Physiotherapy: Who Can Benefit, And How Can It Help?
Many people can benefit from physiotherapy. It is suitable for all ages and a wide range of health conditions. Many people use physiotherapy for rehabilitation from injury, post-surgery recovery, and musculoskeletal pain including areas such as the back, shoulder and arm., Physiotherapy can also help with pregnancy-related pain, hip and knee pain, foot pain, arthritis, tendonitis, sprains and strains.
It can also be used in the management of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
What to Expect
When you see our physiotherapists you can expect to be seen by an experienced practitioner who will make a comprehensive assessment of your concerns and put in place a suitable management plan to help with your recovery.
Reasons Why Physiotherapy Can Help You
- Physiotherapy is a non-invasive form of treatment: Physiotherapy can help to address the root cause of musculoskeletal pain as well as treat the symptoms. This can help patients avoid the need for surgery or more invasive interventions.
- Mobility and flexibility are usually improved with physiotherapy treatments, with care plans tailored to the needs of your lifestyle to give you maximum benefits using the correct exercises and manual therapy techniques.
- These therapies can be utilised by all ages and can be greatly beneficial for the older population to prevent trips and falls through improved strength and mobility and improved levels of balance.
- Effective Pain Relief: Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain through exercise, stretching, manual therapy, education, advice and self-management techniques.
- Better Flexibility and Mobility: Physiotherapy can help improve mobility and flexibility gearing you away from a sedentary life. Your care plan can be tailored to the needs of your lifestyle to give you maximum benefits using the correct exercises and manual therapy techniques.
- Injury Recovery: Our specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapists will work with you to provide a thorough rehabilitation programme which will help you restore full function as soon as possible. It will help strengthen weak muscle groups which aids recovery. Pain and inflammation are reduced whilst maintaining cardiovascular fitness.
- Recover from or prevent a sports injury: Physiotherapy is extremely useful in preventing sports injuries as it helps to stretch and strengthen muscles leaving them in a relaxed state post-exercise which helps with muscle recovery. It can provide targeted exercises to ensure good symmetry and balance of muscles across joints.
What to Expect at Your Assessment
When you visit a physiotherapist, you can expect to have a comprehensive assessment and case history taken. You will also be put through a physical assessment. The combination of the case history and examination will determine a diagnosis. If you already have a diagnosis the physiotherapist may still carry out assessments to confirm this. Treatment can involve exercises, manual therapy and advice. Some physiotherapists may use other forms of treatment such as cupping or dry needling to optimise the benefits.
What is physiotherapy treatment?
Physiotherapy treatment is a manual therapy using multiple techniques including soft tissue release, stretches, strengthening, mobilisation and joint manipulation. Physiotherapy includes a range of treatments, including hands-on therapy in addition to education and advice to help with illness, injury, disability and chronic pain. It can be utilised by those who are well to help prevent illness or injury.
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession which looks at the ‘whole’ person. At the core is patient-centred care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed will depend on the reason you are visiting. Your practitioner will assess your initial visit and determine a diagnosis. Your practitioner will then be able to suggest how often you need to be seen and estimate how many sessions will be needed.
What are the needs of sports physiotherapy?
Sports physiotherapy can be used by anyone who is suffering from a sports-related injury. Sports Physiotherapy can comprise hands-on treatment, education and advice to help the person recover from an injury.
What is physiotherapy treatment at home?
Physiotherapy at home can be used when a person is struggling or unable to leave their home due to physical or mental disability. Physiotherapy in a home setting would be similar to that carried out at a clinic. However, the practitioner may use the bed or chair within the home as a tool to assist the treatment.
Common Q&A about Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals improve their physical function and mobility. It involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating physical impairments and disabilities through various techniques, including exercises, manual therapy, education, and modalities like heat and cold therapy.
Physiotherapy can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., back pain, joint pain)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain syndromes
During your first appointment, the physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment, including a medical history review, physical examination, and discussion of your symptoms and goals. Based on this information, they will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The number of physiotherapy sessions required varies based on the individual’s condition, treatment goals, and response to therapy. Your physiotherapist will provide an estimate after your initial assessment and will adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Your physiotherapist will communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure you are comfortable and adjust techniques as needed.
In many cases, you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from a doctor for coverage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider and local regulations.
Physiotherapists use various techniques, including:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Manual therapy (e.g., joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation)
- Electrotherapy (e.g., TENS, ultrasound)
- Heat and cold therapy
- Education and advice on lifestyle changes
Physiotherapy can help identify risk factors for injuries and provide education on proper body mechanics, exercise techniques, and strength training. A physiotherapist can design a personalized exercise program to improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Yes, physiotherapy can be effective in managing chronic pain. Physiotherapists assess the underlying causes of pain and develop individualized treatment plans that may include exercises, manual therapy, and education on pain management strategies.
To choose the right physiotherapist, consider factors such as:
- Their qualifications and experience
- Specializations (e.g., sports injuries, orthopedic rehabilitation)
- Treatment approach and techniques used
- Recommendations from healthcare providers or friends
- Accessibility and location of the clinic