physiotherapy techniques. We are convinced that skilled soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques should be valued as an essential component of effective physiotherapeutic intervention throughout the healing process as well as in the prevention and maintenance strategy.
Read more at https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Therapy
- M. Korr (6 December 2012). The Neurobiologic Mechanisms in Manipulative Therapy. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN978-1-4684-8902-6.
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Therapy
McKenzie therapy
- What is it / How does it work?
The system of patient care known as the McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an approach that is trusted and used by clinicians and patients all over the world for common back, neck and extremity joint problems.
Most musculoskeletal pain is “mechanical” in origin, meaning that certain movements and positions could increase or decrease the pain. By a systematic evaluation of the patient, certain movements and positions can be identified, that if applied accurately could abolish the pain and maintain the improvement. This would imply that one could address the root cause of the pain, which will result in permanent restoration.
Robin McKenzie believed that most patients could learn to treat themselves if taught correctly. He felt that self-treatment empowered the patient and reduced their dependency on medical intervention. The McKenzie Method® promotes the body’s potential to heal itself without medication, surgery or other passive modalities
- What can it be used for?
The McKenzie method can be used to effectively diagnose and treat headaches, back and neck pain, as well as pain in the extremities such as shoulders, elbows, hip, knees and ankles.
The McKenzie method is especially effective in the treatment of disc pathology (such as a herniated or bulging disc) resulting in spinal pain or neural referred pain (Radicular pain) in the arms or legs.
For more information, please visit the McKenzie International website: https://www.mckenzieinstitute.org/patients/
pilates classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
Pilates Beginners: 09:00 – 09:50
Pilates Intermediate: 08:00 – 08:50
Online Pilates classes: 16:30 – 17:10
Click on the button below to call the physiotherapist, 084 618 7815
R550 per month
Monthly class fee 2021
R80 per class
Class fee per class 2021
R50 per class
Online classses 2021
If you are new to Pilates, please make a booking with the physiotherapist for an evaluation before you start with the classes to optimize your safety and progression. You are also welcome to book an individual Pilates session with the Physiotherapist at any time.
Individual Pilates sessions: POA
Pilates
- What is it / How does it work?
In the 1920s, physical trainer Joseph Pilates introduced Pilates into America as a way to help injured athletes and dancers safely return to exercise and maintain their fitness. Since then, Pilates has been adapted to suit people in the general community.
Pilates can be an aerobic and non-aerobic form of exercise. It requires concentration and focus, because you move your body through precise ranges of motion. Pilates lengthens and stretches all the major muscle groups in your body in a balanced fashion. It requires concentration in finding a centre point to control your body through movement. Each exercise has a prescribed placement, rhythm and breathing pattern.
In Pilates, your muscles are never worked to exhaustion, so there is no sweating or straining, just intense concentration. The workout consists of a variety of exercise sequences that are performed in low repetitions, usually five to ten times, over a session of 45 minutes. Mat work and specialised equipment for resistance are used.
The Pilates method is taught to suit each person and exercises are regularly re-evaluated to ensure they are appropriate for that person. Due to the individual attention, this method can suit everybody from elite athletes to people with limited mobility, pregnant women and people with low fitness levels.
• Health benefits of Pilates include:
- improved flexibility
- increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
- improved stabilisation of your spine
- improved posture
- rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
- relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
- safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
- increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
- improved concentration
- increased body awareness
- stress management and relaxation
Aqua therapy fitness and rehabilitation
Aqua therapy or also known as hydrotherapy is a therapeutic whole-body treatment that involves moving and exercising in water, essentially physiotherapy in a pool. By definition, hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being.
The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise. The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement of your joints. The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints
- Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can be used as a single treatment or as part of a collection of treatments individualised for the patient. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of:
- Neurological conditions
- Orthopaedic conditions (post-surgery or post fracture)
- Pain-management
- Paediatric patients
- Benefits of hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy utilises the principles of heat and buoyancy to achieve therapeutic goals such as to:
- Reduce joint stiffness
- Strengthen muscles
- Reduce/manage pain
- Relax muscles
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve psychological relaxation
We are on a mission to bring functional training to the water and help improve the health and fitness of individuals of all ages and abilities. Our team of trainers are eager to help you reach your ultimate fitness goals.
