Acupuncture and
Chinese Medicine / Dry Needling
Acupuncture
is an ancient healing tool used by Chinese medicine
therapists and is now an accepted therapy recognised by
the World Health Organisation as being particularly
useful in management of back pain.
Fine (sterile/single use) needles are tapped virtually
painlessly into the skin through a plastic tube. After
insertion the needles may be stimulated and a feeling of
heaviness, numbness or tingling may be felt. It is
thought stimulation of fine nerve endings causes changes
in blood chemistry and hormones, reducing pain and
increasing healing.
Particularly painful musculoskeletal conditions -
migraine, neck and back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia
may be responsive. Acupuncture can also compliment
physiotherapy, massage treatment and exercise programs.
Side effects are few when practiced by a qualified
acupuncturist. Broken needle, underlying organ damage,
pneumothorax (punctured lung) and infection are rare.
Your acupuncturist may combine other treatments such as
anti-inflammatories, trigger point injections and can be
used with prescribed medications.
Fees:
$65 for initial assessment, $55 for
subsequent visits.
Bowen Therapy
Bowen therapy is used by massage therapists in the
treatment of back pain and related conditions. It is
type of massage using sequences of small gentle moves,
each at a specific site on the body. There is not
forceful manipulation, just a light cross-fibre
manoeuvring of a muscle, tendon or ligament, pleasant to
the recipient. However, fascia also plays an important
role in this technique.
Treatments can be done
through clothing when preferred, as no oils are used.
Treatment sessions can last from 30 to 60 minutes.
Fees:
30 minutes - $40,
45 minutes - $55,
60 minutes - $70,
90 minutes - $100.
Exercise Physiology
An Exercise Physiologist improves the general fitness
(strength, cardiovascular, flexibility and posture) of a
patient who has become deconditioned due to their spinal
condition or musculoskeletal injury.
Exercise physiologists have post graduate university
qualifications in exercise therapy for individuals
recovering from injury, pre or post operatively, or to
assist in chronic medical conditions such as Diabetes.
Most patients are keen to improve their quality of life
through exercise, but most will lack the knowledge,
structure and guidance to start. An Exercise
Physiologist can instil confidence through education so
the deconditioning process is reversed without making
the injury worse.
For patients with private health insurance, , please
check with your health fund to see if you are covered
for exercise physiology. Workcover may also cover fees,
with prior approval from insurer. Please speak to your
treating practitioner or phone Intouch Physio for
further information.
Fees:
$70 for initial assessment, $60 for subsequent visits. (discounts
for pensioners)
