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PROPER SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY IN LONDON CAN HELP YOU RECOVER FROM FOOTBALL INJURIES QUICKLY

Sports physiotherapy is a highly specialised branch of physiotherapy dealing with uses related to athletes, including football injuries. From broken metatarsals to dislocated shoulders, proper physiotherapy in London can help you recover from a host of injuries you might get on the football field. Below are just some of those injuries:

Dislocated shoulder

Colliding with another player or falling can cause your arm to be forced or pulled from its joint, dislocating it. Intensive physiotherapy will follow any surgical stabilisation your doctor might do. You and your sports physiotherapist will work on regaining flexibility and muscle strength to lower the risk of another dislocation in the future. Recovery can take anywhere from 2-6 months.

Groin strain

When the adductor muscles (located on the inside of your thighs) are stretched beyond limit, they tear and cause groin strain. This can happen when you do side steps or stretch for the ball. Immediate treatment involves“protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation” (PRICE protocol) to reduce swelling and bleeding. This will be followed by sports physiotherapy, which may involve gentle stretching, muscle strengthening and soft tissue work.

Hamstring strain

Your hamstrings refer to the group of four muscles at the back of your thigh. Overstretching during rapid and explosive movements (such as sprinting) can cause them to tear. After the PRICE protocol, you might need to undergo sports physiotherapy involving soft tissue work, gentle stretching, and muscle strengthening.

Broken metatarsal

The metatarsals refer to bones in the feet that sometimes break because of excessive contact, rotational force, and overuse in football. You might need to wear an air cast boot to take weight off the foot and let it heal. Your sports physiotherapist will work with you to maintain your fitness, balance and coordination as well as your muscle movement and strength as you recover.

SUFFERING FROM POST-VIRAL ARTHRITIS? PHYSIOTHERAPY, YOGA CAN HELP

Most viral fevers cause joint pains (called arthralgia), usually affecting the small and large joints of the patient’s upper and lower limbs. If the pain persists long after the fever is gone, then the condition may be called post-viral arthritis. Yoga and physiotherapy (hydrotherapy in particular) can help alleviate the pain.

Post-viral arthritis may be caused by the dengue virus, enteroviruses, alphaviruses, hepatitis viruses including, cytomegalovirus, HIV virus, rubella and mumps viruses, Epstein Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, or variants of these. The condition should last no more than a few days. However, it may cause crippling symptoms and may even mask more serious types of arthritis. Proper diagnosis is, therefore, important.

Most patients exhibit symptoms of post-viral arthritis in the later phase, usually when the fever has long subsided. They may experience swelling and pain in the joints in the legs and hands. Some patients also feel uncharacteristic stiffness in their joints, most notably in the mornings.

In most cases, the blood’s parameters remain normal except for mild decreases in platelet and white cell counts. This is why post-viral arthritis is a clinical diagnosis, in most cases. Some patients exhibit elevated ESR and CRP. If symptoms last more than a few days, the doctor needs to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, undifferentiated arthritis, and other such conditions.

In typical cases, doctors need to reassure the patient that the post-viral arthritis symptoms are unlikely to progress into a serious condition because they are self-limiting. Arthritis associated with viral infections do not lead to currently-recognised forms of chronic diseases and is therefore non-destructive.

Physiotherapy and yoga have been shown to be useful in many cases of post-viral arthritis.

Mobilising, strengthening, and stretching exercises are often effective in keeping the joints working optimally. Post-viral arthritis causes muscle weakness and joint stiffness, thereby affecting a patient’s day-to-day activities. A physiotherapist can assess the muscle strength as well as the range of movement in the patient’s joints, and then advise on exercises and techniques to resolve the condition.

A hydrotherapy pool is typically used so that the patient can perform the guided movements in warm water. Most patients find it easier to exercise in the water. The warmth soothes the muscles, and the water supports the weight of the patient, facilitating the movement of joints and muscles without strain. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for those who have back pain, psoriatic arthritis, or osteoarthritis.

