This section gives some information on how we’re changing our practice during the Covid 19 outbreak. As you’re aware the government is giving advice on reducing contact to slow the rate of transmission of the virus.
More information about the outbreak, including advice on when to self-isolate, can be found on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
At Severn Physiotherapy, your health is our top priority. Therefore, in accordance with national guidance, we are only able to visit patients where the benefit of our treatment will outweigh the risk of catching the virus. If you would like us to visit you, get in touch and we can talk about if a home visit is right for you.
We are able to offer advice over the phone or by email. We also offer virtual video assessments. Please get in touch to find out if these services would be helpful for you. In the near future, we will be offering virtual classes, focussing on core strength and falls prevention.
If we do visit you, it is important that you understand there is a risk of us unwittingly passing the virus to you. Although we follow all relevant infection control advice, such as regular hand washing and wearing personal protective equipment, we cannot completely remove this risk.
If we are due to visit you and you experience symptoms of Covid 19, a fever, loss or change of sense of taste or smell, or a persistent cough, we would ask that you contact us,
It is also possible that our therapists may need to self-isolate in case of symptoms, which may mean that we will need to cancel your appointment. Whilst we will endeavour for your appointment to be covered by another team member, this may not always be possible.
We thank you for your understanding during this tricky time. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns.
We will update our guidance as the government provides further information.
Our blog posts have some good advice on keeping active at home
As you age, your risk of falling over increases. Exercises devised specifically for you by a Physiotherapist can help to improve your strength and balance, reducing your risk of falling.
Could you be at risk of falling?
These factors are known to increase your risk of having a fall…
– If you have had a fall in the last year
– If you take four or more medications a year
– If you struggle to stand from a chair without using your arms
– If a fear of falling stops you from doing things
– If you have a pre-existing condition that affects you walking or balance, such as Parkinson’s Disease or a stroke
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapist can assess you holistically (meaning they take account of all factors affecting your risk of falls) and devise a treatment programme designed specifically for you. Your Physiotherapist will help you work out the best way for you to keep active.
The key things a Physiotherapy treatment programme may involve are:
-Exercises to improve your strength and balance
– Exercises to help improve your overall fitness
– Designing the exercise programme so that it suits you
– Advice about how to do day to day tasks to help you feel safer
– Advice about walking aids, such as sticks or four wheeled walkers
– Teaching you how to get off the floor if you fall
– Review your medication to see if any of this is contributing to your falls, or if there is anything extra you can take to protect your bones
Exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of falls. Without exercise, you will lose muscle strength, bone mass and have reduced reaction speed, all of which can increase your risk of falls and increase the risk of severe injury after a fall.
How can I reduce my risk of falling?
In addition to being assessed by a Physiotherapist, you can reduce your risk by…
– Exercising regularly in whatever way you find works best for you, this may be at home, by going out for walks or going to a group exercise class
– Ask your GP or practice nurse to look at your medications to check none of them are putting you at risk of falling
– Have your eyes tested annually
– Think about any trip hazards in your home, or if there are any ways to make your home safer. Age UK have some really good advice on this.
Have a look at our blog post for more information.
Does Physiotherapy work?
Yes! Numerous large scale studies have shown Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways of reducing your risk of falling.
If you’d like any more advice, or an assessment from one of our Physiotherapists, get in touch today, or click here for more information on our services
Massage during pregnancy is known to provide many benefits to Mother and baby, supporting women as their body goes through the significant changes created by pregnancy. Techniques are gently and focussed on the woman’s comfort.
Here are some of the physical and mental benefits of pregnancy massage…
Reduces stress through joints, muscles and other tissues
Reduces pain and discomfort in many areas of the body
– Low back and pelvic pain
– Sciatic and leg pain
– Neck pain
– Headaches
– Leg cramps
– Carpal tunnel syndrome
Reduces many of the symptoms that impact on quality of life
– Swelling
– Fatigue
– Breathlessness
– Constipation
– Acid reflux
Targeted massage by a qualified Physiotherapist will help to relax and engage the correct muscles, improving posture and ability to do every day tasks
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety and promotes a feeling of wellbeing by releasing endorphins through touch
Blood volume increases significantly during pregnancy. Massage can help to regulate blood flow, ensuring blood is returned effectively to the heart and keep blood pressure within normal limits.
Improves the pliability of the skin
In conclusion, massage during pregnancy can offer a drug free alternative to improving pain and mood for an expectant mother, offering a supportive and nurturing environment.
You can read more about this on our blog posts.
If you think you may benefit from a pregnancy massage, please get in touch or click here to find out more. We also offer baby showers!
Massage has long been used to reduce pain and promote emotional wellbeing. Evidence continues to show that massage is a great way to promote healing, improve sports performance and reduce stress. It can be used on it’s own or as part of a wider physiotherapy treatment programme.
