Physiotherapy is not only a treatment for pain but also addresses the root cause of pain. It helps in restoring movement and function and maximising physical potential. Moreover, it is cost-effective and is a safer option to medicines which have side effects.
A physiotherapist can also help you get back to the activities you enjoy like sports and work as quickly as possible. They can prevent you from getting injured in the future by identifying bad habits and developing a program to improve your strength and coordination.
Whether you have an acute injury or chronic neck, back or shoulder problem, a physiotherapist can help you heal and overcome it. They can diagnose the condition using detailed history-taking and specific physical tests and measures. They will then use their clinical reasoning skills to establish a diagnosis and develop treatment strategies.
Some of the methods a physiotherapist might use include soft tissue techniques like stretching, myofascial release and joint mobilization. Physiotherapists can also move joints in a gliding motion to improve the joint’s mobility and control pain. They may also use tools like kinesiology tape to support the muscles and reduce swelling and inflammation. They might use heat or cold therapy, or a combination of both, to reduce stiffness and improve flexibility.
Depending on the nature of your injury, the physiotherapist will suggest exercises that target the area affected and help you move better. These exercises are designed to build up your strength and mobility so you can regain full movement without pain. During your physiotherapy sessions, the therapist learn more here may also use massage to loosen tight muscles and alleviate discomfort.
A physiotherapist will also teach you how to maintain good posture and movement to prevent further injuries. They can recommend assistive devices like walking aids, splints and braces to promote healing. They can also recommend changes to your lifestyle such as changing the way you sit or stand. They can also advise you on diet and nutrition, as well as the best type of exercise for your condition.
While some people think physiotherapy is expensive, it is actually cheaper than the costs of repeated trips to physicians, medical exams, prescription pain killers and even surgery. It is a safe, effective and drug-free approach to treating pain.
Many patients complain of fatigue and tenderness after physiotherapy sessions, but this is completely normal. This is because the sessions make your body work hard. They force your body to do things it is not used to doing, which may result in soreness or fatigue. But this is a sign that it is working, and will soon start to show results. Moreover, this tiredness will go away once your body gets used to the new movements and activities. In addition, the exercises you do will be beneficial to your health and can prevent recurrence of the pain in the long run.