1) 'The Fix' - Pain and Injury Diagnosis and Treatment

PhysioVal are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of snow sports injuries and deliver clinical excellence in the comfort of your chalet, apartment or hotel. You will receive the highest level of clinical expertise delivered by highly trained, experienced and qualified professionals. PhysioVal Chartered Physiotherapists use fast and efffective 'hands on' technniques that really work to get you back on the mountain as soon as safely possible.

Lucy Macdonald has worked as a Physiotherapist in Val D'Isere for many years and specialises in knee, neck and back pain/injuries. She set up PhysioVal in response to a need for a mobile physiotherapy service to negate the risk of re-injury on the icy pathways of Val whilst providing a high quality of clinical expertise and professionalism. Lucy has links with the local medical centres and will refer you if an x-ray is needed.She is a registered provider for most UK insurance companies including BUPA, PPPAxa and Norwich Union.

Please click on the 'Treatments' section above to find out more about what can be treated, the specific treatments available and what to expect.

Appointments are available from 7am until 9pm seven days a week. Please contact lucy@lucymacdonald.co.uk or 07769 653 715 for appointments and information.

Equipment: Although the hands are the most effective therapeutic tool, portable equipment is provided when needed, for example an ultrasound machine, wobble board, gym ball, exercise mat, resistance bands and massage oil. Some longer term rehabilitation may involve visits to the local gym or even the slopes!

2) 'The Tonic' - Sports and Relaxing Massage

Muscular aches and pains are experienced by most skiers and boarders. Massage is a great way to get rid of these to enable you to ski or board with more ease and enjoyment. It can also help prevent injury.

However, some types of massage can exacerbate an injury. PhysioVal massages are carried out by Chartered Physiotherapists qualified to diagnose and treat injuries so you know you are in safe, effective hands and can ask for advice on an injury during your massage, without extra charge.
 
To soothe the mind as well as the body PhysioVal incorporate relaxing techniques including Indian Head Massage, Reiki and some cranio-sacral techniques to chase away stress and tension. You can choose from a selection of relaxing music and oils to completely indulge and calm the senses.

PhysioVal offers all this in the comfort, warmth and convenience of your chalet, apartment or hotel. Appointments are available from 7am until 9pm seven days a week.

3) 'The Performance Enhancer' - Biomechanical Assessments

The PhysioVal 'Biomechanical Assessment' is an exciting new idea to fine tune your body and improve your ski technique before even leaving your chalet!

Lucy developed the idea of Biomechanical Assessments for skiers because so many people, no matter how many ski lessons they have and how hard they try, struggle to achieve the things they want to on the slopes. This is often because the body has not learned the required movement patterns and there are weaknesses in the muscles. So Lucy applied her knowledge of biomechanics, physiology and anatomy, combined it with the basic concepts of ski technique (helped by some of the Alps top ski instructors!) and produced a solution to days of frustration on the slopes!

Even very fit and strong individuals have areas of their bodies that do not function efficiently. During a biomechanical assessment these areas are identified. Your movements are carelfully analysed, your muscles are tested and the alignment of your joints scrutinised.

You are then shown ways of retraining the mind- body connections. The amazing thing is that one half hour session can be all it takes to make a huge difference to your ski technique and confidence.

Fees and Insurance.
Lucy is a registered provider for BUPA, PPP and most Insurance Companies so you should be able to claim back your treatment costs. You must phone your insurance company prior to treatment to check the conditions of your physiotherapy cover.