About the Author:

This article is written by Arjun Viswanath, the Clinic Director of London Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic. London Physiotherapy and Wellness Clinic is an outpatient rehabilitation centre. Their staff includes clinical specialist physiotherapists and sports therapists. Their therapists have worked with all age groups and successfully helped them to recover from their injuries easily. They also offer special programs for youth athletics as well as for pregnant women.

SIX EFFECTIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY METHODS

Before heading to a physiotherapy clinic, you might find it useful to familiarise yourself with the most effective treatment methods used by physiotherapists for different ailments.

Note that these are general assessments and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

1. Manual Therapy
Effective for: Most injuries
Physical therapists use hands-on approaches such as massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises to help a patient’s body re-learn proper mechanics and movement. Manual therapy is one of the primary methods to remove restrictions in movement and help patients move better overall. Manual therapy often forms the backbone of a physiotherapy plan.

2. Ice Therapy
Effective for: Injuries with swelling and inflammation
Ice constricts blood vessels after application. Cold therapy can reduce (and even prevent) swelling immediately following the injury. It can also leave the affected joint more mobile, thereby enhancing manual therapy.

3. Heat Therapy
Effective for: Injuries that involve tightness and muscular spasms
For injuries involving soft tissues like tendons, muscles, and ligaments, the application of heat can decrease pain while increasing mobility. Heat therapy makes tissues more pliable so that the therapist can stretch the area better.

4. Ultrasound
Effective for: Connective tissue injuries
The use of sound waves that are undetectable to the human ear help a patient’s body generate from within, helping loosen up tissues to prepare for exercise and manual therapy. Therapists use an ultrasound wand to apply sound waves safely and directly to the skin.

5. Low-Level Laser
Effective for: Connective or muscular tissue injuries
This method involves the use of specific wavelengths of light in stimulating healing. Everything happens well below the skin, so the patient does not feel anything. Low-level laser treatment can reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle fatigue, allowing the therapist to manipulate the joint easier.

6. Traction
Effective for: Disc herniation
Traction involves separating the patient’s vertebrae to less compression on disc cartilage and give nerves more space. Many researches demonstrate that traction can reduce pain experienced by patients with herniated lumbar discs. It’s a viable choice for those who don’t want to undergo surgery.

BENEFITS OF SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY

Sports injuries can sideline you and put a damper not just on your athletic conditioning and training, but also in how you feel overall. If you want to get back on your feet as quickly as possible following an injury, it’s time to see a physiotherapist.

Sports physiotherapy can help you recover quickly—and in many cases, completely. Below are just some of its many benefits:

Reduce swelling and pain – The most basic physiotherapy methods, including the application of hot and cold packs to injured areas, can relieve the immediate pain of an injury and allow the patient to do therapeutic exercises.

Regain flexibility and range of motion – More involved methods such as range of motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening movements help patients regain balance and strength. Some therapists also use ultrasound technology or shockwave therapy to speed up healing.

Personalised routines – A good physiotherapist will always take an individualised approach to treatment, ensuring that the treatment and exercise plan focuses on meeting the patient’s physical performance goals in a safe and controlled manner. The physiotherapist will ensure that you don’t push yourself too far and too fast so that your sports injuries don’t flare up—and to lessen your chances of acquiring new injuries.

Useful for other conditions – Sports physiotherapy is not just strictly used for sports. Its benefits extend to neurological disorders such as spinal cord injuries, stoke, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.

When left untreated, sports injuries may cause long term and even permanent damage to the body. Physiotherapy allows patients to return to the court, field, or ice with a body that has completely healed. Sports physiotherapy is a better alternative to trying to your own sports injury at home, without access to the knowledge and expertise of a professional. At the first sign of a sports injury, consult a team of licensed physiotherapists about how they can help accelerate your recovery.

HYDROTHERAPY CAN HELP PROVIDE RELIEF FROM LONG TERM JOINT PAINS

If you are suffering from long term joint pain or arthritis, try hydrotherapy. It has been proven to be beneficial regardless of how joints are affected. Hydrotherapy is routinely recommended for patients who have undergone joint replacement surgery as well as those with back pain, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, but it is also useful in other types of arthritis—and it’s certainly worth a try.

