Our Physiotherapy Blog
What is a TENS machine and will it help me?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Essentially it is a treatment that administers a very mild electrical current to the skin to help relieve pain. The machines are small (similar size to a large match box) and are battery operated. They can...
Physiotherapist, sports therapist, or massage therapist – who should I choose?
Aches, pains, niggles or strains are symptoms most of us will experience at some point in our adult life. In many cases the pain will be originating from a soft tissue injury (muscle, tendon or ligament) such as a pulled muscle or a sprained ligament. However, you may...
Acupuncture – Is there any point?
I have been using acupuncture as part of my physiotherapy practice for over 35 years. The Chinese have been using it for over 2000 years and there is now good scientific evidence to support its use in Western medicine. Physiotherapists are in the unique position of...
Physiotherapy: Pre and Post Operation Rehabilitation
Jill has a wealth of experience and expertise in the treatment of patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery or who have sustained fractures and soft tissue injuries. She has a close working relationship with many of the orthopaedic surgeons at UHCW, St Cross,...
What is the difference between a Physiotherapist, Osteopath and Chiropractor?
This is a question we are frequently asked and to most people they are much the same. All three professions deal with musculoskeletal problems (muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints) and their training is by and large to degree level. There are similarities...
Why facial sun cream should be part of your everyday routine
As I am writing this article the sun is shinning and it is the hottest day of the year so far. The sun produces 2 main types of UV light – UVA and UVB. The easiest way to distinguish them is by looking at what they do to the skin. UVA causes ageing while UVB causes...
How to avoid pain and injury in your garden this year
As the weather starts to improve and days get longer the gardening season is upon us! Although it is generally not considered a strenuous form of exercise, gardening can provide a good workout and is beneficial for our physical and mental health. Gardening injuries...
Hot or cold to treat injuries: which one do I choose?
Hot and cold have been used to treat injuries for centuries and even Hippocrates referred to it in his writings. Both are natural, non-invasive, simple to apply and inexpensive. But which is best to use and why? Firstly, we need to understand what each one does....
The Benefits of Exercising Outside in Winter
During the current short Winter days, it is not surprising that we all want to snuggle down at home. We all know that physical activity of any description is beneficial to our hearts, lungs, bones, muscles and joints. However physical activity outside in nature has...