Dry Needling
• What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a very successful medical treatment which uses very thin needles without any medication (a dry needle) to achieve its aim. It is not at all the same as acupuncture. Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese medicine, whereas dry needling is a western medicine technique, which needs a medical diagnosis. Dry needling is based on the anatomy and physiological mechanisms of the body. Therefore it does not depend on any mystical or religious underpinnings.
• How does it work?
Dry needling works by changing the way the body senses pain (neurological effects), and by helping the body heal stubborn muscle spasm associated with trigger points (Myofacial effects). There are additional electrical and chemical changes associated with dry needling therapy which assist in the healing process. It is important to see needles as just one part of your overall rehabilitative treatment. Dry needling is not a miracle cure – it is a normal part of physiotherapy. It is vital that you do the exercises and follow the advice your therapist give you in conjunction with the needling for optimal recovery.
• What can it be used for?
Dry needling is used to treat pain and dysfunction caused by muscle spasms, chronic pain adaptations in the nerves, migraines and headaches, as well as sinus blockages.
• What can I expect?
Your therapist has been specifically trained in the various needling techniques. The therapist will determine the length and thickness of the appropriate needle for your condition and body size, and then insert it through the skin at the appropriate place. You will feel a small pinprick. Depending on the type of needle technique chosen by your therapist, you may also feel a dull muscle ache and a muscle twitch. These are all normal and beneficial sensations that indicate an effective response to the needling technique.
• Are there any risks involved?
In general, there is very little risk associated with this technique if performed properly by a trained physiotherapist. You may have a little bruising around the needle site, much the same as you would with any injection. On rare occasions, people may feel very happy, tearful, sweaty or cold. These symptoms should all subside quickly. Fainting may occur in a very small minority of people.
If you are being treated in the shoulder, neck or chest area, there is an additional risk that involves the lung. If the lung itself is punctured, you may develop a condition called a pneumothorax (air in the space around the lung). This is a rare but serious problem, and you should report to a hospital casualty department as soon as possible, if it occurs. The symptoms of this event include shortness of breath which gets worse, sudden sharp pain each time you breathe in, a bluish tinge to your lips, and an inability to “catch your breath”. Fortunately a pneumothorax is a rare complication of dry needling and can be treated very successfully if it is speedily addressed.
Electrotherapeutic modalities
In Touch Therapy Centre see Manual Therapy techniques and corrective movement as the essence of the physiotherapeutic intervention, but certain electrotherapeutic modalities may be used to compliment the outcome of the interventions.
Such modalities include:
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Ultra Sound therapy
- Laser
- Deep Oscillation Therapy
Deep Oscillation Therapy
• What is it?
Deep oscillation is an apparatus that produces low frequency electromagnetic radiations.
• How does it work?
Deep oscillation has an anti-inflammatory and oedema-reducing effect. In contrast to externally applied, mechanical forms of therapy (e.g. vibration), the therapeutic effect of deep oscillation takes place in the tissue itself and works through the entire depth of the tissue layers (skin, connective tissue, subcutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels). The full depth of tissues are penetrated boosting the natural healing process and swelling, pain and bruising are significantly reduced resulting in a shortening of the recovery time. Areas relieved of pain are stimulated into self-mobilisation and thus a more speedily return to active forms of therapy and training is possible. Deep oscillation also provides a gentle, efficient relaxation of respiratory musculature with mucolytic effect.
• What can Deep Oscillation be used for?
Deep oscillation is used for faster healing and recovery after surgery, sport and traumatic injury, training. It can be applied to treat muscle aches, strains, inflammation, swelling and wounds. In our practice we have been especially impressed with the good results that were achieved in acute lateral ligament injuries of the ankle.
Deep oscillation is also used for the treatment of respiratory disorders.
In patients with lymphoedema additional deep oscillation supplementary to manual lymphatic drainage can enhance pain alleviation and swelling reduction.
