We also provide services such as:

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Mobilisation

Mobilization is a safe and effective means of restoring and maintaining joint movement and treating pain. Performed manually by your physiotherapist, treatment consists of slow velocity with increasing amplitude movement directly into the stiffness of the joint. This creates movement of the joint surfaces on each other in a way an individual cannot move the joint themself.

Loss of motion is most commonly caused by trauma or immobilization. Mobilization increases the movement within the joint and surrounding tissue and can be extremely effective in restoring pain-free movement.

The clinical benefits of joint mobilization have been shown to include:

• Relief from musculoskeletal pain

• Recovery from acute back sprains

• An increase in passive range of joint motion

 

Manipulation

Manipulation is a safe and effective means of restoring and maintaining joint movement and treating pain. Performed manually by your physiotherapist, treatment consists of small, high-velocity joint movements, usually performed in the spine, that aim to free stiffened joints. The procedure often involves audible clicking or popping, known as cavitation.

This is the sound of carbon dioxide gas being displaced within the synovial fluid of the joints and is perfectly normal. Loss of motion is most commonly caused by trauma or immobilization.

Manipulation increases mobility within the joint and surrounding tissue and can be extremely effective in restoring pain- free movement, although it is suitable only in a specified number of conditions.

The clinical benefits of joint manipulation have been shown to include:

• Relief from musculoskeletal pain

• Recovery from acute back sprains

• An increase in passive range of joint motion

 

At KIH we treating a wide range of sports injuries including problems with shoulders, elbows, upper limbs, hips and knees. Our comprehensive service includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation using the most up to date techniques. Our aim is to return you to full, pain-free mobility and fitness as soon as possible.

 

Sports Injuries

For the treatment of your sports injury to be effective and long-lasting, it is important that you address any underlying causes that may be exacerbating the problem. As well as treating your injury, we also conduct a thorough evaluation to help prevent future problems and, where necessary, conduct a full biomechanical assessment.

We also offer expert advice on the prevention of injuries specific to your sport including muscle imbalance and overuse, warm-up, and muscle training.

At your first appointment, you will be assessed by a specialist sports physician or sports injury physiotherapist. When appropriate, we are able to arrange a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon as well as providing rapid access to diagnostic tests including ultrasound and X-ray.

 

Sports Massage

Properly applied, sports massage therapy is one of the most effective ways of releasing tension and restoring equilibrium to the musculoskeletal system. As well as easing general discomfort, massage can promote a deep sense of relaxation and well being, while advanced massage techniques can help release tight muscles and stimulate circulation.

Sports massage and deep tissue massage are concerned with injury prevention and the maintenance of function by stretching and manipulating the muscle and connective tissue.

Our sports massage therapist works closely with our physiotherapists in order to provide ongoing support after soft tissue injury, whether acute or chronic.

The benefits of sports massage are accumulative, and regular treatments can help you train to your full potential and aid full recovery. As well as being an invaluable aid for athletes, sports massage therapy is a great un-winder for anyone suffering from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Muscle imbalances may often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause discomfort or inhibit performance. A constant build-up of tension can lead to excess stress in the muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. Regular deep tissue massage can help athletes prevent injuries caused by the overuse of muscles.

An experienced massage therapist is able to detect muscular variations and use corrective techniques that can help you maintain optimal physical health.

 

Electrotherapy

We use two types of electrotherapy: ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is routinely used by physiotherapists to promote tissue repair, stimulate muscles, and aid sensation. The benefits of ultrasound therapy include pain relief, increased range of motion, speed and strength of muscle contractions and an increased rate of absorption.

Ultrasound works by using high-frequency sound waves to speed up the healing process and reduce pain by increasing local blood flow and altering cell metabolism. It is especially helpful in the management of chronic and intractable pain, post-traumatic acute pain, post-surgical acute pain, and post-surgical muscle stimulation.

Soft tissue injuries and conditions that have caused swelling, including ligament sprains, golfer’s elbow, and tennis elbow, can all respond well to ultrasound treatment.

Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) TENS is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to reduce pain, both acute and chronic. A number of systematic reviews have confirmed its effectiveness for postoperative pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. TENS works by stimulating the nerves which reduce the sensation of pain and are accompanied by a tingling feeling.

 

Exercises

Our exercise regimes have been developed and refined over several years and incorporate the most up to date techniques and philosophies.

There are many simple exercises that can be performed at home to help relieve pain and stiffness and strengthen muscles. We advise on exercises for pain relief, post-operative strengthening, and improving sports performance.

We also offer expert qualified help with training programs and have close links with local gyms and fitness coaches. Body tissue responds well to regular exercise to change how it behaves. It is therefore important that you repeat your prescribed exercises a set number of times every day if your condition is to improve.

If possible, set aside a specific time to exercise each day. This means you are far more likely to stick to your regime.

Always bear in mind that it is important to seek professional advice if you have a serious problem with any area of the body, or if you suspect there is an underlying condition. If in doubt you should always consult your physiotherapist or a medical practitioner.