Physiotherapy uses proven techniques to help restore, maintain and maximize strength, function, movement, and overall well-being to anyone affected by an injury, disability or health condition. Physiotherapists have in-depth knowledge of how the body works and specialised hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms of illness, injury and disability. Physiotherapy includes rehabilitation, as well as prevention of injury, and promotion of health and fitness.
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Massage
Physiotherapy originated from massage and at Pukekohe Physiotherapy it is the foundation of many treatments. Massage is the manual manipulation of soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, which helps stimulate normal movement and function and is excellent for relaxation and stress relief.
Physiotherapists are highly qualified in the diagnosis of soft tissue damage and postural problems, which means we can target your massage to your specific problem. Whether you are an athlete with a recent injury, a farmer with a sore knee, or an office worker with postural neck and arm pain, massage therapy can help relieve pain and improve your mobility and function.
A functional massage, which incorporates massage with mobilisation will optimise not only relaxation in muscles and tendons but also length. Tight, sore muscles respond very well to massage and myofascial techniques for reduction of stress and tension.
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Mobilisation / Stretching
Mobilisation is used to gradually increase movement or range of motion and joints to help eliminate pain and improve function.
At Pukekohe Physiotherapy we use ‘Mulligan’ mobilisation with movement techniques in conjunction with traditional mobilisation which have proven to give outstanding results for neck, back, hip and knee pain.
Assisted stretching for those tight muscles and tendons is also a specialty and is used after joint mobilisation to gain optimum movement.
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Manipulation
Manipulation is available at Pukekohe Physiotherapy by our manipulative therapists who have university post graduate qualifications in this form of treatment. Manipulative physiotherapy is a specialised area for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and is driven by scientific and clinical evidence
This form of therapy can be used effectively as a progression of mobilisation to give full joint movement and function then supported by joint stretches and strengthening programs. Headache management, thoracic spine dysfunction, Sacro Iliac dysfunction are areas where manipulation is most successful however lower back and cervical spine dysfunction may also benefit.
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Manual Therapy
Manual therapy means "hands-on" therapy. Manual therapy includes soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and joint manipulation.
Our physiotherapists are all trained in manual therapy and some also have postgraduate qualifications in manipulative therapy. We always practice safe manual therapy techniques, and we are constantly updating our skills.
We use "hands-on" therapy to help treat and prevent injuries. Manipulation is mostly used for spinal problems, and it is considered to be a safe and effective treatment when it is combined with specific and appropriate exercises and postural advice.
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Spinal Therapies
The treatment and rehabilitation of spinal injuries is a major part of our physiotherapy practise. Diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation is a specialty within Pukekohe Physiotherapy and therapists within the practise have post graduate qualifications to optimise this management (manipulation etc).
Research shows that fitness levels play a major part in managing lower back and spinal pain and within the practise we have expertise to program patients to achieve this.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practise of inserting very thin needles into the body causing a physiological change. It originated in Chinese medicine, which utilises over 500 points over the body that lie on traditional meridian channels. Although we use the same acupuncture points as traditional Chinese medical practitioners, our physiotherapists are trained in western acupuncture and therefore apply a different theory to its use.
We use it to promote tissue healing, reduce swelling, improve blood flow, reduce pain, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and improve function. The benefits you feel from acupuncture may be immediate or develop over a few hours or days. Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect, with effects building up over a series of treatments.
Acupuncture is routinely preformed in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities and techniques. New disposable needles are used every time for dry needling and acupuncture.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture used to treat muscle tightness and trigger points. The same needles are used as in acupuncture, but the application can be very different.
Shockwave Therapy (NEW SERVICE!)
Shockwave therapy is a modern and highly effective non-surgical treatment for soft tissue conditions like plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, patellae, tennis and golfers elbow, shin pain, shoulder injuries and chronic muscle pain(past tear/strains).
Pukekohe Physiotherapy has recently introduced Shockwave therapy at the clinic with the purchase of the latest machine available in New Zealand. Shockwave works by sending a non-electrical high energy sound wave through the body via a hand-held probe. The shock waves produce a rapid increase in blood circulation to the target area and will break down fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time, especially with chronic conditions. There is good research and case evidence to support its use and effectiveness.
Shockwave is very effective in eliminating pain, many tendonopathies and soft tissue injuries in conjunction with rehabilitation.
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Taping and Strapping
Strapping tape is used to support joints while rehabilitating injuries and to play sport with chronic injuries such as ankle, knee and shoulder injuries.
With Kevin’s practise and experience over 23 years of strapping international rugby players Pukekohe Physiotherapy prides itself in its expertise in this area!! Pukekohe Physio offers a strapping service through our working hours on an appointment basis
We offer pre game or event strapping so contact us at any time.
Jaw or Temporomandibular (TMJ)
The jaw, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is the most frequently used joint in the body and is a common source of pain and dysfunction. TMJ problems can be caused by many different things such as whiplash injuries, excessive stress on the joint due to grinding of teeth, chewing gum or nail biting, poor posture especially a forward head position, emotional stress, and even arthritis.
Some of the more common symptoms of TMJ problems include:
Pain with or without clicking/grinding or popping
Headaches
Ear pain or ringing
Dizziness
Limited jaw opening/closing
Difficulty chewing tough or large food items, yawning and even sneezing.
Physiotherapy management will include a full assessment of your jaw, neck and shoulders, an analysis of your posture and relevant muscles, and treatment may consist of joint mobilization, soft tissue or myofascial release, acupuncture and specific neck, shoulder and jaw exercises.
Helen Hicks, one of our senior physiotherapists, is experienced in the treatment of TMJ problems. She can assess and treat your jaw problem, and will liaise with other health professionals to help you if required. Please contact us for an appointment.