MECHANISMS OF DEEP OSCILLATION
WHAT IS IT?
It’s similar to a massage, except it can penetrate the tissues much deeper – up to 8cm!
It is a machine we use to create an electrical circuit through the body that creates waves to make the tissues in the body move or ‘Oscillate’.
WHY?
DOT uses less pressure to get similar effects as a massage, so is really useful treating injuries that are more painful.
As it also goes deeper than a massage it can get to structures hands cannot.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It creates an electrostatic field which picks up and drops the tissues really quickly (‘oscillations’) this helps to move fluid in the body to remove waste products, settle the nervous system , relax muscles and reduce inflammation.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
We can use different settings on the machine depending on what the target is in the body, and the symptoms someone reports to us.
It is great for Arthritis, Post-Operative rehabilitation, Swelling / Lymphodema, Nerve Pain and much much more…
BENEFITS
REDUCES PAIN
By decreasing the sensitivity of nerve endings and improving blood flow to the desired area. This helps to removethe substances that cause pain from the affected area.
ENCOURAGES WOUND HEALING
DOT stimulates cells within the body responsible for repairing tissues so they lay down new tissue more efficiently.
REDUCES SWELLING & INFLAMMATION
The gentle vibrations deep within the tissues improve lymphatic drainage, Which drains excess fluid and removes substances that cause inflammation from the tissues.
BREAKS DOWN SCAR TISSUE
As DOT breaks down tissue similar to a massage but more gently, it can also help prevent excessive scar tissue formation, leading to more functional and efficient healing outcomes.
RISKS
DISCOMFORT & SENSITIVITY
Some people can feel more pain in the area treated. This can start a few hours after the treatment.
The Skin in the area treated may be more sensitive afterwards too.
INCREASED URINATION
You may feel an increased desire or need to use the toilet after treatment – this is natural as your body needs to exit the waste products from your system to help with healing,
TIREDNESS
You may feel more tired afterwards – this can range from mild fatigue to exhaustion as your body uses energy to heal.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
You may experience a drop in blood pressure, leaving you feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous.
MECHANISMS OF INTERFERENTIAL
WHAT IS IT?
It is a form of therapy that utilises two different frequency electrical currents (high and low frequency) that interfere with one another to create a medium frequency within the desired tissue(s).
WHY?
This therapy helps to aid with the reduction of a pain and swelling but also stimulate muscles.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
it utilises two different frequency electrical currents (high and low frequency) that interfere with one another to create a medium frequency within the desired tissue(s). The electrodes will be placed in a way to enable this to occur.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
It can be used for:
Acute and Chronic Pain
Swelling
Musculoskeletal pain (e.g. Tennis Elbow, OA, Tendinitis)
BENEFITS
PAIN RELIEF
Helps to stimulate the body’s own natural pain response system. Reducing pain signals sent to the brain.
BLOOD CIRCULATION
Blood vessels expand to allow more blood flow through the region affected by the stimulation
REDUCE SWELLING
Increases in blood flow and stimulation of muscles help to flush through any swelling.
IMPROVE RANGE OF MOVEMENT
Reductions in swelling and stimulation of muscles that are ‘weak’ can then potentially aid range of movement changes.
RISKS
MUSCLE IRRITATION
If the electrode pads are too close to each other this can potentially cause muscle soreness or fatigue through over-activation of the muscle fibres.
SUBTLE DISCOMFORT
The lower frequency Interferential needs to get deeper. Thus it may create a discomfort like feeling in the superficial tissues (e.g skin)
Communicate with your therapist if this is the case
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Should the electrodes not have a good connection to the skin. The electrical current can jump from the electrode to the body causing a shock sensation to be felt.
SKIN IRRITATION
If allergic to gel based electrodes this can cause irritation to the skin. Discuss this with your therapist prior to treatment if you have sensitive skin, We use Hypoallergenic electrodes but there is always a risk of irritation.
MECHANISMS OF DEEP MICROCURRENT
WHAT IS IT?
A non invasive electrotherapy modality. It has 2 electrodes which are placed over/around the painful area.
It is lightweight and can be transported easily.
WHY?
It helps to manage pain by reducing inflammation in the area to enhance the body’s own healing response.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Low amplitude electrical frequencies are pulsed out by the electrodes placed on the affected area help to stimulate the cell activity in the area to reduce inflammation and increase healing/remodelling of injured tissues.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
it can be used in all patients with pain! Especially those unable to take anti- inflammatories.
