Physiotherapists in Accrington treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Physiotherapy Mobilisation Techniques

Physiotherapists use a large number of treatment techniques to manage the variety of conditions their patients present with. Joint problems make up a large proportion of a physio.s caseload and to treat these a number of treatment approaches have been developed which go under the general umbrella of mobilisation techniques. Joint mobilisations are a technique of stressing the joint manually by moving it through a proportion of its range and with a specific amount of force. Manipulation, meaning work done with the hands, includes the more vigorous manoeuvres which are commonly referred to as manipulation.

Initially a physiotherapist will fully assess the joint for the type of problem which is present such as primarily pain, pain and stiffness or primarily stiffness with little pain. Mobilisations for pain will be gentle and rhythmic to avoid aggravating an already irritable joint. If the pain is less severe and there is some stiffness the joint can be pushed a little harder. If stiffness is the main problem in the absence of pain then the joint may tolerate being pushed repeatedly to the end of its available movement in an attempt to increase its range of motion. Training is required to assess and treat a joint safely and effectively.

Examination of the Injured Wrist

Initial examination of a person with a wrist injury involves visual inspection of the wrist compare to the other one, as some people have relatively abnormal wrist structure and limited movements. Bruising and swelling may be present as may be one of the typical deformities due to fractures of the distal forearm bones. Palpation of the bony anatomy systematically allows a closer determination of the location of any acute injury such as a fracture. The typical deformity of a Colles fracture is the so-called .dinner fork. deformity where the end of the wrist is angled upwards and the fingers form the prongs of the fork.

In the Smith fracture where the end of the wrist is pushed downwards the deformity is known as a .garden spade. deformity. It is important to examine the remainder of the upper limb including the shoulder, elbow and wrist to exclude other injuries or fractures, with the patient's report of where they have pain a very useful guide. The patency of the arterial systems in the forearm and arm are also assessed as vascular damage can occur from fracture fragments. The three nerves which pass down the arm and supply the feeling and muscles of the hand should also assessed for damage.