Synapse Physiotherapy
Introduction
Many people do not understand physiotherapy and are afraid it will cause pain. You may experience temporary discomfort during the treatment process; however, physiotherapy should not cause pain. While it may seem counterproductive, there are several reasons why physiotherapy might result in mild aching, stiffness, or tenderness. This is ultimately for the patient’s benefit. Therefore, don’t be afraid to receive physiotherapy treatment at Physio Near Me.
I. What is physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on the treatment and management of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain through various therapeutic techniques and exercises. Physiotherapy aids in restoring movement and function for individuals affected by injury, illness, or disability. Additionally, it can help lower the risk of future injuries or illnesses. Physiotherapy is administered by specially trained and regulated practitioners known as physiotherapists. Physiotherapists often collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team across various medical fields and settings, including hospitals, community health centers or clinics, certain GP surgeries, sports teams, clubs, charities, and workplaces. Additionally, physiotherapists also provide home visits.
II. What does a physiotherapy session typically look like?
A physiotherapy session is a structured process designed to assess, treat, and manage a patient’s physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. Here’s what typically happens during a physiotherapy session:
1. Initial Assessment
- Discussion: The session begins with a discussion about the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, pain levels, and specific goals for therapy.
- Physical Examination: The physiotherapist conducts a physical examination to assess the patient’s mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. This may include observing movements, palpating areas of pain, and performing specific tests.
2. Treatment Plan Development
- Based on the initial assessment, the physiotherapist develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs and goals. This plan outlines the therapeutic techniques and exercises that will be used.
3. Therapeutic Techniques
- Exercise Therapy: The patient engages in specific exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These exercises can include stretching, resistance training, and functional movements.
- Manual Therapy: The physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to reduce pain, improve joint and soft tissue function, and enhance circulation.
- Electrotherapy: Modalities like ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or electrical stimulation may be used to manage pain and promote healing.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: The application of heat packs or cold compresses can help to reduce pain, alleviate muscle spasms, and decrease inflammation.
4. Education and Advice
- The physiotherapist provides education on proper posture, ergonomics, and body mechanics to prevent further injury. They may also give advice on lifestyle modifications and activities to support recovery.
5. Home Exercise Program
- Patients are often given exercises to perform at home to reinforce the benefits of the in-clinic sessions and promote continued progress between appointments.
6. Monitoring and Adjustments
- Throughout the session, the physiotherapist closely monitors the patient’s response to treatment and makes adjustments as necessary. They ensure that exercises are performed correctly to avoid injury and maximize benefits.
7. Feedback and Future Planning
- At the end of the session, the physiotherapist discusses the progress made, addresses any concerns, and plans the next steps in the treatment. This may include scheduling follow-up sessions and updating the treatment plan based on the patient’s progress.
Session Duration and Frequency
- A typical physiotherapy session lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment plan and the patient’s condition. The frequency of sessions can vary from multiple times a week to twice a month, based on the severity of the condition and the goals of therapy.
Overall, physiotherapy sessions are designed to be interactive and collaborative, focusing on helping patients achieve their physical goals and improve their quality of life through targeted treatment and education.
III. Who needs physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy can benefit a wide range of individuals with various conditions. It includes those recovering from injuries such as sports injuries or accidents, and those undergoing post-surgery rehabilitation following orthopedic, cardiac, or thoracic surgeries. People with chronic conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, or neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease often require physiotherapy to manage symptoms and improve function. Additionally, it aids in musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain, postural problems, and mobility challenges faced by the elderly, helping to prevent falls and enhance overall mobility. Children with developmental delays, congenital conditions like cerebral palsy, and women dealing with pregnancy-related physical changes or pelvic floor disorders also benefit from physiotherapy. Furthermore, individuals with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis, as well as those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation or dealing with peripheral artery disease, can improve their quality of life and physical function through tailored physiotherapy programs.
IV. Should physiotherapy cause pain?
During physiotherapy treatment, you might experience temporary discomfort, but it shouldn’t be painful. Although it may seem counterproductive, there are valid reasons why physiotherapy could lead to symptoms like mild aching, stiffness, or tenderness. Understanding these reasons and discussing any discomfort with your physiotherapist is essential for safe treatment. During the initial assessment and diagnosis, your physiotherapist might need to move or manipulate the affected area, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you have acute pain or inflammation. Throughout the process, they will explain their actions, proceed slowly, and adjust based on your body’s responses.
Physiotherapy often involves mobilizing tissues and joints that have become tight, weak, or inflamed due to injury, illness, or surgery. Hands-on techniques to move and manipulate these areas aim to restore mobility, increase blood flow, and promote healing, although some procedures might cause temporary soreness. Additionally, tailored stretching and strengthening exercises may lead to muscle soreness as your body adapts to new movements. Techniques to gently break down scar tissue formed from injury or surgery can be uncomfortable but are crucial for restoring normal function and reducing long-term pain.
Rehabilitation after injury or surgery often involves exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which might cause discomfort as your body heals. Moreover, some conditions or injuries can lead to compensatory movement patterns, placing stress on certain body areas. Correcting these patterns might result in temporary discomfort as your muscles and joints adjust.
Benefits of physiotherapy
Rehab from a sports-related injury: Not all sports injuries require surgery, but targeted interventions are essential to prevent further damage, decrease pain, strengthen the injured area, and help athletes return to competition. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, severe sports injuries might necessitate physical therapy for rehabilitation or the use of a brace, cast, or splint. A physical therapist can create a plan to rebuild range of motion and strength, using methods like targeted exercises, massage therapy, aquatic therapy, ultrasound, and cold and/or heat therapy.
