Physiotherapy

When a part of the vestibular system is affected by illness or injury, it can cause symptoms of dizziness, vertigo, visual disturbance, nausea, motion sensitivity, disequilibrium and/or imbalance. 

Examples of conditions we see at the Clinic include: 

• Vestibular neuronitis and labyrinthitis
• Headaches such as migraines
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Ménière’s Disease
• Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
• Mal de Débarquement (MdD).

Physiotherapists working in this area collaborate with both our ENT and neurology consultants. Treatment begins with reducing the primary symptoms and understanding their persistence. From there we work to minimise or eliminate any secondary issues.

Suzanne Craig-Harkin, Coreen Loughran and Noeleen Gorman are our physiotherapists with specialist training in this area.

To find out more aboutVestibular Rehabilitation, visit: www.acipvr.com

In the Clinic we have physiotherapists who are trained in this area for both male and female clients of all ages, and are able to assess and treat a wide range of conditions, proving highest quality care and maximising recovery. 

For women, these conditions include bladder and bowel incontinence, overactive bladder, vaginal prolapse, dyspaurenia, pelvic pain and post-gynaecology surgery. Conditions we assess and treat for men include post-prostatectomy surgery, pelvic pain and bladder and bowel dysfunction.

For more information about pelvic health and conditions, visit www.thepogp.co.uk

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling in the tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually begins in the arms or legs. Other symptoms of can include an aching, heavy feeling in affected body parts and difficulty moving them. Lymphoedema requires specialist treatment, and at the Clinic we offer seamless, integrated, cross-department care in which expert physiotherapy plays an essential role.

To find out more about lymphoedema, visit: www.lnni.org

Pre-surgery

Before you undergo this surgery, you will have a consultation with members of our physiotherapy team, where we will discuss what to expect from the surgery in terms of improved mobility. You will also be measured for crutches to aid your post-operative recovery at this stage, and you’ll receive a personalised exercise and movement plan.

Admittance

When you’re admitted, you will find that we encourage early mobility after the surgery – often even beginning on the same day. You will be seen regularly by the physiotherapy team throughout your stay, and before you are discharged you’ll be taught how manage stairs at home (if required), and how to perform the exercises in your personal rehabilitation programme.

Pre Surgery

Before surgery to replace your knee, you will have a pre-op meeting with our physiotherapy team, where we’ll discuss what to expect from the surgery in terms of improved mobility. At this stage you will also be measured for crutches to aid your post-operative recovery, and you will be shown a series of specific exercises to perform in order to build mobility and strength.

 Post Surgery

After the surgery, we encourage early mobility – even beginning on the same day. You will see the physiotherapy team regularly during your stay, and before you’re discharged you’ll be shown how manage stairs at home (if required) and you’ll be taught how to do the specific exercises in your personal rehabilitation programme.

There are a number of orthopaedic surgeons who complete a variety of shoulder procedures, such as Rotator Cuff repairs, shoulder stabilisations and sub acromial decompressions here at the Ulster Independent Clinic.

The physiotherapy team will liaise with your consultant to formulate a bespoke treatment plan following your specific procedure to maximise your recovery. You will also receive advice on fitting and wearing a sling (if appropriate) whilst you recover.

There are a number of orthopaedic surgeons who complete a variety of spinal procedures such as spinal decompression and spinal fusion here at the Ulster Independent Clinic. Following your surgery the physiotherapy team will liaise with your consultant to discuss a recovery plan specific for you- beginning with mobility which will begin as early as possible. During your stay at the clinic, the physiotherapy team will provide instruction and support on a guided programme of appropriate and safe exercises for you to complete.

Our physiotherapy team offers expert treatment of muscle, joint, ligament and tendon injuries, as well as post-fracture recovery. You will receive a detailed, personalised assessment and treatment plan that sets out facilities here at the clinic recommended to maximise your recovery.

We offer outpatients access to this unique technology that helps restore walking and running following injury or surgery. The treadmill combines precise, real-time analytics and feedback and can be programmed to compensate for your body weight while you exercise. This helps to minimise your risk of injury while maximising your opportunity to recover.

Pilates is a system of exercises designed to improve physical strength flexibility and posture. As such, it can be very beneficial when recovering from an injury or orthopaedic procedure. Several members of our physiotherapy team are Pilates-trained, and offer sessions from beginner through to advanced levels. We offer the option of one-to-one bespoke sessions or group classes.