Physiotherapy
The aim of
physiotherapy treatment is to restore normal function to those tissues
which are not normal. The treatment programme should be tailored to the
individual and may involve a range of treatments including exercise
and/or streatching of muscles and nerves, joint mobilisation,
ultrasound and electrotherapy. Hydrotherapy or the use of ice packs may
also be recommended to relieve pain and to complement the treatment.
Some NHS physios have a lot of experience with RSI patients, but if you
cannot get a referral to one who has the appropriate specialist
training in, for example, muscle imbalance or neuro-dynamics, then it
may be worth considering going private. The lack of resources within
the NHS may also mean a long wait for your first appointment, so an
initial assessment session with a private specialist physiotherapist
could provide useful advice in the meantime. A good physiotherapist
will be able to tell a lot about you from your posture and will want to
hear about all your symptoms and examine the full range of body
movement.
Depending on what the examination reveals, there are several techniques
which can help. Mobilisation of adverse neural tension (ANT) is used to
free up compressed or 'tethered' nerves. Gentle stretching helps to
ease the tense muscles constricting these nerves and promotes their
healing. Abnormalities in muscle groups caused by prolonged, awkward
posture can be addressed using muscle balancing techniques and trigger
point therapy (myotherapy) is employed to relieve muscle tension.
Gentle massage of muscle and connective tissue at key locations in the
body can release underlying pain.
The physiotherapist can also help to develop an individual exercise and
work conditioning programme, including postural awareness, rest breaks,
stretches and ergonomic information.
The Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice is
the recognised professional body in this field and it maintains a
directory of members. Further information may also be obtained from the
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, which has a special interest group
of physios with particular knowledge of RSI.
The Organisation of Physiotherapists in
Private Practice (OCPPP)
Cedar House
Bell Plantation
Watling Street
Towcester
Northants
NN12 6HN
Tel 01327 354441
Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy
14 Bedford Row
LONDON
WC1R 4ED
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