How does physiotherapy work?
Despite its popularity, there is often confusion as to how physiotherapy works. We are here to shed some light on the hows, whats, and common misconceptions. At its core, physiotherapy is taking a whole-body approach to improving personal wellbeing and movement with non-surgical treatments. It allows you to take an active role in restoring and maintaining your physical health.
Often, other branches of medicine tend to rely on both surgery and drugs to relieve pain. But physiotherapy uses only physical methods – such as massage, movement, and exercise – to help you reach your goals and live a better quality of life.
How does physiotherapy work?
Physiotherapy works by getting your body moving and releasing acute or chronic aches and pains through massage, joint mobilisation, exercise and education. When you visit a private physiotherapy clinic, like Total Physio, the practitioners there will make you a specialised plan to get you feeling your best.
What is the aim of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a science-based profession based on movement tailored specifically for your needs. The aim is to give you the best quality of life through manual therapy, education, and movement. Physiotherapy is a journey, so your physical therapist will need to learn about you as much as possible through:
- Physical examination and verbal history
- Setting health goals
- Identifying your condition
- Understanding how to relieve your symptoms
- Underlying conditions or possible causes of pain
Your physiotherapist will know that no two cases are ever the same. So they will take a truly tailored approach with all the information and use it to shape your treatment plan.
What treatment styles will be used in physiotherapy? How do they work?
Physiotherapy is a journey and aims to use a combination of treatments to help identify and relieve any problems. Most private physiotherapy practices use a combination of manual therapy, movement plans, and educational tools.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a treatment plan that manipulates body tissue, such as muscular massage. The aim of this is to relieve pain by improving circulation and fluid build up to reduce tension in specific parts of the body. Some forms of manual therapy include Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Sports Massage, Acupuncture, and Massage.
Movement and Exercise Plans
Your physiotherapist will set exercises designed to improve movement and strengthen weak areas. These usually need to be repeated regularly for a set length of time, as recommended. Often you will be advised to undertake activities where possible, such as swimming, walking, general exercise, or yoga to help with mobility.
Educational Tools
One of the most important aspects of physiotherapy is discussion and education. You will need to educate your trainer on how you work best and your lifestyle. They will then be able to help you to shape your overall physical journey. While manual treatment can do wonders, a good physio can also provide you with expert tips on exercise, diet and postural habits. They can also give you some techniques to enhance your everyday activities and prevent further stressors.
When should I see a physiotherapist? How will it help?
You will benefit from seeing a physiotherapist at any time in your life if your aim is to maintain healthy joints and muscles. Arthritis Research UK found one in six Britons have experienced back pain, and physios are best placed to help you prevent everyday aches and pains.
Patients who visit our private physiotherapy clinic here at Total Physio often seek advice about:
- Acute pains e.g. Back and neck, pelvic pain
- Sports Injuries
- Chronic pain
- Post pregnancy
- Trauma e.g. Road traffic accidents
- Injury prevention
- Physical endurance/ balance
- Mental Wellbeing
Physiotherapists are sought out to treat problems with movement that leads to pain due to stressors, such as bending, running, and repetitive movements.
How does physiotherapy work at Total Physio?
Quite simply, physiotherapy allows you to take an active part in your overall wellbeing and our team of therapists have been handpicked based on their experience and outstanding knowledge of their speciality. They will support you to reach your health goals. So whether you’re aiming to relieve pain or run a marathon, we can help!
Looking to get started on your fitness journey? Get in touch with your local private physiotherapy clinic online today, or call us for further enquiries.