treatments
EFFECTIVE AND PROVEN TREATMENTS FOR OPTIMUM RESULTS
Andy’s methods and treatments are effective and proven to help you achieve the optimum result.
Andy Ireland harnesses the power of Physiotherapy to change lives for the better. His goal is to reduce pain, decrease stiffness and increase mobility. He helps his patients become stronger, happier and injury-free, and make it easier for them to lead a fuller, more active life.
If you are experiencing an acute injury, chronic niggles, or you are an athlete and want to stay injury free – Then Andy can help.
He treats all manner of chronic and acute injuries including:
Back and neck pain
Referred pain
Sports injuries
Arthritic conditions
Joint sprains
Muscular strains
Headaches
Pre and post-surgery
Repetitive strain injuries
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
Andy’s extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics enables him to diagnose and treat not only your symptoms, but also any underlying causes. As a result, he can improve the speed and effectiveness of your recovery as well as helping prevent future re-occurrences.
He takes a hands-on approach to rehabilitation using a combination of specific soft-tissue massage, mobilisation, manipulation and exercise prescription.
BIOMECHANICAL AND MUSCLE IMBALANCE ASSESSMENT AND CORRECTION
Biomechanical assessment helps identify and correct potential injuries by analysing the structure, alignment and function of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back. This is performed in weight bearing and non-weight bearing scenarios.
Over a period of time, or as a result of abnormal and increased stress on the body, altered or poor biomechanics will put pressure on particular parts of the lower limb, which can eventually cause pain. By correcting these instabilities, injuries can be prevented. However, in cases where someone already has an injury, it is important to correct any predisposing biomechanical factors to ensure the cause of the injury is targeted with maximum effect.
MANIPULATION
Mobilisations and manipulations are common techniques to treat painful and restricted joints.
A ‘mobilisation’ involves repetitive and gentle motion. A ‘manipulation’ is a single application of a short and fast pressure upon the joint at the end of its available range. Both techniques are safe and any discomfort or soreness after treatment should last no longer than a couple of days.
Andy performs mobilisation and manipulation by using his hands to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine or limbs, often moving it beyond its passive range of motion with the aim of increasing local blood and lymphatic circulation, increasing tolerance to stretch and improving physical functioning.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine. Western medicine has adapted the concept for use in rehabilitation.
Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Studies have shown that it not only treats the symptoms but can often deal with a problem at its root cause.
Andy administers acupuncture either as a treatment or combined with other treatment methods.
ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS
Ergonomic assessments, also referred to as workstation assessments, ensure that a worker's workstation is ergonomically designed to minimise the risk of injury and maximise productivity.
Badly set-up workstations in your daily routine can result in painful posture-related conditions and injuries. Andy can assess your workstation, suggest changes and help you minimise the risk and severity of injury.
Basic corrections to the angle and height of your desk, chair and keyboard can reduce the risk and amount of stress on muscles and joints. He can assess your workstation, help you adapt your posture and suggest any necessary changes.
SOFT TISSUE WORK
Soft tissue massage involves direct physical action on the muscle and other soft tissues of your body. Soft tissue techniques such massage targets your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other connective tissue such as fascia.
Massage is the best known example of a soft tissue technique.
A soft tissue massage includes a whole range of massage depths, pressures and durations. Your remedial massage therapist is a professional who understands what techniques are right for your body at any given time. Your soft tissue massage aims to alleviate aches, pains and injuries that are attributed to your body’s soft tissues.
MANUAL THERAPY
Manual therapy is a technique where a physiotherapist uses their hands to manipulate, mobilise and massage the body tissues.
This will help:
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relieve pain and stiffness
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improve blood circulation
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help fluid drain more efficiently from parts of the body
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improve the movement of different parts of the body
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promote relaxation
Manual therapy can be used to treat specific problems, such as back pain, but may also be useful for a range of conditions that don't affect the bones, joints or muscles.
For example, massage may improve quality of life for some people with serious or long-term conditions by reducing levels of anxiety and improving sleep quality. Manual techniques are also used to help certain lung conditions.
BODY MOT AND INJURY PREVENTION
If you are looking to maintain or increase your current exercise routine, or take up a fresh challenge, your goal will be easier to reach if you're not held back by injury.
Andy will assess your body from head to toe observing and measuring strength, flexibility, stability, proprioception, biomechanics, breathing, functional movement and most importantly your techniques and efficiency.
Following your assessment, Andy can then develop strategies to minimise the risk of injury using techniques such as biomechanical correction, mobilisation, stretching and strengthening.