PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, believed in holistic care, ultimate professionalism, and the highest of clinical standards of practice. These principles are foremost in the philosophy of Professor Speed’s practice.
Professor Speed’s practice philosophy is to treat every patient as a whole, promoting a healthy mind in a healthy body. She works with her patients and allied professionals to achieve rapid recovery times and to deliver positive and sustainable solutions for long-term health and wellbeing.
Everything starts with a diagnosis…
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs because of thinning of the cartilage cushion of the joint. As a result the bone underneath responds in an attempt to repair the joint. This is why extra bone forms, and why people grow ‘bumps’ for example on their fingers.
The reasons why people get arthritis range from genetics to other diseases to excess body weight. Abnormal mechanical stresses on the joint(s) – for example after an injury to a joint in younger life – can also lead on to osteoarthritis. This is why rapid evaluation and management of sports injuries is very important.
Some people are born with slightly abnormal joint shape that can also predispose them to osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is diagnosed by careful clinical evaluation. X-rays in the early stages are usually normal. MRI scans and newer imaging technologies allow greater insights into changes within joints and can be very useful in early arthritis.
Education and Empowerment: Knowledge is Power
Many patients with musculoskeletal conditions feel threatened by their condition. This is often driven by uncertainty and a lack of full insight into their problem. Part of any management plan is therefore to empower the patient with a thorough understanding of the condition, its prognosis and best management.
The Power of Nature and Exercise: “Exercise is medicine”
Hippocrates also emphasised the importance of the healing power of nature and the importance of exercise in the promotion of health and well being. In the modern era, this philosophy still holds true. We now have modern interventions and therapies that play a significant role in managing patients with illness and injuries. Nevertheless, close attention to lifestyle behaviours, nutrition, sleep, stress reduction and physical activity are often the keys to success.
Innovation
Modern medicine brings with it cutting edge diagnostic approaches and treatments. Professor Speed combines her clinical work in different fields with her academic background to ensure she utilises best approaches to managing the health and wellbeing of her patients. The ever-expanding field of health technologies allows advanced diagnosis, intervention and monitoring of her patients.
