What do Physiotherapists Treat?
You’ve likely heard your friends and family members tell you they’re going to physiotherapy for treatment. But, like most people you’re probably wondering, “What do physiotherapists actually treat?”
Here’s a story that’ll help explain what we do…
A while ago, a friend had been dealing with elbow pain from rock climbing for months, and his doctor suggested he see a physiotherapist. After about 6 weeks of physiotherapy treatment, he was back to climbing several times a week…pain-free!
What did his physiotherapist do for him? She provided him with:
- Education about his injury
- Hands-on treatment to reduce stiffness and tightness
- Stretches
- A specific set of exercises to do at home
He isn’t the only one out there that’s found relief from physio treatment. Many people have had their lives quite literally transformed through physiotherapy.
As Toby R. says: “In September 2019, after years of increasing knee pain and a trip to the doctor, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. My doctor suggested the best course of action was physiotherapy. My Physiotherapist has got me to the point where I can once more enjoy running and skiing and I am pain-free for the majority of the time. This is a huge, life-changing benefit to me.”
Physiotherapy can help you both treat and prevent injuries, take control of your pain, and ultimately help you live a happier and healthier life.
In this blog, I will cover 3 of the most common conditions physiotherapy can treat…so keep reading to learn how physiotherapy can help you!
Type of Injuries Treated By Physiotherapists
1. Lower Back Pain
Low back pain can make your life very difficult, and in some cases bring your life to a complete stop.
At times, low back pain can even travel down into the legs, causing pain, numbness, or tingling and burning sensations. This is commonly referred to as sciatica.
In fact, low back pain and sciatica are the most common reason behind pain and disability.
Some common causes of lower back pain are:
- Disc herniation or protrusion
- Degenerative discs
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Muscle strains or ligament sprains
- Sacroiliac joint (SI Joint) dysfunction
- Arthritis
Importantly, if lower back pain is left untreated, it can eventually evolve into chronic low back pain, which can last months or years. This is why it is important to seek professional help from a physiotherapist to get rid of your low back pain quickly and with ease.
Your physiotherapist can help you finally find freedom from the burdens of lower back pain through treatments such as:
- Core strengthening exercises
- Back stretches
- Spinal mobilizations
- Soft tissue massage
Keep reading this post for a FREE sciatica e-book!
2. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
When you think of your “core” are your abs the first thing that comes to mind? Most people don’t know that your pelvic floor is also a part of your core…and it’s in fact just as important as the rest of your core muscles!
The pelvic floor has many important functions, such as:
- Supporting your hips and lower back to prevent pain
- Preventing bladder leakage, urinary stress incontinence
- Optimal sexual function
- Proper breathing mechanics
Dysfunctions of the pelvic floor can result in stressful and embarrassing situations which may be difficult to talk about. In fact, approximately a quarter of Canadians over the age of 40 struggle with urinary incontinence, yet three-quarters of these individuals don’t seek help.
For this reason, pelvic floor physiotherapy is often overlooked and underrated.
Here are some common misconceptions regarding pelvic floor physiotherapy:
✘ Pelvic floor physio is only for women
✘ Pelvic floor dysfunction only happens after giving birth
✘ Only seniors deal with urinary incontinence
✘ Pelvic floor physio is basically just Kegel exercises
Your physiotherapist can help you overcome pelvic floor dysfunction through:
- Education on proper posture
- Education on breathing techniques
- A custom pelvic floor exercise program (and no, that’s not just doing a bunch of Kegels)
3. Concussion Management through Vestibular Physiotherapy
The vestibular system is key to your balance, maintaining proper posture, avoiding falls, and remaining stable during body movements. Vestibular dysfunction can be caused by a concussion or even infections.
A malfunctioning vestibular system can result in:
- Dizziness/lightheadedness or vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Poor balance and falls
- Headaches
- Poor vision
As you may have guessed, some of the effects of vestibular dysfunction can lead to dangerous accidents and falls. For this reason, reaching out to a vestibular physiotherapist is key to ensuring you maintain your health and safety if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Your vestibular physiotherapist can help you by providing you with:
- Specific exercises to reduce vertigo and dizziness
- Balance training
- Vision stability training
- Neck mobility exercises (because your neck can sometimes cause dizziness!)
4. Post-Surgery Rehab
Although physiotherapists can play a vital role in preventing the need for surgery, there are instances where surgery is unavoidable.
Whether it’s an ACL repair, hip or knee replacement, spinal surgery, fracture repair, or meniscal repair, physiotherapists play a key role in your recovery.
Your physiotherapist can help you in ensuring a safe and effective recovery while also minimizing your pain after surgery. This can be done by:
- Taping and bracing
- Stretches to maintain your range of motion
- A customized strengthening program
- Balance and coordination exercises
5. Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injuries
It’s no secret that in your day-to-day activities, you’ll constantly be using your shoulder muscles. For example, you’ll probably be reaching sideways or above your head to grab things, like your coffee mug from the top shelf every morning.
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, necessary things that you need to do every day like driving or cooking can become a total nightmare.
The good news is that although the shoulder is a very complex joint, treating it through physiotherapy really isn’t.
Similar treatments from other conditions in this list can help your shoulder too! This includes:
- Taping
- Range of motion stretches
- A customized strengthening program
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Physiotherapy can help a wide variety of injuries
This blog helps you get a sense of some of the conditions that physiotherapy can treat. However, this is only the beginning! If you had to read about everything that physiotherapy can treat, you’d be reading forever!
Whether you’re already active or are looking to address your pain, an injury, or another concern, it’s best to speak to a physiotherapist to help get you started in your journey.
Not ready to ready to commit to physiotherapy? Try booking a FREE 20-minute consultation today to see how physiotherapy can help you!
Get your FREE sciatica e-book
Earlier in this post, a free sciatica e-book was promised to help you take control of your sciatica. This e-book is a fantastic starting point for you to use and learn how you can help improve your sciatic pain.
However, make sure to also speak to a physiotherapist and turn theory into action to help get rid of your sciatic pain.
Download your FREE sciatica e-book now!
This blog was written by Rostam Torki, a Physiotherapy student at the University of Toronto
FAQ
Do I need a doctor’s referral before my appointment with my physiotherapist?
No, you don’t but it’s recommended to bring any reports of imaging or scans you may have done as well as a copy of any prescription you’re currently taking.
When should I go to physiotherapy?
If you’re experiencing any pain or any issue that’s affecting your everyday function, then the best time to go to a physiotherapist is now! Remember, physiotherapists, treat many more conditions than just what was covered in this post.
If you visit your doctor for an issue that has been affecting your daily life or function, be sure to ask them if physiotherapy is right for you.
What should I expect on my first physiotherapy appointment?
On your first visit, your physiotherapist will welcome you and talk to you to get an understanding of your concerns, typical activities, and past medical history, and to get to know you a little bit better.
Afterwards, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough physical assessment. Once your physiotherapist gets an understanding of your specific case, they will create a custom treatment plan for you, including things that’ll be done in the clinic as well as things to do at home in-between visits.
Remember, your comfort, preferences, and goals are always the number one priority for your physiotherapist.