Reduce pain: While some pain needs prescription medications or surgery, physical therapy and exercise can effectively address other types. Acute pain, which usually has a known cause and starts suddenly, often improves with time and treatment. Chronic pain, lasting over three months, can stem from injuries, diseases, inflammation, medical treatments, or sometimes unknown reasons. Although opioids are commonly recommended, the CDC suggests physical therapy as a safer alternative for pain management. Techniques used in physical therapy to alleviate pain include therapeutic exercises, stretching, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, taping, and cold and/or heat therapy.
Support neurological conditions: Physical therapy can help manage symptoms from neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries. A 2017 review found that four weeks of gait training or eight weeks of balance training had lasting positive effects, including reduced falls and improved gait performance and walking capacity for several months. For multiple sclerosis, physical therapy can address balance, weakness, coordination, spasticity, flexibility, aerobic endurance, fatigue, and respiratory function. Additionally, in-hospital programs can assist with stroke rehabilitation and spinal injury treatment.
Reduce symptoms related to arthritis: Physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms like joint inflammation, pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, physical therapy can enhance mobility, restore joint function, increase overall strength to support joints, and maintain fitness levels, thereby improving the overall quality of life.
Reduce complications related to pelvic floor dysfunction: Pregnancy, birth, menopause, abdominal surgeries, and other conditions can weaken pelvic floor muscles, causing urinary leakage, low back pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pressure, and prolapse. Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is effective for most pelvic floor disorders, helping to manage and reduce these symptoms, thereby improving daily life.
Shorten post-surgery recovery: Physical therapy is often recommended following surgery to improve range of motion, reduce pain, prevent excessive scar tissue buildup, and restore normal functioning. Depending on the injury, surgical procedure, and overall health, treatment can last from weeks to months. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends physical therapy for a full recovery, restoration of strength, and a gradual return to daily activities. Studies have shown that early mobilization and physical therapy for critically ill patients result in a better quality of life, greater walking ability, and improved muscle function upon discharge.
Manage pain: Research indicates a connection between physical therapy and reduced opioid use for chronic pain management. One study on new-onset chronic low back pain found that early physical therapy interventions decreased opioid use in both the short and long term. Another study showed that patients who participated in physical therapy for chronic low back pain were prescribed opioids less often during follow-up healthcare visits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Physiotherapy may cause some discomfort, especially during certain exercises, but it should not be overly painful. Your therapist will adjust the treatment to your tolerance level.
Communicate with your therapist about any discomfort. They can modify exercises and techniques to ensure you’re comfortable and gradually build your tolerance.
Yes, it’s normal to experience some soreness after physiotherapy, similar to the feeling after a good workout. This should subside within a day or two.
If you experience persistent pain after a session, contact your therapist. They can assess your condition and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Absolutely. Physiotherapists are trained to customize treatments based on individual pain thresholds and conditions, ensuring effective and comfortable therapy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, physiotherapy is highly beneficial for individuals needing to manage pain, recover from injuries, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical function. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, post-surgery recovery, or a neurological condition, a qualified physiotherapist can provide tailored treatment to help you achieve your health goals. If you’re considering physiotherapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local physiotherapist. Synapse Physiotherapy, for example,is an excellent choice for receiving personalized and professional care.
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Back & Neck Pain
Conditions such as stiffness, postural abnormalities and muscle overuse from prolonged desk work at the office or home is more prevalent than most would think. We provide the necessary tools to fix you up and educate you on ergonomics which can unload unnecessary stress.
- Spine & Core Rehabilitation
- Strength & Conditioning Programme
- Pain Management
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Group Class
Sports Injuries
Rolled ankles, jarred knees, impinged shoulders are few conditions in the plethora of sports injuries which can hamper performance and limit our enjoyment of sports. Physiotherapy not only treats the symptoms of these conditions but propels your overall fitness to greater heights.
- Strength & Conditioning Programme
- Pain Management
- Biomechanical Assessment
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Shockwave Therapy
- Group Class
Work Desk Injuries
Conditions such as stiffness, postural abnormalities and muscle overuse from prolonged desk work at the office or home is more prevalent than most would think. We provide the necessary tools to fix you up and educate you on ergonomics which can unload unnecessary stress.
Pre-Post-Surgical Conditions
Surgery involves going through preparation both before and after. Physiotherapists play a vital role in getting your body ready for surgeries with circulatory, breathing and strengthening exercises. After the procedure, let us be there for your recovery and rehabilitation, taking it one step at a time.
Scoliosis & Postural Abnormalities
The way we stand, sit, walk and sleep has influence over our posture and the overall balance of muscles controlling its alignment. A comprehensive screening can be done by our physiotherapists to detect abnormalities, which we will aid in correcting.
Neurological Conditions
Neurological disabilities such as stroke, nerve compression and neuropathies can be barriers for patients to live life to its fullest. We at Synapse are committed to help you overcome these hurdles by ensuring functional mobility and quality of life is at its optimum by providing the right treatment and exercises.
Osteoarthritis & Rheumatism
Joint degeneration and inflammation happens as the human body grows older, but that does not mean our way of life degenerates as well. Relief your joint pains with a joint effort together with your physiotherapist, who will provide pain-relief treatments and prescribe exercises for your wellbeing.
Conditions Relating To Elderly
Common conditions in the older age population include hips & knee pain, back & neck pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, fear of falling and many more. Aging and degeneration of bodily function is inevitable, but here at Synapse, we will help you live the best of your life.
Home Physiotherapy
We understand that some conditions or injuries can make it difficult to receive rehabilitation at our clinic be it mobility or transportation issues. Our objective is to provide you with the same high-quality physiotherapy services at home that you would receive in-clinic.