Joanna Gower - Physiotherapist

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Jo Gower

Registered Physiotherapist

Biography

Qualified in 1980 from the Middlesex Hospital, London, as a Chartered Physiotherapist.

My first post was at The Hammersmith Hospital London. I then went to Stoke Mandeville Hospital where I worked on the Spinal Injuries Unit and Orthopaedic and Trauma wing. I had a senior position on the medical unit treating stroke patients and neurological diseases and was involved in setting up the Cardiac Rehabilition program.

In 1986 I became a Superintendent Physiotherapist and worked in the community covering the Aylesbury Vale area. More recently I have been in private practice formerly at the Saxon Clinic Milton Keynes, The National Badmington Centre, and I have set up the Buckingham Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinic with my colleague Diana Wharton (covering Winslow, Steeple Clayden and Buckingham.)

My interests are musculoskeletal problems, Acupuncture and neurological rehabilitation, and Occupational Health working in Industry.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

What exactly does a Chartered Physiotherapist do?
A Chartered Physiotherapist is trained to treat the whole body by correcting and improving the body's own natural healing mechanisms, without the use of drugs or medication unless prescribed by your doctor.

What sort of conditions can a Chartered Physiotherapist treat?
Physiotherapy can play a vital part in pain relief, healing and rehabilitation in most medical and surgical conditions. Below are listed just a few of the many conditions where physiotherapy has been shown to be very beneficial.

Spinal Problems
Slipped disc, back pain, sciatica, lumbago, stiff/painful neck and referred arm and leg pain.

Joint Problems
Arthritis, injury, pain/swelling/stiffness in joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.

Injuries
to muscles, ligaments, tendons; including "tennis elbow", cartilage problems, sprained ankles and dislocations.

Fractures
Treatment may be given during the healing process or to restore function once the bones have healed.

Diseases of the nervous system
Strokes, multiple, sclerosis, parkinsons, shingles, cerebral palsy, spasticity and ME.

Chest complaints
Pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma.

Gynaecological conditions
Stress incontinence

Obstetrics
Ante and post-natal classes/exercise/advice pregnancy back ache.

Posture and Relaxation
For hyperventilation and other stress-induced conditions.

What sort of treatments do Chartered Physiotherapists use?
The modern Chartered Physiotherapist uses a wide range of skills including manipulation, mobilisation, massage, motivation and exercises, often aided by the use of sophisticated electronic and electrical apparatus - all designed to help in the relief of pain and to promote recovery. It should also be noted that preventative medicine is very important in physiotherapy, and the Chartered Physiotherapist will spend time teaching the patient how to avoid a recurrence of his/her problem.

How does a Chartered Physiotherapist decide the best form of treatment?
The Chartered Physiotherapist will examine the nature and actual site of the problem and relate it to your whole person before making a diagnosis. After full consultation with you, and where appropriate with your doctor, the Chartered Physiotherapist will decide on the best form of treatment to be undertaken.

How does Chartered Physiotherapy differ from the "alternative" forms of healing?
The methods used by "alternative" therapies differ widely, but most of the theories and principles which govern them are included as standard practice in Chartered Physiotherapy, which is the "orthodox alternative".

How do I know if a physiotherapist is fully trained and has a qualification recognised by the state?
All members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, (known as "Chartered Physiotherapists", and having the designatory letters "MCSP" after their name), and State Registered Physiotherapists ("SRP"), have undergone the required training and passed the necessary state recognised examinations to enable them to practice within the National Health Service or in Private Practice.

Can I be treated by a Chartered Physiotherapist outside the National Health Service?
Yes. Anyone can receive private treatment from a Chartered Physiotherapist in Private Practice (see below for details of how to find one). Most private medical insurance schemes, provide cover for physiotherapy only when it is given by a Chartered and/or State Registered Physiotherapist.

Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
No, not necessarily. You may consult a Chartered Physiotherapist without a doctor's referral, but contact will usually be maintained between your GP and Physiotherapist. Chartered Physiotherapists work in close co-operation with general practitioners in much the same way as consultants to, and this relationship is to the ultimate benefit of the patient.