Physiotherapy
Restoring balance, reducing pain, and enhancing your overall wellbeing
At Dragonfly Physio, I believe in empowering our clients to move through life with confidence, comfort, and vitality. With a holistic approach that blends expert physiotherapy, myofascial release, and acupuncture, I tailor every treatment to your unique needs—restoring balance, reducing pain, and enhancing your overall well-being. Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to improve your quality of movement, I’m here to guide you on a path to optimal health and a more fulfilling life.
Physiotherapy
What is Physiotherapy?
As a physiotherapist, I treat a wide range of conditions, from simple muscle strains and headaches to more complex neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Treatment is highly personalised and may involve a variety of techniques depending on your goals and needs. Together, we will create a plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
What Does the Assessment Involve?
A physiotherapy assessment begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history and current concerns. This is followed by a physical evaluation, which may include testing joint range of motion, strength, and more specialised assessments depending on your specific issue.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Physiotherapy treatment may include exercise therapy tailored to your specific needs, joint mobilisations, massage, myofascial release, and acupuncture, or a combination of these. Both myofascial release and acupuncture are also offered as standalone treatments if appropriate.
What to Expect After Treatment
It is common to experience some increased discomfort for the first 24 hours after treatment, but symptoms usually improve shortly after. You will likely be given a personalised programme, which may include strengthening exercises, stretching, or other recommendations based on your assessment.
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine stainless steel needles into the skin, a practice that has been used in China for over 2000 years. In recent years, acupuncture has gained recognition in Western medicine, supported by scientific research and clinical evidence. It is often used alongside other physiotherapy techniques to treat a variety of conditions, such as lower back pain, migraines, and knee pain. This helps reduce dependence on painkillers, improves joint mobility, and enhances quality of life.
What are the Benefits?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin—natural hormones that reduce pain and improve mood. It may also promote better sleep by encouraging the release of melatonin, and it stimulates serotonin production, contributing to a sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture can also block pain signals from reaching the brain by stimulating nerve fibres, effectively reducing the sensation of pain.
What Does Treatment Involve?
It is recommended that you eat within two hours of your appointment to prevent feelings of faintness during treatment. We will begin by discussing your medical history and current health concerns. You will also be asked to complete an ‘Acupuncture in Physiotherapy Consent Form’. The number of needles used will depend on your condition, generally ranging from 1-10. The needles may be inserted near the source of pain or in other areas, and they are typically left in place for a few seconds to 30 minutes. I may gently stimulate the needles during treatment.
What to Expect After Treatment
Responses to acupuncture vary; some people feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over several treatments. Some experience a flare-up of symptoms within 24 hours, followed by marked improvement. While acupuncture can be highly effective for some, it does not work for everyone. Side effects are generally mild and may include slight bleeding, bruising, drowsiness, or nausea.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is not typically painful. The needles are very thin, about the width of a human hair, and do not feel like an injection. You may feel a brief pricking sensation as the needles are inserted, followed by sensations such as warmth, fullness, or mild discomfort. These are normal signs that the body is responding to treatment, though some people feel nothing at all.
