What Is Physiotherapy, and 5 Ways It Can Benefit You

5 Common Questions About Physiotherapy

If you have been experiencing some form of body aches or pain recently, you may have been to see the doctor and been advised to go for physiotherapy. You may have wondered what physiotherapy is, and how it can help you. In this article, we will explain and discuss some common

questions about physiotherapy to help you have a better understanding of how physiotherapy can help you

Is physiotherapy only just exercises?

Although exercises are an important part of physiotherapy management, there are also a variety of treatment options that a physiotherapist may use, such as manual therapy to improve muscle and joint related discomfort, movement correction to help with painful activities, and the use of heat or electrical treatment to reduce pain.

Physiotherapists are trained to assess and identify movement, physical and lifestyle impairments that may be the root causes of the symptoms. A physiotherapist will explain to you the causes of your symptoms so that you have a better understanding of the condition, and also work with you to come up with a personalised management plan that targets the underlying causes of the symptoms.

I heard that you only need physiotherapy if you need rehabilitation, or have a serious injury. Is that true?

This is a common misunderstanding. Although physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation and recovery after an operation, or serious injury, it can also benefit those who have not underwent surgery.

One key role that physiotherapy can play is in injury prevention. As we progress through different life stages and lifestyles, our body may experience different stresses and strains, whether it be from lack of movement, or excessive load from over usage. By addressing lifestyle factors, improving underlying muscle weakness or incorrect movement mechanics, physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of injuries occurring.

As physiotherapy involves conditioning and strengthening the body, it can also help with sports and daily activities. Through a graduated program that improves muscle function, control and flexibility, physiotherapy can enhance your physical performance, whether it be running, gym exercises, or carrying your grandchild.

Physiotherapy is also very effective in improving pain symptoms. There are different physiotherapy treatments that can help muscle, joint or nerve related pain. Some common conditions that respond well to physiotherapy include back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain and headaches. Early physiotherapy treatment can help prevent the development of chronic and persistent pain.

Is it meant for the elderly?

Physiotherapy can be beneficial for older adults by improving their strength, as well as balance and coordination through a variety of exercises, which help reduce risks of falls and de-conditioning. Research has shown that older adults demonstrate improved mobility, report increased

independence and better quality of life with a graduated strengthening and balance program.

However, physiotherapy can be of benefit to people of all ages, whether it be managing pain, injury recovery or simply improving overall health and performance.

I’m already doing regular exercise. Why do I need to see a physiotherapist?

First of all, well done on taking the initiative to keep fit and healthy! A physiotherapist can help analyse how the exercises are done and identify any incorrect or ineffective movement. When doing exercises, it is not uncommon to use compensatory movement when the target muscles are not strong enough. Not only is this ineffective as the target muscles are not working as they should, this also results in movement patterns that may cause excessive load and strain elsewhere. A physiotherapist will be able to help you identify and correct compensatory movements so that you can develop better control and strength when doing your exercises.

Does physiotherapy take a long time to see results?

The recovery time for each individual varies, depending on the presenting condition, as well as the health and lifestyle of each person. Many people experience significant improvements in their symptoms within a few sessions. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to come up with a management plan that is tailored to your goals and needs to ensure optimal results.

In short, physiotherapy is an effective treatment that seeks to improve physical movement, performance and well-being. By assessing how the body moves, physiotherapy aims to improve symptoms by targeting the root causes and impairments to achieve long-term results. If you are looking for help to reduce pain, recover faster or improve overall health, feel free to contact our team of dedicated therapists at info@prophysio.com.sg or 6581 9688.