Physiotherapy Carmarthen

Services

We offer a variety of expert physiotherapy services in Bridgend, each designed to help you recover, manage pain, and enhance your physical well-being. The services we provide are tailored to meet your specific needs and are aimed at improving your overall quality of life.

Treatments

At iPS in Bridgend, we provide a range of effective treatments designed to address a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Our treatments are personalized to help relieve pain, restore function, and support your long-term health and recovery.

Ultrasound Guided Injections

Our comprehensive pathology testing service offers accurate and timely results, ensuring you receive the essential medical insights needed for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Conditions We Treat

At iPS, we treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and sports-related conditions, including back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, stroke recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Our expert physiotherapists are equipped to help with both acute and chronic conditions, working with you to restore function, reduce pain, and improve your overall quality of life.

Specialist Equipment

At iPS, we utilise advanced specialist equipment to enhance the effectiveness of our treatments and support your recovery. Each piece of equipment is carefully selected to help improve outcomes, whether you're undergoing rehabilitation, pain management, or recovery from injury.

You may need physiotherapy if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or limitations in your movement due to injury, surgery, or a chronic condition.

Common signs that physiotherapy could help include:

• Ongoing or persistent pain: If you’ve had pain for more than a few days or weeks that doesn’t improve, physiotherapy can help assess the root cause and provide relief.
• Limited range of motion: If you're finding it difficult to move a joint or body part fully, physiotherapy can help restore function and mobility.
• Weakness or instability: Physiotherapy is effective for rebuilding strength and addressing muscle imbalances that might cause joint instability or weakness, especially after an injury or surgery.
• Difficulty performing daily tasks or activities: If pain or stiffness is preventing you from doing things you enjoy or routine activities like walking, lifting, or sitting, physiotherapy can help restore independence and function.
• Injury or recovery post-surgery: After an injury or surgery, physiotherapy can be an essential part of your recovery, helping to regain strength and mobility while reducing the risk of re-injury.
• Chronic conditions: Conditions like arthritis, back pain, or nerve damage can be managed and improved with physiotherapy by improving posture, mobility, and reducing discomfort.
• Balance or coordination issues: If you’ve noticed problems with balance, dizziness, or coordination, physiotherapy can help with vestibular or neurological rehabilitation.

If you’re unsure whether physiotherapy is right for you, consulting with a physiotherapist can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition and offer solutions to help you return to pain-free, active living. A list of common conditions that we treat along with advice about what treatment options are available can be found on our conditions page using the link below. Alternatively, you can discuss your specific concerns with one of our advisers by contacting us on 03456 252 252 or using the link below.

The type of physiotherapy appointment you should book depends on your specific condition or the nature of your symptoms. You may have already contact another clinician, such as a doctor or consultant and they may have advised a specific type of physiotherapy appointment you should have. However, you may also just be experiencing symptoms and want advice on what treatment you should have. If you know specifically what physiotherapy treatment or service you need you can find a list of treatments on our treatments page using the link below. If you would like to discuss the treatment options with one of our advisors, you can contact us on 03456 252 252 or by using the link below.

Our physiotherapists use a wide range of evidence-based treatments to address a variety of conditions and help you achieve optimal recovery. The specific treatments used will depend on your condition, goals, and recovery plan, but common treatments include:

