If you’ve ever had a serious accident or sports injury, then you may already have attended a few physiotherapy sessions. However, if you’re heading to your first appointment, you may be wondering what to expect and how it will benefit you.
Many people recovering from surgeries, injuries, or even pulmonary issues often opt for a few sessions at the physio Noosa locals use to aid pain relief and promote recovery. This post explores the top ways in which physiotherapy can benefit your overall health.
What is Physiotherapy?
At it’s core, physiotherapy, or physio as it’s more commonly known, is a form of physical therapy applied to injured muscles and ligaments with the goal of restoring movement and everyday function. Physio uses several different methods such as exercise and manual therapy to improve overall mobility. As an holistic approach, physiotherapy addresses and strives to manage pain as effectively as possible.
Physio can be applied to anyone in any age and fitness group and can also be used to reduce further harm to a previous injury. Specialised physiotherapy plays a vital part in post-surgery rehabilitation and is an effective way to promote faster recovery. A healthcare professional known as a physiotherapist administers the various exercises and movements to aid you.
Good Reason to Consider this Treatment
There are a bunch of very good reasons why physiotherapy is a good idea. In addition to offering physical rehabilitation and pain relief, physio has also been known to enhance your overall well-being. With this in mind, our experts share the top reasons why you should add a few physio sessions to your recovery process.
1. Provides Pain Relief
For many people, pain relief is the most significant benefit of regular physiotherapy. Some physiotherapy methods are better suited to aiding your pain management. The most common of these include the following:
- Deep tissue massage: This is a therapeutic massage that uses firm pressure and slow strokes to target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. The goal is to release chronic tension and improve mobility.
- Dry needling: With dry needling, the goal is to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues by inserting sterile needles to stimulate pain.
- Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques to massage and manipulate injured tissues. Doing this will reduce pain and improve joint mobility and circulation.
- Exercise therapy: Typically prescribed for long-term pain management, exercise therapy involves specific movements that are geared to enhance mobility and strength.
2. Adds Enhanced Balance and Strength
Physiotherapy also uses tailored workout plans combined with joint mobilization and massage. This type of treatment allows for improved strength and mobility, which goes a long way toward improving stability and balance issues. Proper strength training and body mechanics will help you maintain your independence as well as reduce the risk of injuries.
3. Provides Rehabilitation from Injury and Surgery
Patients who attend pre-surgery physiotherapy often experience faster post-surgery recovery. This is because patients are prepared mentally and physically for surgery and the subsequent healing process. In most instances, the rehabilitation process is made up of the following four stages:
- Recovery
- Repair
- Strength
- Function
You can expect to see significant improvements after only five sessions. The goal here is for the sessions to restore function, reduce pain, and promote healing. If done correctly, these sessions can ensure a quick and safe return to your usual activities.
4. Improving Cardiovascular Health
Physiotherapy isn’t just for broken bones or torn muscles. Specialised treatment plans can be drawn up for anyone struggling with cardiovascular fitness. In this instance, customised exercise regimes are used to improve overall heart function. By opting for these treatment plans early on, you will easily reduce the likelihood of heart-related conditions developing later on.
5. Aids Neurological Rehabilitation
Several neurological conditions can also benefit from regular physiotherapy sessions. The more common conditions that often receive physio include the following:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nervous system injuries
These treatments usually require long-term care and customised treatment plans, which will improve strength and mobility and offer more independence. Ultimately, this will allow the patient to live as normally and comfortably as possible. Physio can also be combined with occupational therapy to teach the patient different ways of doing things they may no longer be able to do normally.
6. Can Improve Mental Health
Regular physiotherapy sessions can lead to improved mental health. This is because finding a more effective way to deal with injury and recovery can help you feel anxious about the whole process. Since physiotherapy has a positive effect on your overall quality of life, an improved mood will facilitate pain relief and go a long way toward keeping the patient positive about improving their overall quality of life.
Final Thought
Physiotherapy is a holistic approach that addresses an extensive range of conditions and ailments. Investing in a few sessions of physiotherapy is an excellent way to treat everything from limited mobility to chronic pain. Since each treatment plan is customised to suit your unique needs, you’re guaranteed to regain your usual mobility, allowing you to look forward to an improved quality of life!
