Physiotherapy

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a useful physiotherapy modality where the patient can perform water-based exercise in semi-weightless environment. We utilise the heated physiotherapy pool on Cumberland Street to undertake hydrotherapy treatment sessions specific to the client’s needs. Our physiotherapists design specialised programs that aim to enhance the overall health and well being of the client. Other benefits of hydrotherapy include:

• strengthening of weakened muscles
• total body mobilisation in a semi-weightless environment
• reducing pain
• enhancing muscle relaxation

We have had great treatment results using hydrotherapy for patients with osteoarthritis, lower back pain, knee and hip joint pain and post surgical recovery.

Joint Mobilisation Techniques

Joint mobilisation techniques are utilised for both assessment and treatment. These can range from gentle pressure (to assist with pain relief) to a greater pressure (to assist with joint stiffness) to get the desired results.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is a treatment involving a series of progressive movement techniques that our physiotherapists use to help relieve stiffness and reduce pain throughout the spine. As well as restoring movement and reducing pain, manipulation and mobilisation techniques are successfully used to reduce the effects of whiplash and chronic headaches.

With the increase in desk related work and sedentary lifestyles, we are treating an increasing number of patients with stiff and painful neck and backs. Interestingly, we are finding that people with stiff mid-backs (Thoracic spine) can develop breathing problems and can ultimately lead to a reduction in energy levels. We find that mobilising and manipulating the thoracic spine helps improve the movement of the ribs and enhance breathing performance.

All three Back in Motion directors have extensive experience in spinal manipulation. Kerryn and Graeme have post-graduate diplomas in manipulation while Dusty is the president of the New Zealand Physiotherapy Manipulation Association.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It can be an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, swelling and muscle spasm. Back in Motion has several Physiotherapists that have completed postgraduate studies in Acupuncture and are registered acupuncturists. Our therapists only use single-use, sterile, disposable needles.

Sports Physiotherapy

The physiotherapists at Back in Motion have extensive experience in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of sports relates injuries. The therapists use a variety of soft tissue and joint mobilisation techniques as well as resistance based exercise to get their patients back competing. We have close affiliations with Dunedin Tech and Roslyn Soccer clubs as well as Otago University Rowing club. Tim Dalman is currently the physiotherapist for the NZ Secondary Schools Soccer team. Matt Carrington has extensive knowledge of rugby injuries and injury prevention. He is the current kicking coach for the Otago highlander’s rugby team. Graeme Moginie has been the physiotherapist for the Otago Nuggets basketball team as well as the Otago Highlanders while Dusty Quinn was the physiotherapist for the successful Otago rugby team that won the NPC title in 1998.

Strength and Conditioning

The team at Back in Motion are all trained in muscle balance assessment and both mat and machine Pilates to get client’s strength and conditioning underway. This approach ensures the correct movement patterns and control are developed for clients to progress their strength and conditioning training to the next level.

At Back In Motion we see numerous people suffering from lower back pain (LBP). A common sign after evaluating a person suffering from LBP is that they have forgotten how to bend properly in a safe manner. We all remember the saying ‘don’t use your back like a crane’ but often people suffering from LBP are not strong enough to bend using their knees and hips and therefore bend from the back, making the back pain worse. We believe for the successful rehabilitation and prevention of LBP a person must have adequate core control to stabilise the back and also lower leg strength in order to bend from the hips and the knees. These important strength areas are well catered for at Back in Motion through the utilisation of the Pilates equipment and strength equipment we have available to our physiotherapists.

We are privileged to use Creative Conditioning private conditioning studio for strengthening and conditioning rehabilitation programs. This facility incorporates traditional strength and conditioning equipment to enhance strength deficits. By having this facility available to us we can develop a more comprehensive rehabilitation package adding to the rehabilitation benefits of our two Pilates Studios.

Matt Carrington runs a Physio clinic there once a week and oversees this aspect of BIM’s service.

Additionally, we have a strong relationship with Creative Conditioning’s trainers and we can work together with them to develop a safe and specific training program to meet the patient’s exercise goals.