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In some cases, physical complaints play an impeding role in work. As a result, the person in question is no longer always able to perform his work (properly). Physical reintegration is a treatment process in which the physiotherapist offers treatment aimed at resuming work. This treatment is 1 on 1 with the client and often consists of a training program and possibly supporting physiotherapeutic procedures. Advice is also given about the physical load at work. The physiotherapist may also choose to perform a workplace examination.

The aim of physical reintegration is full return to the labor process, without absenteeism. Preferably, an employee is trained more strongly (increase load capacity) than before the complaints started. This results in a reduced risk of its recurrence. Physical reintegration usually takes place on referral from a company doctor and can therefore be used as a multidisciplinary treatment in a reintegration process.

The duration of a trajectory varies. This depends on the nature and seriousness of the complaints and the absenteeism that is involved. In consultation with the company doctor and any other disciplines involved, a decision can be made about the duration of a trajectory.

The workplace examination is performed by our physiotherapist. This can be done both in case complaints are present, but also to prevent complaints.

The examination can be executed at different workplaces. For example, in office VDU workplaces and sheds in production companies. The physiotherapist visits the workplace of the employee, preferably when he is actually at work. Observed will be, among other things, which postures are adopted, which materials are present and how they are used. The physiotherapist offers advice and helps the client to reduce the physical strain. E.g. by setting up a computer workstation ergonomically.

In a somewhat more extensive form, attention is also paid to aspects related to work and health. This is done by, among other things, the 5 W method (work pressure, working hours, work attitude, workplace and work tasks) and/or the 4 A method (working conditions, labor relations, work content and working conditions). A workplace assessment can be performed in combination with a physiotherapy treatment program to make it even more effective. It is also possible to deploy these separately.

Medical taping is a therapeutic taping technique in which elastic tape (also known as kinesio tape) is applied to the body. The idea behind this is that, besides controlling the movements of the body, among other things muscles also affect circulation, the lymph system and body temperature. In other words, muscles that are not working properly can cause a range of problems and symptoms. However, when muscles that are not working properly are supported with this special elastic tape, it stimulates the body’s self-healing capacities.

Medical Taping

Medical taping is often used to help athletes recover from sport injuries but is also effective in treating structural problems and physical conditions, including:

• (Post-)treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, such as back, shoulder, knee and calf pain
• Improving joint mobility
• Postural correction and joint realignment
• Treatment of arm, neck and/or shoulder complaints (RSI) caused by overuse, such as tennis and golf elbow

Medical taping is not a stand-alone treatment. It can be used in conjunction with other treatment techniques and to support movement.

Dry needling is a treatment technique used in physiotherapy that involves the insertion of fine (dry) acupuncture needles. In other words, the needles are not hollow like injection needles.

Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture. In the Western world, acupuncture is regarded as a form of alternative or complementary medicine. It differs from physiotherapy and dry needling in the way that it views and approaches the human body and physical symptoms. In short, acupuncture is more concerned with improving the flow of energy in the body. Symptoms are interpreted within a traditional energetic framework. During an acupuncture treatment, often several needles are inserted and left in place for a while.

Dry needling on the other hand is a mechanical method that uses one needle at a time. The brief insertion of the needle stimulates the muscle and causes it to relax. The needles are inserted into specific areas within a muscle known as trigger points. Trigger points are painful when pressed on. The pain may be local, or the pressure on the point may trigger referred pain elsewhere in the body. Trigger points can inhibit muscle function, reduce muscle strength and restrict movement. These kinds of muscle symptoms are also referred to as ‘myofascial symptoms’.

The purpose of dry needling is to release or deactivate these trigger points. The trigger points are stimulated by precise insertion of a fine needle. The insertion of the needle is barely noticeable. When the right trigger point is stimulated, it causes the muscle to contract briefly. This is known as a ‘twitch response’ and is rarely painful. In most cases the muscle then relaxes and you can move more easily. After the session, the area that has been treated may feel slightly stiff or numb. This sensation can last for up to two days and is quite normal.

Good to know

The range of treatment techniques used in physiotherapy often includes dry needling. It is generally used as a part of a larger treatment plan, rather than as a stand-alone treatment. To be able to perform dry needling, the physiotherapist has to complete additional training and gain a certificate. This ensures that the physiotherapist knows exactly what they are doing.

Sometimes a condition cannot be treated with dry needling. In this case there are contraindications. Examples of contraindications include coagulation disorders and the first trimester of pregnancy. The physiotherapist will always check if there any contraindications before using the technique. Dry needling is a safe treatment technique

To put it simply, mobilisation is a manual therapy technique that helps make joints more mobile. Physiotherapists frequently use this technique. Sometimes a joint is unable to move through its full range of motion. For example, you may find it difficult to look behind you because you cannot turn your head fully to one side. Or maybe your shoulder will only lift so far. This is often because the joint capsule has tightened and/or because muscles are restricting the movement. A physiotherapist can perform mobilisation techniques to free up the joint and restore the full range of motion. This should reduce your symptoms and make it easier to move.

There are different types of mobilisation. In physiotherapy, a general distinction is made between ‘passive’ and ‘active’ mobilisation. In the case of passive mobilisation, you do not have to do anything. The physiotherapist moves the joint or part of your body being treated while it is relaxed. In the case of active mobilisation, you are given exercises to do that involve moving the joint. These two forms of mobilisation can also be combined, with the physiotherapist assisting while you actively move the joint. This is referred to as ‘supervised active mobilisation’.