Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that uses needles, laser or an electric current to stimulate acupuncture points in your body. These treatments address imbalances that arise from physical and emotional stress, poor nutrition, infection or injury. Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, decreasing pain, releasing endorphins, increasing tissue healing, and balancing hormones.

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique that our physiotherapists use to release or lengthen muscles that may be causing chronic musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain. Very fine needles (the same ones used in acupuncture) are inserted directly into the affected muscle, in order to stimulate healing. This is also often referred to, or known as, “dry needling.”

Gunn IMS is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes, including muscle, joint, tendon, bursal, fascial, neural and biomechanical problems. The approach, using intramuscular dry needling, is based on a neuropathic model of musculoskeletal dysfunction developed by Dr. C. Chan Gunn.

Interferential therapy uses electrical current to reduce swelling, relieve pain and stimulate muscles. Interferential applies two different frequencies that interfere with one another to produce a medium frequency current within the tissues. Interferential is commonly used for pain relief, to promote tissue healing, relieve muscle spasm and stimulate deeply situated muscles such as the pelvic floor muscles.

Traction is a manual technique designed to reduce pressure on affected vertebral discs that are causing pain. Traction is a manual ‘stretching’ of the spine which reduces pressure on the discs and therefore reduces the patient’s pain. When your spine’s disc is under pressure and damaged, the tough outer layer is damaged and the soft inside protrudes through the gap, causing pain. Traction pulls the vertebra away from the disc, releasing the pressure on the disc. This decompresses the nerve and reduces pain.

The McKenzie Method is an overall program of assessment, treatment and prevention strategies, including exercise. The long-term goal of the McKenzie Method is to teach our patients suffering from neck pain and/or back pain how to treat themselves and manage their own pain using exercise and other strategies. We help empower your recovery.

The Mulligan Technique involves several different mobilising techniques to treat the spine. The technique also treats limbs affected by damage to the spine. The mobilising techniques include Natural Hypophyseal Glides (NAGs), Sustained Natural Hypophyseal Glides (SNAGs) and Mobilisations with Movement (MWMs). The aim of these mobilisations is to increase the pain free range of movement of the spine and affected limbs.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.

Ultrasound therapy is a treatment used by our physical therapists to relieve pain and to promote tissue healing. The two main types of ultrasound therapy are thermal and mechanical. The sound waves cause microscopic vibrations in deep tissue molecules, increasing heat and friction. The warming effect encourages healing in soft tissues by increasing metabolism at the cellular level.