What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment and prevention of injury and disease by natural means. The aim of Physiotherapy is to help alleviate pain, restore normal movement and function and help return the body to its natural, balanced state without chemical intervention. But it doesn’t just stop there, as well as relieving symptoms, Physiotherapy teaches long term self management of musculoskeletal problems enabling people to prevent further episodes.
Physiotherapy is also a medium to optimise the body and help prevent injury and disease in the first place. Exercise is one of the most powerful medications you can use to help combat injury, aging and disease. At Bristol Physio we are exercise specialists, able to design unique programs around your weakness, tightness, stiffness, reduced balance and control to help keep you in optimal health.
Our Physios are all highly qualified, experienced, friendly individuals who will go through your medical history, past history, current issues and your goals. They will advise you on what to expect and work out a program of treatments, exercises and self management techniques. They will also advise you if you require onward referral or other treatment modalities.
Next, is a physical examination which will require you to undress the injured area - usually this is down to suitable shorts/vest top but occasionally down to underwear. This is so we can view surrounding muscles & joints and how they move compared to the non-injured side where relevant. We will then go through specific physical tests, for example raising your arms above your head, behind your back or bending forwards and side to side.
Click here to find out more about diagnosis.
Please wear suitable footwear such as trainers for your assessment, especially if you have a lower back, hip, knee or ankle complaint. Bring any orthotics, prescriptions or other specific items or equipment with you that may be relevant to our assessment.
What to Expect:
We start by taking a comprehensive history of your current injury and any relevant medical conditions, including medications, previous injuries or disorders. We will then ask about your occupation and sporting/leisure activities to get a holistic view of your lifestyle, which will assist in constructing your personal treatment and rehabilitation program.
These physical tests will help assess your movement and identify the structures which may be causing your problem. This information will then be put together with your history and lifestyle habits to draw diagnostic conclusions and create an individualised treatment plan that focuses around you and your goals. We will explain our diagnosis and answer any questions you may have on the prognosis, plan and exercises. Providing you are happy with the proposed management plan, treatment will usually begin in the same session.
Treatment will consist of a variety of modalities will may include massage , mobilisations, acupuncture, shockwave therapy and exercises. Our Physio sessions usually last 40 minutes, treatment will take up most of this time. You will usually be given some 'homework' to do too! See here to find out more about our treatments.
If needed, you will be booked in for a follow up session at a day and time that suits you. This repeat session will include a much shorter examination/physical test and will focus on treatment and progressions.
Book an appointment...
DAY | TIME |
|---|---|
Monday | 8am – 9pm |
Tuesday | 8am – 9pm |
Wednesday | 8am – 9pm |
Thursday | 8am – 9pm |
Friday | 8am – 6pm |
Saturday | 9 – 12noon |
