FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Physiotherapy?

There are many who do not know or understand what a physiotherapist does or in which way physiotherapy can help you. A physiotherapist is a professional in the health care department. He helps in promoting movement, restoring function and also helps in easing pain. These professionals assess the condition of the client and develop a treatment plan in accordance. This plan is unique to the specific individual.

The official physiotherapist description is that the profession’s heart is able to understand why and how function and movement take place. Physiotherapists are not only autonomous professionals but are also skilled to provide physiotherapy that is client-centered and safe. A physiotherapist works with people of different ages and can treat a number of health conditions.

What does a Physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists are important for rehabilitation, prevention and also treatment of chronic and acute conditions. A number of modalities are used by the professional for the required treatment. The treatment can include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and also mechanical devices like the tens machines and ultrasound.

What schooling do they have?

It is important that a physiotherapist graduates in a four-year program. The under-graduate program is a field related to medicine, like exercise science, kinesiology, or education and physical health. This physiotherapy program is a 2 year program of the master level. This covers a wide range of treatments and modalities. This program lays emphasis on the body’s knowledge and also functional movement.

Physiotherapists are supposed to pass the practical and written exam on graduation. This can qualify them as physiotherapist. They need to commit to education continuously to enhance their skills.

Is Physiotherapy necessary?

As mentioned, physiotherapists are dedicated to bring down the level of pain and also restore movement. Their treatments are based on practices that are based on science ad there is sufficient evidence of this working. This can treat a number of ailments without the use of medication or any invasive techniques.

Do I need a Referral from a Doctor to book an Appointment?

You do not need any referral to consult a physio. Your insurance might need a referral. You can book an appointment directly.

Is Physiotherapy painful?

Physiotherapy is considered to be absolutely safe and is not painful at all. There might be a little soreness after the treatment as physiotherapy activates the deep tissue. This soreness is only temporary. You do need some hard work to feel better.

What to expect on the First Visit?

On your first appointment a total assessment of your condition is carried out as physiotherapy treats each individual. This physical assessment includes tests on your strength, range of motions, balance and also the restrictions. Your medical reports are reviewed. It is only then, with the client, the physiotherapist sets goals that can be achieved. A full treatment plan for rehab is charted out and schedule appointments accordingly.

Is physio like a physical trainer?

Physiotherapy is in no way like a physical trainer. Besides the six years of training they have lifetime of education. They are known experts in function and movement as this is related to medical conditions that are specific. Personal trainers work alongside physiotherapists.

Is this a quick fix?

It is known that when you are in pain you need an instant cure. There are many who opt for medications that promise to eliminate the pain or look for cures that offer quick relief. With this type of treatment you need to continue with the medications, probably, for a life time. This is dangerous as you are pumping in chemicals. Physiotherapy seeks out a solution on a long-term basis. This helps in reducing the pain permanently and gradually. There are instances when you can look for immediate relief with physiotherapy.

Can physiotherapists eliminate my pain for good?

Pain is considered as a defense mechanism of the body for alerting us to a problem and restricting motion. Physiotherapy cannot eliminate all the problems related to pain. There are times you need medical interventions or even surgery. Most of the time, pain can be eliminated permanently with physiotherapy.

How long and how frequent?

As every situation is different, there are clients who do not need more than two to three visits to the physiotherapist. There are serious patients, like the ones who have a brain injury or have suffered a stroke, need to see a physiotherapist, probably, for years. Physiotherapist sets goals for the client so that they can get rid of the problem permanently.

Can I do the exercises on my own?

Physiotherapists give you a set of exercises you need to do in between the sessions. It is important to ensure you go for your sessions regularly so that your progress can be monitored. The biggest mistake people tend to make is over-looking the importance of exercises once they notice a little improvement.

I researched my condition on the internet and found some YouTube videos that promise to eliminate my pain. Should I do these exercises?

This is a dangerous step you will be taking. You do not know the real cause f the pain as this has not been assessed. The restricted motion or the area of the pain might be not related to the origin. Not many are aware that a sore knee can be due to a misaligned hip. YouTube can work well when you want to fix your car or your house.

What are Common Problems treated by Physiotherapists?

Physiotherapists are able to treat a number of ailments. There are few physiotherapists who specialize in specific areas, like back, knee, and shoulder and so on. Physiotherapists also help those who have a brain injury, stroke survivors, sports injuries and more.

What are some other things they treat?

The list of ailments that can be treated by physiotherapists is never-ending. Listed below are just a few.

Repetitive strain, golfers and tennis elbow, Carpel tunnel, tendinitis

Acquired brain injuries, neurological, Parkinson’s, concussions, spinal cord injuries, muscular sclerosis,

Muscoskeltal, knee, back, shoulder

Sports Injuries, MCL, ACL, knee, back, and concussions