Physiotherapy

Downloadable Information Sheets
Date: 20/05/2008

The following Information Sheets are available for download (PDF Format).

Best treatment for neck pain.
Date: 26/01/2007

Active physiotherapy is a recognised, effective conventional therapy for neck pain.

To find out more about we recommend reading:

The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine. An evidence-based approach.

Editors: Edzard Ernst, Max H Pittler, Barbara Wider. (2006) Mosby

We also recommend reading The Neck Book, published by TSO.

Shoulder Pain
Date: 12/03/2008

"Shoulder pain has many causes and can be difficult to treat. The best evidence available to date is encouraging but not compelling for a number of approaches: exercise and spinal manipulation.

On balance the treatment with the most favourable risk-benefit profile seems to be Physiotherapeutic exercise."

Complementary Therapies for Pain Management. An Evidence-Based Approach. 2007. Editors: Edzard Ernst, Max Pittler and Barbara Wider.

Physiotherapy Management of persistant low back pain(Exercise)
Date: 10/05/2008

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists have produced evidence based guidelines for the treatment of low back pain. They show that an individulised exercise programme from a Chartered Physiotherapist can reduce pain, improve function and improve psychological status.

"People with persistent LBP should be given the opportunity to participate in an exercise programme, in a form appropriate and acceptable to each individual, after Physiotherapy assessment".

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Osteoarthritis. Issued February 2008
Date: 10/05/2008

NICE have produced Clinical guidelines for Osteoarthritis (OA). The Care and management of osteoarthritis in adults.

The D'Souza Clinic incorporates these guidelines in all patients treated with OA.

"Contrary to popular belief, osteoarthritis is not caused by ageing and does not necessarily deteriorate. OA is a metabolically active repair process that takes place in all joint tissues"

Key principles for treatment are: education, advice. Strenthening exercises, aerobic fitness training. weight loss if obese or overweight. Charterered Physiotherapists are best placed to deliver these treatments.

A full summary of these guidelines are availiable at NICE's own website.

Physiotherapy advice - a guide to safe gardening
Date: 10/05/2008

Safe Gardening - a guide from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP)
Transmitted Sunday garden programme. 22th April, 2008

Host: Tim Hubbard

Edited for BBC Radio Cornwall by Reg D’Souza BPhil MCSP MBAcC Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Private practitioner in Truro, Cornwall.
Website: www.dsouza.co.uk
email: reg@dsouza.co.uk

With the weather improving, thousands of green fingered fanatics will be gearing up to start work in their gardens.

But physiotherapists are warning that the garden can be a danger zone, with over a quarter of a million people requiring A&E treatment every year for injuries sustained while taking care of their lawns (1).

At this time of year Physiotherapists often see patients who have sustained injuries whilst gardening. The following tips are designed to reduce the risk of injury. Prevention is better than cure.

Over the winter we tend to be less active and therefore become unfit for the physical exertion required during gardening. Because the weather presents us with limited opportunities to garden, we tend to be over enthusiastic during the short periods of good weather.

CSP Guide to Safe Gardening Spinal clinical specialist physiotherapist Helen Welch has come up with 10 top tips to help enthusiastic gardeners avoid a trip to casualty this summer. She recommends that anyone with pre-existing injuries or joint conditions seeks professional advice before commencing a new activity:

Before you start a gardening job, assess the equipment and number of people needed. Often a job is larger than expected so underestimate your ability rather than taking on too much.

As with any exercise, remember to do some gentle stretches. Suitable exercises can be found in the publications section at www.csp.org.uk If you would like a copy of this leaflet, Reg would be happy to send it to you. Please send a stamped addressed envelope to D�Souza Clinic, 19 The Crescent, Truro, Cornwall. TR1 3ES

When moving heavy soil or cuttings, divide the load into smaller more manageable amounts. Use a wheelbarrow if possible and make several trips.

If potting containers or hanging baskets, place them on a raised surface to reduce bending.

If kneeling in the garden, place a small piece of foam or padding under the knees to limit the stress placed on the joints.

After periods of sustained or repetitive bending, such as digging or weeding, stand up and gently lean backwards 5 - 10 times. Take breaks often and drink plenty of water.

When lifting, keep the load close to your body. Bend from your knees (not from your back) and push up with your legs.

Move with your tools and use them correctly. When raking, digging or weeding, move to the areas you are tending instead of stretching out. When mowing the lawn, keep your body in line with the mower and keep an upright posture.

Beware of uneven steps, slippery paths and broken paving slabs. Wear suitable clothes and sturdy footwear.

Put tools away when you are finished with them. If left lying around, they can cause serious injuries. Be especially vigilant if there are children or pets in the garden.

Remember, if you sustain an injury and don't see an improvement within 48 hours; seek a referral to a chartered physiotherapist from your GP. Alternatively, you can make an appointment to see a physiotherapist privately.

(1) Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: Home and Leisure Accident Statistics 2002. National estimate for accidents in the garden or on the lawn - 299,136; accidents in yard, driveway or path - 127,408; accidents on the patio - 18,840.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapists Students Survival Guide
Date: 16/05/2008

Students about to sit exams can reduce stress by using the CSP's Student Survival Guide.

Preparation is everything. The CSP's "stress busting" system - PREPARE - can help your mind and body get ready for exams, and boost your chances of academic success.

  • P planning
  • R Relaxation
  • E Exam revision technique
  • P Posture
  • A Activity
  • R Revision
  • E Eating a healthy varied diet

Parents can also get involved in helping their children beat stress and anxiety by seeking further advice from a local Chartered Physiotherapist who can provide additional relaxation techniques.

If you like a copy of the complete leaflet, we would be happy to email it to you.

We are pleased to help Rambert Dance Company
Date: 14/2/2007

During their recent tour in Cornwall the D'Souza Clinic was pleased to offer Physiotherapy treatment to some of the Rambert Dance Company. The D'Souza clinic has a long association with local dance groups, offering specialised Physiotherapy services. We are have experience of Sports and Dance injuries and prevention.

Whiplash associated Disorder (WAD)
Date: 25th July, 2005

"Physiotherapists and people with WAD should be aware that serious physical injury is rare and a good prognosis is likely. Recovery is improved by early return to normal pre-accident activities, exercise and a positive attitude. Once a serious injury has been excluded, over-medicalisation is detrimental." The D'Souza clinic fully supports the use of an evidence based approach in the treatment of neck pain, caused by injury such as a road traffic collisions. To find out more please contact us. Reference: Moore A, Jackson A, Hammersley S, Hill J, Mercer C, Smith C, Thompson J, Woby S, Hudson A(2005) Clinical guidelines for the Physiotherapy management of whiplash associated disorder. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, London. We also recommend The Whiplash Book published by TSO.