Physical Therapy is at the core of the services provided by Anatomy Physical Therapy (APT). The main goals of Physical Therapy are pain management, improved mobility and muscle strengthening. Our experienced and highly qualified Therapists work with each patient to achieve maximum results in these areas thus restoring movement, functionality and quality of life.

We also provide a Sports First Aid and Team Physical Therapy Service to Clubs and currently work with a number of prominent Gaelic and Rugby Football Clubs in Dublin.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy, also known as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT), involves the manual treatment of soft tissue injuries that occur in areas such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (the connecting tissue). It is concerned with evaluating and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate goal of Physical Therapy is to eliminate pain and restore functional independence to each patient by working with them to assess their individual needs and implement a customised programme that deals with their soft tissue pain.

Physical Therapy deals with trigger points, scar tissue, swelling, fibrosis, hypersensitivity and numbness using highly skilled, hands-on techniques to prevent or treat underlying conditions.

The principal techniques used by Physical Therapists include Muscle Energy Technique (MET), Positional Release (PR), Soft Tissue Release (STR), Sports Massage and Postural Rebalancing (PR). These techniques have the common goal of eliminating trigger points and muscle hypertinicity which are key causes of soft tissue pain and discomfort.

Common conditions treated by Physical Therapy include:

What to expect from Physical Therapy at Anatomy Physical Therapy

At APT your first visit to the clinic is important in helping us establish a care programme for you. This will involve a comprehensive history review to help us build a picture of how the problem has occurred and how it affects you throughout your daily life or in your sporting regime.

Following this consultation we will complete a detailed physical assessment to enable us to identify the specific structures involved in the presenting problem. This assessment consists of a postural analysis, specific neurological and muscle testing and an assessment of the ranges of movement of the involved joints. Once we have analyzed the findings and the information provided in the history and in consultation with you, a treatment plan is designed specifically to meet your needs.

We will explain how your condition evolved and will outline the planned treatment programme and how this will assist in restoring pain free function.

Treatment once agreed, will include a range of soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisations, myofascial release techniques, stretching and electrotherapy (FSM) if appropriate. The number of treatments required will depend on many factors including the degree of damage that has occurred, the length of time the condition has been present, your response to treatment and adherence to your home-care programme. Subsequent visits will include an evaluation of the treatment progress and where necessary, alteration of the treatment as a result of the evaluation made. Examination findings, proposed treatment plan and modifications to treatment are discussed and agreed with you along the way.

A home-care programme is a vital part of your treatment and recovery. Specific exercises designed to meet your individual needs will be prescribed so as to speed recovery and prevent recurrence. Your home-care regime may include a number of elements such as stretching/strengthening exercises, postural re-education or use of ice/heat depending on your needs.

The benefits of Physical Therapy at Anatomy Physical Therapy

A programme of Physical Therapy enables a patient to maintain their quality of life by reducing pain and increasing strength and mobility.

It benefits all populations from individuals with isolated strains or injuries, to sports enthusiasts and athletes by treating their soft tissue injury and preventing it from escalating into a larger problem in the longer term.

Physical Therapy frequently helps patients avoid surgery. However, in cases where surgery is required, it is also effective in preparing a patients injured tissue pre- and post- procedure by reducing inflammation and strengthening the surrounding tissue, muscles and ligaments that may be affected by invasive surgery thus accelerating the healing process and ones return to mobility.

Physical Therapy plays a very positive role in managing chronic ailments like arthritis where the hands on manual treatment keeps muscles supple and helps patients manage discomfort and pain.

As well as improving blood circulation and releasing the patient’s own natural pain killer, endorphins, Physical Therapy can increase the patients overall energy levels which are often low following injury.

It is essential that an injury is treated with Physical Therapy as soon as detected, as early intervention prevents the injury becoming chronic. Physical Therapy will assist in preventing muscle, ligament and tendon structures from weakening through reduced use resulting from injury.

At APT our qualified Physical Therapists combine Physical Therapy with a safe and effective exercise rehabilitation regime that is tailored to a patient’s specific needs. This assists with pain management and ensures the benefits achieved through Physical Therapy are maintained long term.