Deep oscillation massage was shown to be safe and well tolerated in patients with moderate to severe grades of fibromyalgia syndrome of high chronicity. In contrast to other electrotherapeutic and mechanical therapies, there are no contraindications in immediate therapy.
Massage
- What is massage?
Massage is a manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscles and soft tissues in the body. At In Touch Therapy we offer a wide range of different massage types that uses various techniques to achieve our patient goals. Massage treatments can provide a range of health benefits, increase sporting performance and aid relaxation.
One of the forms of massage we practice at In Touch Therapy is Sports Massage.
1) Sports Massage
Sports massage is a manual technique applied to the body’s soft tissues. It is a deep and intense form of massage that uses various techniques involving stretching, toning, friction and compression. Sports massage is invigorating and is used effectively to treat muscular damage, overuse injuries, muscle tension and reduce the risk of injury. In addition it can be used for muscle maintenance, pre and post exercise events and for injury rehabilitation. Through the use of Sports massage the body’s healing process can be accelerated and the discomfort and pain from an injury can be reduced.
- What is sport massage used for?
- Relieve muscular tension
- Mobilise soft tissue
- Treat muscular damage
- Break down adhesions
- Reduce pain
- When is sport massage used?
- Pre Event
- Post Event
- As part of a training programme
- Post Workout
- To sooth tight muscles
- To delayed onset muscle soreness
- Post injury
- For chronic pain
- What are the benefits of sport massage?
- Reduced delayed onset muscle soreness
- Decreased pain
- Increased range of movement
- Increased muscle flexibility
- Improved recovery
- Maximised performance
- Reduced chance of injury
2) Therapeutic massage
- What is therapeutic massage and how does it work?
Therapeutic massage uses a combination of different strokes and manipulation techniques on the body to produce a specific therapeutic effect. Therapeutic massage can be used to manage stress, decrease pain, increase an overall feeling of well-being and improve recovery. Therapeutic massage can shorten recovery time from muscular injury by flushing out lactic acid and waste products. Therapeutic massage also improves circulation and lymph flow aiding the body’s self-healing process. Massage techniques can stretch and loosen connective tissues, ligament and tendons allowing more movement and keeping them supple. Therapeutic massage is an effective technique that stimulates the skin and nervous system reducing emotional and physical stress.
Trigger point therapy is a popular form of therapeutic massage. It involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger points are active centers of muscular hyperactivity, which often cross-over with acupuncture points.
Another well-known form of therapeutic massage is called myofacial release. It is a manual technique that is used for stretching the fascia aiming to release fascia restrictions. Fascia is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone, and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body. Fascia can become restricted through injuries, stress, trauma, and poor posture.
- What is therapeutic massage used for?
- Reduced muscular tension
- Increased flexibility
- Improved injury
- Increased blood and lymph circulation
- Stimulation of the nervous system
Neuro Rehabilitation
- What is it / How does it work?
Neurological physiotherapy is focused on working with individuals who have a neurological disorder or disease. These include Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, MND, Myasthenia Gravis and brain injuries.
- What can it be used for?
Common defects in patients with neurological disorders include paralysis, weakness, poor balance, inability to ambulate, and loss of functional independence. Therapists work with patients to improve these areas of dysfunction through strengthening exercises and functional strategies.
Read more: https://www.saphysio.co.za/membership-groups/special-interest-groups/neurological-rehabilitation/
Pain Management
- What is pain management?
Pain management is a method of using different techniques to help you manage your pain better. Pain can be a severely disabling symptom of many conditions and may prevent you carrying out your normal activities of daily living. Pain management is an important treatment of both acute and chronic pain and must be appropriate to your condition.
- How does it work?
Physiotherapy is a very effective pain management strategy and can give you the opportunity to reduce your pain symptoms and continue with an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Physiotherapy for pain management could include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Hydrotherapy
- Heat therapy
- Strapping and taping
- ElectrotherapyEducation sessions and advice
- Goal setting
- Pacing
In Touch Therapy Centre will be able to provide you with a full assessment to identify your main problems. Your physiotherapist will then work with you to devise a tailored pain management programme to help minimise your symptoms.
