Physio Footprint : Welcome : Physiotherpay, Podiatry, Sports Injury : Seaford East Sussex

Physiotherapy

What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function to as near normal as possible when someone is affected by injury, illness or by developmental or other disability. It uses physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social well-being, taking account of variations in health status. Physiotherapy is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery.

How can I benefit from receiving physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are fully trained and skilled professionals who take a full case history and physical examination before discussing findings and treatment plans with you. Treatment may include joint mobilisation, massage, exercise, electrotherapy or acupuncture to alleviate pain and improve function. A home exercise programme may be provided to continue your rehabilitation and prevent a recurrence.

Physiotherapists use current research to guide practice; for example, NICE guidelines on low back pain advise acupuncture and exercise.

What can I expect on the first visit?
The physiotherapist will assess how your movement is functioning, and will ask about how it is affecting your life. They will watch your movements, they may feel the joints concerned, and will ask you about what tasks you need to carry out, current activities that cause you difficulty and any previous discomfort or injuries. The physiotherapist will use this information to provide you with advice as well as use physical techniques to improve your condition. He or she will help you find the best way to use your body to maximise your strengths, eliminate bad habits and put minimal strain on weaker areas, to help you enjoy a more full and healthy life. As well as treatment and advice for any particular condition, and working with you to set goals, the physiotherapist may offer health and lifestyle advice.

Training for physiotherapists
All physiotherapists working at PhysioFootprint are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy www.csp.org.uk, the professional body who support continuing quality and efficiency of care.

As well as completing a minimum of four years undergraduate training, chiropractors are also required to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) in order to stay abreast of current advances in research and patient care.

PhysioFootprint hosts post-graduate education courses and private/NHS practitioner events to share knowledge and improve our clinical care. The team meets regularly share skills and experience. We also keep close contact with local hospitals and shadow colleagues to promote current practice and ensure compliance with the consultants’ protocols.

Regulation of physiotherapists
By law, physiotherapists must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) to practice in the UK. The HPC is a regulator, set up to protect the public. To do this, we keep a register of health professionals who meet our standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

The title physiotherapist is a protected title and it is a criminal offence for someone to claim that they are a physiotherapist or that they are registered with the HPC when they are not.

Do PhysioFootprint physiotherapists work alone?
The physiotherapists at PhysioFooprint work closely with the local GPs and with the gyms, leisure centres and sports clubs. This keeps the team in touch with others who may be involved in your health and quest for improved fitness, making it easier for you to be sure the advice you receive is consistent, from your GP, sports adviser and PhysioFootprint practitioner.

Can a physiotherapist stop me having to go off sick?
Current evidence shows that remaining in work is often better than going off sick. Work should be considered as part of the rehabilitation process.

Physiotherapists work to promote and maintain physical, mental and social well-being of adults in employment, to prevent workers going off sick through conditions caused by work or elsewhere, but exacerbated by work, and to support a return to work in an effective manner. The physiotherapists are always happy to liaise with your Occupational Health or HR department, once you have given permission, if you are trying to stay in or get back to work.