A physiotherapist is a valuable member of the healthcare team. There are many misconceptions and myths about physiotherapy.
In this month’s mailer we aim to break down some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings about physiotherapy, by identifying and explaining some of the popular myths and facts.
Myth 1: Physiotherapy is only for muscle problems.
Fact: Physiotherapy is a diverse health care practice that helps prevent injury and pain, and promotes mobility, health, and wellness. From sports injuries to post-fracture rehab, joint pains, back pain and cardiac rehabilitation. Physiotherapy can help in many situations.
Myth 2: Physiotherapy helps only post-injury.
Fact: With the help of a detailed history and assessment, a Physiotherapist can identify areas that are at risk for injury. With a tailor-made exercise program, that area can be strengthened hence avoiding injury altogether. This is especially useful in preventing injuries in sports and daily life.
Myth 3: Physiotherapy sessions are always of a long duration always.
Fact: Healing is different from person to person, some people heal quicker and others take longer. This can be affected by age as well.
Myth 4: Physiotherapy is a Modernized term for massage therapy.
Fact: Physiotherapists use massage as one of their treatment tools but don’t only do massage. Often what patients view as massage is actually myofascial release where the physio releases tightness in the soft tissue to get them to move better and therefore to feel better.
Myth 5: Physiotherapy will hurt a lot
Fact: Lots of patients dread coming to Physio as they’ve been told how much it hurts. Yes, some of the treatments we do can be uncomfortable. We’re often getting things moving that haven’t been moving properly for a while. However, most people are surprised that it hurts less than they expect.
Myth 6: We’ll just give you a load of exercises to do
Fact: We do a lot more than just give out exercises. Our sessions include us assessing and explaining your problem so that you know exactly what is going on. We carry out hands-on treatments like mobilisations to the joints and massage. We work through exercises with you to improve pain and movement, strength, and mobility. And when we do give our patients exercises, they are specific to them and kept to a minimum.
Myth 7: No pain, no gain.
Fact: instead we believe in “Know pain, Know gain”.Your physiotherapist will assist you to understand what levels/locations/occurrences of pain are safe, and which are not.
With the latest exercise programmes, electrotherapy and hands on treatment physiotherapists at Physiotherapy Bedfordview are well equipped to help patients achieve their goals.
To keep up to date with any changes refer to our online booking platform, MyAppointment, or our social network pages, where you’ll also find great tips to help you stay active and healthy whilst staying at home.
