WHEN TO VISIT A PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Everyone encounters aches and pains, whether it's a nagging ache after working out or stiff joints caused by arthritis. While most are transient and temporary, and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, some types of pain or restricted movement may necessitate evaluation and treatment by a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy is a branch of the medical profession that evaluates, diagnoses, and treats an array of physical conditions and illnesses. Physiotherapy helps people of all ages enhance their mobility, strength, and flexibility, as well as reduce pain.
Chronic or recurring pain:
- A physiotherapist may evaluate your condition, provide a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan to help you recover and manage your pain if you have recently sustained an injury or are experiencing persistent pain in your muscles, joints, or bones. To alleviate pain, they may employ a variety of approaches such as stretching, massage, and exercise.
- If you have been injured, you should expect to be in pain until the affected tissue recuperates entirely. However, in some cases, the pain may recur after a period of time, and this recurring pain becomes chronic. Following a thorough examination, he or she can devise a rehabilitation programme that includes targeted exercise and rest, ensuring that your problem is permanently resolved.
Sports injuries:
- A physiotherapist may aid you retrieve from sports-related injuries, forestall future injuries, and optimise your performance if you are an athlete or take part in sports activities. They can create tailored exercise routines, apply sports taping, advise on proper technique, and advise on injury prevention strategies. They can design a rehabilitation program personalized for your unique needs in order to help you restore strength and mobility and avoid future injury.
Balance and Mobility Issues:
- If you notice an impact in your flexibility or mobility, as well as a lack of smoothness in your movements, you should see a physiotherapist. If you're having trouble climbing up stairs, reaching for things, or bending over, a physiotherapist can address these issues by identifying which areas of the body are affected and designing an exercise programme to improve strength and coordination.
- A physiotherapist can evaluate the situation and recommend stretches to strengthen the tissues and relax the muscles, which will help with flexibility.
Pre & Post surgical care:
- In some cases, physiotherapy can help alleviate or eradicate pain completely, eliminating the need for surgery. If surgery is unavoidable, physiotherapy prior to the procedure will aid in your recovery. A physiotherapist can help you improve your strength, mobility, and flexibility before and after surgery, which will speed up your recovery.
- A physiotherapist can help you with your post-operative rehabilitation if you have had surgery, such as joint replacement, ligament repair, or spinal surgery. Through targeted exercises and techniques, they can assist you in regaining mobility, strength, and function.
Stroke/Neurological impacts:
- If a stroke impacts the part of the brain that controls movement, a patient might suffer weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, as well as movement problems. Physiotherapists are vitally important for every patient's recovery after a stroke. They will recommend appropriate exercises and a treatment plan. A stroke victim might need extensive physiotherapy to learn mobility and flexibility skills. A physiotherapist can provide guidance on what supports should be used, exercises to be performed, and the amount of stress that can be tolerated.
- These are some of the most common symptoms and conditions that suggest you should see a physiotherapist. If you encounter any of these symptoms, don't put off seeing a professional because early intervention can help hinder further complications. It is pertinent to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and you may have more compelling reasons to see a physiotherapist depending on the circumstances at hand. If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your situation, you should seek advice from a healthcare professional or your primary care physician.
