Physiotherapy

The Doctor or Nurse at the University Medical Centre can refer you for physiotherapy if necessary. The physiotherapist holds a sports injury clinic at the Canterbury Physiotherapy Centre at The Canterbury Innovation Centre on Thursday afternoons. Other treatments may be offered locally off campus.

Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury and disease using physical remedies rather than medication. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with medical treatment.

The aims of treatment are to relieve pain and reduce swelling, to increase movement and overcome problems.

Alone or complementary to other medical or surgical procedures the body's natural healing mechanisms are encouraged.

Physiotherapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as back and neck problems, sporting injuries (see also sprained ankle advice), skin conditions and certain specific diseases. For some treatments the doctor may need to refer you to the hospital.

 

What happens in a referral?

On referral patients have a thorough examination and once a diagnosis is made a course of treatment is decided upon.

A wide choice of treatment is at the physiotherapists fingertips. Many of the machines sound sophisticated such as traction, short-wave, ultra-sonic and lasers. Some of the equipment used is very simple - for example heat, ice, strapping and weights.

Techniques using hands such as massage, friction and manipulation are well established physiotherapy procedures. Exercises, often an important part of treatment are for strength and mobility. Relaxation is a systematic way of unwinding tension in the whole body in times of pain and stress.

Advice often forms an important part of treatment allowing understanding of ways to alleviate or prevent problems. Good posture, correct lifting techniques and positions for work should all be considered.

The practice of physiotherapy is known as orthodox alternative. It is governed by a strict code of ethical conduct laid down by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.