No one ever wants to live with pain. However, sometimes things happen to you that you don’t expect.
For example, have you ever lifted a heavy box, only to regret it later when your back started to spasm? Or maybe you were showing off your skills on your skates, and a fancy maneuver left you with a ligament tear in your knee?
You endure bodily pain for days and weeks, you can’t move very well and you wish these pains can go away so you can get back to your normal activity.
This is when a physiotherapist can become your best friend.
What Is A Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is a licensed medical professional who is trained in helping people suffering from pain, loss of function or limited mobility gain the ability to move again without a lot of pain.
Physiotherapists not only help the injured, but they provide support to people at any age whose movements are affected by a number of reasons like natural aging, illnesses, weight problems, and various health conditions.
What Happens When I See The Physiotherapist?
During your first visit, the physiotherapist will take your medical history and find out what caused your pain. They’ll ask you questions about your lifestyle, your work and activity level.
The therapist will do a full assessment of your condition or injury. They will run through a physical assessment to determine your mobility, function and the tests to identify the structures involved. All this information will allow the physiotherapist to give you a diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan.
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Based on the physiotherapists assessment, you’ll be given a customized treatment program and discuss the details of these recommendations. Whether your injury is the result of a sports accident, repetitive strain, workplace injury, a motor-vehicle accident or just general aches and pains, a good physio will develop a plan specific to your needs.
Some of the treatments that you might receive in-house can include massage/ soft tissue release, guided stretches and exercises, joint mobilization/manipulation, acupuncture or dry needling.
You’ll also receive a set of exercises or movements to do at home in-between visits. These exercises are not optional. They help in strengthening your muscles, increasing your flexibility, and improving your range of motion so you can get back to normal activity as quickly as possible.
Total Body Health
A physiotherapist looks at health for the whole body. Physical therapy is just part of it. They may also provide advice and guidance on the well-being of the mind, as well as the body. They can educate you on healthy living, prevention of injury and empower you how to manage symptoms outside of the clinic.
The physiotherapist’s goal is to help you achieve good health so you can live your life to the fullest in work, life and play.
If you have any pain or limited movement in your muscles, bones, or joints, you don’t have to suffer. Contact a licensed physiotherapist and start your road to recovery. With some hard work and commitment from you, you will be back to living life pain-free.