Treatment of the body’s soft tissues helps to relieve stress and tension and alleviate painful disorders such as neck, shoulder and back pains. Conditions such as muscular rheumatism and tension headaches may also be helped.
Physiotherapy, exercise and rehabilitation are very important in the long term management of chronic degenerative diseases thereby maximizing the range of movement in affected joints. Also active physiotherapy is essential in acute head injury trauma such as strokes to facilitate the best and rapid long term recovery in and of affected areas.
Manipulative Therapy is the skilful restoration of mobility to soft tissues and joints using a variety of massage, mobilisation and manipulative techniques. The application of massage as a remedial therapy is based upon a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. It aims to re-balance the musculoskeletal system, by working specifically on muscles, tendons, joints, fascia and ligaments, thus making remedial massage a powerful yet non traumatic therapy. The precise mobilisation and manipulation of joints is a natural extension of the re-balancing of soft tissue, thus allowing freedom of movement within the joints so facilitating the normal function of the vascular and neural systems.
The correct and balanced function of the musculoskeletal system also helps in maintaining other systems in the body, like digestion, excretion, respiration, etc.
At the initial consultation a full case history is taken. This includes the type of work the patient does. Time is spent listening to the patient, to their views on what is wrong, how they feel etc., also to ensure that there are no contra indications to treatment. A thorough physical examination is then made noting postural habits, limitations of movement, discomfort, malformations, swelling, etc., and to ascertain the general state of health. A treatment plan is then formulated taking into consideration the lifestyle, the job, diet and attitude of the individual patient - and work begins.
For thousands of years massage has been used for its therapeutic and healing effect on the body. From the relief of muscular and skeletal pain to the treatment of a wide range of conditions and ailments, massage has proven itself an effective tool or medicinal healing and general body maintenance. Advances in science and medicine have brought with them a better understanding of how and why massage works. We now know that massage can play an important role in the healing process by improving blood circulation, thereby bringing vital oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the affected area. With better understanding of the biomechanics of the body, this has allowed for the refinement of existing techniques and suggested new approach to massage. Once again massage has entered the medical mainstream and is seen by many as an important adjunct to qualified medical treatment.
When most people think of massage they think of relaxation massage where the primary aims are to relieve stress and soothe muscular aches and pains. Remedial massage, however, focuses on the root cause of persistent chronic muscular or skeletal pain and then seeks to alleviate it permanently. Often such pain is the result of in jury or is caused by specific trauma or imbalances in the joints, muscles and ligaments.
A remedial massage therapist has been highly trained to assess these imbalances and establish an effective programmed of therapeutic treatment. The remedial massage treatment process involves the application of scientifically based treatments often in conjunction with a rehabilitation programmed. If a condition or injury warrants, your therapist will advise that further investigation and medical opinion be sought before treatment proceeds.
Remedial massage is not a replacement for medical attention, rather, a valuable adjunct to the medical treatment process.
The Clinic offers a range of well established therapies, which can often be combined to offer patients an integral approach to their health care problems.
Each practitioner within the Foster Clinic is fully trained and accredited within their particular therapy and likewise possess full indemnity insurance thereby guaranteeing the highest level of professional competency.
Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
There is no mystery or mystique about hypnosis or hypnotherapy. It is a medically proven form of treatment for making important positive changes in ourselves.
All sessions are individually tailored to precisely suit the clients’ personal requirements such as coping with stress, losing weight, giving up smoking, relieving chronic pain and conquering fears. A more comprehensive list can be obtained from the clinic.
A session lasts about 45 minutes where you will be guided into a deep and comforting state of relaxation, which is then used to instill new responses to old situations.
Give up smoking in a one off session which will take 90 minutes complete with back up C.D.
Most of us suffer with painful feet at some time in our lives.
"If your feet are sore you are sore all over", is a commonly uttered phrase.
This is particularly so for the elderly and those who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and poor circulation.
Mobility and independence are essential to the quality of life and should not be considered a luxury. Unfortunately, for many, immobility is common because of sore feet.
You can visit our State Registered Chiropodist, who can dramatically improve mobility and maintain fit, active and pain free feet. You do not need to be referred by your GP.
Reflexology is a simple effective, natural therapy, which focuses on the feet. It involves treatment by massage of the reflex areas in the feet. Every part of the foot corresponds to a part of the body. A deep massage of the reflex areas of the feet stimulates the body’s own natural balancing and healing processes. Through the feet, uniquely sensitive and responsive yet so often neglected; the body can be treated as a whole.
In Reflexology the therapist uses her hands in a skillful, specially developed treatment sequence of particular areas of the feet specific to each individual. No tools of any kind are use.
The effects of this treatment are not confined to the feet, but relayed throughout the entire body. This simple yet effective method can be used to treat people suffering from a wide variety of acute and chronic illness and also as a preventative health treatment.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a gentle massage using a specially chosen and blended selection of oils, picked just for you. It will help greatly with problems such as: Arthritis, Acne, Back Pain, Circulatory Problems, Constipation, Cystitis, Digestive Problems, Eczema, Hypertension, Muscular Aches & Pains, Migraines, PMS, PMT & many more everyday & long term illnesses.
Swedish Massage
The massage techniques used are much firmer than those used for an aromatherapy massage. This treatment can help to improve circulation, soften scar tissue & help to break down adhesions which restrict movement. It can also loosen up stiff muscles, reducing pain & discomfort.
Indian Head Massage
This involves massage of the top half of the body & head. It will help relieve stress & tension, loosen stiff necks & shoulders & help with headaches, migraines and stress related problems.
Herbal Medicine is the use of plant remedies in the treatment of disease. It is the oldest form of medicine known.
Medical Herbalists are trained in the same diagnostic skills as orthodox doctors but take a more holistic approach to illness. The underlying cause of the problem is sought and, once identified, it is this, which is treated, rather than the symptoms alone.
Herbal Medicine can treat almost any condition that patients might take to their doctor. Common complaints seen by herbalists include skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema, digestive disorders such as peptic ulcers, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Problems like angina, high blood pressure can also be treated successfully as can gynecological disorders like pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal problems. Many other conditions are treatable.
Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years. Although it's mostly known for pain relief, it is, in fact, used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the person, rather than the isolated treatment of the specific symptoms.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy (known as qi) moving a smooth and balanced way beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities, Yin and Yang and when these become unbalanced, ill health results. Qi is created from the food we cat and the air we breathe.
By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an Acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance.