Jacky Peter Physiotherapy - Physio FAQ's (Therapies)

Dry needling is one of the treatment options available for a skilled physiotherapist to use.
Thin, sterile acupuncture-type needles are tapped into the skin or muscles for pain relief. The way they work is through complex neural pathways and chemical releases in the body. A simplified explanation is three-fold:

A local flow of blood is promoted to the injured part for healing.
The neural pathway that causes pain is inhibited or 'blocked' to some extent.
Endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) are released to ease the pain and inhibit the pain/inflammatory cycle.

Not all conditions require needling and the decision to use needles on a client depends on:

The client's willingness and permission after having been explained the procedure.
What the problem is and how long it has persisted? E.g. Needling will not straighten a 'skew' pelvis, but can release a trigger point or 'knot' causing a muscle to be tight.
The area/body part to be treated e.g. Muscles respond well to dry needling and tendons do not.
The physiotherapist's skill (taught at a post-graduate level).

What does the ultrasound therapy do? >>back to top

Ultrasound is one of the various forms of electrotherapy available for treatment. High frequency (1-3 MHz) ultrasound waves are transmitted via the machine head through a gel into the surrounding soft tissues (muscles/tendons/ligaments/nerves etc) of the body. This causes the cells to vibrate at a microscopic level and stimulates them chemically. This stimulates healing by causing blood flow to the effected area, flushing out inflammation and breaking up unwanted scar tissue.

What is Pilates and how is it related to physio? >>back to top

Pilates is a very specific, controlled type of exercise therapy that is aimed at strengthening the 'core' or 'stabilising' muscles of the body. The stabilising muscles are VITAL in protecting our spine and joints from strains produced by normal daily activities, sport and exercise. The general population has weak stabilising muscles because of the effects of poor postures and pain. These muscles do not 'strengthen themselves' and need to be specifically retrained. They should be trained in all clients because many problems start as a result of weak stabilisers! There are different levels of intensity and you cannot progress to the next level until you can control your stabilisers at one level. Otherwise, the exercise is too strenuous and you tend to use all the other non-stabilising muscles. This is where injuries occur. Physios teach clients how to train these muscles and how to apply the principles in your activities of daily living. There are a lot of pilates classes available, especially at the gyms. It is important that the instructor is a trained pilates instructor, and that you mention any aches and pains to them before attending the class. They will then advise you what you may and may not do. It is advisable to see a physiotherapist for a bio-mechanical assessment first as they will advise you about specific factors that are relevant to you.

What part do heat packs and cold packs play? >>back to top

After any injury, the first 24-48 hours are crucial in reducing swelling. Cold packs (cold therapy) will constrict the blood flow to the injured part and reduce the swelling which causes pain. Generally, if a body part is swollen and hot, ice is good for it.
Heat causes increased blood flow and relaxation. Tight and sore muscles usually respond well to heat UNLESS it is acutely inflamed/injured. The general rule of thumb is to use ice for the first 3-7 days after any injury or flare up of a chronic (long-standing) condition. Heat is usually best used when pain is chronic (lasting weeks to months to years).