Manual therapy is a form of treatment used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions. It includes mobilizing and manipulating the joints of the body to restore normal physiological movement, reduce pain, diminish tension and restore function. It has been a proven to be an effective form of treatment amongst physiotherapists.

Osteopathy is the study of the human form. It embraces the philosophy that the body has the innate abiltiy to treat itself. It aims to restore and optimize function of the body by treating imbalances of the vertebral column, the fascial system, the cranial bones, the neural system and the visceral (organ) sytem.

Myofascial release is a hands on technique used to treat the fascial system throughout the body. The fascial system (compared to a series of spider webs); can adhere or tighten, causing sensitivity, restriction of motion, pain and tension. It is a gentle form of treatment, however, a very effective one.

Cranial mobilization is a form of osteopathic treatment used to to release neural, muscular, myofascial and sutural restrictions of the cranium. Its goal is to increase elasticity and motility to the system. It is an effective treatment for those suffering from headaches, migraines and post concussion symptoms.

When treating the vestibular system, the cause of one’s dizziness,vertigo or balance issue is first determined. Following a series of comprehenxive tests, one’s treatment is individualized and may include both hands on treatment an an exercise program to address symptoms. Causes of dizziness can be due to an inner ear disorder (such as benign positional vertigo or menieres ), vestibular hypofunction (weakness of the vestivbluar system), a cervical disorder, a cranial dysfunction, or due a vestibulo-occular dysfunction following concussion. Goals of therapy include improving one,s tolerance to movement and visual stimuli, improving balance, and reducing all causes related to dizziness.

Dry needling and acupuncture both involve treatment requiring puncturing of the skin with thin needles for the purpose of providing a therapeutic treatment. Both aim at reducing pain, however the 2 techniques differ. Dry needling is often used to release tension from pressure points in the muscular system in order to gain mobility. Traditionally, acupuncture was used to align a person’s energy. For physiotherapists however, the goals are aimed at relieving pain and restore movement.

Neural mobilisations are techniques used to restore neural mobility (nerve tension). The nervous system is surprisingly mildly elastic. Treatment is aimed at restoring normal movement patterns and reducing tension of the nervous system, vertebrally, cranially and/or at the extremities. Neural mobilisations are often described as flossing, a descriptive way of stretching.

For the vast majority of  people injured due to concussion,  simply resting and gradually returning to activity is sufficient rehabilitation post head injury.  However, some people require further assistance to restore full function.  This may include active rehabilitaion (balance treatment, vestibular therapy, vision therapy (vestibulo- ocular retraining) or simply functional exercises and strength training); passive treatment may include cranio- cervical mobilisations, soft tissue releasing and stretches as well as education  to address post concussion symptoms ( headaches, nausea, fatigue, poor concentration…etc. ).

The McKenzie Method® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is an internationally researched and acclaimed system of assessment and management for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie. Clinicians trained in the MDT system are able to assess and classify all complaints of the musculoskeletal system. That means that if a problem is coming from the spine, extremity joints, muscles or tendons, then a MDT evaluation is appropriate. An MDT clinician will be able to identiy if MDT is indicated, what management strategy is best, and outline a predicted recovery pathway. MDT is a comprehensive approach that focuses on the patient and their potential to self-manage and recover their previous level of function.