Top Physiotherapy Myths
Physiotherapy is a profession in health care that involves assessment and treatment of various injuries and afflictions of the muscular and skeletal system. Since it is not a main stream in medicine, many people are ignorant of what this science entails. There is a need to dispel some of the common misconceptions that people have about physical therapy.
Physiotherapy treatment involves exercises
While that is not completely untrue, physical exercises form only a small part of the range of treatment and therapies that a physiotherapist specializes in. Exercises are suggested for treatment and recovery in only specific cases where patients need to enhance their freedom of movement or work out their muscles more. Home exercise programs are designed to improve the patient’s physical condition and maintain continuity in physical movement between professional sessions.
Physiotherapy is mainly for sports people
While sportspersons form the majority of the clientele for physiotherapists, everyone can benefit from it. Physiotherapy is ideal to treat small aches and pains but also involves target treatment for more specific injuries or disabilities. Physiotherapy can be used with both young and old, healthy or not. Pediatric therapy is a specialized branch of therapy that helps in child development and growth, and is especially helpful in improving quality of life in handicapped infants.
Physiotherapy is always painful
Many of the ailments that physiotherapy addresses involve injuries and conditions that are painful. However, a physiotherapist is trained in assessing the patient’s symptoms and making judgments on how to best treat them. Most therapies are designed to involve exercises or other treatments that are suitable and manageable by the patient and helps to relieve their pain and discomfort. Therapists regularly monitor and run tests on patients to judge their progress with the treatment. Most professionals encourage an open dialogue with their clients where every aspect is explained in detail, and they are always agreeable to not carry out anything that the patient is uncomfortable with or expresses concern for.
Rest is the best for back pain
While resting for a short time is advisable when you are experiencing back ache, it is preferred that your body be in motion. Experts agree that prolonged bed rest only worsens the pain as the body’s healing system cannot work properly at rest. Muscles need to flex to heal; laying down only makes them tighten up. At the same time, you must avoid certain exercises and activities that will accentuate the injury. It is best to consult a physiotherapist and develop an exercise regime including stretches and muscle reinforcements to protect your back. Moreover, do not ignore back pain, even if it is not a chronic or regular ailment. Disk degeneration comes from micro-tears that go unnoticed when you lift something heavy or jerk your body suddenly. In order to prevent the situation from aggravating later on, it is best to go for a consultation and have an exercise program at hand to heal infrequent back ache. Remember to always involve yourself in a moderately active routine.
