What We Do

Here at Harlequins in keeping with working in a team sport. We like to offer a team approach to helping any individual to achieve there treatment and recovery goals. Thus we have a team of Professionals offering different approaches and skill sets.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a form of manual therapy that generally uses manipulation to improve joint movement and the nerve supply to the affected area. Along with a varity of other techniques, including massage, muscle release, joint mobilisation, exercises as well as manipulation to treat all forms of musculo-skeletal problems.

Chiropractors are trained as primary care practioners, ie they are able to examine you, rule out conditions that are not suitable for manual therapy or that need to be referred on to an appropriate Doctor or Surgeon. The Chiropractor will usually be able to give you a diagnosis and treat you without you having to see your gp first, but if your are claiming on your health insurance it is advisable to check with your insurance company what their requirements are prior to starting treatment.

Chiropractors are able to devise an exercise plan to help you with rehabilitation of your injury and to help you strengthen muscles that may be weak. Chiropractors work in conjunction with surgeons to help patients to recover from surgery and get back to your normal everyday and sporting activities.

Our Chiropractor is a member of the British Chiropractic Association and is Registered with General Chiropractic Council.

General Chiropractic Council
Tel: 02077135155
Email: www.gcc-uk.org

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a method of treatment which helps to relieve pain, regain range of movement and restore muscle strength. The overall aim is to regain normal function of the injured part and the body as a whole.

Physiotherapists are skilled at diagnosing musculo-skeletal problems and their thorough examination can rule out any other systems which may be causing the problem. Therefore a physiotherapist could be your first port of call when in pain or injured, you will get an appointment quicker and they will let you know whether to see your doctor or a specialist.

Once a diagnosis is made treatment may take the form of manual therapy i.e. treatment performed by the physiotherapist using their hands, elbows or forearms to exert pressure to relieve pain, stiffness or dysfunction. It is also possible the physiotherapist may use electrotherapy machines or acupuncture to achieve the same results. It is likely the physiotherapist will change or advise the client on their posture or movement patterns or simply strengthen areas of weakness.

Following surgery the physiotherapist's role can be as important as the surgeon. They often have more time to explain exactly what has been done and the implications on function. In the early stages post-op the physiotherapist will help reduce pain and stiffness and recover function according to the instructions from the surgeon. It is then a case of guiding the client back to a fully functional state whether that is walking to the shop or playing a full game of rugby.

Sports massage therapy

Sports massage is the technique of kneading and manipulating soft tissue in order to help prevent sports injuries, treat injuries already incurred and improve performance. Our sports massage therapist has extensive experience of working with professional athletes in a variety of sports.

Strength and conditioning

On request we can arrange appointments with the Harlequins Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Nutritionist. They have over 15 seasons worth of experience in professional sport and can assess and prescribe a program to optimise performance for any active person ' from social competitor to seasoned professional.

Video analysis

At Harlequins sports injuries clinic we use a movement analysis system called "gamebreaker" this enables us to record movement and then to measure; positions, angles of joints, speed and distance of movement, and to compare the same movements preformed at different times. Giving us clear information on reasons for injury, muscle weakness and degree of improvement.