Physiotherapy therapies and musculoskeletal interventions.
One-quarter of adults suffer from long-standing musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. These are the most common reason for visiting GPs and account for 30% of consultations. All types of job roles can lead to or exacerbate an MSK condition, including sedentary office workers, drivers and work involving manual handling.
Our occupational health physiotherapy and musculoskeletal services are designed to help employees use movement and equipment within their roles to improve their health levels and employee wellbeing. All our treatments are hands-on using clinically evidenced interventions. Upon discharge, employees are then able to self-manage their condition toward full recovery.
At UKIM, we have one of the largest and most established physiotherapy networks in the UK, providing over 60,000 assessments and just short of 400,000 treatment sessions every year. We have over 800 treatment venues spread across the UK. On average, a service user will travel no more than four miles to attend one of our appointments.
Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. This is achieved through exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. Physiotherapists help manage pain, recover fitness and strength, and facilitate recovery overall.
After many types of injury, muscles can be weakened, or movement restricted, causing pain and diminished function. A thorough assessment works towards restoring flexibility and strength. For example, a course of physiotherapy after an injury can help rebuild hand strength, improve the range of movement, reduce pain or swelling and restore function.
A course of physiotherapy is perfect for the following conditions:
- Neuromusculoskeletal
- Back pain
- Whiplash Injuries
- Sports injuries
- Arthritis
- Post-surgery recovery
A qualified HCPC registered physiotherapist assess the injury and prepare the most effective treatment plan. The employee is shown and taught exercises aimed at increasing joint mobility, and provided with clear advice and education on lifting, bending or walking without pain.
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Acupuncture
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine based on ancient principles going back nearly two thousand years. It has a very positive model of good health and function, and looks at pain and illness as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim of acupuncture treatment, then, is to restore the body’s equilibrium, called qi. Acupuncture therapy consists of fine needles being inserted at particular points around the body.
Acupuncture is offered to relieve conditions such as;
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Knee pain
- Persistent headaches
WHEN WOULD YOU NEED IT?
Many medical practitioners view acupuncture as a complementary therapy as they view the benefit being primarily psychological. However, there’s evidence that the insertion of fine needles prompts chemical reactions within the human body that releases hormones alleviating certain conditions. Acupuncture may be recommended if you’re suffering a niggling and ongoing pain which has been resistant to other treatments.
HOW IT WORKS
Although some acupuncture treatments are offered through the NHS, in many cases patients are referred to private practitioners. An acupuncturist will assess you by asking you a series of questions about your pain, injury and lifestyle. An acupuncturist will offer a detailed explanation of the treatment and how it will benefit your situation. The procedure includes the insertion of single-use needles and sometimes these are heated up to aid the process.
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Chiropractor Therapy
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTOR THERAPY?
The spine is a highly complex structure and any type of injury can result in severe pain. Put into layman’s terms, a chiropractor uses a series of manipulations to help alleviate pain. They will make spinal adjustments or chiropractic adjustment to remedy long-term conditions such as lower back pain. Chiropractor manipulation can help with a variety of problems, and the most common include;
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain or whiplash
WHEN WOULD YOU NEED IT?
The most common reason for seeing a chiropractor is when suffering from back pain. Usually, this tends to be related to the lower back area, but it can also help someone suffering from neck injuries.
HOW IT WORKS
An initial assessment would involve a physical examination of the spine. The chiropractor will also make note of any existing medical conditions, current diet and exercise regime. A treatment plan is then developed aimed at reducing pain and increasing your range of available movement, diminishing any nerve irritability. The aim is to provide a sensation of relaxation and to enhance the range of movement of the affected joint or the spine itself.
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Osteopathy
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY?
Osteopathy is a manual therapy that takes a holistic, whole-body approach to improving health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. An osteopath will focus on the joints, muscles and spine. Treatment aims to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems without the use of drugs or invasive surgery. Using gentle stretching, massage and manipulation techniques, a qualified osteopath can diagnose problems and implement a treatment plan for the following conditions:
- Back pain, sciatica and whiplash
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Hand, shoulder and elbow pain
- Foot, ankle, hip and knee pain
- Postural problems
WHEN WOULD YOU NEED IT?
Chronic conditions can have a considerable effect on everyday life. Osteopathy is helpful when dealing with many conditions sustained by injury i.e. lower back pain. They can also advise on home exercise programs and lifestyle adjustments that can help speed up recovery time and reduce ongoing health risks.
HOW IT WORKS
A simple referral to a qualified registered Osteopath is the first step to recovery. During this consultation all injuries would be fully assessed, with regards to range of movement, posture, pain levels, functional ability and daily activities. An in-depth treatment plan will be developed with shared goals.
