Physiotherapists are experts in the structure and function of the body and use their knowledge to effectively treat a wide variety of health conditions. While most know physiotherapists play an important role in the management of the athletic population, physiotherapists also play a major role in the care and performance of the general population. Physiotherapists are trained to help anyone affected by injury, illness or disability through education, manual therapy, movement and exercise.
Types of Physiotherapy Services
Physiotherapists are trained in a wide variety of clinical areas (much more than just musculoskeletal) and can undergo specialty training to treat specific conditions. Various fields of physiotherapy include;
- Musculoskeletal
- Orthopaedic
- Paediatric
- Neurological
- Respiratory
- Vestibular
- Women’s and Men’s Health
- Sports physiotherapy
- Geriatrics
- And more!
Why should I visit a Physiotherapist?
There are many, many reasons why it may be beneficial to see a physiotherapist. Discussed below are some of the more common reasons why people visit a physiotherapist.
- Injury prevention – Prevention is better than cure and physiotherapists are experts at helping you reduce your risk of injury. Physiotherapists will take the time to evaluate your history, clinical presentation and goals. They will then observe how your body moves, hunt down any problems and identify impairments that need addressing. From here, physiotherapists will help you achieve your goals and prevent injury through education, postural retraining, training specific movement patterns, improving strength and flexibility and so much more! So, before you try the latest fitness craze or run your first marathon, check in with a physiotherapist about how to get you there safely.
- Alleviate pain and injury management – Whether this be acute pain from spraining your ankle playing soccer or chronic pain that doesn’t seem to go away, physiotherapists can help. Through education, manual therapy and tailored graduated exercise programs to develop strength, endurance and flexibility, a physiotherapist can positively impact your quality of life.
- Exercise prescription – Physiotherapists are experts in muscular health and overall wellbeing. They are able to create individualised exercise programs focussing on strength, mobility, endurance and power all while taking into consideration specific illnesses or injuries you may have. Regardless of your illness or injury, physiotherapists will teach you ways to maximise performance, enhance participation and improve physical and mental health.
- Postural retraining – If you are suffering from constant headaches, nagging pain and injuries and reduced performance, it may be time to work on your posture. Poor posture has been shown to be one to the biggest contributors to pain and injury. Physiotherapists are trained to help by providing education regarding correct posture, providing exercise to strengthen postural muscles and correct work ergonomics which could be causing your pain during the 9-5 grind.
- Management of a medical condition or post-surgery – Chronic fatigue, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, respiratory conditions, limb reconstructions and post amputation are just some of the conditions physiotherapist are trained to treat. While many doctors provide you with medications to help, physiotherapists treat holistically and take into consideration, biological, physical, emotional, mental and social aspects in order to maximise overall health and happiness. Not only can physiotherapist improve your function physically through manual therapy and exercise, they can also teach you strategies to better self-manage your conditions and improve participation in the activities you love to do.
- During pregnancy and post-natal – The female body undergoes a variety of changes and stresses during pregnancy and child birth. A women’s health physiotherapist is trained to guide you through this process safely. Abdominal separation, pelvic floor muscle weakness or tears, bladder and bowel issues, incontinence, caesareans and safe return to daily activities and exercise are just some of the problems a qualified physiotherapist can help you with.
When should I see a Physiotherapist?
It is often hard to know when the right time is to visit a physiotherapist. However, we do know the longer a problem persists, the longer it takes to resolve. So, seeing a physiotherapist before an issue arises or just as it is starting to get you down is ideal (don’t suffer in silence, not matter how big or small!).
The following points may be useful as a guide;
- If your pain is mechanical and made worse with certain movements or activities.
- If your pain is not improving or is worsening.
- If your pain is chronic.
- If your pain or injury is preventing you from enjoying activities you used to participate in.
- If you want guidance on how best to approach rehabilitation or start a new activity.
- If you want to improve overall health and wellbeing.
If you would like to learn more about how a visiting physiotherapist could benefit you, the physiotherapists at Back In Motion Como would love to help!
Website: https://www.backinmotion.com.au/como
Phone Number: 9313 3414