In this section, we have other information resources that may assist your treatment or recovery process.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture forms a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and can be traced back 3,000 years. It is thought that energy (qi) flows through the body via channels (meridians) and when this process slows down pain is produced. Needles inserted into certain areas help to restore the energy flow and alleviate the pain associated with it.
Conventional acupuncture involves the use of fine needles of varying widths and lengths that pierce the skin at specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture can reduce pain by stimulating areas of the brain and spinal cord which produce natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin (which helps sleep) and serotonin (to promote well- being) … read more
Gym Class Information
Ashford & St Peters hospital Physiotherapy departments host a variety of classes. Depending on why you have been referred to physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will have chosen the most suitable class for you … read more
Hydrotherapy at St Peter’s
Hydrotherapy is treatment using therapeutic exercises in a heated pool environment. It utilises the warmth of the water to relax muscles and relieve pain. The buoyancy in the water can be used to assist movement to gain range or resist movement to increase strength.
There is a chartered physiotherapist to help, who will be in the water and a physiotherapy assistant helping around the sides of the pool. You do not need to be able to swim to benefit from hydrotherapy, however if you can not swim or are fearful of going in water, please discuss this with your physiotherapist as other forms of treatment can be offered. … read more
Management of chronic low back pain
This booklet has been created to help you with your understanding of chronic low back pain and how you can self-manage. There has been lots of research to show that the more you understand your pain, the easier it is to manage … read more
Physiotherapy in pain management
Patients can be referred to physiotherapy from the pain clinic to help them build a management program for their problem/ condition. This booklet has been created to help you understand what to expect from physiotherapy before your first visit … read more
Climbing the stairs with your walking stick(s)
Hold the banister in one hand and the stick in the other
Step with the ‘unaffected’ leg first
Push through your stick to bring up the ‘affected’ leg
Finally, bring up the stick … read more
Using your walking stick(s)
Your Physiotherapist will provide you with a stick ready to use, which is appropriate for your height, weight and home surroundings … read more
Using your Walking Frame
Your Physiotherapist will provide you with a frame ready to use, which is appropriate for your height, weight and home surroundings … read more