• Manual Therapy (Hands-On Techniques): This includes techniques like joint mobilisations, soft tissue massage, and manipulation to reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function in muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
• Exercise Therapy: Tailored exercises are prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. These exercises are an essential part of rehabilitation, helping to improve movement patterns, correct posture, and prevent re-injury.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It’s particularly effective for musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions.
• Electrical Stimulation (TENS & NMES): Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used to manage pain by sending electrical impulses to the nerves, while Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) helps improve muscle strength and prevent atrophy, especially in cases of muscle weakness following injury or surgery.
• Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and reduce pain, while dry needling targets trigger points in muscles to release tightness and alleviate discomfort.
• Kinesiology Taping: This treatment involves applying a special elastic tape to muscles and joints to support movement, reduce pain, and prevent injury. It is often used to alleviate discomfort and promote healing during sports recovery.
• Postural Re-education: Our physiotherapists help improve your posture by identifying and correcting poor movement patterns that may lead to pain or injury. This treatment is especially beneficial for those with chronic pain or repetitive strain injuries.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Cryotherapy (cold) and thermotherapy (heat) are often used to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, or to relax muscles and improve circulation. Cold packs may be used after acute injuries, while heat therapy is often used for chronic pain or muscle tightness.
• Ergonomic Advice and Training: Our physiotherapists can provide guidance on improving your workstation setup, posture, and movement habits to prevent work-related injuries, particularly for individuals who experience pain due to repetitive tasks or poor posture at work.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation: For patients with balance or dizziness issues, vestibular rehabilitation exercises are used to retrain the brain and improve balance. This is often used for conditions like vertigo or vestibular disorders caused by inner ear problems.
• Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy): In a heated pool, our physiotherapists guide patients through water-based exercises. Hydrotherapy reduces pressure on joints while providing resistance to improve strength, flexibility, and recovery. It’s particularly effective for those with arthritis, back pain, or post-surgical recovery.
• Saebo Rejoyce Therapy (Functional Electrical Stimulation): This therapy uses functional electrical stimulation (FES) to assist individuals with neurological conditions like stroke or cerebral palsy in improving hand and arm function. It helps stimulate muscle activity and promotes movement patterns.
• Ultrasound-Guided Injections: For certain conditions, our physiotherapists can use ultrasound guidance to deliver injections directly into the site of pain, such as joints or tendons, to reduce inflammation and pain. This treatment may be used for conditions like tendonitis or arthritis.
• Education and Self-Management Advice: Our physiotherapists educate you about your condition, offer advice on lifestyle modifications, and teach self-management techniques to help you maintain progress after your therapy sessions, reduce the risk of re-injury, and improve long-term health.

Each of these treatments is tailored to meet the specific needs of our patients, with a focus on effective pain relief, improved movement, and long-term recovery. Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals.

If you would like to discuss the treatment options with one of our advisors, you can contact us on 03456 252 252 or by using the link below.

Your first physiotherapy appointment is an important step in your recovery process, and it will typically involve the following:

• Initial Consultation and Discussion: You will begin by discussing your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions you may have. Be prepared to provide details about your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. The physiotherapist will ask about your lifestyle, daily activities, and any specific goals you have for treatment, such as reducing pain or improving mobility.
• Physical Assessment: The physiotherapist will conduct a thorough physical assessment to evaluate your posture, muscle strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and any areas of pain or discomfort. You may be asked to perform some simple movements, such as bending, stretching, or walking, to help the physiotherapist assess your range of motion and identify problem areas.
• Diagnostic Tests (if necessary): Depending on your condition, the physiotherapist may perform additional tests, such as palpation (pressing on muscles and joints) or special tests to assess function and identify any imbalances or injuries.
• Treatment Plan and Goals: Based on the findings from the assessment, the physiotherapist will discuss your condition in more detail and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and other techniques to address your symptoms and improve your function. The physiotherapist will also set goals for your rehabilitation and discuss the expected duration and frequency of your treatment sessions.
• First Treatment Session: If appropriate, your physiotherapist may begin treatment during your first session. This may involve hands-on therapy (like massage or joint mobilisations), specific exercises to improve movement, or recommendations for managing pain at home (such as ice or heat therapy). They may also provide self-management advice, such as posture corrections or stretches, to complement the treatment.
• Questions and Feedback: At the end of the session, your physiotherapist will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your treatment, expected outcomes, or exercises to do at home. You will also be asked for feedback on how the session went, particularly if you experience any discomfort or pain during treatment, so that adjustments can be made for future sessions.

Overall, your first appointment will be focused on understanding your condition and creating a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your body, your condition, and the path forward for your recovery.

The length of your treatment will depend on several factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, your individual recovery goals, and how you respond to treatment.

