Physiotherapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex
Clinical Treatment Room
based in
MSc (Physio) MCSP HCPC MLDUK
Highly qualified with over 18 years experience
About
As a Senior Physiotherapist I have worked in a private clinic for over 15 years specialising in musculoskeletal disorders, orthopaedic conditions and sports injuries.
I have now opened a clinic locally to provide specialist treatment for the community. My approach is to ensure that my patients have the best possible individual treatment combining "hands on" Physiotherapy treatment with other therapies, which may include, massage, soft tissue release, dry needling, stretching and strengthening exercises and kinesiology taping.
My aim is to restore the movement of joints and/or the function of the lymphatic system.
Helping people with lymphoedema, lipoedema and post plastic surgery is my second passion. It's very rewarding seeing how much difference I can make in the quality of their lives.
Scar tissue therapy came naturally after years working with physiotherapy and MLD patients and realising that when restoring the scars I am able to improve the range of movement as well as the flow of the lymphatic system.
Registered and Accredited by
Physiotherapy
I have been practising as a MSK (Muscle Skeletal) physiotherapist for over 17 years.
This particular speciality focuses on helping and restoring movement and function of specific joints and muscles after they are affected by injury, illness or disability.
Physiotherapy sessions can also help to reduce the risk of injury in the future, manage the pain, help to recover from surgery and improve sporting performance.
I can help you with any muscle, joint, ligament and cartilage problem.
Physiotherapy
These are the most common problems that I treat :
- Neck & Whiplash Injury
- Middle & Lower Back Pain
- Sprains, Strains & Pulled Muscles
- Inflamed Tendons - Achilles/Tennis & Golfers Elbow
- Sports & Knees Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Shoulder Injuries - Frozen Shoulder & Rotator Cuff
- Post Surgery Rehab for Hip/Knee/Shoulder Replacements
Manual Therapy - Joint Mobilisation
This is a form of manual therapy in which skilled passive movement of the articular surfaces, by targeted pressure on the painful joint, allows the reduction of pain and increases mobility of the joint.
Manual Therapy - Soft Tisssue Release
Sports Massage
Sports Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment focused on mobilisation and manipulating the body's soft tissues.
Treatment aims to allow recovery from injuries or improve sporting performance by working on specific muscles and taking into account the stress of the individuals sport or work environment.
Manual Therapy - Soft Tisssue Release
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy which reduces any pain, tightness or sensitivity that origins from myofascial tissues.
These tissues surround and support all muscles in our body.
During your physiotherapy session gentle massage of the myofascial that have build up in specific trigger points, as well as the area of muscles around, it would be used.
Laser Therapy
A non invasive, safe organic healing method, with no adverse side-effects that has anti-inflammatory, pain reduction and tissue rejuvenation.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) The light particles are absorbed into the tissue without production of heat and that is why it cannot harm or burn the skin. Instead, LLLT has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Research and clinical trials show that laser applied at low power increases the natural production of collagen and ATP, therefore increasing energy at a cellular level. It also provides relief of muscle and joint pain, mild osteoarthritis, and muscle spasm, relieving stiffness and promotes relaxation of muscle tissue. and targeted to the source of pain in a super-pulsed beam.
This innovative Red Light Therapy can also reduce the need for anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication.
LLLT helps to regenerate and repair soft tissue and scar tissue, offering a great solution for sports injuries, back pain, post-operative wound healing, and musculoskeletal disorder such as muscle, tendon, cartilage, ligament and nerve damage repair.
Laser Therapy for MLD
LLLT is particularly effective in inflammatory conditions presenting with compromised micro-circulation and impaired supply of oxygen to cells and tissues. Poor circulation frequently leads to ischaemic tissue injuries. Handy Cure s' Laser enhances blood flow in the treated areas and shortens the duration of ischaemic episodes.
The LLLT targets individual cells that are not working correctly and re-energises them to work more effectively. This helps to reduce fibrous tissue and promote uptake into the lymphatics meaning that the swelling becomes softer and there may be a reduction in limb volume.
increase lymph flow through the lymph system, and reduce excess protein and fluid in tissues.
Exercise Rehabilitation Program
Exercise Programmes are designed to promote personal health and restore lost strength or function.
They include a variety of different exercises depending on the stage of recovery the patient is in.
All the exercises are tailored to the patient and their abilities.
