Five Valleys Physio are pleased to announce two very special services that very few clinics are able to offer!
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Our very own Geoff Twinning is dual qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist and also a Musculo-skeletal Sonographer. This enable him to provide a comprehensive, advanced assessment for peripheral pathologies. We call this ‘Point of Care Ultrasound’ or POCUS.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a type of sonographic imagery that enable us to look into soft tissue and also assess bone integrity. Where structures lay beneath a bone, we are unable to visualise this area. This is why ultrasound is typically not used when imaging a spine. In this instance, a MRI is best practice. As highly skilled clinician’s, we can still assess a spinal problem and provide an accurate diagnostic and treatment plan.
We can see very clearly into tendons, ligaments and the surrounding tissue of all peripheral joints, from your finger to your shoulder, achilles tendon to your gluteal region. Ultrasound has its limits depending on the machine in use, but in most cases it provides all of the information that we need to provide a clear and accurate diagnosis, and knowing this, a clear strategic plan to ensure an effective treatment plan.
Diagnostic ultrasound is never used in isolation within Physiotherapy practice, unlike a radiographer. You always get the best of both worlds being seen by a Consultant Physiotherapist for the hands on assessment, and their expert assessment using ultrasound.
With POCUS it will often mean you do not need to spend the £340+ on a MRI and only ever need to be referred on to an Orthopaedic Consultant if a surgical solution may be required. This enable 5 Valleys Physio to provide a one stop shop in many cases
Injection Therapy
When we have a confirmed diagnosis with the combined use of diagnostic ultrasound, then we can look at if any sort of injection will help you. Whether this is to reduce pain and swelling, to aid tissue recovery, or to support an arthritic joint.
There are two types of injection we typically use at present. The first is corticosteroid. This is a strong anti-inflammatory that we use to reduce pain and swelling. It is administered along with local anaesthetic in most injection to provide immediate diagnostic pain relief, and also to help spread the highly concentrated steroid around the region. This can be very effective in managing pain in the short erm approach.
Typically conditions include:
Frozen Shoulder
De Quervins Tenosynovitis
Osteoarthritis of most joint
Morton’s Neuroma and bursitis
Trochenteric Pain Syndrome
Further information on corticosteroid injections, their effects and precautions will be coming soon.
The second type of injection is called Hyaluronic Acid (HA). This is a gel like substance which is naturally found in all of the synovial joints in the body. It lubricates the joint and provides nutrition for joint health. With chronic injury or joint degeneration, the fluid thins which causes accelerated friction and swelling, and ultimately pain.
We use a number of brands which is patient depending. The main two are Ostenil Plus and Durolane. The only difference is the molecular density and how long each lasts. Some HA is better at lubricating, whereas others are better at protecting worn joints.
Our Consultant Physiotherapist will always discuss all options with the patient and pros and cons of each relative to the condition.
These are not services typically found on the NHS, but they really provide an expert approach to joint and soft tissue pain.
Here at 5 Valleys Physio, we offer you expert advice and diagnostic abilities. The team has the unique ability to provide a full roster of treatment and assessment options. If you are experiencing pain, we have the skill set necessary to remove your pain, restore movement & strength, and improve your performance or quality of life.
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