By definition, physiotherapists are experts in the structure and function of the human body and its movement. Physiotherapists work with a broad range of people and conditions, ranging from those with sports and musculoskeletal injuries, to those with chronic health conditions and illnesses like stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
Here are 5 common reasons why you should pay your Physio a visit.
1 - INJURY & PAIN MANAGEMENT
Injured yourself during a weekend parkrun, a sports game, or dealing with a persistent niggle? Physiotherapists are experts in timely and accurate assessment and diagnosis of pain and injuries. With an extensive knowledge base of the human body, we can help you understand your injury and get you back to doing the things you enjoy.
A Physio management plan typically includes:
• Education - Professional guidance and instruction on what you should and shouldn’t be doing during the course of your injury.
• Treatment: Manual therapy, including massage, dry needling, and joint mobilisations, to help decrease pain and improve function in the initial phases of your injury.
• Planning: A roadmap with self-management strategies and exercises to break the cycle of injury and pain and return to optimal function.
2 - HEALTH & INJURY PREVENTION
A common misconception is that you need to be injured or in pain to see a physiotherapist. However, injury prevention is the first step in injury management.
If staying active is a priority, make a proactive choice to look after your health before pain and injury occur. You can see a physiotherapist without an injury or pain to assess your baseline mobility and strength of different joints and muscles. This enables you to work on areas of potential imbalance or weakness, prior to them becoming painful and dysfunctional.
In this regard, a Physio offers more than just hands-on treatment. Commonly, Physio clinics will also offer exercise and class options, including reformer exercise, strength and conditioning classes, and running coaching. Such classes are then tailored to suit the areas of strength and the goals that have been discussed between the individual and their physiotherapist. You may even be able to claim some Physio-led classes back through your private health fund!
3 - REHABILITATION & POST-OPERATIVE EXERCISE
Physiotherapists work collaboratively with GPs, specialists, and other allied health professionals to ensure that you don’t just return to your baseline function after injury or surgery—you surpass it.
Whether it’s returning to sport following an ACL injury or picking up your grandchild after an episode of low back pain, physiotherapists work with you to restore mobility, improve strength, and decrease the likelihood of injury recurrence.
Again, clinics are often equipped with strength and conditioning or other exercise equipment to help you rehabilitate your injury. Alternatively, you may be provided with a home program of exercises to be completed at your own gym in your own time.
4 - IMPROVE MOVEMENT PATTERNS & PERFORMANCE
You may also see a physiotherapist to improve your movement patterns and performance. Physios use range of motion testing, strength testing, and movement screens to identify areas for improvement in both general and athletic populations.
Physiotherapists use such assessment findings to plan and implement individualised exercise plans tailored to your specific goals. One on one sessions with verbal cueing and real-time feedback help you to learn to self-correct movements and get the most out of your training!
5 - HEALTHY AGEING
One of my favourite sayings about ageing is “move it or lose it.” Once you stop moving as frequently or intensely, it becomes increasingly difficult to restore both your fitness and your endurance.
Most physios are exercise enthusiasts. We want to keep you moving and doing the things you love for as long as possible. Seeing a physiotherapist is an important part of this process. We help you identify and address the activities you want to continue doing as you age and put a plan into action that is right for you.
Want to learn more about how a Physio can help? Give us a call to chat more.
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