Physical therapists assist those suffering from pain or injuries to return to doing what they enjoy. They can provide hands-on treatments, teach exercises, and offer advice on lifestyle modifications.
Physiotherapy has undergone a sea change over the last couple of decades. Many new roles being filled by physiotherapists are cutting-edge and address an unmet social need.
What to expect
Physiotherapy is a health profession specialising in physical rehabilitation, injury prevention and overall wellness.
Patients often seek an advanceallied.com/physio-mawson-lakes physio Mawson Lakes physiotherapist when experiencing pain or other symptoms. Usually, they have been referred by their doctor or another healthcare professional.
At your first appointment with your physiotherapist, they will initially assess your problem. At this appointment, they take a comprehensive history and perform a physical examination to identify what’s causing your discomfort and suggest the most effective treatment options. They may also order imaging (like x-rays or MRI scans) to further aid in making a diagnosis.
At your first session, you may be asked to take off some clothing that could restrict movement or cause pain. It can be especially beneficial if there are issues in the lower back, hips, legs or shoulders.
Once the clothing has been removed, your physiotherapist will evaluate you to identify the nature of your problem and suggest an effective treatment. It includes testing balance, mobility, and strength and taking stock of joints, muscles and tendons.
Treatment
An advanceallied.com/physio-mawson-lakes physio Mawson Lakes physiotherapist is a healthcare professional that treats physical issues such as pain, injury and disability. They possess advanced training in many treatment techniques and are adept at considering the patient’s lifestyle and medical history when providing care.
Physiotherapy can assist in managing and treating an injury, illness or chronic condition, improving function and movement so you can get back to doing what matters most to you. They may also educate you about the underlying causes of your problems and how best to avoid them in the future.
Your physiotherapist will assess your needs and create a care plan tailored to those requirements. It may include exercises, manual therapy, education or other methods. They’ll also assist in setting objectives and creating an organised timeline for treatment.
They may refer you to other healthcare professionals, such as doctors or surgeons. They are available in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, or your home.
A physiotherapist may use massage, heat/cold therapies, acupuncture or hydrotherapy to help you feel better. In addition, they will typically recommend specific exercises to enhance strength and flexibility, reduce pain and promote healthy living.
Orthopaedic physiotherapists, or physiatrists, can treat conditions like back and neck pain, sports injuries, joint immobility and tendon/ligament issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, they specialise in rehabilitating people after surgery or recovering from an accident.
They may work in hospitals, private practices or social services and typically possess a background in allied health professions like osteopathy, kinesiology and acupuncture. Furthermore, they often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and occupational therapists.
Some physiotherapists use electrical stimulation to relieve pain around the site of an injury or from exercise-induced soreness. Ultrasound can also detect and address areas of weakness or stiffness in the body, particularly in the lower limbs.
Physiotherapy is a science-driven profession that strives to maximise your quality of life and movement potential. It draws from movement sciences, evaluates someone’s functional status, and considers individual differences in health.
Follow-up
At your next physiotherapy clinic appointment, take stock of your current health status and assess progress with your treatment plan. Your PT may suggest changes to lifestyle, work schedule, or other aspects of daily living to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.
A qualified therapist will ensure all your medical records are organised and keep track of any treatments or medications received to date. It allows them to monitor progress and tailor your tailored treatment plan.
Finally, your therapist should take the time to explain how best to maximise the benefit of their treatments and provide you with tools to aid recovery. They might even have some creative ideas for you to try at home for faster healing and a pain-free lifestyle.
Make sure your patients have access to take-home resources such as brochures and pamphlets at their leisure. Not only will this foster a positive patient-therapist relationship, but it will also enable you to provide the highest quality service for current and potential clients.