Understanding arthritis and how it affects you

Do you know what happens to your muscles and joints when you have arthritis? Understanding your condition is the first step to managing its effects. A physiotherapist can explain the problem to you in detail and prescribe a recovery program, which may include hydrotherapy.

Improving your fitness

Staying active is extremely important for people with arthritis. Are you afraid that exercising might cause further damage to your joints or increase your pain? Don’t worry—joints are designed for movement, and the tissues and muscles around them weaken if they are not used. Lack of exercise can cause your joints to ultimately become unstable and therefore reduce your range of movement, mobility, and independence. Hydrotherapy exercises can improve your fitness, keep your weight healthy, increase your general mobility and give you more confidence.

Hydrotherapy is ideal for seeking relief from long term joint pains because the exercises are done in a hydrotherapy pool filled with warm water. People who suffer from joint pains often find it much easier to perform exercises in a hydrotherapy pool. Like them, you might also find the warmth to be soothing. The water will support your weight, allowing you to move your muscles and joints without straining them.

What to expect during a hydrotherapy session

You might need to share the pool with other patients during your therapy, but exercises will likely be tailored to your specific needs. Sometimes, you’ll join group sessions with people who have similar conditions.

EFFECTIVELY TREAT YOUR MUSCLES WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY IN EAST LONDON

Physiotherapy aims to restore and maintain functional movement, promote well-being, and reduce pain in individuals. It is not merely for athletes and anyone with sports injuries. Physiotherapy is offered in specialised facilities in East London for conditions like spinal and musculoskeletal injuries and problems, fractures, arthritic conditions, neurological disorders, paediatric and cardiothoracic conditions, and biomechanical problems. Think of physiotherapy as a form of a highly targeted workout plan for areas of your body where mobility is challenging, except that you are not trying to burn calories. Instead, the goal of movements and exercises is to develop and strengthen the joints and muscles, so these can work and move better.

When seeking physiotherapy in East London, make sure that you go to an accredited and reputable facility that has skilled and qualified physiotherapists. That way, you can be confident in their expertise when determining your mobility issues. They will create a bespoke treatment plan that can best treat your condition. Physiotherapists are hands-on with their patients to effectively treat your muscles and improve mobility and movement.

Physiotherapy treatment may involve a series of exercises and movements such as low-impact aerobics, pain relief, strengthening exercises, and stretching. Specialised equipment and machinery may be used to help you perform certain movements, which may be difficult to do on your own. Strength training equipment, for instance, is good for friction-free and smooth training, which can be personalised to your individual requirements. State-of-the-art physiotherapy facilities in East London have pelvic floor biofeedback equipment, too, which is a non-invasive self-training machine that lets you do interactive exercises. At the same time, it provides a way to easily monitor your progress.

Physiotherapy in East London may include spinal strength testing to isolate and assess the muscle strength of your spinal cord. Counterweight prevents the application of forces, which may further compress your spine. Biofeedback is provided for strength and quality of muscle contractions. Hydrotherapy may be another aspect of your physiotherapy program, too. This time, it involves aquatic physiotherapy with jet resistance, impact conditioning exercises, and progressive load bearing training.

PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES IN ESSEX – THE BEST REMEDY FOR INJURED MUSCLES

Injury to the muscles can occur at any time, such as during exercise, while at play, or when you make sudden and awkward movements to strain them. Some muscle injuries may occur after exercise or when you incorrectly pick up or carry a heavy load. Physicians often hear about muscle spasms, a pulled or a torn muscle, and muscle strain, but regardless of how you call it, you always have the option to see a physiotherapy facility in Essex for rehabilitation. Physiotherapy exercises in Essex are among the best remedies for injured muscles. It is recommended that you let a qualified physiotherapist assess your condition first before any treatment plan is provided.

