What exactly does a Chartered Physiotherapist Do?
A Chartered Physiotherapist treats injury and disease by correcting and improving the body's own natural healing mechanisms, without the use of drugs or medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
What conditions can be treated at Cardiff Bay Physiotherapy Clinic?
Spinal Problems - including prolapsed discs, sciatica, degeneration, whiplash, lumbago, stiff/painful neck and referred arm and leg pains.
Joint Problems - arthritis, injury, pain/swelling/stiffness in joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles
Injuries - to muscles, ligaments, cartilage and tendon problems; and to work related conditions such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
After Surgery - rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery e.g. hip and knee replacements, spinal operations or ligament reconstruction.
Fractures - treatment to increase the healing rate and to gain full function once the bones have healed.
Sports Injuries - strains, sprains and bruising to soft tissue.
What sort of treatment is offered at Cardiff Bay Physiotherapy Clinic?
A wide range of treatments are available using the skills developed through years of practice as a Chartered Physiotherapist. They include manipulation, mobilisation, massage and exercises and strapping to protect the area. These can be aided by the use of sophisticated electronic and electrical apparatus such as an ultrasound machine - all designed to help in the relief of pain and to promote healing. Of course in order to stop the same problem reoccurring, time will be spent teaching the patient methods that will help avoid this.
How is the best treatment decided?
A thorough assessment of each problem will be performed. This will involve a complete examination, together with an understanding of your work, rest and recreational activities.
This assessment may identify a problem which is situated some distance from where the pain is felt. It also ensures that the diagnosis and treatment will relate to you and your whole lifestyle.
The physiotherapist and the patient will then together in deciding the what the best course of treatment is for the individual. Informed consent is obtained before any treatment is performed.
How does Physiotherapy differ from other "alternative" forms of treatment?
Physiotherapy is a medically recognised treatment with physiotherapist working closely with GP's and consultants.
The methods used by "alternative" therapies differ widely, but most of the theories and principles which govern them are included within the scope of practice of Chartered Physiotherapists. It can be argued that physiotherapy is the original "orthodox alternative".
How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained and has a qualification recognised by the state?
Only members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (known as Chartered Physiotherapists) with the letters MCSP after their name and registered with the Health Professions Council have undergone the required training and passed the necessary state recognised examinations to enable them to practice within the NHS or in Private Practice. Always ask if your physiotherapist is HPC registered!!
Do I have to be referred to Cardiff Bay Physiotherapy Clinic by a Doctor?
No, not necessarily. You can contact the clinic directly to make an appointment although close contact will be kept with your GP regarding your progress unless you wish otherwise. This close relationship is for the benefit of you, the patient.
You can also be referred by a solicitor, through a sports club, By a Consultant or directly by an insurance company.