PHYSICAL THERAPY

Since 2005 Lily has been providing a hands-on professional physical therapy rehabilitation service. The aim of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function and accelerate your recovery. The goal is to have you return to work, your hobbies, sport and activities of daily living as quickly as possible. There is an emphasis on injury prevention and education designed to aid your recovery. 

Lily is registered as a physiotherapist with CORU. They promote high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals in Ireland.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Physical Therapy is a natural hands-on approach to healthcare. Established on health science principles the therapy focuses on the whole body and not only the area where the problem is. It is suitable for people of all ages, from the very young to the not so young.

Skilfully applied manual techniques are used to release tension from the body. Many of the physical problems you experience can be caused by or manifest themselves through injury, disease, aging or environmental factors such as repetitive use. When the body is balanced and free from discomfort you are in a better place to get on with daily activities.

All physical therapy sessions are one-on-one and incorporate the latest evidence-based techniques proven to get you better, faster. The result is a more personalised therapy, more effective treatment and faster recovery giving you greater care and value.

CONDITIONS THAT RESPOND WELL TO PHYSICAL THERAPY ARE:

• Neck, shoulder and upper back pain
• Headaches/migraines
• Muscular aches
• Lower back pain
• Whiplash injuries
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• S.I.Joint dysfunction
• Hamstring and other muscle strains
• Ankle sprains

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM TREATMENT? 

On your first visit a detailed history including your lifestyle, medical history, current symptoms and contributing factors is taken.  

A postural assessment will help inform as to where there are muscular imbalances. Poor posture can be a contributing factor to many common conditions such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches, lower back ache to name but a few.

A functional assessment is carried out using various orthopaedic testing techniques. These assessments not only focus on the area where the symptoms are but focus on the body as a whole. People benefit greatly when not only the symptoms are treated but the source of the symptoms are treated as well. The findings of the assessment and how the treatment will proceed is explained. However, if the findings of the history taking and assessment require further investigation then you will be referred to your General Practitioner.  

SO WHAT ARE THESE HANDS ON TECHNIQUES AND WHY ARE THEY BENEFICIAL?

Gentle palpation gives information through my hands. It informs the treatment process and lets me know what muscles are tight or weak; are there trigger points (knots) present; is the fascia restricted and is this causing dysfunction elsewhere; is movement in a joint impaired; are there other underlying factors that need to be taken into account? This information gained through gently palpation informs how you will be treated so that you get you back on track.

SOFT & DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

This helps to relax muscles, increase blood circulation and lymph flow and free up areas of dysfunction and loosen tight tissue. This improves the healing time of muscle aches, strains and sprains. It reduces inflammation, improves range of movement of muscles and joints.  Improving blood flow improves oxygen flow, this brings nutrients and helps eliminates toxins such as lactic acid.  

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY

This uses specific, localised pressure to treat tight areas called trigger points. Trigger points are areas of dysfunction that can trigger pain to areas other than the area where the sore spot is.
Myofascial release involves stretching of the fascia and the muscles.  When muscle fibres are injured, the fibres and the fascia which surrounds it become short and tight. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that covers all muscles, muscle fibres and organs of the body. Because it forms a continuous sheet much like a body stocking stress in one area can be transmitted elsewhere causing pain, restricted movement and other symptoms.

In order to release the tissue a light stretch is applied to the area, once the area has relaxed the stretch is increased and repeated.

HOME CARE PLAN  

Educating you on how best to manage your condition is of the utmost importance. The nature of your presenting condition, age, lifestyle, level of fitness will be taken into account when devising a home care plan.  Advice will be given as to what changes should be made in your daily life or workplace in order to encourage a return to full and pain free range of movement so that you can get on with your daily life.