In this article we’ll look specifically at Deep Tissue Massage. This form of massage involves using firm touch to release, re-align and re-balance the muscles, fascia and joints in the body. It is usually firmer and deeper than some other massage techniques, such as Swedish massage. Let’s have a look at a few of the benefits of Deep Tissue Massage…
Managing pain
Several studies have compared using deep tissue massage with therapeutic massage to treat back pain. The findings show that deep tissue massage is more effective in managing pain than therapeutic massage.
Research also suggests that effectively delivered deep tissue massage will reduce a person’s needs for Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (such as IBuprofen).
Reducing stress and anxiety
Chronic stress can lead to an increase in Cortisol production in the body. This can lead to numerous health issues, include high blood pressure, heart problems and poor immune function. Massage has been shown to prompt the body to produce Oxytocin. This “happy hormone” helps to lower anxiety levels and produce a sense of wellbeing. Massage has also been shown to dilate (relax) blood vessels and reduce activity in parts of the brain that contribute to a feeling of stress and anxiety.
Relieving muscle tension
Muscles become tense for various reasons. The firm pressure of a deep tissue massage can help to reduce this tension. Through massage, the body is prompted to send more oxygen to a specific part of the body which promotes healing and allows muscles to relax. This will help to reduce pain in an affected area
Healing scar tissue
Following an injury it is common for tissues to reform with some “scarred” areas. This affects the function of muscles and other tissues leading to pain. The use of deep tissue massage has been shown to break down this scar tissue, facilitating the area to heel in the best possible way, leading to reduced pain and better function.
Improve athletic performance
Deep tissue massage is becoming increasingly used in elite sports. Often termed a “sports massage”, research shows that massage can help to clear lactic acid, reducing the effect of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). As discussed above, it can help injuries to heel in a way that does not limit function.
There is also a growing body of evidence detailing the positive effects of massage for athletes emotional wellbeing. Research suggests that deep tissue massage can improve an athletes confidence and focus.
Pain relief from Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
Deep tissue massage is an effective way to relieve the pain caused by these conditions. Research suggests that firm massage is more effective than gentle massage at relieving symptoms.
Have a look at our blog posts for more information.
So whether you are an athlete, or someone with aches and pains, deep tissue massage may be of benefit to you. Our experienced Physiotherapists are extremely skilled in identifying areas of specific tension, meaning that your treatment will be specific to your needs. If you’d like to know if our treatment can help you, get in touch today, or click here to find out more about our services.
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
Most joints in our body have cushioned pads between the bones. Over time, these pads can be worn down, which can cause pain and a “crunching” sensation. This is why OA is often called “wear and tear” in the joints. It can affect may of the joints in the body but is common in the hips and knees. Several factors can make OA worse including how your body moves and being overweight.
How can Physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapists can work with you in several different ways:
– Helping to get your muscles stronger, which will help to protect the joint
– Advising on how to make joints more flexible to reduce pain
– Helping to improve how your body moves, so that pressure is going through the joint in the right way
– Giving advice on pain relief and how to reduce stiffness in the joint
– Advising on walking aids to relieve pressure on the joints and help to improve your
mobility
– You will usually see a Physiotherapist before having a hip or knee replacement to make sure you are as fit as possible for you operation. After having surgery, a Physiotherapist will help you get back on your feet.
Our expert Physiotherapists can help you to manage your arthritis. You can get in touch with us to talk through your needs or click here to see more details on our services
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment aims to maximise your movement and function, helping to you to live life the way you want to. It uses a range of approaches to help to address the physical and psychological aspects of the loss of function brought about by injuries, disease or the aging process. There is also a significant focus on health promotion, reducing the risk of further illness or injury.
The benefits of Physiotherapy for many different conditions is now widely recognised through research and international guidelines. The key areas Severn Physiotherapy offers support in are:
Improving mobility
Improving strength, balance and confidence to reduce your risk of falls
Addressing issues that cause pain
Helping you to manage during pregnancy and after having a baby
Helping you to prepare for an recover from surgery
Helping you to manage breathing problems, such as COPD and Bronchiectasis
All Physiotherapists must be registered with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) to ensure their work is of a high standard. Most also have chartered status through the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy Treatments
Physiotherapists will undertake a thorough, personalised assessment of your needs and discuss your goals for your treatment sessions. They will then develop a treatment programme specific to you. This may include:
Advice and education on your condition and coping strategies
An exercise programme
“Hands on” techniques, such as massage and joint mobilisation
Finding a Physiotherapist to Visit you at Home
NHS Physiotherapists are able to offer home visits in some circumstances. You can access NHS Physiotherapy through your GP. However, sometimes there is a long wait for Physiotherapy.
At Severn Physiotherapy we can offer you a home visit with minimal delay. We believe that we are able to offer the most effective treatment when we see you at home, as this gives us the best understanding of how things work for you.
Get in touch today to see how we can help you!
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