Synergy - Injury And Pain Management

Synergy Injury and Pain Management provides Osteopathy, Sports Therapy and Massage, treating a wide range of injuries and conditions.

Osteopathy
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It utilises the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical methods to investigate and correct problems with the musculo-skeletal system
Osteopathy works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual is dependant upon the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together.
In order to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process osteopaths will use a range of treatment techniques. Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft tissue releasing techniques, specific adjustments and advice on self-help.
Osteopathy is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) which is a statutory self regulated body. It is illegal to practice as an osteopath unless registered with the GOsC. This protects the public by ensuring adequate training of osteopaths and ongoing learning (continual professional development is mandatory) is taking place to ensure knowledge is kept up to date.

Is osteopathy for you?
Osteopathy can help to treat many common physical ailments, delivering both short and long term benefits. Patients will receive a unique treatment and management plan to help restore optimum function and reduce associated pain and dysfunction.
Osteopathy can help to relieve and treat:
• Acute and Chronic low back pain
• Sciatica
• Acute and Chronic neck pain
• Whiplash associated disorders
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Migraine
• General shoulder girdle pain
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
• Tennis and Golfers elbow
• Knee pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Aches and pains
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Minor sports injuries

What to expect during your first visit.
The initial consultation will take approximately 60-75 minutes. This will include a full case history, orthopaedic /neurological testing, diagnosis and treatment.
• Case History
A full and detailed medical history will be taken. This will include questions about your current complaint, your past medical history and your general health. The questions asked are vital for building a more complete picture of you as an individual.
If you take any regular medication it would be useful to bring a list of these with you.
• What to Wear
In order to evaluate your body’s movement and deliver a more accurate diagnosis, you may need to change into more suitable clothing (i. e. appropriate underwear, shorts, sports vest or a loose fitting t-shirt etc. ).
If you feel nervous or uncomfortable about this or any other aspects of your consultation please do not hesitate to let your practitioner know.
• Physical Assessment
During the physical assessment you will be asked to perform a range of general body movements. This will allow a full assessment of your posture, mobility and musculoskeletal mechanics to be made. Your practitioner will also palpate to pinpoint areas of strain, tension, pain and weakness. To establish a more accurate diagnosis and range of orthopaedic and neurological tests may also be performed.
• Diagnosis and Evaluation
Following your physical assessment your results will be evaluated and you will be provided with a diagnosis and explanation of your complaint. If you need further tests or investigations, this will also be explained to you. If your practitioner believes your complaint will not respond to osteopathic treatment you will be advised on how to seek further help.
• Treatment
Having discussed the findings of the examinations with you, and providing treatment is appropriate and you have given consent, an individual treatment plan can be developed and started.
Treatment usually involves the use of one or more of the following techniques:
Soft tissue techniques (e. g. massage, stretching). These techniques will help relax tissue and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.
Joint articulation and manipulation techniques. These techniques will help restore mobility.
The treatment will also include “Home Care Advice”. It will provide relevant information on preventative measures (e. g. posture, working position), exercises, stretches and lifestyle. It is essential that the “Home Care Advice” is followed as it plays a vital role in recovery.
Osteopathic treatment is not a “quick fix”, even though pain relief and improved range of movement can be achieved quickly. The number of treatment required will depend on the condition being treated, how long the injury has been present and how your body responds to treatment.

Sports Therapy
Sports Therapy is an element of healthcare that is chiefly concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the patient. It aims to restore optimal levels of function and sports specific fitness. It applies the principles of sport and exercise science incorporating physiological and pathological processes to prepare the patient for training and competition.

Sports Massage
Sports Massage has an increasing profile in sports medicine, benefiting both elite and recreational athletes. Sports Massage is a deep form of massage that works specifically with sporting injuries and ailments, providing relief from discomfort and aiding rehabilitation. A variety of techniques are used to decrease pain, increase performance and assist recovery. For those participating in regular physical activity Sports Massage is a great addition to training regimes, as it focuses on areas that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
Benefits of Sports Massage:
• Decrease muscle stiffness, pain and fatigue
• Improve flexibility
• Aid in the speed and quality of soft tissue repair
Effects of Sports Massage:
• Improved circulation
• Removes metabolic waste
• Increase the uptake of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue cells

Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape is a latex-free tape that is wearable for days at a time and is used successfully to treat numerous orthopaedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. Kinesiology taping is rehabilitative and aims to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without reducing the body’s range of movement.
This taping method targets receptors within the somatosensory system, reducing pain and aiding lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. The lifting affect of the tape helps to form convolutions in the skin, increasing the interstitial space permitting a reduction of inflammation of the affected area.
Kinesiology tape is specifically applied to the patient based on their needs. Clinical assessment and evaluation dictates the application of the tape. The tape is applied in many shapes and directions with varying amounts of stretch placed on the tape. The application of the tape can help re-educate the neuromuscular system, decrease pain and inflammation, enhance performance, prevent injury and promote circulation and healing.