• Initial Appointment: Your first physiotherapy appointment will typically last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. This session involves a thorough assessment, discussion of your medical history, and possibly a first round of treatment (e.g., manual therapy or exercises).
• Ongoing Sessions: Subsequent physiotherapy sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your treatment plan and goals. For more complex conditions or intensive rehabilitation (such as post-surgery recovery or neurological rehabilitation), sessions may be longer or more frequent initially, but as you progress, the duration and frequency may decrease.
• Treatment Duration (Overall): The overall duration of your treatment varies depending on your specific condition and progress. Some people may need only a few sessions to address a minor injury or pain, while others, particularly those with chronic conditions or post-surgical recovery, may require several weeks or months of treatment. For acute injuries or pain, physiotherapy treatment may last for 4-6 weeks, while for chronic conditions or long-term rehabilitation, it could take several months to achieve significant improvements.
• Home Exercises and Self-Management: In addition to in-clinic sessions, your physiotherapist will likely recommend home exercises or lifestyle adjustments to complement your treatment. This may include stretches, strengthening exercises, or ergonomic changes to help you recover faster and maintain progress between sessions.
• Progress Monitoring: Your physiotherapist will regularly reassess your condition to monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This helps ensure that you're moving toward your recovery goals and that treatment is tailored to your evolving needs.

In general, your physiotherapist will work with you to establish clear goals for your treatment, and the timeline will depend on how well you’re responding to the treatment plan. If you ever have concerns or feel that your recovery is taking longer than expected, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your physiotherapist, as adjustments can be made to improve your treatment outcomes.

Physiotherapy is generally not intended to be painful, but it’s common to experience some discomfort, especially when addressing injuries, muscle tightness, or areas of weakness. However, the level of discomfort varies depending on the type of treatment and your individual condition.

• Mild Discomfort During Treatment: Some treatments, such as manual therapy (e.g., massage or joint mobilizations) or deep stretching, may cause mild discomfort, especially if you're working on a tight or stiff area. This is typically temporary and should subside after the treatment session. It’s important to communicate with your physiotherapist during the session. If the discomfort becomes too intense, they can adjust the pressure or technique to ensure you're comfortable while still achieving therapeutic benefits.
• Pain Relief and Healing: The goal of physiotherapy is to relieve pain and promote healing over time. While some discomfort might occur during specific treatments (like when working through scar tissue, muscle knots, or joint stiffness), physiotherapy helps reduce long-term pain by improving movement, posture, and strength. Post-treatment soreness can sometimes occur, similar to what you might feel after a workout, but this should gradually improve as you continue your treatment and rehabilitation.
• Rehabilitation and Strengthening Exercises: As part of your treatment plan, physiotherapists often prescribe strengthening or rehabilitation exercises. You may feel some discomfort as your muscles and joints adapt, especially if you're strengthening weak muscles or increasing your range of motion. However, exercises should not cause sharp or severe pain. If you experience significant pain during exercises, inform your physiotherapist so they can modify the program.
• Pain Management: Physiotherapists aim to make treatment as comfortable as possible while helping you improve. If you have a specific area of pain or discomfort, they can use techniques like heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, or more gentle manual treatments to manage pain while working toward healing.

Overall, physiotherapy should never cause unbearable pain. It might involve temporary discomfort as part of the healing process, but it should always be within your tolerance level. If you're concerned about any pain during your treatment, always let your physiotherapist know, so they can make necessary adjustments to your plan.

The cost of physiotherapy appointments can vary depending on the type of treatment and the clinic location. At iPS Physiotherapy, we offer competitive pricing for all our services. For more detailed information about our appointment fees and any potential insurance coverage, please visit our fees page using the link below.

In the United Kingdom, whether you need a referral to see a physiotherapist depends on the healthcare setting and your specific circumstances.

NHS Physiotherapy:

Self-Referral: Many NHS areas offer a self-referral service, allowing you to book an appointment with a physiotherapist without needing a referral from a doctor. This is particularly suitable for conditions like joint pain, strains, or other injuries. However, availability varies by region. You can check with your GP surgery or hospital trust to see if self-referral is available in your area.

GP Referral: If self-referral isn't available, your GP can refer you to a physiotherapist. This is often the case for more complex conditions or when specialised care is needed.

Private Physiotherapy:

Direct Access: In private practice, you can usually approach a physiotherapist directly without a referral from a doctor. This allows for quicker access to treatment, though it involves out-of-pocket expenses.

Booking an appointment with us is easy. You can either use our convenient online booking system to schedule your session, or if you prefer, you can contact our team directly through our contact page to arrange your appointment. We’re here to assist you and ensure that you get the care you need.