Modalities in Physiotherapy

In physiotherapy, a variety of treatment modalities are used to effectively manage and assist in your recovery. These modalities address different aspects of pain, healing, and rehabilitation, and include techniques like strapping, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and dry needling.

Strapping

Strapping involves using various types of tape (e.g., rigid tape, kinesiology tape) to support, immobilize, and protect joints and muscles. It is applied in several ways to promote recovery.

Why we strap:

• To immobilize injured joints
• To protect weak muscles/joints from further injury
• To reduce pain
• To improve muscle function
• To reduce swelling and/or edema

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a safe, painless treatment used primarily for scar management, but it also effectively reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation while promoting tissue healing. The deep-penetrating light works at a cellular level to stimulate healing.

Common conditions treated with laser therapy include:

• Scar tissue management
• Painful joint conditions
• Ligament sprains
• Pressure ulcers
• Cracked nipples (e.g., breastfeeding issues)
• Wisdom tooth extractions
• Deep cuts and incisions

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic shockwaves (mechanical waves, not electric) to treat chronic tendinopathies and relieve pain.

Conditions that benefit from shockwave therapy include:

• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow
• Patella pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Hamstring tendinosis
• Shoulder pain (including rotator cuff calcification)
• Golfer’s elbow

Dry Needling

Often confused with acupuncture, dry needling is a scientifically grounded technique used to treat muscle spasms, chronic pain, and inflammatory conditions. It involves inserting thin needles into specific areas of soft tissue to produce a twitch response, which helps relax muscles and increases blood flow to promote healing.

Common conditions treated with dry needling include:

• Back and neck pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Painful muscle spasms
• Tendonitis and painful joints
• Sinus pain and sinusitis

These modalities are carefully chosen by physiotherapists based on the individual’s condition and recovery needs, providing a holistic and effective treatment approach.