When should I see a physiotherapist?

Any condition that prevents you from taking part in activities of daily living (ADLs) or sporting activity impacts your life. It is vital that you receive physiotherapy at the onset of a problem. The early onset helps to accelerate the healing process or prevents worsening of an injury over time, that way you are back to action faster. Book your appointment today- we’ll get you on the road to recovery…

Do I require a referral from my doctor?

Yes. You will need a referral to see a physiotherapist; this is a requirement by medical aid/insurances. However, you can still walk into physio without a referral but you will have to pay cash for services. We are pleased to offer convenient direct billing to most insurance companies on your behalf.

Initial Assessment

The initial visit usually takes more than the follow up consultations. It usually lasts 45minutes. In the initial assessment, you will be asked to complete intake paperwork; we take a detailed history of your health concern and assess your functional limitations – for instance what causes your pain, what makes it worse? How is it preventing you from functioning as before the injury? Etc. After the subjective assessment we do tests that will guide us to what treatment best suits you. Your diagnosis will be explained and proposed, customized treatment plan discussed with you. Your physiotherapist will advise on the next appointment and any dressing requirements, for instance some gym wear for exercises.

What are the primary techniques used in physiotherapy?

Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy is a key component of your physiotherapy treatment. It includes exercises to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, balance training, postural re-education and core stability exercises. There will be exercises we do in the clinic gym and a prescribed, rehearsed home exercise program.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on technique used to put pressure on muscles tissue and mobilize/manipulate joints to decrease pain, muscle spasm, muscle tension or joint dysfunction

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Orthopaedic rehabilitation is the assessment and treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions (including back and neck pain, fractures, sprains) caused by repetitive wear and tear, sports injuries, car accident, fall or surgery. The problem could either be acute or chronic. Manual therapy, electrotherapy and exercise therapy are the focus of treatment to allow you to regain strength, flexibility, balance and full movement and function.

Prehab to surgery

Pre-habilitation or prehab is treatment before one goes for operation/surgery. We teach you specific exercises to strengthen your body prior to surgery to help reduce recovery time.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Neuro rehabilitation contributes to independence and quality of life for people experiencing physical limitations due to stroke, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, genetic disorders, Bell ’s palsy etc. The rehabilitation helps regain mobility and improve function.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical modalities to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and improve function. The following modalities are used at our physiotherapy:

Ultrasound

Ultrasound involves low-frequency sound waves to facilitate healing at cellular level. It helps to increase soft tissue extensibility, reduce inflammation, break-up scar tissue, improve blood flow and increase metabolism.

Interferential Current (IFC) and Pre-modulated Current

IFC currents are delivered through two or four electrode to stimulate nerves and local endorphin release and repair tissues. Electrotherapy increases local blood flow and helps to reduce pain and edema.

Dry Needling

This involves inserting an acupuncture needle into trigger point and leaving it/moving to release muscle tension. This technique is very effective at releasing shortened muscle tissue that can press on and irritate nerves.

Heat and Cryotherapy

Hot and cold packs are used in conjunction with other treatments to relax muscles, reduce inflammation and reduce pain and stiffness.