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Sports Physiotherapy

Spinal joint mobilisation / manipulation

Spinal joint mobilisation or Spinal manipulation, is a physiotherapy technique whereby the natural joint movements are guided by the physiotherapist’s hands to relieve pain and increase joint range of motion. These techniques are commonly performed in the prone position (lying face down but may also be completed in supine (lying on the back). A manipulation is a technique that is of small amplitude at high velocity which essentially means that your physiotherapist will take the affected joint to the end of its available range and quickly gapped. A crack can often be heard accompanying this technique.

Peripheral joint mobilisation

Joint mobilisation is a physiotherapy technique whereby the natural joint movements are guided by the physiotherapist’s hands to relieve pain and increase joint range of motion. Peripheral joints are those of the arms and legs and mobilisation of these joints are performed in the ranges that are most restricted.

Myofascial or soft tissue release

Myofascial or soft tissue release techniques come in a variety of forms and are an important part of manual therapy performed by your physiotherapist or myotherapist.

Myofascial techniques are often deep and slow and may use minimal cream.
Soft tissue techniques may include effleurage, trigger point therapy, rolfing. These techniques are useful in reducing pain, muscle tension, increasing muscle length and unloading the joints and surrounding structures.

Neurodynamic mobilisation

Neurodynamic mobilisation techniques are used to help nerves glide more freely between tissues and along their pathway. These techniques may be used when treating spinal pain with associated neurological symptoms and arm or leg pain. These techniques can be performed by your physiotherapist or as part of a home exercise programme.

Taping

There are many types of tape and taping techniques. Some of these include

Rigid sporting taping – to restrict range of motion; to protect or offload a joint.
Kinesio taping – to enhance the proprioceptive input of an area
Functional Fascial Taping® – taping to facilitate proprioceptive input to enhance range of motion.

Your physio should be able to guide you in how long you can and you should wear tape. If it becomes itchy or uncomfortable at any stage it must be removed immediately.