FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s)
1. What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is considered a conservative treatment method addressing the treatment, healing and prevention of injuries and disabilities. Physiotherapy focus primarily, but not solely, on pain relief, promoting healing, restore function and movement, facilitation and adaptation associated with injury. Other areas that are focused upon within PT are ergonomic (body mechanic) training, fitness/ wellness, and especially education.
2. What can a Physiotherapist do for me that I cannot do on my own?
Many patients may think that they know how to properly exercise, manage their pain and rehabilitate themselves. A Physiotherapist is a specialist skilled and educated specifically in proper rehabilitation. We are continually educated as to management for different dysfunctions, differentiation of one dysfunction/ injury from another and work closely with the referring doctor in the development of a rehabilitation program specifically designed for each individual. A physiotherapist monitors each individual and attempt to correct improper habits, alignments and movement patterns.
3. How long is it going to take?
This is such a popular question. It seems that everyone has to have timelines, which is understandable because we all have lives to lead. Your physiotherapist is aware that rehabilitation can be an imposition. I always reply to these statements by explaining that because each person is different, rates of healing are different. We can usually get an idea of your progression within two weeks. I also explain to my patients that even though they have other things to do, rehab. Is important and takes time just as injuries generally have taken a significant amount of time to progress to the point of injury or pain.
The other factor that patients must understand is that, even though we are here teaching you and rehabilitating them, it is their responsibility to do their Home Program. This is a major factor in how quickly one recovers.
4. Who benefits from therapy?
Many and all can benefit from therapy. As an active therapist, I am always observing others. I very rarely come across individuals with perfect body mechanics, training techniques or movement patterns. This is where wellness comes into play.
Typically, the most appropriate patients are those who have been in accidents (work, auto, or falls), athletes with overstress injuries, arthritic patients, pre- and post-operative patients, and those with general deconditioning or strains.
5. What will I have to do in therapy?
Therapy generally encompasses pain relief, strength and flexibility training, proper postural alignment, regaining movement or range of motion, improving and correcting posture, endurance training, relaxation and stress relieving techniques, balance and coordination training, proper walking, education, safety awareness and development/implementation of a home exercise program.
|