Patients with Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Tendonitis, and Lower Back Pain have reported excellent results.
BENEFITS
PAIN RELIEF
As it reduces inflammation it reduces pain in the area it is applied over as it reduces irritation of the nociceptors (nerves that carry pain signals) by inflammatory substances.
RECOVERY
Through increasing the activity in the cells it can help with tissue recovery as the cells can work more efficiently to recover from injury
REDUCE INFLAMMATION
It enhances cell response to help alleviate swelling, allowing better muscle activation through reduced pain and the tissues in the body working more optimally.
AIDS NERVE HEALING
Due to the microcurrent reducing swelling in the area affected it then allows for a more favourable environment for nerve healing, and reduced nerve signal activation as they are not irritated by inflammatory substances.
RISKS
SKIN IRRITATION
Those with more sensitive skin may find that the gel in the pads irritates the skin – although it is hypoallergenic.
Also some people’s skin can react to electrical currents.
DISCOMFORT
Most people do not feel anything from this device (unlike TENS) but as it is electical the current from the device can stimulate the nerves in some rarer cases. From this a sensation of tingling or prickling could theoretically be felt.
ELECTIC SHOCK/BURN
If the electrodes are not applied smoothly to the skin (e.g. due to hair) or the area is not clean/free from oils theoretically a shock/burn could occur although this is rare.
MECHANISMS OF MOBILISATIONS
WHAT IS IT?
A type of manual therapy that involves rhythmic movements of a segment of the spine or extremities
WHY?
To help stretch out the tight structures that might be impacting on the joint’s movement -to increase mobility and decrease pain.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A pressure/force will be applied to the joint/vertebrae by the therapist. The rhythmic movement then applied by the therapist looks to loosen any surrounding structures and enable free flowing movement of the joints and surround soft tissues.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
These can be used in a variety of widespread acute and chronic conditions: Headaches / Migraines, Dizziness, Arthritis, Lower Back Pain, Ligament Injuries and Post-Operative Rehabilitation
BENEFITS
PAIN RELIEF
Mobilisations can help with pain relief as they reduce stiffness and increase the fluid in a joint to allow for better movement
DECREASED STIFFNESS
Because the mobilisations are moving the joint it creates a change in the fluid in the joint. This enables it to have more movement and decreases stiffness.
INCREASED RANGE OF MOVEMENT IN THE JOINT
It enables the tight structures affecting the joint (e.g. muscles) to relax as the movement then begins to “shut off” signals telling the muscle to tighten – enabling it to relax
RISKS
DIZZINESS
Especially if you have been lying down, or having neck mobilisations.
If you do experience a dizzy episode inform your clinician – also take your time getting up afterwards
SORENESS
This is a manual therapy technique. There may be some tenderness in the area afterwards – around the bone or surrounding tissues that have been loading due to the technique.
HEADACHES
In some cases mobilisations in the neck can lead to some headaches due to the affect on the surround vessels. This headache should be short in duration if it occurs.
MECHANISMS OF TECARTHERAPY
WHAT IS IT?
It is a device that utilises a high frequency alternating current that creates electrical vibrations targeting the membranes of cells increasing their activity. It is applied with electrodes or via the Therapist’s hands during their usual treatment techniques e.g. Mobilisations, Massage, Needling
WHY?
TECAR requires less pressure and time to create the same effects as conventional techniques. It enables you to work through movements whilst having a current through the affected area – so can be used to get things moving in acute conditions, or if you are in pain.
Also the effects on the body continue working for over 24 hours after treatment so it helps get you going to keep yourself feeling better!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It uses electrical current which passes through the body and helps to open up the cell membranes to allow things in and out at a faster rate to optimise healing. The currents also ‘saturate’ the nerves carrying pain signals to stop them doing so as much reducing pain felt by the patient. This all allows patients to then feel better to move better.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
It aids with pain relief, muscle tightness and helps with range of movement. It also increases blood flow to the affected area – this brings more of the needed nutrients for healing!
So it can be used for a wide variety of conditions such as: Acute & Chronic Pain Management, Tendinopathies, OA, scar tissues, lymphedema and sports rehabilitation
BENEFITS
INHIBITS PAIN RESPONSE
It stops the release of the pain signals in the body! For you it means potential longer lasting pain relief.
AIDS RANGE OF MOVEMENT
Because of the cells working more optimally, and heat generated as a result it helps to alleviate muscle tightness! Allowing for more movement!
