8 Physical Conditions When You Need To See a Physiotherapist
In the modern-day scenario, where an increasing number of people face several health challenges even at a very young age, ranging from orthopaedic issues to cardiovascular problems and neurological disorders, there is a huge need for physiotherapy. There is often a misconception amongst many of us that physiotherapy is usually done to treat only bone and muscle related problems or disorders and involves treatment comprising exercises and heat waves. But there is a lot more to physiotherapy than meets the eye.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is an allied medical service or treatment method that involves the science of movement and assists in restoring, maintaining and maximising the strength, function, movement and overall well-being of patients affected with various disorders and illnesses. It involves physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, health and fitness. The uniqueness of this treatment is that physiotherapists get you involved in your own recovery.
The terms “physical therapy” and “physiotherapy” mean the same and are used interchangeably, and so are the terms “physiotherapist” and “physical therapist.”
Who Are Physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists have an in-depth knowledge of how the body works and are academically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat symptoms of illness, injury and disability. They work in close coordination with other healthcare professionals to provide the right kind of service to the patient in order to meet his or her specific healthcare needs.
What Are the Different Sub-Specialties of Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy has evolved to a great extent, and there are different sub-specialities in physiotherapy that enable condition specific treatment in a very effective manner. The following are the different sub-specialities:
- Orthopaedic physiotherapy / Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Neurological physiotherapy
- Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy
- Pediatric physiotherapy
- Geriatric physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation and Pain Management
Physical Conditions That May Necessitate Seeing a Physiotherapist
The conditions that may necessitate or should alert you to see a physiotherapist are varied. It helps to be aware of these so that there is no delay in getting the right assistance.
The 8 physical conditions that require you to see a physiotherapist are:
Post-surgery Rehabilitation
If you have undergone a major surgery, you may require post-surgery rehabilitation to manage post-surgical consequences such as pain, reduced strength, reduced range of movement, swelling, balance and coordination problems as in the case of orthopaedic surgeries; breathing difficulties, pain, reduced mobility, postural problems, etc., as in cardiac surgeries; weakness, decreased mobility, postural problems, loss of sensation, muscle shortening, etc., in the case of neurological surgeries; and pain, breathing difficulties, continence problems, reduced mobility in the case of abdominal surgeries.
Pain Due to Injury
If you experience persistent pain after an injury, then it is time for you to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists are experts in tracing the source of the pain and treating it accordingly. They will look for areas of weakness or stiffness that may be causing stress to injury areas and treat those areas.
Sports Injury
Sports injury treatment and rehabilitation have become a specialised branch of medicine in recent years due to the increasing popularity of sports. Physiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of sports injuries.
Joint or Muscle Pain
Joint pain or muscle pain most often may be inconveniencing and limit your ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. Severe joint pain may affect your quality of life and is usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees and spine.
If you experience constant or on and off pain, or a burning, throbbing or grating sensation in your joints, or when you have stiffness in your joints in the morning that improves with movement and activity, and if the first line of treatment such as topical applications, medications, weight loss, etc., are not effective in easing the pain, then it is high time you visit your physiotherapist. Physiotherapy, with its balanced fitness program, may gradually help ease pain and improve flexibility.
Idiopathic Pain or Pain of Unknown Aetiology
If you experience pain of unknown cause or when the source of pain cannot be ruled out, it is called idiopathic pain. For example, some people may have idiopathic neck or shoulder pain lasting more than 3 months without any specific cause. In such cases, you should see your healthcare provider or physiotherapist.
Pain or Condition That Interferes with Your Day-to-Day Activities
Chronic pain that lasts more than 3-6 months may be linked to arthritis, cancer, or sometimes no identifiable illness. Physiotherapists use a variety of skills to support people with chronic pain and improve their quality of life.
Balance Problems
Loss of balance or unsteadiness may be due to vestibular issues, nerve problems, joint, muscle or vision problems, or neurological disorders. Physiotherapists specially trained in balance issues can design customised retraining exercises.
Rehabilitation Following a Neurological Condition Such As Stroke or Injury
A stroke can cause paralysis and mobility issues. The physiotherapist plays an indispensable role in stroke rehabilitation and works with the patient on positioning, mobilisation, balance, gait and mobility.
Physiotherapists in a specialist role
Physiotherapists, apart from traditional roles, can be trained in specialist roles like:
- In GP surgery, they work as First Contact Practitioners – assessing and triaging patients to support the GP workload.
- Physiotherapists in Pain management clinics perform complex assessments and specialist treatment like spinal and joint injections.
- Physiotherapists with prescribing skills are able to prescribe pain medications (except some controlled medications) and even antibiotics,
- Physiotherapists also work in Accident & Emergency units alongside other professionals to reduce the waiting time.
- Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic departments can perform complex assessments and are qualified to refer patients for diagnostics like X-ray and MRI scans, and perform specialist corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid joint injections.
How to Choose the Right Physiotherapy Clinic?
- Choose a physiotherapy clinic that adopts a holistic approach to treat overall body health and has a wide range of treatment methods available.
- Go for the one which has a highly experienced and skilled team capable of dealing with different types of injuries and physical conditions.
- Offers personalised treatment plans
A clinic such as Physios ‘R’ Us offers comprehensive care through a team of experienced physiotherapists across various sub-specialities.
FAQs About Physiotherapy
Q. What is physiotherapy and how does it work?
Physiotherapy focuses on movement, recovery, and pain relief. It helps restore strength and function after injury, illness, or surgery.
Q. When to see a physiotherapist?
You should see a physiotherapist if you experience joint pain or muscle pain, mobility problems, recovery needs after surgery, sports injuries, or neurological disorders.
Q. How do I know if I need physiotherapy?
If pain, stiffness, or weakness is affecting your daily life, or if you are struggling to recover after an injury, surgery, or illness, you may benefit from physiotherapy.
Q. Can a physiotherapist diagnose conditions?
Yes. Physiotherapists are trained to assess, identify, and diagnose a wide range of physical conditions, and they can also refer you for scans or specialist care if needed.
Q. What conditions can be treated by your physio?
Physiotherapists treat many conditions, including sports injuries, back and neck pain, arthritis, post-surgery recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and chronic pain management.
Q. What is orthopaedic physiotherapy used for?
Orthopaedic physiotherapy treats musculoskeletal problems such as fractures, sprains, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Trusted Physiotherapy Clinics in Kent
We help physiotherapists across Ashford, Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney to help with Musculoskeletal and Neurological Conditions. Whether you’re experiencing joint pain or muscle pain, recovering from surgery, or in need of orthopaedic physiotherapy, our team is here to help.
- Same-week appointments
- One-to-one, hands-on treatment
- Fully qualified, experienced physiotherapists
- Clinics across Kent
Book Your Appointment Today
Call us: 01303 487200
Book online: https://physiosrus.selectandbook.com/c/default.aspx
Visit us: Ashford | Folkestone | Hythe | New Romney
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/physiotherapy/
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Physiotherapy-Types.aspx
https://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/physiotherapy/post-surgical-rehabilitation.php
