Musculoskeletal therapy, based on a standard model concept of integrated anatomy, uses a wide range of techniques from multiple disciplines to work with your body, to help understand, diagnose and treat you, and your presentation.
Treatment can include soft tissue work, joint manipulation, electrotherapy, fascial and exercise modalities to relieve and resolve both the symptoms and the underlying cause.
Philosophy
The human body evolved to move, and has four guiding principles. Feet on the floor, eyes on the horizon, avoid pain and move for survival. In today’s environment, these can be compromised by convenience, as well as injury and illness, reducing our opportunity for movement. MSK therapy helps reduce pain, restore movement and improve your overall health.
Each treatment is unique but relies on a sequence of core practices, listening and evaluating always comes first, to understand and ensure that any intervention is appropriate. The aim is to try to meet the person where they are, assessing and observing their overall health and wellbeing. Treatment involves massage, manipulation and mobilisation techniques to reach the root of the issue. Other modalities can be used, ultrasound, or other electrotherapies if indicated. Finally as the treatment winds down, we reassess and plan a path forward.
What to expect
During your first appointment, we will discuss the presenting complaint, as well as take a full medical history. This is to find out how the problem effects you, what makes it worse or better and to make sure that there is no underlying conditions, ensuring that you are in the best place, and that there is nothing that could limit the treatment we can offer.
Part of the consultation involves examination, to look at both the area of concern and how it is interacting with the rest of your body, since the presentation may not be the root problem. This can include active and passive tests, as well as non invasive medical tests (for example blood pressure or cranial nerve examination) which will be explained and consented at each step. Comfortable, loose clothing can help, and if you wish to bring a companion, you are welcome to do so.
Once complete, a working diagnosis will be discussed with you, with options and the next steps. If treatment is not appropriate, then you will be recommended a suitable course of action, so that you can feel reassured about the path forward.
Treatment
Treatment is as unique as you are, with each session following what is appropriate and necessary to reach the goal. We use a range of techniques, from very gentle hands on functional work to deep tissue releases and manipulations, as well as some electrotherapies if indicated. Each step will be discussed and consent sought, so that you understand how it will benefit you and what the expected outcome will be. As the treatment progresses, we incorporate education and exercises that you can carry out at home, to help it recover even faster and prevent its return.
After treatment, you will be asked for feedback, given any supporting advice and if suitable, a follow up appointment can be made.
