Physio
PHYSIOTHERAPY
At Move physio we use predominantly manual therapy (hands-on techniques) to restore
normal joint function. A variety of soft tissue techniques are also employed to reduce muscle
spasm, increase length and myofascial trigger point release to treat active myofascial trigger
points which can be a major source of musculoskeletal pain.
Exercise is a major part of physiotherapy treatment to regain normal muscle function
following injury which leads to muscle imbalance, weakness and tightness.
Acupuncture is also an effective method of controlling musculoskeletal pain and trigger points.
Electrotherapy in the form of ultrasound and electric currents (TENS, interferential, muscle stimulation etc) is also used
as required. Physiotherapy can also be carried out in the water for specific benefits (see hydrotherapy)

REHABILITATION
Rehabilitation is a very broad topic and will be different for each individual. Generally rehabilitation will consist of
retraining muscle function, initially core stability (the local muscle system) muscles progressing on to exercises the isolate
groups of larger muscles used in day to day activities. Pilates is very popular now in rehab as a functional, progress
and dynamic method of retraining muscle function.
High level sports specific rehab- involves restoring and improving on previous levels of proprioception and plyometric
loading. Plyometrics refers to the rapid loading of the muscle tendon complex which places a quick stretch on the muscle
fibre resulting in an increased force production and the ability of the connective tissue to load rapidly and store energy
elastically. This ability is essential in converting strength into power and speed.
Proprioception refers to the ability to determine where we are in space and our control of our position eg, where our
joints are in relation to our body and the immediate environment particularly the ground opponents and equipment. The
classic example of proprioception is balance retraining following a sprained ankle, where we retrain the supporting
muscles of the lower limb to control the movements efficiently preventing us from falling. Initially we have large
movements but as we become more efficient at picking up changes in position, adjustments become smaller.

MASSAGE
At Move we offer various types of massage, with some people preferring deeper connective tissue or sports massage
while others respond better to the more gentle approach. Massage is often used as a treatment technique in
physiotherapy but is also a valuable tool for injury prevention. Stretching is often insufficient in controlling connective
tissue tightness, muscle tension and trigger points whereas massage is able to target and loosen these areas.
This tightness can come about as a result of normal training or postural positioning leading to increases stress on
tendons, ligaments and neural tissue. The frequency and intensity of training or the length of time spent in static postures
will effect the timing of massage sessions.
HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy uses the bouyancy and resistive characteristics of water to aid in injury
rehabilitation. The buoyancy provided by water allows the amount of loading on the
body to be carefully controlled and easily progressed. This means that you can
exercise without walking aids, using normal movement patterns and gradually load up
injured joints. This is particularly useful in the treatment of injuries to the legs and back.
Resistance in water increases with the amount of speed and the surface area of the
object being moved. We can use this to progressively increase the load put on healing muscles tendons and ligaments.
Various pieces of equipment can also be used to either increase the resistance or to provide extra bouyancy/floatation
to make a movement less difficult. This is very useful following orthopaedic surgery where minimal loading is placed on
healing tissue and increases as healing progresses. Another important property of water is that pressure increases with
depth. Often following injury and/or surgery we are faced with significant swelling especially to the legs. By mobilising in
water there is an effect of muscle activity pushing fluid up the leg and also the higher water pressure at the feet pushing
fluid upwards through veins and lymphatic drainage. The ability to carry out activities with normal technique can reduce
the stress placed on other parts of the body helping in the prevention of knock on effects to other joints and reducing
muscle weakness from inactivity during healing.

BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENTS
Involves the analysis of muscle power, range of movement, tissue resistance and joint stability in relation to a specific
activity and the way our bodies interact with equipment (eg bikes, oars/boat) whether it be running, rowing, hockey or
repeated bending and lifting during some weekend DIY
Poor execution of an activity can lead to poor results, injury and prolonged rehab as damaged tissue is subjected to
abnormal loading during healing. Analysis can identify areas of weakness which can be rectified to improve speed,
efficiency, power and endurance while reducing the risk of injury.

SPORTS & EVENT COVERAGE
We have worked with several teams and events to provide pre, during and post event coverage. Pre-event coverage
can include strapping, massage, and dynamic warm-ups. We can provide on field/ pitch side services such as
immediate management of orthopaedic injury,blood work and assessment of head injury/concussion with referral as
appropriate. And our Post event services can include massage, acute management of injury, strapping,and triage. If
you have an event that you are organising give us a call and we would be more than happy to discuss some options.

WORKSTATION ERGONOMIC ASSESSMENTS
Current legislation makes it every employers obligation to provide a safe working environment. This includes reducing
the risk of postural pain, neck and low back pain from poor seating, positioning of equipment, inappropriate equipment
for individuals and even extends to ensuring appropriate lighting to avoid eye strain. It is necessary to assess each
work station, document and modify any short comings and make the necessary alterations with review to ensure the
changes meet the employees needs. At Optima we offer a 4 part service including 1) the initial on-site assessment
making any immediate changes, 2) a report documenting any modification performed and those still required, 3)
sourcing alternative equipment as necessary and 4) a follow up on-site review to sign of a the final report for HSE
documentation.
020 8994 8328
move clinics