TECHNIQUES

Mobilisation of the joints of the spine using specific techniques: such as Maitland, Mulligan, McKenzie and Kaltenborn.

Mobilisation of all the other joints other than the spine, such as knees, shoulders and jaw (TMJ).

Manipulation is a passive technique where the therapist applies a specifically directed manual thrust to a joint at or near the end of the passive (or physiological) range of motion.

Specific soft tissue mobilisation, cross-friction, deep muscle massage. Massage improves circulation, decreases swelling, decreases pain and decreases muscle spasm.

A Triggerpoint is a taut band in a specific area in a muscle. It causes muscle tightness and pain – local and referred. These triggerpoints can be relieved by various manual techniques: manual compression, deep stroking massage, sustained myofascial tension and dry needling.

Dry Needling involves inserting a sterile needle into the painful area or tight muscle or TP to loosen the muscle or triggerpoint to decrease pain or muscle spasm in the area. This is different from the acupuncture which is part of traditional Chinese medicine.

Mobilisation of an individual nerve or the whole neural system.

• Rigid taping – this immobilises an area to prevent certain movements and stabilises the joint.
• Kinesio taping – improves circulation, relieves pain, promotes healing, corrects muscle function and enhances performance without restricting the body’s movement.
• McConnell taping – improves faulty biomechanics to decrease pain and improve function and also unloads soft tissue.

• Stretching
• Strengthening
• Muscle Re-education
• Injury-specific exercise
• Individual Specific home programmes
• Post Operative Rehabilitation

Exercise improves posture and muscle strength, increases flexibility and endurance, increases mobility, improves balance and proprioception.

To the patient and other family members, helpers and/or carers.

• Ergonomics – computer work station setup
• Kinetic handling – lifting methods
• Preventative Back and Neck Care
• Posture Correction
• Pain Management
• Exercises – as per rehabilitation/exercise prescription above.

This is effective for treatment of nerve root compression.

Laser, ultrasound, tens, interferential, combination therapy.

Apply heat  to relieve muscle spasm and muscle tightness.

Apply Ice to decrease swelling and inflammation.

• Nebulising – patients may need to bring their own medication
• Postural Drainage positioning – this assists drainage of phlegm/secretions
• Percussion
• Vibration and Shaking – this helps to loosen phlegm / secretions
• Breathing Exercises
• Suctioning – Babies up to about 6 months old (only done by Mandy Knaap)