Treatment – Physical Therapy and Psychological Therapy

Physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy defines physiotherapy as….

“The core skills of chartered physiotherapists include manual therapy (hands on), therapeutic exercise and the application of electrophysical modalities and the physiotherapist's approach is underpinned by an appreciation of the psychological, cultural and social factor that influence their patient or client's active participation in helping themselves maximize independence and function.”

Physiotherapy is the core of our service and we have been providing it for over 10 years. Indeed our co-founder and clinical director is a chartered physiotherapist. Our background thus gives an excellent understanding of the necessary skills and inter-personal attributes of therapists best qualified to provide effective rehabilitation of accident victims' injuries. Physiotherapy is not homogenous and not all physiotherapists have the necessary skills to provide the most effective treatment. Integral to service provision is close monitoring of treatment techniques to ensure that they follow best evidence based practice.

Osteopathy and Chiropractic Treatment

Osteopaths believe that pain and disability stems from abnormalities in the body's structure and function.

Osteopathic treatment involves gentle, manual techniques. Manipulation is often used to ease pain and improve mobility. The manipulation may result in an audible “crack” which is simply the sound of gas popping in the fluid of the joints.

According to the British Chiropractic Association, chiropractors treat problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system. Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, they use their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability.

Manipulation, such as provided by osteopaths, chiropractors and some specially trained physiotherapists is an accepted treatment of neck and back injuries. Many medical experts are now recommending these therapies for treatment of accident victims. As a consequence TraumaCare has an established network of registered osteopaths and chiropractors to whom patients may be referred.

Psychological Therapy

Some accident victims suffer psychological problems. Also with many physical injuries there may be a psychological component. TraumaCare therefore offers a complete and holistic service which encompasses psychological treatment. The company provides a range of psychological treatment aimed at matching the level (and cost) of intervention with the client's needs.

It is estimated that only about 33% of those experiencing a traumatic event will suffer PTSD. The more likely effect of a road accident may to be to cause a phobia or travel anxiety. If, are suffering with PTSD, we would suggest referral to Chartered Clinical Psychologist or an experienced cognitive behavioural therapist. However if you are suffering with only a phobia or travel anxiety, referral to a counsellor may then be an option. We have found that for a high proportion of sufferers some counselling with a local therapist is sufficient to help them alleviate their limited psychological symptoms. There is also always a balance to locating a suitable practitioner and ensuring that distance from the claimant is not a barrier to receiving treatment.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT

Most commonly recommended by psychologists as treatment for trauma related problems such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also a recommended therapy in the NHS sponsored National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. CBT can be provided by chartered psychologists or by psychotherapists/counsellors with particular training in this area.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - EMDR

This therapy is also recommended in the NICE guidelines for trauma problems.

The therapy is relatively new and originates from the US been where it was developed by Francine Shapiro. The therapy is based upon correcting the thought processes which have become negatively affected by the traumatic event.