Introduction to Physiotherapy

The primary aim of the Chartered Physiotherapist is to restore and maintain normal movement and function. All Chartered Physiotherapists specialise in a certain area of treatment, but have been trained to a high standard in the management of conditions relating to all the body systems. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy is the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to the body’s joints, muscles and nerves.

Physiotherapy – what to expect

A detailed assessment will be taken which leads the physiotherapist to a diagnosis of the problem. It must be remembered at this stage that some conditions may only be partially relieved. It is at the crucial stage of assessment and diagnosis that the physiotherapist forms a treatment plan. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs and realistic goals. Manual therapy is the principal treatment technique. This works to mobilise joints, to stretch and massage muscles and to provide an environment for the free movement of nerves. During this phase of the treatment plan, pain will be reduced or eliminated. At this stage, if it hasn’t already been introduced, a series of gentle home exercises will be prescribed in order to enhance and maintain the improvement in function.

The final phase of the treatment plan is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation can be achieved through the initiation of a structured, progressive home exercise programme, an ergonomic assessment at work, or a one-to-one training programme at the gym. The aim of rehabilitation is to achieve a level of function higher than that experienced prior to the injury. It is also the aim of physiotherapy to educate the client to such a level as to be able to manage the condition independently and so be in a far stronger position to prevent recurrence or re-injury.

How long will it take?

An initial assessment lasts for 45 minutes. In that time a thorough history is taken of the present condition and any past medical history, together with aims and expectations of treatment. This is followed by a physical examination of the affected area. This leads to a clinical diagnosis of the condition and advice on its management. Follow-up appointments last for 30 minutes. These consist of a brief re-assessment and treatment. The number of treatment sessions necessary will be solely dependent on the nature of the condition. Some conditions will respond immediately, others will be more chronic and therefore more complicated and will require a greater number of treatments. Some conditions may only require periodic monitoring.

You do not require a referral from your GP for physiotherapy. However, the physiotherapist will work in close co-operation with GPs and medical consultants.

KATHERINE WATKINS BSc (Hons), MCSP, SRP CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Katherine is a highly skilled manual therapist specialising in manipulation, dance and sports injuries. Katherine is the Physiotherapist for Laban in Greenwich and was formerly the physiotherapist at the Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea Square. She is involved in researching dance injury prevention strategies and lectures at undergraduate level. She is also a member of the Physiotherapy Advisory Group for DANCE UK, a member of the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), and is listed on their physiotherapy practitioner’s register. Katherine has many seasons experience as a club Rugby Physiotherapist and has been a Physiotherapist for the Middlesex 7’s, the London Marathon and the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. To maintain her skills and further her professional development, Katherine regularly attends courses, seminars and sporting events .Her business is supported by Wimbledon Women in Business and the Merton Chamber of Commerce. Katherine knows that with the breadth and depth of expertise on offer, Watkinsphysio will be able to help you reach your full potential.

To make an appointment to see Katherine, or for more information please call us on 020 8545 0965. or click here for booking details. For more information on Katherine go to WatkinsPhysio.com.