Ten Common Myths and Facts about Physiotherapy That You Need To Know
Physiotherapy has become an essential component in virtually every facet of healthcare. There are numerous myths surrounding physiotherapy. It has become stereotyped as a type of therapy only needed for muscle problems and injury management.
- Massage therapy is the sole purpose of physiotherapy: Massage and physiotherapy are two entirely distinct things. Massage is usually employed for relaxation, whereas physiotherapy is used to treat pain and disabilities. Soft tissue manipulation may or may not be included in physiotherapist treatment, and it is frequently a minor, if not non-existent, adjunct to overall treatment.
- Physiotherapy only treats sports injuries: People contend that physiotherapists merely treat sports injuries or work with sports teams. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, can be used to treat a wide range of people suffering from illnesses such as neurological conditions, pediatric conditions, geriatric conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, and so on.
- Physiotherapists only deal with Muscle Pain: Physiotherapy is a wide-ranging health care practice that promotes mobility, health, and wellness while aiding in preventing injury and pain. Physiotherapy can help with an assortment of issues, including joint pains, disc problems, arthritic joints, joint stiffness, scoliosis, nerve problems, tendon problems, foot problems, headaches, vertigo, women's health issues such as incontinence, and neurological issues such as balance and coordination problems.
- Physiotherapists are unable to diagnose patients: Physiotherapists make very early diagnosis of illness. They use manual diagnostic tests to examine sensation, muscle imbalances, bone conditions, postural issues, and many other conditions. Consequently, they have the necessary training to make a diagnosis.
- Physiotherapists only provide exercises: Exercise can be a key component of a physiotherapy treatment plan. However, exercises are not the only treatment that a physiotherapist provides; other techniques are used to create tailored treatment plans. Electrotherapy such as TENS, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, and so on, as well as manual therapy such as joint mobilizations, deep tissue massage, trigger point release, taping, acupuncture, postural education, postural advice, and so on.
- Surgery is the last/only option: Physiotherapy is a non-surgical treatment process that aims to improve the patient's health through alleviating pain, improving movement, and regaining functionality. Physiotherapy has been demonstrated to be as effective as surgery in treating degenerative disc conditions, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and meniscal tears. As a result, surgery is not the only option. In many cases, physiotherapy produces excellent results and thus avoids surgery for a variety of conditions.
- Patients can handle physiotherapy on their own: Some people believe that physiotherapy is not cost effective. They believe they can carry out the exercise themselves and achieve the same results.
- A physiotherapy clinic is simply a gym: Physiotherapy clinics typically work for patients, whereas gyms are for people who need to exercise. Therapeutic exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist are not the same as those taught by a gym trainer, and no gym trainer can teach therapeutic exercises to a patient. Because physiotherapists must keep their patients fit, their clinics should have fitness equipment as well.
- Patient requires a referral to see a physiotherapist: this is not the case. Physiotherapists are qualified professionals who can figure out whether a patient needs medical attention or just physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can examine, access, diagnose, and plan a treatment protocol for a patient. As a result, the patient can seek physiotherapy treatment without first consulting with a doctor.
- Physiotherapy is a branch of orthopaedics:This is one of the most prevalent misunderstandings about physiotherapy, and it is untrue. Physiotherapy is important in orthopaedics, but it is not a branch of orthopaedics. Physiotherapists can treat patients from a variety of specialties, including orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology, paediatrics, and geriatrics.
Physiotherapists have specialised knowledge in physiotherapy and comprehend the anatomy and nervous system of the body better than the patient. They study everything about physiotherapy for many years and learn a lot. So, when physiotherapists treat patients, they have a lot of knowledge to rely on to figure out the simplest intervention and how to perform a specific exercise. People of all ages may get assistance from physiotherapy to stay fit and healthy. It is one-of-a-kind and treats a wide range of ailments. Physiotherapy has been a lifesaver for many people, allowing them to improve their quality of life as well as their mental, emotional, physical, and social functioning.
