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In general terms, treatment is primarily concerned with identifying the problem, using manual therapy to regain mobility and flexibility and implementing an exercise program aimed at gaining strength, stability and control. However, the final stage of the exercise program varies according to each sport.
Ιn addition, any predisposing factors that led to the injury must be identified and addressed in order to prevent similar injuries from occurring again in the future (changes in the biomechanic structure of the joints, muscle imbalance, use of incorrect sports techniques, etc).
In musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, a number of studies prove that manual therapy is more effective than passive physiotherapy methods, which is the type of treatment most patients in Greece are typically offered.
Specialisation in manual therapy is called “musculoskeletal physiotherapy” and is achieved through postgraduate studies and many years of clinical experience.
In addition to manual therapy, exercise therapy is the recommended method for treating musculoskeletal and sports conditions. For most musculoskeletal problems, a combination of both manual therapy and exercise therapy is the most effective way forward.
At the beginning of the treatment, using appropriate therapeutic manipulations (manual therapy), the physiotherapist restores the joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and all other soft tissues to their normal, pre-pathological state (in terms of mobility, elasticity, etc.). Then, using specially designed therapeutic exercises adapted to the specific condition, strength, control and stability are restored to the affected area.
Nowadays, one of the main factors causing musculoskeletal problems is the position/posture people need to maintain during long hours and the repetitive movements performed at work. The spine in particular, but also many peripheral joints (wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, etc.) are subjected to great strain, either from long hours of sustained posture or from harmful/repetitive movements incorporated in a person’s work routine (misuse/overuse). Unfortunately, in most cases the problem becomes apparent after the injury, causing pain for the employee and loss of revenue for the employer —deprived of valuable services for long stretches of time.
The human feet have been likened to the foundation of a building on account of their way of supporting weight and affecting the stability and function of the overlying structures. In the human body, overlying structures that have been shown to be negatively affected following a condition primarily linked to the feet include the joints and muscles of the ankles, the knees, the hips, and even the lumbar spine.
If the assessment of a lower limb condition shows that the sole cause of the problem is a biomechanical dysfunction of the feet (that is, a change in musculoskeletal system mechanics), or even a mere predisposing factor, then treatment focuses on correcting this dysfunction. Therapeutic manipulations (manual therapy) and exercises are complemented with specially designed orthotic insole footwear that will improve and change the function of the lower limb.