Starting with gentle stretching and joint stability exercises and progressing to more advance strengthening, resistance or cardio exercises as improvements and strength return.
I always have been a big fan of functional and sport exercises as muscle control is crucial in regaining function and range in all points.
One of the best form of achieving that control is with Pilates. As I am qualified as a APPI pilates instructor, which is specifically designed for physiotherapists who work to train their patients, I use modified pilates exercise programs, in my one to one sessions, in order to restore muscular strength and flexibility.
Electrotherapy
Electric stimulation therapy is a form of treatment which is very beneficial and has been used for decades by physiotherapists.
The key benefits are:
- Reduction of the nerve pain
- To reduce muscle spasms and pain
- To help prevent muscular atrophy
- To speed up wound repair by increasing local circulation
- It is drug free and it is free pain control
- To promote healing of any musculoskeletal injuries
In my targeted treatments I use the following electrotherapy:
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- The most popular of the electrotherapy modalities. It transfer current through the skin which affects the nervous system. This current interrupts the peripheral pain pathway receptors leading to the brain, which results in pain reduction.
- Interfacial therapy (IF)
- This is similar to TENS in that it relieves pain by passing thorough the skin. However IF travels at a much higher frequency which allows it to penetrate deeper into tissues.
DOT - Deep Oscillation Massage
Deep Oscillation is a distinctive, patented theraphy method. which uses electrostatic attraction and friction to create biologically effective oscillation in the treated tissues. This unique oscillation is gentle and pleasant while having a deep-acting effect on skin, connective tissue, muscles, blood and lymph vessels.
Deep Oscillation is clinically proven to create the following physiological and beneficial effects:
- Anti-fibrotic
- Detoxification
- Promotes wound healing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves the quality of the tissue
- Very effective in pain reduction
- Helps reabsorbing oedema
There are several main fields of application depending on the main use:
- DOT - in Physiotherapy
- Pre and Postoperative therapy - It relieves odemas and hematomas much faster than any conventional therapies. DOT is very beneficial because it can be used at extremely early stage. It stimulates and accelerate wound healing reducing pain significantly and inhibits local inflammation. What also makes it unique is that it can be used on top of metal implants (knee/hip replacement) because it doesn't have any negative thermal effect. DOT is frequently used in post-operative therapy for - oncology, traumatology and neurology. It is often used first one for conditions like caesarean section, mastectomy and osteosyunthesis.
- Mechanical trauma and strain of the tissues - Deep Oscillation by reducing pain and odema it stimulates self-mobilisation in pain-relieved areas. This has a direct impact on recovery time. It helps to return to sport and daily life more quickly.
Chronic pain syndrome - DOT has got a strong pain reliving effect on chronic pain conditions like Fibromyolgia syndrome, Sudeck's dystrophy, etc. It promotes mobilisation, reduces muscle stiffness, improves daily activities and gradually decreases fatigue and depression.
Neurorehabilitation - Following a brain stroke and to reduce spams in children with cerabral palsy. It also has positive effect in conditions like lumbago.
2. DOT in Manual Lymph Drainage
- Lymphoedema & Lipoedema - Deep Oscillation reduces swelling both in primary and secondary lymphoedema and lipoedema. It improves the effect of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) by speeding up the effect of it. It has been proven that DOT has preventive and anti-fibrotic effect.
- Post costmetic surgery - Liposuction, tummy tuck, breast implants, face lift, etc. This has the same effect as Pre and Post operative therapy (see previous page).
- Secondary wound healing - Helps secondary wounds heal quicker.
- Post operative wounds
- Diabetic wounds
- Ulcers
- Odeme induced secondary wound
3. DOT in Scar Therapy
- Same as Pre and Post operative therapy (see previous page).
- Reduce Burns - DOT accelerate healing of the second-degree burns, making it softer and less visible.
- Reduce Fibrosis of the tissues which reduce the scars, even very old ones.
Dry Needling
A safe, minimally discomforting and often an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal presentations. A thin monofilament needle penetrates the skin and treats underlying muscular trigger points for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.
A trigger point is a local contracture or tight band in a muscle fiber that can disrupt function, restrict range of motion, refer pain or cause local tenderness. When dry needling is applied to a dysfunctional muscle or trigger point, it can decrease banding or tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain.
It’s important to note dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. It uses similar tools, but that’s where the similarities end. Dry needling is performed by different practitioners with different training. Acupuncture is based on Eastern medicine, while dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and evaluation of pain patterns, posture, movement impairments, function and orthopedic tests.
Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. It rarely is a standalone procedure. Rather, it often is part of a broader physical therapy approach incorporating other traditional physical therapy interventions into treatment.
Dry needling can be used for a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues, such as shoulder, neck, heel, hip and back pain. While research indicates dry needling is a safe and effective approach for treating and managing pain, some insurance companies may not reimburse for the procedure.
Kinesiology Taping (K-Tape)
Injured muscles and joints are. supported while still retaining a safe and functional range of motion.
Kinesiology tape is a type of flexible taping that is used to mimic the skin's elasticity, allowing full range of motion with accurate support. There are different brands and colours on the market. the truth is that colour or design doesnt make a difference, what it is really important is how your therapist applies and the purpose of it.
There are three basic types of kinesiology taping:
1- Muscular techniques
It lifts the myofascia up allowing the injured muscle to regenerate and offload it.
Perfect for muscle strains, ruptures and build up tension. It is often used during early stages of treatment for some light compression, pain relief and muscle activation without creating stiffness.
2- Ligament techniques
Designed to support injured joints. Perfect for ligament sprains and tendon injuries.
Kinesiology tape provides amazing pain relief and stabilises the joint with out compression or restriction.
3- Swelling techniques
Kinesiology taping creates a drainage system perfect in treating lymphoedema, lipoedema, swelling post joint trauma and hematoma.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound uses a round-headed transducer probe to produce sound waves that enter the body.
It helps with :
- increase blood flow
- promote tissue healing
- improve collagen alignment
- anti-inflammatory and decontracting action
- increase cell proliferation
- improve tissue biomechanics
- reabsorption of haematomas
- increase elasticity
- healing of damaged tissue
- reduction of pain
Joint stiffness can improve because the thermal effect can increase collagen stretchiness, improving joint mobilization.
MLD - Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle massage, focusing on the top layers of tissue for the enhancement of lymphatic system. Improving circulation of the lymph as well as reduction of pain, bruising and swelling.
It is very different to any other sport or holistic massages. This rhythmical strokes are pain free and always in the direction of the lymph flow.
The Lymphatic system is a one way system therefore MLD can help decongesting, stimulating and healing at specific areas.
MLD has proved to help enormously with treating and controlling chronic conditions like lymphoedemia and lipoedema and at the same time helping to detox and destress our body.
Used to treat a wide range of conditions including:
- Post Cancer
- Post Cosmetic Surgery - liposuction, tummy tuck, Brazilian buttock lift, breast surgery, rhinoplasty and many more.
- Post Orthopaedic Surgery, including Hip & Knee replacement
- Post fractures with swelling, any trauma and hematoma to the tissues.
- Chronic Swelling, Sinus Problems & Digestive Disorders
- Lymphoedema (primary & secondary)
- Lipoedema
- Migrane, Headaches & Chronic Fatigue
- Skin Conditions & Burns
MLD - Manual Lymphtic Drainage - Treatments
Scar Tissue Therapy
Scar Restore Therapy is a very gentle form of manual treatment for scars and adhesions. These techniques were created and are constantly being reviewed and updated by Sharon Wheeler.
Scar Therapy is used to release soft tissue making a scar less tight and more flexible thorough a series of different techniques that involve gentle, non painful movements. There are reports that confirm that scars feel softer and look better. These techniques can relieve pain and numbness at the same time as promoting the healing of the scar.
Scars can disrupt lymphatic flow, making the treatment of Lymphoedema difficult. Scar work compliments Manual Lymphatic Drainage by encouraging and stimulating lymphatic flow where there has been localised disruption.
Scar Therapy can be used for the following scar types:
- mastectomies (full and partial)
- spinal surgery including discectomy
- achilles and patella tendon surgery
- Injuries caused by car accidents
- Portacath and tube/drain sites
- Tummy tucks and other cosmetic surgeries such as breast reduction/enlargement
- burns or scalds
- knee / hip replacement
- skin grafts
- facial scarring (from surgery or injury)
- foot surgery
- abdominal surgery, including appendectomy, gall bladder removal, hysterectomy
- C-section
- Keloid scarring
FAQ
1 ) What are your working hours?
I have very flexible working hours, which include daytime, evenings and Saturday afternoons.
2) Are you doing home visits?
Yes, on request for patients who are struggling to get to my treatment room.
3) Where can I park?