IMPROVES BLOOD FLOW
By increasing the movement of substances in and out of the cells it allows more nutrients, blood and oxygen can come to the affected area and help speed up recovery
AIDS LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
The warmth and increased circulation aids with the drainage of swelling and other products your body doesn’t need
RISKS
DISCOMFORT
The electrodes can generate heat, sometimes very quickly! This leading to increased feeling of heat in the area
Ensure to constantly communicate with your therapist!
ELECTRIC SHOCK
If there is not a good connection between the body and the electrode – there maybe a little shock as it “jumps” from the electrode to the body.
RISK OF BURNS
Because the electrodes and/or return plate can generate heat – if not communicated with your therapist there could be the chance of burns.
ALLERGIES
Inform your therapist if you have any allergies to the cream/gel used with the machine as this could lead to a reaction of the skin.
MECHANISMS OF TENS
WHAT IS IT?
A small battery operated device which has leads attached to electrodes. It creates a mild electrical current into the area of the body the electrodes are placed which will create a small tingling feeling.
WHY?
It is an electrical stimulation which helps pain relief within the body without the use of medication as via stimulating the body’s own natural pain supression system. It can be easily applied by patients/carers in the comfort of their own homes and is an affordable home treatment.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It works by transmitting an electrical impulse that feel like a small tingling sensation.
These impulses act on the pain signal nerves to reduce the pain stimulus so you feel less pain.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
TENS may help to reduce any pain and/or muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions both Chronic or Acute. Such as :
Arthritis, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Post-operative Rehabilitation and Sports Injuries.
BENEFITS
REDUCES PAIN
TENS works by activating the body’s own natural pain rrelieving mechanisms. Nullifying the pain stimulus you feel following an injury or bout of pain.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION
It has been seen to improve circulation as the electrical current can generate muscle activity thus pumping blood and fluid around the body. Also if you are in less pain and moving better you will have better circulation too!
PROMOTES ‘FEEL – GOOD’ FACTOR
Due to reduction in pain there is a chance it could indirectly reduce stress and anxiety thus contributing to your overall well being
RISKS
DISCOMFORT
The current from the device can stimulate the nerves. From this a sensation of tingling or prickling might be felt. This is normal but in more sensitive areas may not be tolerated. The sensation felt should be ‘STRONG but COMFORTABLE’.
MUSCLE IRRITATION
If the electrode pads are too close to each other this can potentially cause muscle soreness or fatigue by activation of muscle fibres.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Should the electrodes not have a good connection to the skin. The electrical current can jump from the electrode to the body causing a shock. Make sure the area is free of excessive hair or oil.
ALERGIES TO GEL
If allergic to gel based electrodes this can cause irritation to the skin. Discuss this with your therapist prior to treatment
MECHANISMS OF ULTRASOUND
WHAT IS IT?
Ultrasound is a non invasive modality that produces soundwaves for the purpose of therapeutic response.
WHY?
Ultrasound is gentle, and optimises recovery in an area by enhancing cell activity to promote healing.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The head of the machine produces sound waves. When the head comes into contact with the skin soundwaves transfer into the body to target the cells in the affected area – it increases cell activity to reduce inflammation and help with healing.
WHAT IS IT FOR?
We use it at Swan to reduce inflammation caused by us applying pressure to areas during treatment – this helps patients to feel better after their treatment.
It can be used for Arthritis, Soft Tissue Injuries and much more.
BENEFITS
REDUCTION IN SWELLING, INFLAMMATION & PAIN
By getting cells to work more efficiently it helps to reduce inflammation in the area which also reduces pain and swelling.
NON INVASIVE
Ultrasound is a non invasive technique. Meaning it doesn’t penetrate the skin (invade the body) so is safe to use in a variety of patients.
AIDS TISSUE REPAIR
The vibrations and how they increase cell membrane activity aids blood circulation and helps the cells to repair to the affected area.
RISKS
SKIN IRRITATION
Ultrasound gel could potentially create an irritation (redness, heat and/or swelling) more so in individuals with sensitive skin
Inform your therapist if your allergic to the gels used
POTENTIAL INCREASE IN SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may, temporarily, become exacerbated after ultrasound. Monitor these and inform your therapist
THERMAL EFFECTS
If the ultrasound is misused or on a setting which induces thermal ultrasound there is the possibility of localised heating or potential burns. All our machines are regularly serviced, calibrated and this is extremely RARE.
