SERVICES

Neck and low back pain are some of the most common conditions managed by our Physiotherapists. Treatments are based on the most up to date research and evidence based techniques. After an extensive analysis of the possible causes of your condition, a thorough physical assessment of your biomechanics, muscles and joints will then be conducted.

Our therapists at PhysioMotion are also trained to treat conditions that require expert knowledge in the lumbo-pelvic area. Many chronic and acute lower back pain; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; recurrent muscle strains (hamstring, groin and calf muscles); chronic headaches and pregnancy related discomfort (pubic and sacro-illiac joint pain) are related to the lumbo-pelvic area.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines that arise from stress, a stiff neck or imbalances in hormones, then Physiotherapy can help treat these conditions. Such disorders often arise from stiffness or hypermobility (too much movement) of the upper neck joints, specifically in reference to the sub-occipital joints (O1/C2/C3). Spasm and overactivation of the muscles around these regions can also lead to headaches and migraines. This is because the sensory nerve supply to the skin and other areas of your head comes from these joints. When there is dysfunction in these areas, your brain is unable to distinguish the difference between a headache as opposed to problems in the neck. This is similar to 'sciatica' where the pain is perceived in the leg when it is actually caused by problems in the lower back.

All of our Physiotherapists are extensively trained to treat neck headaches and migraines using specific manual therapy techniques. The combination of manual therapy with acupuncture also helps to manage this problem. In addition to the therapies, postural screening which includes ergonomic workstation assessments, are conducted to ensure that our patients are not continuing to contribute to their problem by working in poor postures.

WOMEN'S HEALTH, PREGNANCY & POST NATAL CARE

During Pregnancy, the body experiences emotional, hormonal and physical changes. Some of the physical developments can cause difficulties throughout the pregnancy. However, a lot of these discomforts can be resolved by our highly trained Physiotherapists who treat pelvic dysfunctions that are often associated with weight gain & associated postural changes; ligament laxity due to the release of the hormone relaxin; and core muscle weakness including the pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor muscle retraining, which addresses problems with urinary incontinence and abdominal 'weakness' both during and after pregnancy can also be treated by our Physiotherapists with core stability exercises (Pilates). We also use real time ultrasound imaging equipment to help you 'feel by seeing' the muscles at work. To ensure proper activation of the core unit and pelvic floor muscles, we use real time ultrasound imaging techniques where the therapist and client can visually and objectively see which muscles are working correctly. For this assessment, a private session needs to be booked.

At PhysioMotion, we have a wide range of Pilates classes that are taught by qualified Physiotherapists who cater specifically to pre and post natal women.

REAL TIME ULTRASOUND IMAGING FOR CORE STABILITY REHABILITATION (PILATES)

Real time ultrasound imaging (RTUI) assists in the objective and real time viewing of deep abdominal, pelvic floor and lower back muscles for core stability retraining (Pilates). This allows the therapist to view your muscles as they work as people may think that they are doing 'core work', but are often over activating some muscles whilst not using others at all. Research has demonstrated that it is not only the activation of the core muscles that is important for trunk strength, but the sequencing of these muscles as well. Without RTUI, it is very difficult to assess whether one is correctly activating and sequencing the core muscles. At PhysioMotion, all our staff are trained to use the RTUI equipment and tailor Pilates classes based on the specific abilities of the participant.

More specifically, we are able to use RTUI to assess pelvic floor muscle strength and recruitment that is often deficient in people who suffer from urinary incontinence.

SPORTS INJURIES & EXERCISE REHABILITATION

At PhysioMotion, our goal is to help people achieve optimum health and fitness through movement. All of our staff are highly qualified in specific and target oriented exercise prescriptions whether it is a program for elite athletic training, obesity management, post natal care or post surgery. Many of our staff are highly qualified or extremely experienced, having worked with the Hong Kong national teams in rugby, swimming and other international sporting tournaments including the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

We offer Physiotherapy and Podiatric services for the following sporting injuries:

PILATES

The terms Pilates, core stability retraining or 'core work' all refer to a system of exercise formulated by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. Applying modern day scientific principles, the original Pilates work exercises have changed since its inception and is now more commonly known as core stability retraining.

The 'core unit' is a set of muscles that form a moveable cylindrical support system for the lower back and pelvis. The muscles that comprise the core unit are the transversus abdominis, diaphragm, mulifidis and pelvic floor.

