6 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Physiotherapists
By Kate Kyme - Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a couch potato, you can benefit from seeing a skilled, experienced Physiotherapist. That said, you don’t need to be injured to get assessed and treated by a Physiotherapist. They help in several ways to improve physical function, performance and quality of life, as well as managing existing conditions.
‘For most types of muscle or joint pain, a physiotherapist may be better placed to assist you.’
#1 You can see a physiotherapist before your GP or surgeon
Physiotherapists are perfectly placed to objectively assess and evaluate the severity of injuries, and will refer back to a GP or another health professional when appropriate. For most types of muscle or joint pain, a physiotherapist may be better placed to assist you. Often we are unaware of existing muscle imbalances until a point where they elicit pain and discomfort. Imbalances develop from sustained poor posture (too much sitting) or chronic overuse of the same muscles. Repetitive movements such as mousing/keyboarding can lead to elbow pain (aka ‘tennis elbow’). Marathon runners perform the same repetitive movements over and over again, which can lead to an irritation in their iliotibial bands. Physiotherapists are able to assess the muscles for any imbalances and provide a plan to improve or optimise function.
#2 Rehabilitation from injury is a ‘joint’ effort
It may come as a huge surprise, but physiotherapists are not miracle workers (as much as we would like to be - 😆). So, if you’re not serious about getting rid of your pain then physiotherapy is really not for you. Honestly it takes a bit of work, sometimes a quite a lot, on your part to facilitate the rehabilitation process. You will be rewarded for your hard work though, as this almost guarantees you’ll get the best outcome in the shortest possible time!
‘…you need to get off the treatment table to ensure your body can do the things you want it to do.’
#3 You’re never too old for homework!
Unless you intend to camp out at your physiotherapist’s clinic, you will be given homework exercises to complete. This helps you to get the most out of each session, and means you can get rid of your pain faster so you return to living a life that you love, enjoy and deserve.
#4 Rehab doesn’t finish on the treatment table
Soft tissue therapy, mobilisations, and massages are important parts of treatment. However, in order to complete your rehabilitation you need to get off the treatment table to ensure your body can do the things you want it to do, pain-free, without causing compensations elsewhere in the body. This means your physiotherapist has to challenge your movements and your ability to produce and absorb appropriate forces. Further assessments will let us know you’re ‘ready’ to return to your normal activities without unnecessary risk of another injury.
‘Some physiotherapists are trained in using a battery of assessments to help identify injury risk.’
#5 You don’t have to be in pain to see a physiotherapist.
Some physiotherapists are trained in using a battery of assessments and screening tools to help identify injury risk. This may be your risk of getting an injury or your risk of falling (a particular worry as you get older). If you’re starting a new exercise programme, going to the gym for the first time, starting your next season of sport, starting to have problems going up and down the stairs or just walking, then this sort of assessment can help you.
#6 Physiotherapists vs Surgeons (Ding! Ding!…round one! )
Non-surgical or ‘conservative’ treatment options for musculoskeletal problems should almost always be considered before surgery. It is imperative to find out the ‘WHY’ behind the need to have surgery in the first place. In our combined 40+ years of experience, it’s because of a previous injury somewhere else on the body that has not been sufficiently rehabilitated leading to excessive ‘wear and tear’ on a joint, increased strain on muscles and tendons, and ultimately the pain you are now experiencing. In some cases surgery still has to take place, but the answer to the ‘WHY’ still needs addressing to minimise the risk of secondary or tertiary issues manifesting over time (this can be weeks, months, years or even decades later).
Look for blog posts to follow ranging in topics from general fitness, strength training and CrossFit to knee problems,
reasons why people are in pain and why I don't recommend over-stretching the hip flexors.
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