Pain management is a continuous process and unfortunately long-term pain symptoms cannot be resolved overnight. However, with a specialist pain management programme designed by your physiotherapist, you will be able to take control of your pain and return to the activities and hobbies you enjoy.
Post-Surgical Rehab
- What is it / How does it work?
After undergoing joint surgery, it is important to begin exercising the limb immediately to restore strength and full range of motion. We provide patients with accurate and comprehensive information regarding their surgical procedure as well as the rehabilitation protocol that should be followed.
- What can it be used for?
In Touch therapy centre does a variety of post-surgical rehabilitations for procedures such as:
- Brain surgery
- Spinal fusions, disctectomies and laminectomies.
- Laparotic procedures
- Shoulder replacements, Rotator cuff repairs, Acromio-clavicular joint excision etc.
- Carpal tunnel repair and tennis elbow surgery
- Hip replacement and anterior hip impingement repair
- Total knee replacement and knee arthroscopies
- Bunionectomies and ankle repairs
Postural Correction
- What is it / How does it work?
Inadequate posture could lead to prolonged static loading of normal or abnormal soft tissue which may result in pain and discomfort. If left unchecked it may progress to actual tissue damage or musculo-skeletal strain.
In order to manage the posture effectively the patient should be educated on the link between the posture and the pain. The patient should be made aware of what the correct posture looks and feels like. Strategies should then be implemented to avoid the wrong posture and maintain the correct posture.
We believe that postural correction should be simple and maintainable. We utilize certain McKenzie techniques, strengthening programs and Pilates classes to attain the goal of improved posture.
- What can it be used for?
Postural correction could be a vital aspect of the treatment of many pains ranging from headache to knee pain.
For more information, please check out this blog on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/common-posture-mistakes-and-fixes/
Proprioceptive Exercise
Proprioception is the body’s sense of position. It is what allows someone to learn to walk in complete darkness without losing balance or to be running on a grass field while keeping an eye on the ball. Without the appropriate integration of proprioceptive input, an artist would not be able to brush paint onto a canvas without looking at his hand as it moved the brush over the canvas; it would be impossible to drive a car, because a motorist would not be able to steer or use the pedals while looking at the road ahead; in fact, people would not even be able to walk without watching where they put their feet.
Having a well-developed sense of proprioception is essential for optimal performance in any sport or art that requires body movements. A diminished proprioceptive awareness often results in recurring joint sprains, since even though the body may have regained sufficient strength and mobility, it could still lack the necessary coordination of its movement which could results in unexpected sprains and injuries.
The body’s proprioception could be affected following a joint injury such as an ankle sprain or fracture, orthopaedic surgery such as a knee arthroscopy, or, an infection of the proprioceptive system such as a meningitis or middle ear infection.
Proprioception and balance can be retrained very effectively through a rehabilitation program that teaches the central nervous system to integrate vision, the vestibular system, proprioception and strength to regain optimal control of body movements.
Your physiotherapist will be able to establish your current level op proprioception and prescribe the relevant exercise program. The body often responds quickly to proprioceptive training and significant progress should be seen within as little as 2 weeks of training.
- What can it be used for?
- Optimal recovery following joint injury or surgery
- Improved performance
- Injury prevention
Strengthening and conditioning exercises
Exercise programmes are designed to promote general health and well-being and are also used for physical rehabilitation and development. They include a variety of different parts such as strengthening, mobilising, stretching and aerobic exercises. In Touch Therapy Centre can create a personalised programme for you depending on your goals.
- What are the benefits of exercise programmes?
- Promoting a faster recovery from an injury/operation/condition
- Reducing your pain
- Improving the strength of your muscles
- Increasing your muscles length
- Increasing your joint mobility
- Improving the efficiency of your heart and lungs
- Increased energy and stamina
- Improving cardiovascular fitness
- Creating a more positive outlook
- Helping with your balance and coordination
- Improving your self-confidence
- Stress relief
- Improved sleep
- Weight reduction
- What will be included in your exercise programme?
