Physiotherapists in Gloucester

Physiotherapy in Gloucester

Gloucester physiotherapists treat a variety of issues including sciatica and also postpartum pain among many others.

Finding a physiotherapist in Gloucester is easy with the Physiotherapy Site. The Physiotherapy Site confirms the Health Professions Council registration details of all physiotherapists listed on the site. The practitioners are, in almost all cases, also members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy which is a professional member organization with its own high standards. The physiotherapists have a minimum of 5 years experience, although most have in excess of 10 years post-qualification experience. Our helpful team will advise clinic opening hours and arrange an appointment with you at a convenient time with a local clinic.

Physiotherapists in Gloucester treat many different issues including the condition profiled below.

Physiotherapy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common and important chronic condition which affects about 1.5 million people in the United Kingdom. Hospitalisation is common as around 25% of COPD sufferers are admitted each year with a worsening of their condition. Chest physiotherapy is routinely employed in an attempt to improve air entry or to assist in the removal of secretions, using various techniques including manual treatment, treatment with equipment and walking programmes. Two techniques, positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), have shown an ability to increase the amount of sputum brought up in patients where sputum retention is a problem.

One treatment which physiotherapists routinely use with respiratory patients is to get them walking again, as fitness declines quickly with best rest when sick and getting up and about promotes clearing of secretions naturally by coughing. This improves blood gases, shortness of breath and physical stamina. Moderate scientific evidence exists that this treatment is effective in respiratory patients and most physiotherapy techniques have been shown to be safe rather than particularly effective. Percussion, the hitting of the chest with the hands, has not been shown to be effective and is used less and less also for safety concerns.