Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy at EliteMedical is led by PhDr. Tomáš Rychnovský Ph.D., a physiotherapist with over 22 years of clinical experience whose approach integrates musculoskeletal biomechanics with an understanding of the psychological and neurological dimensions of pain. Each 45-minute session is individually targeted: the first appointment assesses root causes of the patient's pain or movement dysfunction — spinal conditions, joint problems, disc herniation, post-surgical rehabilitation, or headaches — and subsequent sessions apply manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and neuromuscular re-education techniques to address identified deficits. Unlike many physiotherapy services that focus on symptom relief, Rychnovský's approach aims to resolve the underlying biomechanical or neuromuscular cause. The service is available within the EliteMedical clinic at Poliklinika Palackého, making it straightforward to combine physiotherapy sessions with blood panels, specialist consultations, or other EliteMedical preventive programmes in a single visit.

Physiotherapy at EliteMedical is differentiated from standard outpatient physiotherapy by the clinical depth and integration it offers. PhDr. Tomáš Rychnovský Ph.D. holds a PhDr. degree (the Czech clinical doctorate in non-medical health professions, equivalent to a professional doctorate in physiotherapy) and a Ph.D. — two separate doctoral-level credentials reflecting both clinical expertise and research capability. His 22+ years of experience encompass musculoskeletal physiotherapy, spinal rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy, and the treatment of chronic pain. **Conditions treated:** - **Spinal conditions:** Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine pain; disc herniation (cervical and lumbar); spinal stenosis; spondylolisthesis; facet joint syndrome; sacroiliac joint dysfunction; post-surgical spinal rehabilitation. - **Joint and soft tissue problems:** Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff dysfunction, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder); hip osteoarthritis and bursitis; knee osteoarthritis, meniscal pathology, and ligament rehabilitation; ankle sprains and instability; tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff). - **Headaches:** Cervicogenic headache (originating from cervical spine dysfunction); tension-type headache with myofascial component; migraine — physiotherapy can significantly reduce frequency and intensity through cervical mobilisation and trigger point work. - **Neurological rehabilitation:** Post-stroke motor recovery, peripheral nerve injury rehabilitation, multiple sclerosis balance and mobility maintenance. - **Post-surgical rehabilitation:** After joint replacement (hip, knee), spinal surgery, or orthopaedic reconstruction. **Assessment methodology:** The first session is dedicated to a detailed assessment: movement screening, joint range of motion, muscle strength testing, postural analysis, neurological screening (reflexes, sensation, dermatomes), and functional movement patterns. This produces a clinical diagnosis and functional goals that guide the treatment plan. Rychnovský's approach incorporates screening of psychological factors in chronic pain — anxiety, catastrophisation, and fear-avoidance beliefs significantly affect treatment outcomes and are assessed from the first session. **Treatment modalities:** - **Manual therapy:** Joint mobilisation and manipulation (Maitland, Mulligan, McKenzie approaches), soft tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy. - **Therapeutic exercise:** Individualised exercise prescription — motor control, core stabilisation, progressive loading, neuromuscular re-education. Exercises are demonstrated and corrected in-session; home programme is provided. - **Neuromuscular re-education:** Proprioceptive training, balance exercises, and functional movement patterns for patients after joint surgery or neurological events. - **Breathing pattern rehabilitation:** Diaphragmatic dysfunction is a common but underrecognised contributor to spinal instability and chronic pain. **Integration with EliteMedical programmes:** Physiotherapy results are integrated with blood test findings where relevant (inflammatory markers, vitamin D levels affecting musculoskeletal health, thyroid function affecting muscle metabolism) and with the nutritional counselling programme (anti-inflammatory dietary support for arthritic conditions, protein optimisation for post-surgical muscle recovery). **Session structure:** Sessions are booked individually at 45 minutes. For complex or post-surgical cases, twice-weekly sessions are typical in the early rehabilitation phase. Maintenance sessions monthly are common for chronic spinal conditions. **What to bring:** Comfortable, loose clothing that allows access to the affected area. Any imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound reports) relating to the problem. Medical correspondence from surgeons or specialist physicians if relevant.