Manipulation A high velocity, short amplitude thrust at the end of available joint range. Used to loosen up stiff joints. Mobilisation A “loosening” technique of variable amplitude within the joints’ available range. This will free up  stiff joints and help with pain control. Massage Techniques vary from relaxing light pressure massage to deep friction massage to break down scar tissue in muscle or ligament. Myofascial Release A pressure stretching technique sometimes involving trigger points within the muscles. Traction A special mechanical treatment couch with belts which are attached to the patient to help stretch the spine longways. Hot and cold therapy Heat and ice compresses to ease pain and stimulate the circulation Ultrasound An electrical machine which produces  ultrasonic waves which are transmitted into the injured area using conducting gel.  This essentially causes a micromassage efect which in turn promotes circulation, reduces pain, increases regenerative powers of tissues and helps muscle relaxation. It is very helpfu in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. Interferential therapy This is an electrical current delivered to the injured part via a set of either 2 or 4 electrodes. It sends 2 interferring currents into the body part which feels to the patient like pins and needles. It can be used to relieve pain, decrease swelling and optimise the healing process. It is often used on soft tissue injuries.   T.E.N.S. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A pocket sized electric machine which is used mostly for the management of chronic pain conditions and labour pains in childbirth. Exercise Individually tailored therapeutic exercise programmes, such as core training, stretching, strengthening and aerobic. Injury specific exercise plans can be worked through and printed explanations taken home. Orthotics Custom made shoe inserts prescribed to optomise patients foot and lower limb function. Foot, knee and even back pain, can be caused by biomechanical dysfunction e.g. one leg being longer than the other. A telltale sign may be abnormal wearing of the shoes. Normal feet wear down the outer border of the heel. Abnormal feet wear the inside border or the back of the heel. Conditions that benefit from orthoses are metatarrsalgia, achilles tendonitis, plantar fascitis,shin splints, flat feet, arthritic feet, tired aching legs, condro malacia patella [ pain on the knee cap]. A physiotherapist will assess patients biomechanics [ the alignment and function of lower limbs], then takemeasurements of your feet. To get accurate measurement of your feet a plaster of paris mould is made of patients foot with it held in a neutral position. This hardened mould is then shipped to a foot lab where a positive cast of your foot is made. The lab technicians use this to make a corrective orthotic for each foot. A custom made orthotic is superior to ready made alternatives as it is individually tailored for the individual patient and taked into account diferences between each foot. COST: Custom made orthoses- from €300 Ready made orthoses-from €75 Neuromuscular Stimulation An electrical machine with variable currents which is applied using electrodes to strengthen very weak muscles. Portable versions are now available to rent or buy.