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

Physiotherapy and Manipulation

Manipulation is the moving and affecting of bodily tissues by using the hands and encompasses a wide variety of techniques including massage, deep frictions, mobilisation techniques and the forceful treatments commonly referred to as manipulation. Physiotherapists often train to perform manipulations which in this case are sudden, strong movements directed at a joint in an attempt to force it beyond the range of movement it is presently capable of. Mobilisation techniques are gentler and work within the ranges of motion available to the joint, while manipulation aims to restore what movement the joint should have.

Manipulation can be performed in the acute setting such as treating acute wry neck or a sudden onset of severe back pain. Treatment in this case may relocate the structure which is .out of place. or allow a pinched tissue area to be released and so relieve the compression suffered. Manipulation has been shown to reduce the length of time the person suffers the problem but has little effect on the overall outcome in time. More chronic conditions may be helped by manipulation to restore a range of movement which is restricted and the potential cause of pain. Physios are trained to safely and effective manage manipulative techniques.

Rehabilitation after Knee Replacement

Rehabilitation after knee replacement starts before the operation as the patient is educated on what to expect and instructed in range of motion and strengthening exercises so the knee is in as good a condition as it can be before the operation. On the first day after operation the physiotherapist will get the patient up, begin their mobilisation, and also start the patient with range of motion exercises and re-establishment of muscle control around the knee. Quadriceps contractions are encouraged many times hourly as the patient must be able to hold the knee stable against the weight of the body if they are to walk safely.

Knee flexion is practised routinely with an eye on the health of the wound which is down over the front of the joint and so stretched by knee bending movements. Analgesia and cold therapy may be required to control pain and swelling and facilitate exercise compliance. An angle of bend of 90 degrees is aimed for over five or six days and eventually the knee may bend to 110 degrees or more, the amount required to ascend stairs normally. On discharge physiotherapy is typically continued with emphasis on quadriceps strength, good range of motion and natural gait.