Other treatments

A new private service run by Border Physiotherapy Clinic at the Borders General Hospital. Hydrotherapy (sometimes called aquatic therapy) uses the principles of water to allow exercise that would not be possible on land. Buoyancy supports the weight of the body, relieving pain in joints and encouraging movement. Increased temperature and hydrostatic pressure promote increases in circulation, flexibility and relaxation; and decreases in pain and swelling. Water can also be used to give resistance to promote strength, and improves balance and coordination.

A hydrotherapy pool is a swimming pool specifically designed for providing hydrotherapy treatments. The hydrotherapy pool at the Borders General Hospital is heated to around 34.5 degrees Celsius and is approximately 4mx4m. The pool has two depths and has gentle entry stairs with rails either side for ease of entry. It also has a hoist to allow wheelchair users access to the pool.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can be very useful in treating many different types of soft tissue and bone injury as well as neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

The benefits of hydrotherapy include:

• Pain relief.
• Reduction in muscle spasm.
• Increased joint range of motion.
• Strengthening of weak muscles.
• Increased circulation.
• Improvement of balance and co-ordination.
• Re-education of paralysed muscles.

Because of the buoyancy of the water, hydrotherapy allows many individuals to exercise, where they wouldn’t be able to on land. The effect of this increased buoyancy and decreased gravitational force means that there is less stress on weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips, and many movements can be performed in water before they would be possible on land.

Uses of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy may be useful in the following conditions:

• Arthritis- both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, frozen shoulder, sprains and strains.
• Following surgery for conditions such as knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL reconstruction
• Fibromyalgia.
• Neurological conditions including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease etc.
• After strokes or head injuries.

This is not an exhaustive list -please contact the clinic if you need further information. You will be screened and assessed at the clinic prior to being offered an appointment at the pool.We are in contact with several local organisations who are supporting their clients for regular sessions e.g. the Borders branch of the Multiple Sclerosis society is providing funds for members to attend twice a month if suitable.

Orthopaedics is the branch of medicine concerned with the musculoskeletal system. Our orthopaedic consultant runs a monthly clinic assessing a range of conditions from sports and trauma to degenerative conditions. If initial consultation indicates further investigations or surgery, this can be organised. Joint injections of either steroid or a viscosupplementation product are also carried out.

A Podiatrist is skilled, trained and educated to assess, diagnose and treat problems of the foot and associated structures. Podiatrists are able to provide advice on foot care, health education, gait analysis and footwear advice. Your Podiatrist can advise on workplace footwear, the right type of shoes for you, or the most suitable shoes to prevent foot problems. Much of the work of a podiatrist is aimed at prevention and education. Problems treated include plantar fasciitis, flat foot problems, fallen arches, neuromas, hammer toes and Achilles tendonitis. Although we do not have a podiatrist onsite at the clinic, we do refer to an experienced and well trained podiatrist locally.

Reflexology is a complementary treatment which treats the mind, body and spirit via the feet. All that is required is to remove socks and shoes and to sit back and relax.It can help promote better health and improve lifestyle and help you to work towards feeling better in yourself. Reflexology can help all kinds of conditions and ailments e.g. migraines, PMT, menopause, spinal and back problems, depression and stress. It is a deeply relaxing and uplifting treatment. We have Joanne Nelson working with us and her appointments are available on Mondays.

Mickel therapy is a treatment developed in 1999 by a medical doctor (Dr David Mickel ) which seeks to address problems linked to the Hypothalamus gland in the brain. This gland which normally regulates processes throughout the body becomes overactive creating a wide range of symptoms. Mickel therapy draws the distinction between the thinking brain and the core emotional brain which generates emotions independently of thought. The therapy teaches clients to translate their symptoms back into emotions and take corrective action so the symptoms no longer need to occur. The sessions are delivered face to face by qualified therapists and typically last an hour. Mickel therapy is a treatment for “energy disorders” including Chronic fatigue, Post Viral Fatigue, M.E, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well as other conditions including anxiety, depression and migraines. It is not passive healthcare and does require the involvement of patients in the process.

TCM Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine which has been developed and practised for over 2000 years. It follows the principle that the smooth flow of qi (energy) throughout the body is essential for good health. If this flow is disrupted in any way, pain or illness may occur. Acupuncture works by accessing points along the pathways (meridians) of qi to correct the flow. Fine needles (sterile, single use) are inserted into the body at these points. Levels of sensation vary from person to person and also upon the location of the point on the body. The feeling of the needles is often likened to a mild tingling or a dull ache. Acupuncture is holistic and aims to treat the root of health problems by seeing the whole person. This means it can be effective for a wide range of conditions, from a specific osteoarthritis of the knee to a general feeling of poor health with no obvious diagnosis.

Qi Gong Tui Na Massage
Tui na follows the same principles as acupuncture and uses massage techniques, instead of needles, to correct the flow of qi in the body. It is ideal for anyone who would like acupuncture but is not keen on needles as it can be used to treat the same conditions as acupuncture would. This particular style of tui na (qi gong tui na) is quite gentle, focusing on a quieter approach to body work but with deep, long lasting effects. The massage concentrates on the effected area but will generally involve the whole body, working along the meridians. It is normally carried out over clothing and it is important to wear something that is lightweight, loose and comfortable. Treatments are very relaxing and it can be especially useful in helping to relieve stress and anxiety.

Is a body conditioning routine developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It is a routine which helps to build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the whole body. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and developing a strong core centre. It also improves muscle tone, balances musculature, supports correct posture and teaches how to move with ease. It is useful for improving balance, lumbar stabilization and flexibility, lower back pain, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Please contact the clinic for details. We may be able to provide sport massage and/or physiotherpay input as your event requires.