If your doctor has suggested you see a physio, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about, and why you need physiotherapy at all. Here's a brief explanation of physiotherapy and a guide to what to expect from your physiotherapist.
What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy involves a wide range of treatments that vary greatly depending on your condition. Your physiotherapist is an expert in the human body, in the types of movements that can harm it, and those that make it stronger. A great physiotherapist will focus less on telling you what to do than on giving you the tools to make healthy changes in the way you move and the activities you engage in to support the structural integrity of your body.
Who do physios treat?
Because physiotherapy spans such a wide scope of conditions you'll find physiotherapists working with patients to help them address a broad range of conditions. Some common reasons patients consult a physio include difficulties arising from:
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Injuries, including sports injuries and those arising from accidents.
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Disease, which can significantly impact the range of movement and functional capacity of the body.
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Ageing, which poses many unique physical challenges.
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Environmental constraints that can change the way the body moves or functions.
Physio after an injury
Physiotherapy is a common recommendation of many doctors following an injury, and in these instances your physio will work with you to explain the way the muscles and bones of your body function together. They will use a range of techniques to heal your injury, and will prescribe exercises that you can do in your own time to reduce the risk of the injury occurring again. Physiotherapists often don't work alone, but instead may consult with your GP to ensure they create a wide reaching treatment plan that effectively meets your needs.
What will my physio do?
When you attend physiotherapy, your physio will initially spend some time taking a health history from you. They will gather all of the details that led to your injury or condition, and may also rely on scans of your body or case notes from your doctor. After understanding your condition your physio will begin to treat it, using a range of techniques including massage and manipulation, before educating you on the ways to maintain the healthiest and most pain free range of movement that you can.
Ultimately, your physiotherapist will work with you to restore and maintain the health and optimum movement of your body, so that you can live your best life. So what are you waiting for?
