2010 Newsletter
The Newlands Physiotherapy Practice - our latest news
The year has been a busy but exciting one with the build up to the World Cup Soccer in our own South Africa.
Kerry remains very involved in running and lecturing on the OMT Course in the Western Cape and Namibia this year. She is also kept very busy being the Chairperson of the Western Cape OMPTG Branch and on the National Executive Committee of OMPTG. Nikki resigned at the end of May, and after nearly four years with us, now looks at continuing her physiotherapy more independently - we wish her well in her new venture. We are very excited about welcoming our new physiotherapist, Lara Groeneveldt, currently doing the OMT Course, who joins us in July. She will be running the Thursday back class and is an accredited Pilates instructor. Pauline celebrates 20 years since the inception of the Practice in 1989.
Avril and Di continue to run reception and admin efficiently, we thank them for their ongoing support.
We hope you enjoy looking at our website. Details of our attendance at recent courses will be found on “About Us”
www.newlandsphysio.co.za
A brief outline of some of the interesting courses we have attended this year already.
A yearly event is the Current Concepts Symposium organised by the Western Cape Branch of the OMPTG, a special interest group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy. The Third Current Concepts Symposium was held on April 30 and May 01 2010 in Stellenbosch. The theme of the symposium was: Research Evidence on Peripheral Neural and Soft tissue Dysfunction.
Two international speakers, Michael Shacklock and Glenn Hunter were invited to present courses and papers on their areas of interest and research in Physiotherapy. We found the symposium very professionally run and most stimulating. The speakers provided us with evidence-based information based on scientific research they had carried out in the UK and Australia.
Six local Physiotherapists were also invited to speak. Kerry presented the research she did as part of the Masters programme.
Michael Shacklock founded “Neurodynamic Solutions” which offers practical clinical solutions for therapists with an interest in neuromusculoskeletal problems. He presented a two day course on the Upper Quarter and a two day course on the Lower Quarter. One of the key principles of the course is the mechanics and physiology of the nervous system. Understanding the physiology of nerve pain and the mechanics of how the nerve slides and glides in relation to the tissues around it, and, if there is a problem in either of these areas how nerve pain can often result. His system of assessing and treating these neural disorders is very useful to us in clinical practice.
Glen Hunter presented a one day course on Specific Soft Tissue Mobilization in the management of muscle injuries. He is head of the Elite Sports Unit in the UK and has published work on the management of muscular problems. Again, his approach was how to clinically assess where in the muscle the problem lies; to treat the muscle by gradually tensioning it; to strengthen the muscle as it heals, to promote optimal recovery and return to sport.
We also regularly attend evening lectures organised by the Western Cape Branch of the OMPTG and Sports Interest Group. Lectures are given by our local doctors or therapists.
Physiotherapy Back Week is on September 06-10. Information regarding our profession will be on radio. Talks at schools and a fun run will also be organised.
When visiting our website, www.newlandsphysio.co.za click on Newsletters, and you will see two sections. Newlands Physio, where you will find our Practice newsletters, and Equilibrium, which is a monthly newsletter submitted by the South African Society of Physiotherapy. We are sure you will enjoy browsing through them both, as there are tips and information on how to prevent back pain at work, what exercises are useful for busy Moms, and the importance of regular stretching. There are also suggestions on how to handle stress - all in the interest of your improved health.
Attending Back Classes reinforces knowledge, and continues to educate you on the correct movements to be utilized. This information however needs to be practiced daily at home, until it becomes an instinctive part of your physical life-style. For more information about our Back Classes look at Services on our website.
The practice hours are:
| Monday - Friday | 07h00 - 18h00 | |
| Saturdays | 09h00 - 12h00 |
We have 4 back rehab classes a week:
| Monday | 17h15 - 18h00 | |
| Tuesday | 08h00 - 08h45 and 08h50 - 09h35 |
|
| Thursday | 17h15 - 18h00 |
The South African Society of Physiotherapy established in 1924 - why Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess spinal problems and treat them in a holistic manner. (We will always refer you to a doctor or specialist where necessary.)
- Severe pain is treated with a “hands-on” approach as well as with appropriate machines.
- Chronic stiffness is eased with mobilising or manipulative techniques and an exercise programme.
- Muscle imbalances are addressed with specific exercises.
- Advice is given on postural shortcomings, working conditions, sleep or sport to prevent or minimise recurrences.
Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy (OMPT) encompasses and is driven by the available scientific and clinical evidence, and by the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient.
Our physiotherapists are members of the Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group (OMPTG) and further information is on their website. www.omptg.co.za
