Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with Ellie focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions that affect the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Whether you're dealing with an injury, chronic pain, or discomfort from poor posture or movement, musculoskeletal physiotherapy aims to restore function, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Here's what’s typically involved in a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy appointment:
Pre-Assessment Form
Before your appointment, you'll be asked to complete a pre-assessment form. This helps Ellie gain a better understanding of your condition and specific needs. Please fill in the form as thoroughly as possible, including details about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous injuries or treatments. This ensures that Ellie can personalise your treatment plan and make the most of your session.
Initial Assessment and Health History
Ellie will review your completed pre-assessment form and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and the specifics of your condition or injury. She will ask about your symptoms, such as when the pain started, the type of pain (sharp, dull, aching), and how it affects your daily life. This helps Ellie understand the underlying issue and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Postural and Movement Assessment
Ellie will assess your posture and movement patterns to identify any abnormalities or compensatory strategies that may be contributing to your symptoms. This includes checking how you move, sit, stand, and perform daily activities to pinpoint areas of tension or misalignment.
Muscle and Joint Mobility Testing
Ellie will test the range of motion and mobility in the affected joints and muscles to assess flexibility and identify any stiffness or restricted movement. This helps her understand the extent of the problem and the best course of treatment.
Pain and Symptom Evaluation
Using various palpation techniques and diagnostic methods, Ellie will identify the source of your pain. This may involve gently pressing on muscles, joints, or tendons to pinpoint areas of tenderness or irritation.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment findings, Ellie will design a treatment plan that may include:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like mobilisation, joint manipulation, or soft tissue massage to relieve pain and improve movement.
Exercise Therapy: A tailored exercise programme designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. These exercises may be done in the clinic or as part of a home exercise programme.
Postural and Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on improving posture, workstation set-up, and safe movement techniques to prevent further injury or strain.
Dry Needling: If appropriate, Ellie may use dry needling to target trigger points and release muscle tension.
Education and Self-Management
Ellie will provide education on how to manage your condition and prevent further injury. This may include advice on activity modification, stretches, and strengthening exercises to be done at home. Ellie will also teach you strategies to manage flare-ups and pain independently.
Ongoing Review and Progress Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and ensure you’re recovering effectively. If necessary, Ellie may refer you to other healthcare professionals for additional support.
I create a warm & welcoming atmosphere in my practice with genuine care for my patient’s problems. I want to get you the best results possible, as quickly as possible.