FAQ'S

We are often asked what the difference is between Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists, the short answer is that both professions are trained and insured to treat musculoskeletal disorders but there are some key differences in their training and approach. Here we will give an overview of the two professions, outlining their similarities and differences to help you identify the most appropriate practitioner to aid you back to optimal fitness. Both Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists are highly educated in dealing with musculoskeletal disorders, treating pain and injury through hands-on treatment modalities, rehabilitation and patient education. Both focus on restoring, maintaining and maximising movement, relieving pain and increasing quality of life. Sports Therapists Sports Therapists often come out of University with more experience working in a Sport Specific environment. They specialise in sports and musculoskeletal conditions and have a good knowledge of what it takes to get you back to your level of sport, no matter whether that’s elite level, recreational level or just looking to keep fit. The governing body of Sports Therapists is The Society of Sports Therapists. They describe the profession as “an aspect of healthcare that is specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient back to optimum levels of functional, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and ability. It utilises the principles of sport and exercise science incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the participant for training, competition and where applicable, work.” Physiotherapists Physiotherapists have a much wider knowledge base, looking at multiple aspects of healthcare. Physios look after patients with neurological, respiratory, cardiac conditions and often have more experience working within the NHS. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy states “Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease. The profession helps to encourage development and facilitate recovery, enabling people to stay in work while helping them remain independent for as long as possible.”

If you have rolled your ankle, heard a pop in your knee or sprained your wrist then these are the steps you should take to optimize your recovery. The best thing you can do is get it assessed! But in the mean time follow these steps to get your healing started: COMPRESSION - using a cohesive bandage, cotton bandage or a compression garment can help to reduce the space that your body will have to pool blood and inflammatory fluids. It will also offer a little support so should make you more comfortable. Make sure it's tight, but not so tight that it restricts your blood flow. ELEVATION - Keeping the limb high uses gravity to help your lymphatic system remove waste products and bi-products of healing. So make sure the limb is above the majority of your body. LOAD - Optimal loading is important for healing as structures need to be stressed to heal stronger. Load as pain allows, whether it be walking, low level exercises or simple movements, but make sure you get it assessed to ensure you're not doing any further harm. ICE - Ice is a great way to kill pain and that's about it. So, if you're in pain, applying ice indirectly to the structure for 20 minutes may help to reduce this.

Many of our new clients are unsure of which of our treatments to book for their requirements. If in doubt, book our initial consultation! These 1 hour sessions begin with a conversation to discuss your case and your needs. Following this, a physical examination will be performed which will enable us to form a working diagnosis. This will be explained to you, along with your recommended treatment options and an idea of expected outcomes. We always try and allocate enough time to enable us to provide some form of treatment within this first session. This is accompanied by valuable advice so that you can help yourself progress day to day. You can discover more about all of our treatments on our services page.

If you have pulled your hamstring, strained your calf or felt something go in your shoulder then this is the steps you need to take to start your healing. The best thing you can do is get it assessed! But in the mean time follow these steps to get your healing started: COMPRESSION - using a cohesive bandage, cotton bandage or a compression garment can help to reduce the space that your body will have to pool blood and inflammatory fluids. It will also offer a little support so should make you more comfortable. Make sure it's tight, but not so tight that it restricts your blood flow. LOAD - Optimal loading is important for healing as structures need to be stressed to heal stronger. Load as pain allows, whether it be walking, low level exercises or simple movements, but make sure you get it assessed to ensure you're not doing any further harm. ICE - Ice is a great way to kill pain and that's about it. So, if you're in pain, applying ice indirectly to the structure for 20 minutes may help to reduce this.

If you want your massage treatment to work to its full potential, you need to make sure that the clothes you are wearing are appropriate. This usually means allowing us to be able to see the muscles to make a judgement on the course of treatment, and being able to access the muscles so that we can massage and treat them. Aims of a Sports Therapist The main aim of your therapist will be to improve your flexibility and the mobility in your joints as well as relieve muscle pain and help prevent future injury. As the will work deep within the muscles, the more the therapist can see of your stature, and the more they are able to reach the muscles that have the issue, the better they will be able to treat you. Sports Massage for the Upper Body When you have an ache or pain in your upper or lower back, the ideal situation is for you to completely remove your top. For gentlemen, this shouldn’t be as much of an issue as for ladies. In either case, if the lower back is the issue, then a loose top that can be lifted above the muscle in question will be fine. For issues that are higher up, if you are comfortable taking off your shirt, that is great. If not, a sports bra or one that allows us to access the aching muscle will be fine. Sports Massage for the Lower Body Generally, if the lower part of your body is to be treated, wearing a pair of loose-fitting shorts is the best idea. If they are too tight, like cycling shorts, it can cause an issue with the massage as they can restrict access to the higher part of your leg. Any clothes worn should be easily moved out of the way as any massage on your thighs or calves will be more beneficial if we can see and get to the muscles on your legs. Specific Clothing Rules Ideally, please wear as little around the area to be treated as possible. And don’t forget, if you must wear something: Make sure it is easily removable You can pull it up or out of the way for treatment We can observe the muscles you are having trouble with as well as those surrounding them Make sure it is thin and/or loose fitting Remember these tips so that we can help you get the most out of your massage. Accessibility is particularly important, as often the problem causing the pain or ache you have may not even be in the muscle that hurts. It can be an issue with another muscle nearby, so easy access to the general area of the pain will be advantageous!

Unfortunatly at this current time we can not accept any private medical insurance. Some companies do allow you to claim back your visits with us, but you will need to check with them before hand and have the aggrement in place prior to payment. They will need to accept Sports Therapists who are members of the Society of Sports Therapists (SST).