What Treatments Do We Offer?

How does it work? This non-invasive treatment method uses a triggered probe to send shockwaves, made up of sound, through the tissues to the target area. The highly energised waves interact with the soft tissue initiating a healing response with increases in blood flow and up- cell regeneration.  What does it feel like? Shockwave lasts approximately 3-5minutes, and often requires 4+ sessions, depending on your injury. The treatment is used to stimulate healing in a chronic injury so can be uncomfortable. An ache, bruised sensation can last for 24- 48hours.  Shockwave will be combined with other treatment techniques, including rehabilitation, for optimal effect.  What does it help? Foot and ankle: Achilles tendinopathy Plantar Fasciopathy/ Fasciitis Knee:  Patella tendinopathy/ Jumpers Knee Hip: Insertional Hamstring tendinopathy Hip flexor tendinopathy Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinopathy Calcification Elbow: Tennis and golfers elbow Wrist and hand: De Quervan’s Shockwave can also be used on painful trigger points within muscles and new evidence has shown benefits when used for arthritic joints. A supplement of £15 will be added onto your appointment fee.

What is it? Gait analysis evaluates how your body moves while walking or running, identifying patterns, imbalances, or abnormalities in your stride, foot strike and posture. This information helps tailor running technique, shoe choice and strength training to your unique needs, reducing the risk of injury and improving your running performance.  What is involved? The analysis includes assessing a set of 12 functional movements that have been identified as essential movement patterns for efficient cross lateral movement There will be a functional DMS assessment alongside collecting videos of your walking & running gait. Follow up sessions will include technique corrections and exercises to run alongside running. Head to the Running Analysis tab for more information on Running Gait analysis.

How does it work? Massage is one of many manual therapy techniques that can be used during your treatment. It is a safe and effective way to work into the soft tissues. It can find local ‘tight’ spots and trigger points which could be exacerbating or referring your pain to other areas. What does it feel like? The pressure used is normally firm, however this will be dependent on the injury. What does it help? Muscle tension and pain Headaches Pre and post sport/ exercise Relaxation

How does it work? Hear at B&A we use needles in two distinctive ways; dry needling and acupuncture When dry needling a fine, sterile, single - use acupuncture needle is inserted into the muscle aiming for myofascial trigger points (“knots”), this causes the trigger point to disperse and therefore release muscle tension. The microtrauma caused by the needle also promotes the body's natural healing response which is particularly helpful in chronic conditions. Traditionally Chinese acupuncture seeks to promote the body’s natural energy flow, Qi. As it was thought when Qi does not flow freely illness occurs. Physiotherapists use Chinese acupuncture to stimulate the sensory nerves. This in turn will cause the body to release its natural pain-relieving substances, endorphins. What does it feel like? During dry needling as the needle ‘hits’ a trigger point/ knot, a local, involuntary twitch response may occur followed by an ache. This ache, bruised like sensation may last for 24hours but after this the muscle should feel looser. Very rarely does it cause pain, bleeding or bruising. Unlike dry needling which targets specific trigger points and areas of injury, Chinese acupuncture places the fine, sterile, single – use needles into meridian lines most effective for your condition. This may mean some needles are placed away from the area of the injury. The needles are inserted and left in position for 10-20minutes. A dull ache will be felt, this may last 24-48 hours after treatment however this should not be painful. What does it help? Dry needling is best for: Muscle tension and "knots" Chronic injuries e.g. tendinopathies Arthritic pain ​ Acupuncture is best for: Persistent pain Headaches and migraines   Fibromyalgia

How does it work? Pressure is applied to a joint by the therapist. The pressure applied is used to stimulate receptors in our body that help reduce pain. The force applied to the joint will also mobilise local soft tissue and promote range of movement. Some mobilisations may be combined with you moving and some may cause a ‘popping’ noise. What does it feel like? The pressure applied to the joint to reduce pain and stiffness can be uncomfortable but should not be painful.  What does it help? Joint mobilisations aim to reduce joint stiffness and pain particularly effective in: Hip and ankle stiffness Recovering frozen shoulder Back and neck Headaches  Arthritic stiffness

What is it? Rehabilitation is the foundation to any recovery and works alongside any ‘hands on’ treatment. More importantly it is key to prevent further injury. Rehabilitation programmes will be evidence based and tailored to your specific need, whether it is returning to the gym, running a marathon or getting through a day of sitting at a desk pain free.  We have close links with local, experienced personal trainers and Pilate instructors in which we can set up further 1-2-1 sessions if required.

How does it work? There are two kinds of electrotherapy we use B&A; interferential therapy and ultrasound therapy. Interferential Therapy uses 2-4 suction cups with wet sponges that are placed around the affected area. The therapist will choose the electrical frequency most appropriate for your treatment. The main use of the machine is to create an electrical stimulus strong enough to block your pain, caused by your injury, at the peripheral nerves. During ultrasound therapy the probe sends sound waves into the soft tissue, which cause the small cells to oscillate. The vibrations at cell level creates an energy that has been thought to speed the rate of natural healing and quality of the repair. What does it feel like? Interferential creates a tingling sensation between the suction cups. It should not be painful but help alleviate any pain you were suffering. Some experience the tingling after the machine has been turned off but this is short lasting. Ultrasound works through non-thermal sound waves so there should be no added sensation other than probe on skin. What does it help? Interferential is best for: Acute pain & arthritic pain Swelling removal Muscle tension & Muscle wastage​ Ultrasound is best for: Ligament sprains Tendon strains Scar tissue build up

What is it? Scar Therapy at B&A combines a thorough assessment with the appropriate advice, hands on treatment and LymphaTouch to help manipulate your scar and in turn improve symptoms associated with them.  LymphaTouch combines negative pressure and mechanical high-frequency vibration, which soften adhesions, improve tissue elasticity, flexibility and joint range of motion. Scars take 2 years to mature, so seeking advice early is helpful, but treatment can still be given to older scars – they just might be slightly more stubborn. Scarring is the body's natural reaction to deep skin damage. They occur both inside and outside of the body. Often leaving a visible mark when healed. Scars commonly feel tight, as if they are pulling, become red and raised. The effect of the scar can have both physical and emotional implications. With even the 'best' looking scars causing symptoms. What does it feel like? We use either Naqi Optimising Oil or Alhydran on your scar, depending on need. The scar massage itself is not and should not be painful. You will be given self management guidance to practice between sessions. What does it help? Scar tightness and pulling Scar redness Scar pain We work with atrophic, hypertrophic and keloid scars We regularly see c-section scars however we can implement similar techniques to other scars such as post knee/ hip replacement, post ORIF (fixation of fractures). Not sure if it could benefit ? Enquire today and we can chat it through. Scar therapy often works best with a couple of sessions, due to this block pricing is available. For more info on Scar Therapy please don't hesitate to get in contact with us.