Muscle injury or strain is typically indicated by bruising, tightness and weakness in the affected area, and the inability to fully move or stretch the muscle. Proper diagnosis is crucial for an effective treatment and to ensure that there are no underlying conditions and other severe injuries. After a correct diagnosis from a qualified physician, consider seeking physiotherapy services in a state-of-the-art facility in Essex. High-end physiotherapy clinics are managed and operated by qualified physiotherapists who can assist in restoring your physical performance and health through hydrotherapy, biofeedback-based specific spinal strength testing, advanced strengthening equipment, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy exercises are tailored to your needs. They help gradually restore movement to injured muscles and joints. They are non-invasive, so they are easier and less costly. As long as you follow the exercises well and stick to your physiotherapy treatment plan, you should be able to move properly once more. Be sure to choose a physiotherapy clinic that has close links with well-known and qualified consultants, specialists, and general practitioners in Essex, so you can be confident that you can receive proper medical advice and care when required.

FINDING A SPECIALISED PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC IN LONDON

Physical therapy or physiotherapy is an excellent alternative to the usual medical treatments like surgery or medication. In some cases, post-surgery patients are even recommended by their doctors to go on physiotherapy clinics for rehabilitation. You can easily find a physiotherapy clinic in London—the bigger problem may be choosing the right one.

Start your search online and find physiotherapy clinics in London. You may also ask relatives, friends, or colleagues if they know of a good physiotherapy clinic in the city. It’s better if a recommendation comes from an actual patient. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a clinic:

• Location – First and foremost, you will want to go to a physiotherapy clinic in London that is easily accessible from your home or office.
• Facilities – Check the facilities of the specialized physiotherapy clinic, as the best clinics will have the latest equipment. It’s especially important that the clinic has a large pool if you plan on using, or if your physiotherapist recommends hydrotherapy.
• The physiotherapists – Of course, you also need to check on the physiotherapists who will be handling your case. They will be the ones to assess your condition, create or recommend types of treatment for you, and also assist you in the different therapies. See how long they have been physiotherapists, ask about their experience, training, and even educational background.
• Price – You don’t need to break the bank for physiotherapy. To get a better idea of how much specialized physiotherapy clinics in London charge, shop around but remember to look beyond the price. The most expensive is not necessarily the best. You can find reasonably-priced physiotherapy services in London, and some clinics may even offer discounts.
• Services – Not all specialized physiotherapy clinics may handle specific injuries or conditions. Ask beforehand what kind of equipment they have, what services they offer, and what their physiotherapists usually specialize in.

RESTORE GOOD HEALTH WITH UNIQUE FEATURES OF HYDROTHERAPY SERVICES NEAR ESSEX

Hydrotherapy involves the guided use of movements and exercises performed in a pool for treating conditions like arthritis and partial paralysis. If you are looking to restore your health and mobility, find a hydrotherapy clinic near Essex. Some of the best physiotherapy clinics near the Essex area offer hydrotherapy services and have their own pools.

The best thing about hydrotherapy is that it is considered a part of both mainstream medicine and alternative medicine. Some of the conditions and illnesses that hydrotherapy treat can include depression, arthritis, joint, nerve, and muscle problems, headaches, spinal cord injuries, ankle pain, and more.

The success rates of hydrotherapy are quite impressive, and patients who undergo it are shown to recover faster. It greatly reduces pain and decreases stress in the joints. Hydrotherapy is known to increase the range and strength of movement as well as improve coordination and balance while reducing muscle spasms. Aside from these physical benefits, hydrotherapy is also known to give patients a feeling of achievement—which is particularly important for those in acute rehabilitation stages.

During a hydrotherapy session, the pool should have a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius for the comfort and safety of the patient. Qualified therapists must offer direct assistance to the patients; this may even include dressing and washing. Hydrotherapy may be done with a group, but if you have a special condition, then it’s best to opt for one-on-one sessions. Are you apprehensive about hydrotherapy because you don’t know how to swim? Don’t worry—swimming is not a requirement.

Contact a physiotherapy clinic near the Essex area today to book a consultation. Physiotherapists will assess your condition to find out if hydrotherapy is the best option to restore your health.