Sometimes it is difficult to understand whether you need to attend a physiotherapist or your GP when suffering with pain. You may be asking yourself “what can I expect from physiotherapy?”, “can physiotherapy help me?” or “do I need to attend physiotherapy?”. A physiotherapist will be able to treat most conditions that come through their door.
Physiotherapists are movement specialists – they can treat any condition or injury that may be affecting your movement! A physiotherapist can help people reduce their pain, improve their movement, increase their strength and improve balance and proprioception.
It is important to understand what a physiotherapy can do for you. Many people attend physiotherapy with the expectation of getting some sort of “hands on” treatment, and expect that their symptoms should quickly resolve. Treatments such as massage, dry needling and joint mobilisations or manipulation can give short-term relief from symptoms, however they do not necessarily solve your problems.
These types of treatments are important to complete in addition to a well-planned, appropriate exercise plan. In fact, with many conditions, exercises are the main form of treatment, and your physiotherapist may not need to incorporate any “hands-on” treatment at all into your rehabilitation plan.
A physiotherapist will guide you on activities that aggravate your pain, they will educate you on things to avoid that may flare up your condition. They will also be able to further guide you on return to activity or exercise after you have had an injury.
Many people stop attending physiotherapy before their course of treatment is complete. Perhaps people are now pain free and believe that their rehab is complete. Sometimes people are not seeing results as quickly as they would expect and grow impatient with their progress.
It is important to be in regular communication with your physiotherapist regarding your treatment plan – they want the best for you, and to ensure this you need to give them feedback on the effects of treatment, and to discuss your frustrations or concerns, if you have any!
This will ensure better progress and results going forward! 1 or 2 physiotherapy sessions will not solve your problems, regular contact with your physiotherapist and progression of your exercises will!