I have off street parking on my drive.
4) Can I pay by card?
Yes, I accept card as well as cash payments.
5) What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes, so it is easy for me to treat any part of the body I need to work on. You can always change in my treatment room if you wish to bring clothing to change in to.
6). Can I use my insurance to have a treatment with you?
Insurance companies only accept invoices from highly qualified Physiotherapists who are registered with the following organisations HCPC, CSP and MLDUK which I am and I can provide you with an invoice after each session.
FAQ
7) How long is it and what is included in a physiotherapy session?
Physiotherapy sessions are for 1 hour. They include an initial assessment of the problem/injury, an individually tailored combination of manual therapy techniques, dry needling, kinesiology taping, together with a home exercise program.
8) How long is and what is included in a MLD session?
The first MLD session takes up to 1 hour and 30 minutes because it includes the initial assessment, together with an explanation of how manual lymphatic drainage works. Follow up appointments are 1 hour and include MLD manual techniques and the use of a DOT machine if that is necessary.
9) How long is and what is included in a Scar Theraphy session?
Scar Therapy sessions are 1 hour. They include an initial assessment at the first appointment followed by specific Scar Restore gentle manual techniques on the scar and surrounding tissue. If required the DOT machine may be used to reduce fibrotic structure of the scar.
Contact Us
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15
treatments@physiolymphology.co.uk
07702 527 840
07702 527 840
What Our Patients Say
I was diagnosed with a significant lower lumbar injury that an NHS neurosurgeon recommended an operation to fix. I did not want to be operated on due to the associated risks (i.e. paralysis), so instead sought treatment from Ewa. I received treatment in her well-equipped home treatment room over the course of 6 months & my back is now healed without needing to go under the knife. An exceptional physiotherapist, very friendly & professional with equally great facilities, I highly recommend her services.”
Christopher
I am so pleased I found Ewa. After years of MLD, she has provided me with the best results I've had. She has taken the time to understand my medical condition and treats me with care and comfort. I enjoy our sessions and couldn't recommend her enough.
Elisse
Ewa's combination of physio, dry needling and deep oscillation have been brilliant for my knees. Every time I feel a bit more movement range, less pain and I know I am in the right way to a full recovery.
Ewa is very friendly and knowledgeable, the room is clean and comfortable.
I fully recommend her services.
L Loizou
I'm in my mid 60's. Due to prostate cancer I had my prostate and Lymph nodes removed I almost immediately I noticed my legs and groin began to swell and retain fluid. I developed lymphoedema because of this surgery. I was basically told nothing much could be done and I would have to live with it. I was prescribed compression garments and given very basic advice and sent on my way. Over the next few years the lymphoedema got steadily worse to the point where my legs were so swollen it was affecting my movement and seriously impacting on my quality of life.
In June 2021 I paid privately to see a top lymphoedema consultant, he said my lymphoedema was so bad he couldn't do anything for me in my current state and suggested I contact a MLD practitioner through MLD UK website. At this point I had no knowledge of MLD or what it entailed. I searched the MLD UK website and discovered that Eva ran a MLD practice locally to me. I must admit I was sceptical at first and was not totally convinced MLD would work.
After the very first treatment I could definitely see an improvement. Initially I saw Eva weekly and the improvement in the reduction in size of my swollen limbs was significant. Eva physically works really hard throughout the whole hour long sessions to massage and displace the fluid. Eva thoroughly explained about how MLD works and has taught me how to do SLD, (self lymphatic drainage.) With this combined approach I can honestly say my Lymphoedema is vastly improved and my legs are almost back to normal. I'm even able to go back to my original pre lymphoedema size jeans!
You do need to be committed to carry out the massage therapy that Eva will teach you to perform on yourself. Eva will give you the knowledge to put this into practice and will check to see if you are doing it correctly. The MLD therapy that Eva provides offers you the opportunity to manage your lymphoedema and improve your quality of life significantly.
I currently see Eva at three week intervals and hope to extend it to once a month.
I have been so impressed with Eva and I can honestly personally recommend her practice and her treatment to anyone suffering from lymphoedema. Eva is a really professional, kind, caring and enthusiastic person. The MLD therapy has totally transformed my quality of life.
I should point out I am not in anyway connected to Eva or her business and offer this reference purely in respect of the excellent treatment I have received, if you have any doubts please try a session, you will not be disappointed.
John
Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, CM15
Essex, UK