After a full assessment, the physiotherapist will work with you to decide on your main aims to personalise your exercise programme. This may include any of the following components:
- Strengthening
- Mobilising
- Stretching
- Pain management
- Muscle control
- Functional exercises
- Sport specific exercises
- Balance and proprioception exercises
- Who will benefit from an exercise programme?
Exercise programme are commonly designed for the following reasons:
- Pain relief
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Loss of mobility
- Loss of function
- Depression / anxiety / stress
- Preparation for an event
- Maintaining general fitness levels
Graded loading exercise
- What is graded loading exercise?
Graded loading exercise is a structured exercise programme that aims to gradually increase the load on the muscle and its tendon by changing the type of exercise , the intensity/ resistance, the frequency and/or the amount of repetitions done.
- Who will benefit from graded loading exercise?
Graded loading exercise are specifically helpfull in the following conditions:
- Tendinopathy/ Tenditis of the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and elbow
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
Sports Injury Treatment
- What is sport injury rehabilitation?
Sports injury rehabilitation or “rehab” is a structured programme designed by physiotherapists for people who have sustained a sporting injury. Depending on the type of injury you have sustained, your programme will include a number of parts which may include strengthening exercises, mobilising, pain relief techniques and functional skills. At In Touch Therapy Centre, we aim to maximise recovery by tailoring the rehabilitation to your individual goals and monitoring your progress throughout.
- What are the benefits of sport injury rehab
- Strengthening weakened muscle groups
- Reducing any pain and inflammation from your injury
- Improving your flexibility and coordination
- Maintaining cardiovascular fitness whilst you are out of sport
- Restoring full function as soon as possible
- A faster recovery and return to sport
- Minimising the risk of future injuries
- Advice on correct footwear and equipment
- Who will benefit from sport injury rehab?
- Recent or chronic injuries
- Ligament injuries e.g. Ankle ligament injuries or Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in the knee
- Shoulder dislocation or subluxation
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Frozen shoulder syndrome
- Stress fractures
- Muscle strains or tears e.g. hamstring or calf
- Tennis or Golf Elbow
- Tendon injuries e.g. Achilles or Patella Tendinopathy
Taping
- What is taping?
Taping or strapping is a technique used by physiotherapists for injury prevention or rehabilitation. The physiotherapists at In Touch Therapy Centre are fully trained in how to apply effective taping depending on your goals of treatment. The physiotherapists can also teach you how to apply the tape yourself so you can continue to experience the benefit.
- What are the benfits from taping?
- Protection of injured soft tissue structures (ligaments, tendons, fascia)
- Injury prevention
- Encourage normal movement
- Quicker return to sport or work
- Pain reduction
- Improves the stability of a joint
- Reduces the risk of re-injury
- Reduces swelling
- Who will benefit from taping?
At In Touch Therapy Centre we use taping as part of a treatment programme for many injuries and conditions including:
- Shoulder injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Knee pain
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Tendonitis e.g. tennis elbow
- Muscle strains e.g. hamstrings, groin, quadriceps
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation is the treatment of conditions which affect the inner ear causing dizziness and imbalance. Vestibular rehabilitation would be used after a vestibular physiotherapy assessment identified whether the symptoms are treatable using these techniques.
- What is Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation or vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT) is a broad term used for a number of different exercises, positional treatments and collection of lifestyle advice to help with the treatment of vestibular problems.
- How Vestibular Rehabilitation works
Vestibular rehabilitation works by strengthening the balance system to overcome faults caused by vestibular conditions. The eyes, balance sensors in the joints and ear all work together to tell the brain how to keep the body stable and vision clear. Vestibular conditions affect the ear or the messages from the ear to the brain which then causes incorrect reaction from the eyes causing dizziness and balance sensors causing unsteadiness. Vestibular rehabilitation strengthens the input from areas not effected cancelling out the incorrect messages thus reducing symptoms and resetting the vestibular system as a whole allowing you to function normally again.
