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Steve Davidson - MCSP SRP

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy - From Greek phusio, from phusis nature, from phuein to make grow.
Conventional physiotherapy could be defined as therapy by physical means, such as manipulation, exercise etc, for appropriate disorders of the locomotor and nervous systems. It is recognised as making a major contribution to treatments used within Western medicine and has been practised since the Classical era. Hippocrates wrote of giving lumbar traction two millennia ago, and Galen advocated therapeutic manipulation of the spine.
It was around 1998, when my family and I moved to Sheffield, that my approach to physiotherapy began to change. Prior to this time I worked mainly within the NHS (having qualified from Kings College Hospital in 1988), gaining broad-based experience in a variety of posts, but generally specialising in what could be called musculo-skeletal work. Towards the end of this early period I moved into private practice, renting rooms in Harley Street, and taking up a post as Occupational Health Physiotherapist to the Metropolitan Police, based at New Scotland Yard.

A holistic approach
With the move to Sheffield came a shift. Although I had always had an interest in complementary therapies, this was when my work in a practical sense changed. Interests outside of work encouraged me to practise increasingly holistically, rather than in the somewhat 'nuts and bolts' fashion which my physiotherapy training had tended to foster. Simple clinical observation provided evidence of the mind-body link and I noticed that my clinical results were improving.
This change of focus was most formalised in 2002 when I completed a six month course in traditional Chinese acupuncture at the The Renshu College of Chinese Medicine in London, but throughout this period I spent as much time as I could exchanging ideas with other complementary practitioners.
At The Lodge House, although I run essentially a conventional physiotherapy clinic, I try hard to apply the sound medical knowledge my training has given me in an unconventional context treating the patient with a sprained ankle as a whole rather than simply paying attention to their foot and sending them away to look for a bag of frozen peas, for example!
The mainstays of treatments offered:
mobilisation techniques, manipulation, exercise-based therapies, sports strapping and electrotherapy.

Conditions treated are wide and varied, and include:
back and neck problems
Whiplash
sports injuries
headaches
arthritis and rheumatism
RSI
stress
many neurological and respiratory disorders.

The Human Givens Approach
The other major clinical interest which excites me presently stems from my on-going psychotherapy training at Mindfields College, where I am studying for a post-graduate diploma.
The essence of the approach is that human beings have fundamental needs (givens), and also are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure that these needs are met. The knowledge I am gaining through this study is reinforcing my conviction that the interplay between physical, emotional and spiritual aspect has a hugely underestimated part to play in the healing process. I am already incorporating new skills into my work, the use of guided imagery, metaphor and embedded suggestion for example. I hope to make increasing use of these techniques as my skills improve. I should attain full qualification in late 2007.

Note: treatments are recognised by Westfield, BUPA, HSA and most other major insurance companies.