by Physiotherapy is the medical practice of encouraging development and facilitating rehabilitation through movement, exercise, manual therapy, and advice on how to go about the same. When suffering from injuries and conditions which affect the muscles, joints, and soft tissues, the patient can try talking to a physiotherapist who can guide him or her through a therapeutic exercise regime to help restore function in the affected area.
Before patients consider physiotherapy, it is important they remember not to strain the muscles or tissue any further than they already have. In the case of elderly people, having a wheelchair can help with everyday movement and tasks. They can either purchase a wheelchair from a medical store or order a wheelchair online from any reputable store.
When do I take up Physiotherapy?
You should consider undergoing physiotherapy if you’re experiencing chronic pain or injury that’s affecting your daily functions. Doctors usually refer patients who have recently undergone surgery such as hip replacement or those have recently had a stroke or heart attack for this. If you plan to get your physiotherapy covered by health insurance, find out if your physiotherapist is covered.
Physiotherapy would be advisable under any of the following situations:
- Muscle sprains, strains, or aches.
- Neck or back pain due to constantly sitting at the computer or at your office desk.
- Acute pain following a fracture or joint replacement surgery.
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
- Problems with balance.
- Respiratory problems such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Injuries from running.
- Hip, lower back, wrist, or neck pain.
- When suffering from tennis elbow.
- Cardiothoracic, Neuromuscular, or Musculoskeletal problems.
Whatever the cause may be, nothing is prescribed or carried out until an examination is conducted to determine the exact cause and source of the pain. Physiotherapy for back pain is a common practice, sought out by old and young people alike, most specifically for lumbago, or acute lower back pain. This is a common ailment in people who spend hours sitting at a desk or in front of a computer for long hours.
Why should I take up Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy has a string of benefits. Reduced pain, decreased swelling in the affected areas, restored movement and function and enhanced soft tissue healing are just some of the many health benefits one can derive from opting for physiotherapy.
Below are the benefits of physiotherapy:
Helps improve recovery: Physiotherapy is helpful for people experiencing problems in their joints, bones, soft tissue, nervous system or brain, heart, and lungs. Physiotherapy can significantly improve recovery and rehabilitation while also preventing further injuries.
Gentle but empowering: The therapist knows how to improve your mobility slowly but surely. Thus, physiotherapy helps patients to become independent again in their daily lives, especially in caring for themselves. It helps patients become active by performing actions and exercises prescribed by the therapist. The physiotherapist will also inform patients how to avoid getting the same injury in the future.
Provides appropriate care for your needs: Physiotherapists help design treatment plans depending on the individual’s needs, difficulties, and goals. The therapist and patient work together to create strategies to help achieve the goals. Physiotherapists work with patients young and old.
Choosing the right physiotherapist is just as important as opting to go for restorative physiotherapy as well! Usually, a General Practitioner or consultant will refer them to the appropriate physiotherapist, based on the condition that needs to be treated. They can also refer to the internet to find physiotherapists recommended by other patients who have availed their services. One can choose from a range of specialists when it comes to physiotherapy. However, it’s suggested that you work with someone near you. For instance, you may want to consider a Brisbane Physio if you’re from the area.
What happens in Physiotherapy?
The first physiotherapy session will always be an assessment of the extent of the problem, which may involve an examination or detailed observation. This can be achieved by performing a set of exercises or by walking about. The physiotherapist may also go into the medical history in order to identify any pre-existing medical conditions. Depending on the nature and cause of the ailment, massage therapy, exercising and the use of lasers or ultrasound might be implemented as forms of treatment. Lately, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy have become commonplace as well.
After each session, the physiotherapist will assess the patient and decide whether a follow up session will be required. However, the option of continuing therapy with the practitioner or stopping it altogether is a decision of the patient alone. Recovering from certain conditions such as ACL might take some time, but five sessions is usually enough to treat most conditions.