- Who is Vestibular Rehabilitation suitable for
Vestibular rehabilitation is suitable and extremely beneficial for the treatment of people suffering from a combination any of the following symptoms:
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Vestibular rehabilitation is also the preferred treatment option for the following conditions:
- Vestibular Neuronitis
- Labyrinthitis
- Migraine Associated Dizziness
- Meniere’s
- Post-surgical removal of Acoustic Neuroma
- BPPV (Epley treatment)
There is a strong evidence base of research surrounding vestibular rehabilitation which has shown significant improvements with vestibular problems.
- Benefits of vestibular rehabilitation
The benefits of treatment for a vestibular problem cover everything from an increased knowledge of the cause behind the symptoms to a possible complete resolution of the problem. The benefit you will see from Vestibular rehabilitation will include:
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As you progress through treatment your symptom frequency and intensity will reduce and you will be able to get back to normal daily activities.
- What to expect with Vestibular treatment
You will be provided with advice and some form of treatment on your first session. A large majority of your rehabilitation will take place at home with an exercise programme which is really important to stick to in order to see improvements. The exercises will be challenging but set at a manageable level for you to cope with. You should start to see improvement relatively quickly but it can take a long time to see complete recovery. You will not have to attend the clinic frequently during this time as a plan is put in place each session to last a number of weeks and in some cases months.
Geriatric care and rehabilitation
The quality of life of elderly patients often depends on their ability to move and function independently.
This is often inhibited through conditions that result in inactivity and subsequent weakness, muscle atrophy and even fear to move about in the house.
- These conditions include:
- Long hospitalization due to pneumonia, cardiac conditions etc.
- Surgical procedures such as hip or knee replacement
- Serious injuries such as a hip fracture followed by surgery and bedrest for recovery
- Fear following a number of falls
- Neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s
- Compiling a patient-specific program of strengthening, balance retraining and motivation to regain the necessary strength and control.
- Suggesting relevant walking aids and adjustments to the patient’s environment to make it safe and accessible to the patient.
How can physiotherapy help?
The physiotherapy rehabilitation of the elderly usually focuses on the following two aspects:
Functional status — Functional status refers to the ability to perform activities necessary or desirable in daily life. Functional status is directly influenced by health conditions, particularly in the context of an elder’s environment and social support network.
Activities of daily living —including: basic activities of daily living e.g. bathing, dressing, instrumental or intermediate activities of daily living e.g. shopping, telephoning, taking medicine, and advanced activities of daily living e.g. being able to partake in social activities.
Please feel free to contact In Touch Therapy Center to arrange for a physiotherapist to do a home assessment of the patient’s physical ability as well as the environment that the patient live in.
Chest and sinus treatment
Percussion is a manual technique used by respiratory physiotherapists to help aid the clearance of secretions. Chest Percussion is one of the intervention for airway clearance which augments the mobilization of secretions in one or more lung segments to the central airways by placing the patient in various positions so gravity assists in the drainage process. Gravity-assisted positioning will facilitate the clearance of secretions in patients with abnormalities of the cilia. Chest percussion is usually used in combination with active cycle breathing techniques, or coupled with positioning in those who are unable to actively participate in active controlled breathing exercises.
Percussion is often a beneficial manual technique to help in the removal of secretions in a number of respiratory conditions, these include:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Adult Respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Bronchiectasis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The goal of physiotherapy is to treat sinusitis in the early stages of inflammation, to facilitate drainage of mucous, reduce swelling and manage pain.
A course of usually four treatment sessions is recommended, before the full impact of the therapy is achieved. The treatment offered includes:
Ultrasound therapy: This works by transporting mechanical energy through vibration of the tissue particles affected. This speeds up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the area; and decreases pain by relieving pressure and reducing swelling.
Laser Therapy: This treatment modality works instantly, destroying micro-organisms with light energy. It is a non-invasive form of treatment, offering an analgesic effect. It also reduces swelling and inflammation, whilst simultaneously acts on allergic and infective agents.
Sinus massage: This is a stimulatory massage of the sinuses and the surrounding areas, to provide pain relief and reduce the feeling of “stuffiness” felt in the nose
Pediatric physiotherapy