If you’ve ever suffered an injury or had an illness that has impacted your ability to carry out daily tasks or to move around in general, then you might have also been referred to a physiotherapist. Also called a physical therapist, a physiotherapist will work with patients in order to help them manage balance, mobility, pain, and motor function. Being able to move around normally once again is a testament to the importance of health care providers in our lives.
Finding a good physiotherapist to help you with your injuries is very important. You can check out physiotherapy in Sydney and get more information, or you can search locally instead. Just keep in mind the importance of trusting your doctor.
Physiotherapy can help in many ways
What does a physiotherapist do?
A physiotherapist will work with you to develop programs that are tailored to your needs, and that will aim to restore as much functional ability and movement as possible. Physiotherapists are trained to help patients at all stages of life, and they can help improve functions and movement issues that are impacted by:
- Health conditions
- Environmental factors
- Weight issues
There are many methods that your physiotherapist might apply to your particular case. However, they mostly tend t your problems by prescribing, showing, and helping you do certain exercises, massing muscles, manipulating your joints, using muscle stimulation devices, stretching muscles… etc.
What conditions do physiotherapists treat?
- Neurological – such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathy, cerebral palsy, concussion, stroke, vertigo…
- Chronic conditions – such as diabetes, asthma, obesity, high blood pressure…
- Orthopedic – such as back pain, foot conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee conditions, sciatica, arthritis…
- Autoimmune – Raynaud’s syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
When you should visit your physiotherapist?
Preventing injuries – did you know that athletes tend to be quite in tune with their physiotherapists, even if many of us physiotherapists are foreign. Physiotherapists do not only specialize in treating injuries and illnesses, they are also here to help prevent or reduce the risk of injuries.
General pain – if you are experiencing pain and you don’t really know where it comes from, you might be referred to a physiotherapist. There are many conditions that cause generalized pain, and physiotherapists know how to help you deal with that.
How is your posture? – one of the most common reasons we feel pain is our posture. A lot of people today have very bad posture, and we do not pay much attention to that. Physiotherapists can help you work on your posture, especially if it is causing a lot of discomfort and pain.
Stretching is important! – many people think that just because they have a desk job, does not mean that they have to be active. Getting in shape is not the only reason you need to be active since prolonged periods of sitting in the same position and not moving can bring a lot of pain due to the tightness of certain muscle groups.
Recovery from surgery – in case you’ve had a surgery that was complicated and the recovery is extensive, you might be referred to a physiotherapist to help you heal properly.
Disease management – there are many diseases that cannot be cured, but instead, have to be managed. In this case, you would be referred to a physiotherapist who will create a plan that will work for your particular case.
Post-partum exercise – many people think that delivering a baby just means that you will feel pain during labor and after you are good to go. However, that is not at all the case. Sometimes, having a baby can be so stressful on the female body that you might require help from a physiotherapist to get back on your feet.
Hip and knee replacements – if you’ve gone through hip or knee replacement surgery, you will surely be recommended to a physiotherapist afterward. A physiotherapist can help you heal properly.
As you can see there are many arsons why you might have to visit a physiotherapist. But if you are still unsure of whether you should see a physiotherapist or a different doctor, you should first schedule an appointment with your general doctor. He/she will be able to refer you in the right direction to help you with any issues you might be experiencing.
Physiotherapists can help ease and deal with pain
What to expect?
First, your physiotherapist will examine your medical records, get your history, and just talk to you about your issues. After that, you are most likely going to be examined so make sure to wear comfortable clothing, and shoes with good support. You can check out Infinity Allied Healthcare for more information.
A physiotherapist can do a lot to help regain proper mobility in your body, but you also need to trust them. The therapies that are prescribed are often painful and uncomfortable, but are always worth it in the long run, after you get to see the results.