Top 5 Reasons to See a Physiotherapist

There are many different types of therapists out there. And to be honest, physiotherapists haven’t done a great job in the past explaining to the public what our profession does. This blog post aims to clarify what physiotherapists do, and name the top five reasons you should see a physiotherapist.

1) You’re in pain

Popping a pill can sometimes relieve pain, but it’s rarely the only option. Physiotherapists specialize in drug-free pain relief. We have a wide range of tools to reduce your pain without drugs – or the risk of drug side-effects.

For example, pain from bone, muscle, joint, and neurological conditions can be relieved with these physiotherapy tools:

Hands-on techniques, such as manual muscle release and desensitization techniques
Electrotherapy, such as TENS or Interferential Current
Customized exercise and movement programs – for your unique condition
Acupuncture and dry needling
Complex pain education and training

5 ways to reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis courtesy River East Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic in Henderson

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2) You’re not getting better

Some injuries just don’t get better on their own. These persistent injuries can keep you from doing what you love for too long, which can feel sad. Also, when suffering from a slow-healing injury, you can get out-of-shape waiting for it to heal, which means you’re at risk for more injuries.

Physiotherapists can help you troubleshoot, and figure out why you aren’t recovering quickly. As rehabilitation professionals, we can advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do to optimize your recovery. And we can support you physically and mentally as you recover – so you’re not left alone dealing with a persistent injury.

3) You don’t understand your injury or condition

It’s common for people to not understand their injury or condition. This can be nerve-wracking, as you worry you’re doing something wrong, or that you aren’t doing anything right. It can be tempting to search the internet for information, but most people don’t have the right training to find good quality information on their unique condition on the internet.

Physiotherapists are educators – it’s a fundamental part of what we do. We are trained to explain complex medical conditions in plain language, so our clients really understand what’s happening to them. We also have time to answer your questions, and use a wide range of educational tools, including body models, interview techniques, and electronic educational tools.

3 things everyone should know about back pain courtesy of River East Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic in Rothesay

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4) You want treatment based on evidence

One of the most important things to know is physiotherapists are medical rehabilitation professionals. That means we train in universities as part of a broader medical team, made up of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and dentists. All of these professions require advanced university training, and are required by their professional colleges to base their approach to treatment on scientific evidence.

That said, scientific evidence can’t dictate everything. Remember high school science class? Scientists set a hypothesis and continuously test it, to try to prove it correct or incorrect. That means the way to treat a condition, based on the science, may change over time as we learn more. So physiotherapists, as evidence-based professionals, are trained to design their patients’ treatment by weighing:

(1) the relevant scientific evidence,
(2) their own experience treating patients with similar conditions and
(3) the patient’s unique condition and situation.

This is called “evidence-based practice,” and you can expect your physiotherapist to be doing this analysis when they’re working with you.

Proprioception coutesy of River East Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic in Rothesay (Read the caption)

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5) You want to move better

Most people know physiotherapists treat bones, joints, and muscles. But our scope of practice is much larger than that – it includes, for example, neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, post-stroke conditions, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. All of these conditions can keep you from moving the way you want to move – be it across the soccer field or across the bedroom.

Physiotherapists are movement experts, and we have a wide range of techniques to get you moving better.

If you want to know more reasons to see a Physiotherapist then River East Physiotherapy in Henderson can help. To learn more visit: https://www.rivereastphysiotherapy.ca/

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect at a first physiotherapy appointment?

At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will ask you a bunch of questions to make sure they understand your story, and your goals for physiotherapy. Then they’ll do some tests – such as movement challenges and hands-on tests to determine your strength and flexibility. Based on what they learn, they’ll develop a custom treatment plan for you and your unique condition. And of course they’ll make sure to provide some initial pain relief techniques, if you are in pain.

What should I bring to my physiotherapy appointment?

Definitely wear comfortable clothes, since the physiotherapist will want to get you moving. Your physiotherapist will likely need to see your injured body part, so wearing clothing that allows that would help. For example, wear a tank top if your shoulder is bothering you, or shorts if your knee is bothering you.

You should also bring your insurance information, if you’d like the clinic to direct bill to your insurance. And make sure to bring your calendar to your first appointment, since your physiotherapist will likely recommend a treatment plan for you that involves follow-up visits to help you meet your goals.

What’s the difference between physiotherapy and athletic therapy?

Physiotherapy and athletic therapy both require university training, although in Canada physiotherapists are required to complete at least a master’s degree and athletic therapists complete an undergraduate degree. Physiotherapy and athletic therapy both focus on bone, muscle and joint conditions, but:

Physiotherapists have a larger scope, and can also treat neurological conditions, cancer, respiratory conditions, vestibular conditions. They’re better positioned to treat patients with complex medical histories.
Athletic therapists have more training working with sports teams and athletes in the field. They also have more advanced training in taping and bracing.

About Andrea Grant

As a Director of River East Physiotherapy and Sports Fitness Clinics, Andrea Grant oversees all programs and patient care. She is a Registered Physiotherapist, and she also holds a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, a Master of Arts in Public Administration, and a Certified Management Consultant designation. Ms. Grant draws on this unique blend of credentials in healthcare and management to ensure an excellent patient experience at River East Physiotherapy.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

Top 5 Reasons to See a Physiotherapist