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Treatments

Acupuncture

At Physiocure®, Louise, Anna, Nicky, Eliza and Suzannah have trained in acupuncture through AACP (The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists) validated courses http://www.aacp.org.uk.

The 2021 NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) recommend Acupuncture in the management of chronic pain. Click here to read the PDF.

The AACP report ‘Acupuncture is one of the many skills used within physiotherapy as part of an integrated approach to the management of pain and inflammation. Physiotherapists base their treatments on scientific research and clinical evidence that Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating the brain and spinal cord to produce natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin (which promotes sleep) and serotonin (to promote well-being), to name but a few. These chemicals assist the body's healing processes and offer pain relief as a precursor to other treatments such as manual therapy or exercise in order to aid recovery.

Acupuncture forms part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This ancient system of medicine dates back as far as 1000 years BC and is based on a holistic concept of treatment which regards ill health as a manifestation of imbalance in the body’s energy. Re-establishing a correct balance is the aim of TCM. Energy is referred to as Qi, (pronounced chee) and is described in terms of Yin energy – quiet and calm and Yang energy –vigorous and exciting. They are complementary opposites and in health exist in a dynamic but balanced state in the body. Practitioners of TCM believe that stimulating certain Acupuncture points on the body can help to restore the balance between Yin and Yang that becomes disturbed in illness.

AACP members combine TCM principles with scientific evidence as a means of reducing pain and promoting healing, always with the aim of enhancing physiotherapy treatments such as exercise and rehabilitation techniques to promote recovery and improve quality of life.

There are several techniques for applying acupuncture and these are described below:

Conventional acupuncture

Conventional acupuncture involves the use of single-use, pre-sterilised disposable needles of varying widths, lengths and materials that pierce the skin at the acupuncture points. The physiotherapist will determine the locations of these points on the basis of an assessment of the cause of the imbalance. A number of needles may be used during each treatment, and these are typically left in position for between 20 and 30 minutes before being removed.

Trigger point acupuncture may also be used to facilitate relaxation in specific muscles following traumas, for longer-term unresolved muscle pain, or as a means of increasing muscle length in order to aid stretch and rehabilitation. In the latter case, the needle is inserted into the affected muscle until the tissue is felt to relax under the needle, which is then removed. Trigger point needling often produces an effect much more quickly, and therefore, does not require the 20–30-minute treatment time.

Acupressure

In acupressure treatment, physiotherapists use their hands to activate acupuncture or trigger points in order to relieve muscle tightness, or to stimulate Qi flow and balance the body. It is a healing art in which the fingers are applied to key acupuncture points. The amount of pressure used varies according to the condition and requires trained, sensitive hands. It is often used to treat patients who are sensitive, those with a phobia of needles, children and frail people.

Cupping

Cupping is a technique used to introduce increased stimulation of Qi flow. These enhancements have the effect of increasing the circulation, removing waste products, and reducing muscle spasm and pain. Cupping may also be used as precursors to the physiotherapist stretching the damaged tissue or mobilising a joint. Conditions treated with these techniques include osteoarthritis, areas of poor Qi flow and cold conditions.

Electroacupuncture

Following a detailed physiotherapy assessment, inserted needles can be coupled to the electrodes of an electroacupuncture machine. These units are designed to deliver variable amplitudes and frequencies of electrical impulses. Low-frequency electroacupuncture is intended to contribute to the mechanism of pain reduction, especially by stimulating chemicals in the brain that aid analgesia, relaxation and sleep.

This technique is particularly useful in chronic pain problems and solid research supports its use’.

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Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the assessment and treatment of problems and injuries that affect muscles, joints, nerves and soft tissues.

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Sports Therapy

Sports Therapy is the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Treatment may involve exercise prescription, advice, hands-on therapy, electrotherapy and taping.

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Manipulations

Graded manipulations of the spine or other joints to restore movement, relieve pain and aid postural correction.

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Soft Tissue Mobilisations

Myofascial release, trigger point massage, deep transverse frictions, muscle energy techniques, positional release, cupping and massage.

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Sports Massage

Deep massage tailored to your needs for injury prevention, therapeutic benefits and pre and post events.

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Acupuncture

Dry needling and electroacupuncture for relief of pain and muscle spasm. Sterile disposable needles are used.

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Pilates

One to one sessions available with a Chartered Physiotherapist or Pilates instructor in our private studio.

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Injury Rehabilitation

One to one personal training tailored to your individual requirements for pre/post op and injury rehabilitation

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Podiatry

Biomechanical assessment of the foot and lower limb. Treatment may include exercises, strapping, manipulation and insoles.

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Psychotherapy/Hypnotherapy

The use of both Psychotherapeutic Counselling and Clinical Hypnotherapy for a wide range of issues.

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What our clients say about us

  • Over the last 10 years I have consistently referred patients to the team at Physiocure. The bespoke treatment Anna and Louise offer patients is ideal for the complex hip patients we have in the practice.

    Jon Conroy BSc.MSc.MB.ChB. FRCS (Tr & Orth) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

  • Anna and Louise at Physiocure have been treating patients from the Yorkshire Knee Clinic for over 15 years with excellent results. Together with their team of highly professional colleagues, they are able to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for our patients.

    Nick London, MA MD (Cantab) FRCS (Tr & Orth) Specialist Knee Surgeon The Yorkshire Knee Clinic, Harrogate, Leeds

  • I have worked with Louise and all the team at Physiocure for a number of years. Both herself and Anna run an excellent practice combining up-to-date knowledge, a wealth of experience and a highly motivated team.

    Professor Max Fehily, Consultant Hip Surgeon, Manchester Hip Clinic

  • I have worked with Anna and Louise for many years now and found them to be exceptional physiotherapists. They have successfully treated many of my more complex shoulder patients, as well as athletes.

    Lennard Funk, BSc MSc FRCS(Tr&Orth) FFSEM(UK), Shoulder Surgeon, Wrightington Hospital

  • I travelled 5 hours by car from my home in Sussex for two days of intensive sessions with many different people in the Physiocure team. I can say without any reservation that not only was it more than worth the trip, but that I would and will do it again, because the care, concern, dedication and professionalism of everyone I encountered at Physiocure was absolutely outstanding.

    Camilla Black, Sussex

Latest News

Anna Higo, Director of Physiocure wins Ehlers Danlos UK Community Champion Award

EDS UK Community Champion Awards!

"2023 has brought more nominations for Community Champions within the EDS and HSD community. In this issue we highlight our most recent recipient who has both gone above and beyond in either raising awareness, promoting and disseminating education on the syndromes, supporting people with EDS or other significant contributions such as adaptations and inclusivity. The awards also celebrate innovative products which make a difference to the lives of people with EDS or HSD.


Congratulations to Anna at Physiocure on being recognised as an EDS UK Community Champion! The award was presented to Anna by Lisa, our West Yorkshire volunteer along with Sally, a Leeds member who was one of the people who nominated Anna for the award."

Read more +

Physiocure News - January 2023

The Physiocure Team, in collaboration with Coventry University have had a new paper published titled - 'The value of Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthoses in the management of a complex Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patient: a case report.’

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