Jenny Munro talks to David Anderson
DAVID
Anderson, 35, is a Neuro muscular therapy specialist based
in Dromore. He is married to Esther and they have two
children Ben and Emma. As well as running the David Anderson
Injury Rehabilitation clinic he has carved out a career in
looking after the aches, strains and pains of the performers
and athletes appearing at Northern Ireland's premier
theatres and entertainment venues. David has been providing
his expert sports therapy skills to the stars of stage,
screen and sports arena for the best part of a decade and he
is a part-time lecturer.
Most days I wake up at 7am and help my wife get the kids ready My first client at the clinic is usually around 10am.
Most people book appointments in advance and after an initial consultation and full assessment I obtain all the relevant medical information about the patient and carry out a physical assessment. Based on that I draw up a treatment plan.
I specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) has emerged as a significant methodology for assessing soft tissue injuries and chronic pain. NMT is a series of manual treatment protocols which relies on my skills, theoretical knowledge and palpation ability to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
As a Neuromuscular therapist I have an interest in the kinetic chain (how movement is created by muscles and joints working in sequence, and how well those sequences happen in day to day living). Focus is placed on manual therapy but other rehabilitation techniques such as ultrasound, cryotherapy/thermotherapy, various exercises and stretches are used. Treatment is carried out on a one-to-one basis. I treat sports injuries, work and lifestyle related injuries, chronic pain and dysfunction, postural adaptation and myofascial trigger points.
I might have around six or seven clients a day - that's just a comfortable number as my job is physically demanding - and most appointments are on average 40 minutes long.
As well as the clinic I can provide professionally qualified and insured sports therapists, sports masseurs, personal trainers and fitness instructors, aerobics instructors and pilates instructors for corporate, entertainment and sports events. I have almost ten years experience and expertise in working with world class athletes and performers and have been involved in many high profile tournaments and events. It was when I was a student in Dublin completing my studies in neuromuscular and sports therapies that I got a call from the company manager of Grease which was on its national tour at the Grand Opera House. He asked if I could see some of his cast who needed treatment for injuries they had sustained in the show. That was back in 1999 � little did I think that nearly 10 years on I would have garnered a portfolio of almost one hundred shows and events.
Sometimes people need to hire a professional practitioner or sports trainer/instructor for an event or tournament, or maybe qualified health and fitness professionals and seek further professional development and I run seminars/workshops that will suit them.
Continued professional education is vital in order for practitioners and trainers to keep up to date and on the cutting edge in our ever competitive industry. My seminars and workshops are designed to stimulate, educate and inspire. I aim to provide unique opportunities to learn from leading authorities in the health and fitness industry
I like to spend as much of my free time with my wife and children. I enjoy playing with the kids and relaxing in the evening before heading to bed.
Ulster Star
25/04/2008
