Physiotherapy is a well recognised treatment for many conditions.
The Howard Clinic has experience in the management of:

	Sports injuries
	Post-operative Orthopaedics (for example - rehabilitation after a joint replacement or soft tissue surgery)u
	Acute and chronic neck or back pain
	Neurological conditions such as strokes and Parkinsons Disease, MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and head injury  Tuina (Chinese medical )
	Chronic conditions such as arthritis
	Movement dysfunctions including sports training errors and postural related problems
	Hand Therapy - Injuries or conditions affecting the hand are not only much more common than most people think, but can also have a large affect on your daily life. Hand Therapy is the specialist side of physiotherapy that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of hand injuries and conditions. This can range from simple muscle injuries to fractures, nerve compromises or joint arthritis. Whilst many elements of Hand Therapy treatment are condition specific, it also includes the use of splints, both off the shelf and custom made, and specific adaptations or activity modification. As a member of the Reading Hand Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Richard at the Howard Clinic has close links with Consultant Hand Surgeons and can recommend specific investigations or further treatments such as steroid injections.

Treatments may include various manual therapy or manipulation techniques, Tui Na massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy e.g ultrasound, interferential therapy, exercise rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, postural and ergonomics/ workstation advice. We can also advise on referral to a specialist consultant or other health professional. You may be referred by your GP, Consultant or you may choose to refer yourself directly.

Cathy and many of the team have been trained by renowned
Australian Physiotherapist Sarah Key, author of “The Back
Sufferer’s Bible” and Principal Physiotherapist to The Royal Family.

This unique, highly effective technique of mobilizing stiff spinal segments (the
primary cause of most back pain) usually using the heel of the foot, is followed by “pressure change therapy” exercises. This stimulates inter vertebral disc
metabolism, which is vital for the long term health and pain relief for the spine.

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Acupuncture is an ancient healing therapy which uses fine needles inserted into certain points of the body to promote health and alleviate pain in the body.

Tui Na is the Chinese precursor to the Japanese Shiatsu. It uses a variety of massage and gentle manipulation techniques.

Just as Western medical professionals monitor blood flowing through blood vessels and messages travelling via the nervous system, in Acupuncture and Tuina the flow of ‘vital energy’ or ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) is assessed within pathways known as meridians or channels.

Tui Na and Acupuncture are very effective treatments that can be combined with traditional Physiotherapy treatments. The Howard Clinic has a number of Physiotherapists who practice Acupuncture and Tuina which provide the patient with a holistic as well as local approach to their health problems.

This is physiotherapy in warm water, used mainly for
rehabilitation and pain relief, providing many physical benefits.
Usually an assessment is carried out in the treatment room first.

Hydrotherapy is a very effective treatment for many different conditions – early post orthopaedic surgery (eg after a joint replacement, or after a fracture), following a sports injury, osteo or rheumatoid arthritis and neurological conditions (eg after a stroke or spinal cord injury). Many patients find that they can rehabilitate much more quickly, and less painfully in the water and it is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience for both exercising and having manual
therapy by the Physiotherapist.

We have several Physiotherapists with specialist hydrotherapy skills and we offer sessions during weekdays, evenings and some Saturdays.

Injury or disease to any part of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) may result in many different problems, such as difficulties with movement, balance co-ordination and loss of function. This requires specialist understanding, assessment and treatment approaches, in order to maximize the potential for a person to recover and improve their overall health and well-being.

At the Howard Clinic we have a number of Specialist Physiotherapists in Neurological Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy.

We also have close links with other health professionals, such as Consultant Neurologists, Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, and Hand Therapists in both the NHS and Private Practice, to enable us to assist our patients with the best treatment plan.

Rehabilitation can be carried out in either the treatment room, hydrotherapy pool or within the gym areas in the club. It may also be appropriate and convenient to treat within the patient’s own home and many of our therapists are able to provide this service.

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Do you suffer from Foot Pain?

The structure of your foot supports your entire weight. The slightest misalignment of muscles and bones can cause many different problems. If you’re a competitive sports person or an active keep-fitter, this may apply;

The symptoms of faulty foot mechanics may begin with any of the following:

	localized foot pain
	bunions, hammer toes
	foot arch, heel pain
	leg, knee pain
	hip or low back pain

Kevin at The Howard Clinic can prescribe and provide you with individually customised foot orthotics (supportive shoe inserts) to help correct your specific body imbalance.

GaitScan™ is state-of-the-art computer hardware and software that helps in the assessment and analysis of your feet. Information gained from a scan made with GaitScan™ is used in combination with many years of practitioner experience to detect abnormal foot function which may be adversely affecting your feet and/or other parts of your body, and prescribe appropriate remedial orthotics.

Injuries or conditions affecting the hand are not only much more common than most people think, but can also have a large affect on your daily life.

Hand Therapy is the specialist side of physiotherapy that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of hand injuries and conditions. This can range from simple muscle injuries to fractures, nerve compromises or joint arthritis.

Whilst many elements of Hand Therapy treatment are condition specific, it also includes the use of splints, both off the shelf and custom made, and specific adaptations or activity modification.

As a member of the Reading Hand Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Richard at the Howard Clinic has close links with Consultant Hand Surgeons and can recommend specific investigations or further treatments such as steroid injections.

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