What Exactly Is Physiotherapy? [A Quick Run-through]
Have you ever had an injury or illness that impacted your mobility or ability to conduct your daily duties? Your GP may have referred you to a physiotherapist for physiotherapy services however, you may wonder what physiotherapy is all about. Here is a quick run-through:
What Exactly Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is sometimes known as the science of movement. It is a treatment method whose primary focus is mobility, motor function, coordination, conditioning, balance & pain relief. However, it can extend to other facets of a person’s physical & mental health.
Physiotherapy helps patients restore, maximise and maintain their physical function, strength, and general health by addressing underlying physical health issues.
What Conditions Require Physiotherapy Treatment?
For some people, physiotherapy treatment is a necessity to improve their quality of life. These are some conditions that need physiotherapy treatment:
- Sports-related injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Shoulder rotator cuff tears
- Lower or upper back pain
- Sports performance
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Pre & post-operative rehabilitation
- Headaches & migraines
What Should You Expect During Your First Physiotherapy Session?
Physiotherapy sessions at Upwell Health Collective are unique depending on your treatment needs. Generally, though, here is what happens when you visit a physiotherapist:
Step 1: The physiotherapist asks about your medical & injury history.
Step 2: They examine and diagnose your condition.
Step 3: The Physiotherapist provides a treatment plan that aims at improving your physical & mental health. They will prescribe a personalised course of exercises, manual therapy, education, assistive devices & lifestyle modifications.
What Are the Benefits of Physiotherapy?
1). Improved Mobility and Balance
People recovering from surgery and injuries have often been moving inefficiently or with pain, making it hard for them to return to normal activities of daily life, work & sports. Physiotherapy can help such people quickly overcome pain and mobility challenges. The sessions can help their body regain flexibility and strength and improve coordination.
2). Pain Relief
One of the benefits of physiotherapy is the relief from pain. Body pain can result from varying factors which can include physical damage &/or nervous system dysfunction (faulty pain system). If the pain affects your daily productivity, it is time to seek help from a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy sessions can help reduce pain and minimise the dependence on anti-inflammatory or pain medications, which can negatively affect not just your physical health, but also your mental health.
3). Minimises Chances of Extensive Surgery
There are times when patients have an injury and don’t actually need surgery. This is where physiotherapy comes in. Physiotherapy helps patients heal injured tissues without the need for surgery. It also hastens the mobility and recovery of the patient, when appropriate.
4). Manage Age-related Issues
As people grow older, their muscles and joints weaken. This makes them more prone to complications such as osteoporosis and arthritis, and other injuries. You can prevent these problems from worsening by consulting a physiotherapist. The sessions help improve coordination and movement and reduce the chances of slips, falls and injuries. Physiotherapists can also make changes to your life or home to ensure you reach your highest level of function.
5). Minimise Dependence on Oral Drugs
While pain medications provide quick relief to pain, they can cause harmful effects also. A patient can avoid the overuse of prescribed drugs by engaging in physiotherapy treatment as an alternative. Physiotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to opiates.
How Do You Know You Are Recovering during Physiotherapy Sessions?
✓ You have achieved most of the goals you set at the beginning of the physiotherapy program.
✓ Your physiotherapist has communicated that you are progressing well.
✓ You are seeing positive changes and improvements following the previous sessions.
Talk to the Experts: Upwell Health Collective
Are you recovering from surgery, ill health, or an injury? Or do you want to improve your physical health? We can help!
At Upwell Health Collective in Camberwell, we focus on long-term outcomes to improve your health beyond regular treatment. We utilise the most advanced physiotherapy techniques and technology for the best care and rehabilitation.
Call us at (03) 8849 9096 for bookings and more information.