The 5 things you need to know about Physiotherapy

Have you ever wondered…. What is physiotherapy?  What does a physiotherapist do? Will physiotherapy help me? How? Many times doctors refer their patients to “physiotherapy” to recover from an injury, after a surgery, if they have weakness, or maybe just to get stronger and have more balance. 

I have worked as a Physiotherapist for 5 years and I have experience treating thousands of  patients from children to seniors.  Many of my patients are surprised when I talk to them about various settings and roles that physiotherapists play in the recovery process. Today through this blog we will try to answer these top 5 questions people have about physiotherapy: 

1. What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a regulated health care profession.  Physiotherapy is treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient’s mobility, function, and wellbeing.  Physiotherapy helps through physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness.  (https://collegept.org)   Physiotherapy is delivered by a physiotherapist or physical therapist who promotes your health and wellbeing by looking at your lifestyle and builds a treatment plan accordingly. As every patient is unique, so is the treatment tailored to their needs and function is unique too.  

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists have undergraduate and master’s degrees from a recognized university.  They  have knowledge about the human body and function, they have hands-on skills to assess and diagnose an injury or disability. Physiotherapists believe that movement is medicine, and it can have a positive effect on your physical and mental wellbeing. 

2. What conditions do physiotherapists treat?

• Neck pain/vertigo
• Frozen shoulder
• Rotator cuff tear
• Wrist injuries
• Post fractures
• Low back pain
• Neurological conditions like stroke, brain injuries
• Sciatica 
• Post hip/knee surgeries
• Ankle & Foot injuries
• Balance issues and many more…

3. What are the benefits of physiotherapy?

• Decreases pain
• Improves mobility and function
• Avoid surgery
• Manage chronic conditions
• Improve balance and gait
• Rehabilitation of joint and muscle function
• Recover from post sports injury and many more…

4. Where  do physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists work with every age group. They work autonomously or in a multi-disciplinary team with other health care professionals to deliver best care to patients. You can find physiotherapists working in private clinics, public funded clinics, retirement homes, hospitals and also provide in-home treatment to patients who cannot visit the clinic. They specialize in Sports physiotherapy Orthopedics, Neurology, Pediatric, Cardiorespiratory and Women’s health

5. What should I expect from a physiotherapy session?

At your first appointment you will be asked many questions about your past medical history, any surgeries, any injuries, any medications and any other diagnoses that you may have.  Then your physiotherapist will start your physical assessment by looking at your area of injury, moving your body in certain ways to test range of movement and strength. Then he/she may do some special tests to help decide what may be causing your pain.  If you are healthy and need help with improving your strength or balance for a sport – then you will be asked to do some actual exercises so the physiotherapist can watch how your body performs.  After all this information your physiotherapist will write down a “plan of care” – this will tell you exactly what you will be working on, what kinds of treatments are best for you, and how long it will take for you to reach your unique treatment goals..

If you are suffering from pain or have difficulty in any of your functional activities make an appointment with your friendly neighborhood Physiotherapist and/or Chiropractor in Richmond Hill at 16th Avenue Chiropractic and Physiotherapy.

Call us 905-709-7147 

Email us  info@chirophysio16th.com

Frequently asked questions:

Question: Do I need physiotherapy only if I am injured?

Answer: Physiotherapy can not only help you if you have an injury or disability, it can also help you in training for competition or helping in the recovery process post high impact sports. Physiotherapy can also help you if you are dealing with an acute or chronic injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with pain and decreased mobility.

Question: Are there any side-effects of physiotherapy?

Answer: Physiotherapy sessions may involve manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and mobilizing joints and muscles so it’s common to feel soreness or fatigue but it shouldn’t hurt.

Question: How many times a week should I see a physiotherapist?

Answer: Well, depending on the condition and nature of injury and your response to therapy the sessions are decided. For acute injuries you might require 3-4 times a week and for chronic conditions you may require 2 sessions a week.