How to see a physiotherapist when you need help
At some point in all of our lives, we may need to see a physiotherapist to cure our ailments. Some people have acute injuries that require care and attention, while others could be dealing with chronic problems, and may feel physiotherapy is a solution to their struggles. A physiotherapist can also help you get back to full mobility after surgery. If you’d like to know more about how to see a physiotherapist, continue reading our helpful guide.
Signs that you need to see a physiotherapist
In truth, there are any number of reasons why you might seek the help of a physiotherapist. You may have been involved in an incident that led to a serious injury and require rehabilitation, or you could be suffering from a chronic problem resulting in pain on a daily basis.
Here are some reasons why you may need to seek a physiotherapist:
- Loss of mobility
- Suffering from constant pain
- Pain and discomfort while working
Loss of mobility
If you’ve noticed that you’re not moving as freely or as comfortably as normally, then something must be wrong. You know yourself better than anybody else, so you would notice a loss in mobility. For example, you may not be able to touch your toes all of a sudden, which is a reduction in flexibility.
A physiotherapist can help you work back to full mobility, providing you with peace of mind and comfort. The qualified professional will work with you to create a bespoke plan, which will include stretches and massages to help your body back to how it was before.
You’ll also be given exercises and stretching movements to undertake in your free time to further increase the chances of success from your treatment.
Suffering from constant pain
When you suffer an injury, you expect to feel a certain level of discomfort and pain for a short period. However, if your pain has continued for a lot longer than it normally does, then seeing a physiotherapist is a good option for you.
If you’ve hurt your ankle, you may develop a limp for a few days, but the pain should subside within a couple of weeks (depending on the seriousness of the injury, of course). If your pain isn’t easing, then seek the help of a physiotherapist.
Pain and discomfort while working
Whether you work on a building site, in a warehouse, or at a desk, you can pick up an injury without realising. Many office workers complain of carpal tunnel syndrome due to so much time spent typing in front of a computer. Manual labour workers can often develop back injuries due to poor posture or the constant lifting of heavy objects.
A physiotherapist can help with these struggles, using various treatment techniques to ease the pain and increase mobility. You would also be given tips and instructions on how to move while at work, like an improved posture while sitting or lifting.
How to see a physiotherapist
If you are struggling with pain or a lack of mobility and feel that a physiotherapist is your best option, there are a variety of avenues you can go down to seek treatment.
- Referral from your GP
- Contacting a physiotherapist directly
- Private
One option you can take is to speak to your GP first. Seeking the opinion of a qualified medical professional is always a good move to make, and they’re likely to refer you to a specialist in physiotherapy.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist? If you’re asking this question then just know that you do not actually need to speak to your doctor or go through the NHS.
With waiting times for appointments at an all-time high, and many people unable to see their local GP as soon as they’d like, there is always the option of contacting a physiotherapist directly. Contacting a professional and seeking their advice, going in for a consultation and then proceeding to go ahead with treatment is a great way to get to the bottom of your pain issues.
If time is not on your side and you need to see a professional right away, going directly to the source of a private clinic is a great option for many people. There are shorter waiting times than using the NHS, though you would be required to pay for the services you use.
NHS services
If you do find yourself using NHS services for your injury problems, Total Physio can provide treatment. We are a trusted provider to the NHS and deliver community-based physiotherapy services to the public. We work closely with Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), GP federations, primary care networks (PCNs) and care homes.
Expert physiotherapy at Total Physio
Whatever route you choose for your physiotherapy treatment, Total Physio is here if you need us. We are entirely focused on working with you to help you achieve your lifestyle ambitions, whatever your age or activity level, whether you are aiming to run a marathon or enjoy a stroll in the park.
Our physio approach is entirely personal. Once we have identified the source of the problem and explained it in a way that is easy to understand, we will work with you to develop treatment plans that fit with your lifestyle, diary, expectations and personal goals.
If you’d like to speak to us at Total Physio to find out who we treat, or what we treat, contact one of our clinics today.