the arena clinic based at the Mardyke Arena UCC is a unique clinic, incorporating physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and specialist rehabilitation equipment. The clinic is staffed with highly skilled physiotherapists treating all musculoskeletal and medical problems.
Following a thorough assessment, and discussion about your treatment goals our physiotherapist will provide an evidence-based treatment plan.
Our physiotherapists utilise a number of techniques that mobilise and stretches muscle fibres, tendons and fascia.
They will apply various levels of pressure to the soft tissues depending on your needs and your stage of recovery. The result is reduced tension and pain.
Joint mobilisation is a technique that physiotherapists use to restore the small, involuntary movements that assist joints to perform to their optimum.
Joint mobilisation involves performing a back and forth oscillation of the joint.
This has the effect of relieving pain and increasing range of movement.
Taping/strapping can help to prevent injury as well as protect an athlete from re-injury whilst returning to sport. Our Chartered Physiotherapists are experts in taping & strapping techniques and will advise you on the most appropriate based on your needs:
- Rigid (sports) strapping can be used to stabilise or support a ligament injury, relieve pain by unloading the painful tissues or facilitate normal movement.
- Elastic strapping can be used when less support or rigidity is required. For example, supporting a muscle strain.
- Kinesiology tape (K-Tape) is a type of elastic tape that assists how muscles function during movement.
What is it?
Dry needling is based on Western Medicine and is used to stimulate trigger points within a muscle, which in turn causes the muscle to relax. Needling tend to be a bit deeper than with Acupuncture to ensure stimulation of the trigger point. At Balanced, dry needling can be carried out by Physiotherapists and Massage therapists.
How does it work?
Inserting the needle into the trigger point will activate local nerves causing increased blood flow to the area and a relaxing effect on the muscle. Dry needling is anatomically very specific and the treatment is carried out in the affected area. In Acupuncture then needles may be inserted some distance from the pain depending on the condition.
What is it used for?
Dry needling is used for trigger point release, pain relief and it can have a mechanical effect on scar tissue.
What will happen?
A small number of fine, stainless steel, single use needles will be inserted into your skin usually just for a few minutes. You may feel a dull, not unpleasant ache as your therapist stimulates the needle and this ache may last for up to 48hours post treatment. Your muscles may also twitch when the needle touches a trigger point.
What is it?
Acupuncture is one of the many skills used within physiotherapy as an integrated approach to the management of pain and inflammation which enhances rehabilitation.
How does it work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese Medicine technique that stimulates the body to produce its own natural pain and stress relieving chemicals. It promotes sleep by encouraging the production of melatonin and produces a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also activates nerve fibres which block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.
What is it used for?
There is strong evidence to show Acupuncture can help with low back pain and headaches, but it can be used for a whole host of other health problems such as tennis elbow or pain arising from osteoarthritis.
What will happen?
- Very fine, stainless steel, single use needles are inserted into the skin and can be left for around 20 minutes. The Physiotherapist will select the best Acupuncture points for your condition, many of which be some distance from the area of pain. The number of needles used and time they are left in for will depend on your condition and symptoms.
- Most patients will receive a course of 4-6 sessions but in some cases, just one or two treatments may be enough. Your physiotherapist will use acupuncture in combination with other physiotherapy treatments. Your physiotherapist will be trained in Acupuncture through a course accredited by the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists.
Exercise prescription is an essential component to your rehabilitation process. You will receive an individualised home exercise program and/or gym-based exercise program to ensure a timely and safe recovery.
Pilates is a safe and effective exercise class that is aimed at strengthening the core and pelvic floor, improving bone density and improving flexibility and balance. For this reason it is successful for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
We offer both Reformer Pilates classes.
To access a class learn basics in a one to one setting with our Physiotherapy team then enter the right class for you.
Our Chartered Physiotherapists have a strong understanding of the requirements to return to various sports at all levels. They will guide you through your rehabilitation process and provide you with individualised home exercise program and/or gym-based exercise program that will equip you for a safe and timely return to sport.
As a routine part of our assessments, we also provide a bio-mechanical assessment, which includes posture correction and where necessary orthotic (insoles) prescription.
All our Physiotherapists are Chartered, members of the ISCP (Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapist) and CORU (Regulatory Body for Health & Social Care Professionals) registered. They are registered with all major insurance companies.
Our expert sports physiotherapists have a wide range of experience in the assessment and treatment of sports injuries and have worked with a wide variety of athletes and sports teams ranging from weekend warriors to elite level competitors.
They will diagnose and treat your injury using evidence-based treatments and create a rehabilitation program, tailored to your individual needs. They have access to a high-performance gym, hydrotherapy, anti-gravity treadmill and isokinetic testing. This will enable you get back to peak performance, quickly and safely.
At the arena clinic our priority is to understand your journey and what is important to you, we then work with you to help you achieve your goals and get back to living your life how you want to.
Using our expertise and state of the art equipment (Hydrotherapy Pool, Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill, Reformer Pilates & specialised Gym) we will help you to better understand your pain and regain control. We have a close working relationship with many of the leading Pain Management consultants in Cork which helps us deliver excellent continuity of care.
the arena Clinic specialises in the management of scoliosis (both surgical and non-surgical). We will work with you to develop an individually tailored plan and support you along the way, working with your consultant to ensure optimal management.
Orthotics look very much like insoles which fit easily and securely within your footwear and help to improve the mechanics of tissues and joints in your feet.
Essentially, their role is to correct any musculoskeletal imbalances that may be noted by your physiotherapist, which in turn, helps to alleviate pain and pressure in your feet, knees, hips and lower back.
Orthotics can assist with a wide range of biomechanical problems such as heel pain, shin splints, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip pain and back pain.
Post-Surgery or Post-Operative Rehabilitation is physiotherapy intervention following surgery. The primary aims of physiotherapy are to restore mobility, increase strength and improve functional ability. Everyone’s goals are different, from returning to the pitch after knee/ ankle surgery to walking for 20 minutes after a total hip replacement.
A comprehensive assessment will be completed where the relevant post-operative/ referral documentation will be taken into consideration. Here in the arena clinic, we are in the very fortunate position to have collaborated with many of the leading orthopaedic consultants here in Cork on specific post- operative rehabilitation protocols. We specialize in rehabilitation post Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Hip and Knee Arthroscopy, Spinal Surgery, ACL reconstruction, ankle and shoulder surgery. Treatment may include but not limited to hydrotherapy, exercise prescription, manual therapy, gait re-education and pilates.
The Alter G Anti Gravity Treadmill is ideal for patients looking to regain mobility, develop strength and fitness, increase range of motion and natural movement – while minimizing stress on injuries. Ideal for patients on a lower limb rehab journey and athletes on a return to play protocol the Alter G is a vital part of the recovery pathway.
Balance and mobility are particularly important as we get older. Falls, unfortunately become more common in older adults with 1 in 3 over 65’s having at least 1 fall each year. This can result in injury, hospitalisation and a loss in independence. It can also have quite a significant effect on one’s quality of life and confidence.
Research has shown that an early targeted intervention can reduce falls by up to 40%. Here in the Arena Clinic, a comprehensive falls Assessment is carried out by one of our chartered Physiotherapists. Thereafter, a customized rehabilitation plan will be discussed with you or your parent/ grandparent/ sibling/ friend including a falls prevention exercise programme. Additional occupational advice will also be addressed.
Our goal is to instil the confidence and functional ability that you may once have had and now lost. Should you wish to discuss this further please contact our clinic to discuss this specific programme in more detail.