Physiotherapy

PHYSIOTHERAPY or “physio” as it is most commonly called is a profession which is aimed at the assessment, maintenance, and restoration of the physical function and performance of the body. Without our bodies performing at an optimal biomechanical level you will inevitably run into problems and develop imbalances or dysfunctions (not moving properly) that lead to pain/injury and decreased performance.

Physiotherapy can be used as adjunct to other health care such as recovery from surgery or in conjunction with medical advice or medication but is usually used in isolation as the one therapy of choice such as in injury management. In the cases where it is used in combination with other medical/allied health therapies it will help provide a more longer lasting relief or speedier recovery from injury.

Physiotherapists look at the factors which contribute to the problem or presenting complaint of the patient. By addressing poor posture, improper techniques, muscle imbalances, poor work practices, or other bad habits the Regional Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

A Physiotherapist is able to address these issues and hence treat the patient as a whole person rather than a set of symptoms and simply put a “band aid” over they’re problems. This approach reduces the likelihood of the same thing happening again in the future and also reduces any worsening of the condition or any more degeneration/dysfunction of the patients condition.

Physiotherapy uses a wide range of assessment and treatment techniques to determine what the cause of the problem is, where the painful structure that is causing the symptom lies, and therefore the physiotherapist is able to determine what the best technique to use will be to restore the patient to the best level of function.

Treatment will, therefore, vary depending on what the presenting physio condition is, but commonly patients can expect to receive treatment techniques from the following list:

• Joint mobilisation therapy
• Spinal mobilisation therapy
• Manipulation
• Massage
• Postural advice/education
• Exercise programs/advice
• Stretches and core stability training
• Ergonomic and work station assessments and advice
• Pilates conditioning programs
• Acupuncture and dry needling
• Muscle energy techniques
• Balance training and re-education
• Gait (walking/running) retraining
• Strength and rehabilitation program and training

An accurate assessment by your Regional Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Physio will determine what the most appropriate course of treatment will suit you as an individual to get the best recovery possible so that you can get back to doing what you enjoy most.

SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY is a specific field of Physiotherapy. A Sports Physiotherapist has undertaken further study in order to manage a wide variety of sporting injuries sustained by the elite to the everyday athlete.

A Sports Physiotherapist applies the disciplines of sports medicine; sports physiotherapy, sports massage and sports rehabilitation to treated the sporting injury holistically.

Sports medicine covers the diagnostic and intervention aspects of the injured athlete and manages the rehabilitation, return to sport after the injury, conditioning & recovery of soft tissue injuries.

Treatment of sports injuries are best treated by a physiotherapist who is a sports physio.  At Regional Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, our resident sports physio is Alex Gazis-Morris.  Alex has 22 years experience as prinicipal physiotherapist & 10 years as Sports Physiotherapist.  Alex is registered with Sports Medicine Australia and fully registered as a Sports Physiotherapist with the peak body APA (Australian Physiotherapy Assiciation).

SPORTS INJURIES

At Regional Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic we have been involved as the primary physiotherapists for Soccer, Football, Netball, Hockey, Basketball, athletics and running clubs so if you have a sporting injury we know how to fix it! We know how frustrating it is to be on the sidelines. It is our aim to assess you immediately after your injury which is why ask that you call our clinic as soon as possible so you can get the care you need not days or weeks later! Call 9622 5335 to make an emergency appointment after sustaining an injury.