Plenty of people feel confused about where to turn to when they have pain. With so many choices available it’s important to know who’s who and what they can do. Health and safety Executive (2016/17) states that 507,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders and 45% of the disorders were from upper limbs or neck. Millions of work days are lost per year due to injuries.
Each therapist is unique, and the education varies between different practitioners. But most importantly their main goal is to ensure you are living your life to the fullest pain free. Different types of treatments suit different people and depending on your condition it’s important to find the most suited professional for your needs.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care – you either love or hate it. In history they’ve been known as bone crackers and this can create some unease for people who haven’t tried it before.
Although they are defined as Neuromuscular specialists the scope of practice is classified as an ‘alternative medicine’. To become a chiropractor in the UK, 5 years of 
training is required before practising. There is emphasis on treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders, manual therapy and adjustments are used. There is a large focus on the function of the spine and the neuromuscular system of the body.
Types of treatment:
Rehab, massage, X-rays, ultrasound, and different manual techniques.
Common conditions that are treated:
Sciatica, migraines, herniated disk, chronic pain, neck and back pain.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy was introduced in America before Chiropractic, there have been stories that the inventor of Chiropractic stole his theory. Now there is still some questions about the differences.
Osteopathy is also classed as an ‘alternative medicine’ and 4 years of education is needed before practising. Osteopathy treatment aims at preventing mechanical disorders by moving, stretching, and massaging a patient’s muscles and joints. A person’s wellbeing depends on the health of the individual’s bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together.
Types of treatment:
Dry needling, soft tissue and articulation techniques.
Common conditions that are treated:
Arthritis, digestive problems, tennis elbow, neck and back pain.
Osteopathy is offered at our studio in Bedford Place, Southampton.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy aims at treating disease, injury, or deformity by using massage, exercise, and heat treatment without using drugs or surgery. There is a large emphasis on movement and increasing mobility in the joints to prevent further injury.
It’s most commonly practised within the NHS but also in private care. Minimal training required is 3 years, but some may extend their education further within a specific field. It’s a science-based therapy which treats neurological, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions.
Types of treatment: Movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
Common conditions that are treated: Sport injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s, chronic heart disease, and asthma.
We welcome Philip to the team of YOU Massage Therapy offering Physiotherapy, appointments available for Physiotherapy in Southampton NOW. Book online or call 02380 639747
Massage therapy
Massage therapy aims at enhancing a person’s wellbeing with manual manipulation of soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. There are several different types of massage treatments available, but the two main groups are:
Rehabilitative massage: Sports massage, Deep tissue, medical, therapeutic or clinical massage.
Relaxation massage: Swedish massage, holistic massage, and reflexology.
The main purpose of massage is to relieve stress and tension from the body and mind. There are a lot of choices of massage, it’s important to find the type that suites you. Trigger points and soft tissue techniques are used to relieve pain and stress within the muscles.
Types of treatment:
Lymphatic drainage, Reiki, Myo-fascial, aromatherapy, and Thai massage.
Common conditions treated:
Headaches, frozen shoulder, strains and sprains, muscular pain, and tendinitis.
