Physiotherapists in Burton On Trent treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Performing Neck Exercises

Neck exercises should be performed steadily and slowly, attempting to get the end of the available range each time and pushing that bit further to try and increase the movement for a few seconds. Sitting or standing are the obvious starting positions but high levels of pain may mean that lying down is best for some people, or while they are having a shower due to the warmth. Most people perform the individual movements much too quickly and it is more useful to take up to five seconds for the complete movement in either direction.

Patients can often start with five movements performed three or four times per day, although lower number of repetitions or times per day may be necessary due to some pain problems. Doing smaller movements may also be necessary if pushing into the pain is not helpful, after which the movements can increase in size as the problem eases. Rolling the neck right around should be avoided as this can be aggravating to the neck joints and if exercises cause dizziness or symptoms in the hands they should be stopped and advice taken as to which exercises would suit the condition best.

Rehabilitation after Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is aimed at restoring the ability of a person with an arthritic hip to walk, rise from chairs, manage stairs and crouch. Pre-assessment starts the process with education of the patient about what they should expect so they can cooperate with the process. Exercises are taught to maintain the ranges of motion and keep up muscle strength around the joint. Gait correction is given and a walking aid provided as appropriate. The day after the operation the physiotherapist and an assistant will get the patient up into standing and walking. Gentle range of movement exercises to encourage hip flexion and the ability to move the leg in the bed is encouraged.

Once the patient is able to get up with assistance they are taught to get out of the bed independently and perform as natural as possible a gait pattern, within the weight bearing instructions of the surgeon and physiotherapist. Patients are encouraged to walk longer distances steadily to build up their stamina and taught to manage a set of stairs safely. If there is evidence of muscle weakness around the hip then exercises may be prescribed, but much of the necessary muscle power around the hip will be restored by normal activity.