Patient Resources

We offer treatment in our Leigh on Sea, Southend on Sea, Hornchurch and Suffolk clinics. We are open 8 am – 9 pm by appointment Monday to Saturday.

All appointments last at least 30 minutes and treatment times can be extended when needed.

Please use the navigational links to the left to view the symptoms and the appropriate treatments.

The conditions we have expertise in treating include:

• Neck pain
• Back problems
• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Hand injury
• Hand surgery
• Hand Pain
• Tennis elbow
• M.E.
• Womens Health – ante and post natal problems
• Continence Problems
• Neurological problems – stroke, etc

Sports we enjoy getting people back to:

• Golf
• Football
• Badminton
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Running

Classes we teach:

• Back exercises
• Pilates
• Post natal

Headaches

Headaches can be a result of many contributing factors. We assess neck and head muscles and joints to see if there is tension or imbalance. Posture and lifestyle may need addressing. Treatments for headaches include joint mobilisations in the neck, massage, acupuncture, relaxation and breathing techniques and exercises with posture awareness.

Neck Pain

Many causes including osteoarthritis, injury in car accidents or other injuries, poor posture. Assessment looks at how the neck is moving, where is the pain coming from and treatment is carefully designed to address all the issues contributing. Commonly exercises are prescribed alongside hands on treatment techiniques toreduce pain and restore function.

Back Pain

Probably the most common complaint in the world! Back ache can be a result of wear and tear, trauma, poor posture, weak muscles, ante and post natal strains. Assessment is thorough, checking for any signs of any sinister causes, checking spinal reflexes, range of movement, muscle strength and posture. Treatment is aimed at long term outcomes – we aim to set out patients up with good strategies for dealing with sore backs through mobilisation of stiff joints or manipulation when needed, exercises and posture advice, ergonomic or work place advice. Short term we aim to get the pain under control as quickly as possible.

Vertigo/ dizziness

This is a very specialised assessment as the systems involved in balance are complex. The assessment time is at least an hour long appointment. We look in great depth at the symptoms and the contributing factors to them. We formulate a plan to desensitise the vestibular system, regain control and relieve the stress of these often distressing problems. If your symptoms are severe you need to get someone to drive you to your appointment.

Hand injury

Injuries to the hand are very common but need careful consideration to restore maximum hand function. We have a joint clinic here in Leigh on sea with Mr David Elliot Consultant Hand Surgeon and a unique team of hand therapists who have worked for many years in specialist hand units in the NHS. Often injury will cause swelling which will cause the hand to become stiff and less functional. We make and advise on splints, provide exercise and electrotherapy to restore hand function.

Hand Surgery

Following hand surgery you will need to know what to do and not to do with your hand while it recovers. Hands are slow healers in many cases so the recovery process can be frustrating, you need to know what to expect post operatively. Each operation is different and the outcome depends on many factors. Call us to discuss the surgery you have planned or ask your surgeon about hand therapy after the surgery. We have close links with local orthopaedic and hand surgeons and will be happy to discuss your case with them and help you with any questions you may have prior to or after surgery.

Hand Pain

Many people suffer pain in their hands/fingers/thumbs or wrist as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, strain due to working on computers and traumatic injury. Hand pain including numbness or pins and needles may indicate there is a nerve under pressure somewhere between the neck and the hand. Assessment consists of a careful look at the hand and arm and neck. Exercises, splints, posture advice, electrotherapy and acupuncture have all been used to ease hand pain. If physiotherapy is not successful then referral on to a Consultant Hand Surgeon may be advised.

Elbow Pain

Injury to the elbow can be the result of sports injury, poor gripping or over use. Arthritis can also affect the elbow. Tennis and Golfers elbow are often mentioned and involve strains of the tendons of the wrist where they attach at the elbow causing pain. Assessment of the elbow will provide detail of which structure is injured and treatment is tailored to those findings – treatment might include acupuncture, electrotherapy, manual therapy and exercises to stretch and strengthen.

Womens Health Problems

Common conditions seen in the clinic often occur during or after pregnancy. Back ache is very common and can respond to massage, posture advice and exercises. Specific diagnosis can be discussed in assessment or call us for further information.

We offer a service to local midwifes talking to their group classes about relaxation techniques and pelvic floor exercises.

Pilates classes are a popular way to recover your shape after an abdominal hysterectomy, other surgery and childbirth. We run these in small groups of up to 4 people here in our Leigh clinic.

Neurological problems

We are delighted to offer a service to people who have neurological problems as a result of stroke, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy etc. If you cannot get to the clinic we can come to your home for assessment and treatment. Our clinic is accessible by wheelchair. The physiotherapist for this service is specialised in neurological treatments and will manage a case for long term conditions by reviews at suitable intervals at your request, the charge for this treatment is kept as affordable as possible and we aim to optimise the amount of benefit from treatment by being as effective as we can in the limited time we may have with you.

Golf

Golf assessment can be incorporated into treatment plans for any condition: we have links with a local professional golfer who offers swing assessment. Tailor made stretch and strengthen exercise programmes can restore or improve your game.

Football

Injuries or concerns over fitness to play often need immediate attention: we aim to see you within 24 hours of your contact with us. We have worked with local clubs to promote safe warm up regimes and are happy to provide pitch side physio for tournaments and matches.

Badminton/tennis

Racquet sports present injury to both upper and lower limbs at times. Fitness to play and advice on protective gloves, splints etc may get to back to your game as quickly as possible. Rehabilitation back to your sport is an essential goal of therapy.

Running

Foot analysis can be carried out in our clinic or in conjunction with a local sports shop offering treadmill video gait analysis. We have advised marathon runners and beginners wishing to know if running is recommended for them.

Patient FAQ's

Q. What should I wear?
A. Your physiotherapist will need to assess the part of the body affected if for example you have a lower limb complaint wear shorts. Please be aware that in some cases you will be required to undress to your underwear in order for an effective assessment to be carried out.

Q. Will it hurt?
A. Our aim to relieve your pain, however you may experience a little soreness after treatment. It is of utmost importance to us that your pain and discomfort is limited and treatment should not cause more pain than is already present.

Q. How often do I have to see the physio?
A. Your physiotherapist will advise you how many treatments you require following an initial assessment.

Q. How quickly will I be seen?
A. We aim to see all our patients within 48 hours of first contact

Q. Is the cost of physiotherapy covered by my medical insurance?
A. Yes, although we recommend that you check with your insurer prior to your appointment.

Q. Do I need to see my GP first?
A. No, chartered physiotherapists are autonomous therefore you can refer yourself.

Q. Do you communicate with my GP?
A. If you are referred by your GP it is standard to send them a letter of your progress. If you have self referred we can inform your GP if you so wish.