Services

Our services at a glance

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General Musculo-Skeletal Injuries

Common General Musculo Skeletal Conditions seen:

• Neck & Low Back injuries
• Sprain/strain of muscles and ligaments
• Disc Herniation
• Stenosis
• Muscle spasm
• Posture
• Headache
• SI Joint Dysfunction
• Joint Pain – Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip, Knee, Ankle etc

Post-op Rehabilitation

Common operations which benefit from rehabilitation for various joint, muscle and skeletal areas include:

• Joint Replacements
• Ligament and meniscal repairs
• Joint Arthroscopies
• Release and Manipulation
• Joint Reconstruction
• Fractures
• Spinal and Joint Fusions
• Spur removals

At Cathy Carstens Physiotherapy, we tailor specific post – operative rehabilitative programs for your individual needs to facilitate return to your highest level of function (basic day to day, work and sports) as quickly as possible.

Sports Injuries

We also treat Elite athletes who compete on National and International levels in various disciplines such as Cycling, Mountain biking, Athletics, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Swimming, Baseball and Tug-of- War.

We have a holistic approach to treating our athletes. An initial assessment is done to determine the cause of the injury. The pain and pathology is addressed with the most appropriate modalities (often including Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy, Soft tissue mobilization and release, Muscle activation, Dry needling and Taping).

Specific rehabilitation exercises are given to our clients to prevent recurrences. We have various assessment tools we use to provide specific prehab in order to minimize the risk of injury and or re-injury. We use Lynotherapy to asses and treat chronic muscle imbalances and weaknesses. We are certified in this area.

Besides the Rehabilitation programs that we work out for each individual, we also have the Eccentric Grucox Trainer at the practice which provides excellent strengthening and treatment for many lower limb issues (eg knee problems, patellar tendinosis, muscle imbalance and weakness, ankle injuries and low back pain)

We are all involved in Sports at various levels. Deidre has worked with the local rugby clubs. We have all worked with the OMX pro MTB team on 2 Absa Cape Epics. Cathy also travelled with the SA XCO and Downhill MTB teams to the World Champs, as their Physiotherapist.

Headaches

Cervicogenic HA’s are head pain that is referred from the bony structures and soft tissue of the neck. It can be caused by previous neck injuries but it may also occur in the absence of trauma. Physiotherapy has been proven as an effective treatment of cervicogenic HA’s. (Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. Volume 21, 2013-issue 2)

Migraines and TTH can also have a muscular component. Some of the pain can be referred from trigger points in the neck muscles. In these cases Physiotherapy can play a role in pain management.

Chest Conditions and Sinusitis

Physiotherapy plays a major role in improving lungs function, reducing duration and intensity during and even after a chest infection. There are various other chest conditions which benefit from physiotherapy. These include: ARDS, Bronchiectasis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, Pleural Effusion, TB, whooping cough and bronchiolitis (your baby).

Sinusitis is when there is swelling (inflammation) of the lining of your sinuses. The sinuses are small, air-filled cavities behind your cheekbones and forehead. Acute sinuses can be triggered by allergies or a cold (virus) whereas a chronic sinus is more related to infection (bacterial).

At Cathy Carstens Physiotherapy we can assist you with chest physio and specific sinus treatment to accelerate the recovery process.

Neurological Low Muscle Tone Conditions

In toddlers and older children it is also called the Clumsy child syndrome. These children trip and fall frequently, they struggle to sit still and upright in class and they cannot concentrate well. They have difficulty with tasks involving coordination and balance. Low muscle tone can be part of a specific diagnosis such as Down Syndrome, but it is often of unknown origin.

Physiotherapy plays an important role as part of the medical team. We evaluate to determine the severity of the hypotonia and then treat accordingly. We work with the pediatrician, occupational therapist, parents and teachers to achieve the best outcome for the child.

Adult Neurology

At Cathy Carstens Physiotherapy we aim to improve the function and quality of life of our clients through facilitating new and appropriate movement patterns, maintaining function and strength and preventing associated complications through various treatment techniques and strategies. We also educate the carers on how to manage their loved one in the home
environment in a safe, efficient manner.

Orthopaedic Conditions

Common orthopaedic conditions seen are as follows:  

• Achilles Tendinitis,
• Tennis Elbow,
• Golfers Elbow,
• Post-operative Knee Replacement Therapy
• Post-operative Hip Replacement Therapy
• Post-operative Knee Ligament Reconstruction Therapy
• Ankle Sprains
• Hamstring Strain/Tear
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Whiplash
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Developmental Therapy

Treatment is usually given on a weekly basis over period of time to facilitate normal development and achieve functional milestones. The type of treatment mainly used is Neurodevelopmental Therapy.

Guidance and specific home exercises are given to parents to help achieve the goals of treatment.

Rehabilitation

Treatment Modalities