Octavia Hamilton
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Alresford
"As a physiotherapist I strongly believe in movement as a form of rehabilitation"
Your physiotherapy session we will start with an in-depth discussion where we will go over the history of your presenting condition, nature of your symptoms and gain an understanding of your past medical history. I will also try to appreciate how your condition is impacting your everyday life, what it’s preventing you from doing and this will help us make a plan together, relevant to you and your life.
Next, we do a postural and functional assessment followed by some specific tests to help formulate a diagnosis and guide treatment. You may be asked to remove some clothing to get a good look at what is happening with your body so please bring appropriate clothing, so you feel comfortable such as shorts and a strappy top. If appropriate some hands-on treatment may carried out in the sessions, such as: soft tissue release, mobilisations, facilitation, correction of form and encouraging good motor control.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Neck
- Upper limb
- Back
- Pelvic health
- Lower limb
- Perinatal
- Prehabilitation
- Rehabilitation
During COVID times it is advised that the first session should be virtual where possible. I know this is alien to many, but it is amazing what you can achieve online.
Through a thorough initial interview I will gain information regarding your symptoms and then we can look at how you are moving in a functional way. Whether your problem is pain or weakness, excellent results can be attained through education, advice, correction of techniques.
Exercises can also all be prescribed and I usually record videos of the exercises for you to do so it’s clear and you have my guidance every time you do them and you can watch them back as often as you wish.
If it is deemed appropriate, then we can meet face to face with again is in line with current government guidelines. Please see further COIVID information via this link.
What to expect
As a physiotherapist I strongly believe in movement as a form of rehabilitation and this is where I hand over to you the client to take control of your rehabilitation. Often aches and pains come with muscle imbalances, whether tightness or weakness and therefore this is something only you can do for yourself. Following a discussion, explaining my findings and helping you understand your condition we will plan the best course of action and you will be given a home exercise program to complete.
I am focused on treating the root cause of the problem not just the symptoms and this can take time and effort but you will reap long term benefits. If you feel you need more hands on 1:1 guidance in the early stages it is possible to do one to one Pilates sessions with me to help you gain body awareness, strength, mobility and confidence moving.
Pre and rehabilitation:
Having worked as a trauma orthopaedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapist at St Thomas’ and University Hospital Southampton for 6 years. I am well placed to support you through preparation for surgery and recovery afterwards.
Prehab:
The best thing you can do for your body before surgery is prep it. You need to be sure you have good range, strengthen and balance to help put you in good stead for a successful recovery post operatively.
What to expect:
Understanding what to expect from surgery is also key to helping manage expectations and ensuring good recovery. We will work on building strength, range and balance and ensure all other joints are in good shape. We can also practice techniques to mobilise safely and ensure you have prepared you home and support systems ready to receive you early post op.
Rehab:
Following surgery it often helps to be guided through the early days of rehab and ensure you optimise your recovery.
What to expect:
Helping explain pain management, soft tissue work to help with effleurage and working on other areas of the body to ensure you don’t decondition. Then working within your operation guidelines, we can start to get you moving again.
Osteoporosis (OP)
Loss of bone is a normal part of aging, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Women are more at risk following the first few years of the menopause, but OP can affect men and children too.
Following your diagnosis, it can be a scary time, but physiotherapy can help you through showing you how to continue to exercise safely. New evidence from the Royal Society of Osteoporosis supports keeping up exercise. More of a how to, rather than don’t do approach.
What to expect:
Focus will be on education, working within your abilities and showing you how to move safely keeping strong, steady and straight through weightbearing, resistance work and postural and balance exercises.