Core stability retraining refers to the specific training and exercise of these muscles to produce strong and coordinated pain free movement

Core Stability Retraining at PhysioMotion

At PhysioMotion, our core stability sessions are either on a one-to-one basis (private), semi-private (two clients & 1 instructor) or in a class environment. Due to our belief in specificity for proper activation of the core unit, we keep our classes small with a maximum of 4 people per class. The instructor is very hands on in order to make sure that the correct techniques are being used. All our instructors are Registered and Pilates trained Physiotherapists with extensive experience. All our classes are one hour and unless otherwise stated, can be tailored within the class to cater for beginners to advanced participants.

To ensure proper activation of the core unit and pelvic floor muscles, we use real time ultrasound imaging techniques where the therapist and client can visually and objectively see which muscles are working correctly. For this assessment, a private session needs to be booked.

The classes offered at PhysioMotion are:

Matwork: A comprehensive Pilates class with a maximum of 3 people focusing on technique and addressing any specific issues that clients may have from lower back pain to strength and conditioning work. Equipment that maybe used include foam rollers, fit balls, bosu trainers, therabands and other apparatus depending on the needs of the clients.

Reformer: With only 3 people per session, this class is even more 'hands on' and uses reformer machines to increase the variety and load of the session. The class can be tailored by the instructor to suit each individual's needs.

Antenatal Matwork: This class is designed specifically for pregnant women wanting to do some Pilates retraining on mats. The focus of this class will be to address pregnancy related issues including pelvic floor retraining, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, lumbo-pelvic pain and posture work.

Antenatal Reformer: Similar to the antenatal mat work, this class uses reformer machines and provides more individual attention with a maximum of women per class.

Semi Private / Private: A semi private class has 2 persons with 1 instructor, which means that there is a lot of time for individual instruction whilst maybe sharing the class with a friend. A private session is ideal for ensuring correct technique and core work, especially in conjunction with real time ultrasound imaging.

Stretch: This class is designed to assist clients in increasing their flexibility and joint mobility in a controlled, creative and effective manner. Specific muscle groups responsible for poor posture are also targeted.

Many musculoskeletal problems arise from poor working and sedentary postures. One of the most debilitating lower back injuries is a prolapsed disc or 'slipped disc', which is usually caused by prolonged poor sitting postures and not enough exercise. Therefore, it is crucial in the management and prevention of spinal issues that your workstation ergonomics is properly assessed. We have Physiotherapists here at PhysioMotion who specialize in this area and can conduct workstation assessments at our clinic or onsite at your workplace. They can be tailored for individuals or for groups.

We also have a wide range of ergonomic solutions for your home or office from specially designed keyboards, mouses, electronic height adjustable tables, office chairs, and notebook accessories which can be fitted to your individual needs.

Acupuncture is an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used in the prevention and treatment of various ailments from acute musculoskeletal disorders to chronic pain syndromes. Fine sterile needles are inserted into various acupoints along the body's meridians, which are the pathways where the 'qi' (life energy) & blood of the human body are circulated. Acupoints along the meridians that are used during acupuncture, form an interlinking network to the musculoskeletal system and internal organs. Depending on the ailment, specific acupoints are then selected to strengthen and unblock the 'qi'.

PODIATRY

Podiatry is a profession that treats conditions involving the lower leg, specifically the feet. Podiatry services at PhysioMotion include:

MYOTHERAPY

Myotherapists assess and treat issues arising from soft tissues structures such as muscles, tendons and fascia. Training for Myotherapists involves a three year full time university Advanced Diploma of Applied Science program specializing in soft tissue dysfunction and rehabilitation.

Myotherapy can be applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain normal function of soft tissue structures of the body. The techniques used depend on the nature of the problem, but usually a combination of techniques such as massage / manual manipulation, dry needling (similar to acupuncture), bandaging, TENS (electrical stimulation) and stretching are often used. Corrective exercises and home programs are usually prescribed in order to address the cause of the problem to avoid re-injury.

Conditions that Myotherapists treat:

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

The goal of Lymphatic drainage is to assist in normalizing and maintaining a balance between fluid retention and its proper circulation.

Combined decongestive therapy (CDT) helps to manage patients with lymphoedema and venous insufficiency oedema, using a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, exercise therapy and compression bandaging. Patients suffering from lymphodaema either from surgery, radiation or congenital malformation can be treated. Manual Lymphatic drainage can also be used in the care of patients with conditions such as ulceration wounds, scar tissue, burns, dermatological conditions (such as rosacea), orthopaedic problems (such as frozen shoulder), arthritic conditions, whiplash and some forms of migraines.

Apart from increasing lymph flow, manual lymphatic drainage is effective in treating acute sporting injuries by reducing swelling and thus relieving pain. The techniques have an analgesic effect due to the rhythmic massage like movements that patients find calming.

MASSAGE