R J Parker Sports & Remedial Therapy, Proprietor of Sidmouth Restorative Therapy
Assessment first. Treatment with purpose. Every treatment begins by understanding how your joints, muscles and movement are functioning, so that any hands-on therapy is guided by clinical findings rather than symptoms alone.
Rebecca J Parker
At Sidmouth Restorative Therapy, manual therapy is integrated into a broader clinical approach, rather than being a standalone treatment. We consider your symptoms, movement, function, and goals before deciding which techniques are appropriate.
Treatment is always tailored to you and may be combined with rehabilitation, exercise and self-management advice to help address both your immediate symptoms and the factors contributing to them.
More than hands-on treatment
Focus is on the patient....
Assessment & Examination
Your appointment begins with a clinical assessment of the affected joints, muscles, and movement patterns. This thorough examination is essential to fully understand the root cause of your complaint. By focusing on the underlying issues rather than just the painful area, we can identify what may be contributing to your pain, restriction, or loss of function. This comprehensive approach allows for more effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Hands on therapy
If clinically appropriate, and with your informed consent, joint and soft tissue mobilisation may be used to improve restricted movement, reduce stiffness and restore comfortable function. Treatment may be informed by recognised manual therapy approaches such as the Maitland Concept, Mulligan Concept and principles from the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). These approaches help guide the assessment of movement dysfunction and the selection of appropriate mobilisation or movement-based techniques to support recovery from a musculoskeletal complaint.
Supporting Your Recovery
Manal therapy is often combined with rehabilitation, movement guidance and exercise to support longer-term recovery. Where appropriate, additional pain-relieving and remedial techniques may also be used, including soft tissue therapy, muscle energy techniques, stretching, dry needling and taping. The aim is to reduce symptoms, restore function and help you progress confidently through each stage of your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at rjparkerremedialtherapist@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
MSK Manual Therapy may be appropriate for a range of musculoskeletal complaints, including:
- Joint stiffness and restricted movement
- Muscular tension and soft tissue restriction
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, hip, knee and ankle problems
- Sports and activity-related injuries
- Tendon and overuse conditions
- Reduced mobility following injury or periods of inactivity
- Ongoing musculoskeletal pain
- Rehabilitation following injury or surgery, where appropriate
The aim is not simply to treat the area that hurts, but to understand how the problem is affecting your movement and function.
Depending on your assessment, treatment may include a combination of:
Joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movements applied to a joint to help improve mobility, reduce stiffness and support comfortable movement.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Hands-on techniques aimed at muscles, fascia and other soft tissues to help reduce tension and improve movement.
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
Active techniques where you gently contract specific muscles against resistance to help improve flexibility and joint movement.
Neuromuscular and trigger point techniques
Targeted soft tissue techniques used where areas of muscular tension or sensitivity may be contributing to your symptoms.
Myofascial techniques
Approaches designed to address restrictions within the soft tissues and surrounding fascia.
Stretching and mobility techniques
Including assisted stretching, PNF and other techniques where clinically appropriate.
Manual therapy at Sidmouth Restorative Therapy focuses on mobilisation rather than high-velocity manipulation.
Your first appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, activities and goals.
A clinical MSK assessment may then examine areas such as:
- Joint movement
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Functional movement
- Balance and control
- Areas of pain, tenderness or restriction
Your findings will be discussed with you before treatment begins, so you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and why particular treatment options are being recommended.