A physiotherapist is a trained health professional who cares for people with movement or mobility difficulties or pain. Many people wonder what the purpose of physiotherapy is and why they would seek it. It is confusing to many, and they may also be hesitant regarding what to expect from this profession. If you had to ask why people go for physiotherapy, you haven’t heard of all its benefits. Learning the main reasons why people see a physiotherapist is one of the best things you can do. Here are the five main reasons why people see a physiotherapist.
1. Joint and Muscle Pain
Pain is usually one of the most common reasons that people see a physiotherapist. There are many different types of pain, including joint pain, muscle pain, and neck pain. Joint and muscle pain affect most people at some point in their lives, especially as they get older. Many different things, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and overuse injuries such as tennis elbow, can cause it. Physiotherapy can effectively help reduce pain and improve mobility by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the specific affected area. When you experience joint or muscle pain, it can be helpful to see a physiotherapist who can help diagnose the cause of your pain and create an individualized treatment plan for you.
2. Posture Problems and Back Pain
Poor posture can lead to back pain, especially when combined with long periods of sitting or standing. A physiotherapist can teach you how to improve your posture and strengthen your back muscles to experience less pain when you walk, stand, sit and lift objects. Back pain is also one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, and nerves that work together to support the weight of our body. Poor posture, repetitive movements, and injuries can cause misalignment in this delicate system and lead to back pain. Physiotherapy can help you manage chronic back pain by treating the underlying cause of your injury rather than just focusing on symptom relief.
3. Broken Bones
Bones are usually made up of different types of material. Some are harder than others, such as the shinbone and thighbone, while others are softer. The bones in your skull and spine are hard, but the ones in your arms and legs are softer. If you fall on your arm or leg, they can break easily.
Broken bones can happen when an injury bends or twists your bone out of shape. When this happens, it may be called a fracture. A fracture can be open or closed; an open fracture is one with a wound that goes through the skin, unlike a closed fracture. Whether you have broken a bone in your ankle or wrist, or your entire leg or arm, the doctor will likely send you to see a physiotherapist so that they can help you get back on your feet again. The doctor will want to ensure that your broken bones heal correctly through physiotherapy so they don’t become deformed or misshapen.
4. Injury From Sports or Work-Related Activity
Sports injuries are common and can be very serious, mainly if they occur in an area of the body that is not used to strenuous physical activity. For example, people who play tennis regularly are likely to experience tennis elbow, caused by repetitive movements against the resistance of the wrist extensors. The pain may start as soon as the injury occurs, but it will usually worsen until it becomes unbearable and stops you from playing tennis.
Work-related injuries can also be very painful and disabling. If you have been injured at work, your employer should ensure that a physiotherapist appropriately assesses your injury and that any necessary treatment is provided free of charge through physiotherapy. If your employer refuses to do this, they could break their legal obligations under health and safety legislation.
5. To Regain Strength After an Injury or Surgery
A physiotherapist is trained to help those who have experienced an injury or surgery regain strength and mobility. While doctors can prescribe physical therapy, the patient must still follow their instructions and attend the appointments on time. If someone has suffered from an injury or surgery, it can take time to regain strength and mobility, and sometimes, they will need physical therapy as part of their recovery process. A professional therapist will design a program tailored to your needs and goals and will work closely with you until you regain strength and mobility.
Conclusion
Most people don’t pay a visit to a physiotherapist every day. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment that you can use to help your body heal from injuries and pains. However, many people are unfamiliar with physiotherapy or do not understand how they can benefit from it. The next time your back is acting up, or you need advice on managing an injury, keep these reasons in mind.
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