Biomechanical analysis is the assessment of the mechanics behind how the body is moving, making it one of the foundational physio services. Using her knowledge obtained from decades of experience on a foundation of a Biomechanics degree, Helen observes how the bones and joints move in different situations and with varying load. She then observes and tests proprioception, muscle patterning, strength and endurance within these movement patterns to see why something isn’t quite right.

When any dysfunctional or non-efficient movement patterns have been established, Helen works together with the client to observe, challenge and move differently in order to untangle the brain's firing patterns, then ask the body to work with various new challenges to rewire the brain and the neuromuscular connections to improve performance.

Helen has completed Joanne Elphinstones Sport Performance and Efficiency of movement course in 2012 and the Anatomy in Motion (AiM) immersion program with Gary Ward in 2017.

Once any inefficient patterns have been found during an assessment, it may be important to include manual therapy techniques to the required physio services to release any tension in the tissues that are restricting or changing the way joints move in the body. These include massage, trigger point release, stretching with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, joint mobilisations both natural and accessory movements and nerve glides.

Helen completed a Post-graduate diploma in Manual and Manipulative therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2007. She has also completed training in the Mulligan Concept of manual therapy.

Dry needling targets ‘Ashi points’ which is the Traditional Chinese medical name for trigger points or ‘ouch’ points in muscles. It targets tight spots that can be stubborn to release or too deep for massage and finger pressure to get to. The needle stimulates a single reflex contraction so it is not under our conscious control. The movement of fibres together, during the contraction, allows them to ‘unstick’ and glide again, they then relax and release from their original tighter position. Due to the nature of the contraction and ‘unsticking’ it usually causes a dull ache (very low grade inflammation) which passes after a few hours. The relaxation of the muscles allows for a window of opportunity to move the joints differently and therefore rehabilitation of movement after this is essential to prevent the pattern reoccurring.

The goal of needling is to release any shortening of muscle which may be irritating the nerve root at the spine. Once released there is a desensitisation of the area and the pull is lessened. It has an remarkable effect on the amelioration of symptoms and signs of pain, even chronic back pain.

As one of the many physio services provided, Helen is trained in dry needling and was mentored by a Graduate of the Gunn IMS Institute, so her style of dry needling incorporates the assessment and treatment of neuropathic muscle pain.

Once an inefficient pattern has been established or if the body is recovering from an injury or trauma, after healing and any soft tissue work required, it is essential to challenge the body to move in an efficient way that provides good power production and coordination throughout the body.

This involves several stages of progression. The body is asked some questions: Can the joint stabilise without load? Then with load? Then with movements in all planes? Then can it add the movement into the rest of the body? As one of the physio services, Helen will provide expert advice on movements for rehabilitation.