It may be time to visit a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy assesses, diagnoses, treats and works to prevent disease and disability through physical management and education.
Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function who work in partnership with their patients to improve their physical condition by restoring normal body functions and preventing disability which may arise from disease, trauma or injury.
Physiotherapy encompasses posture, balance and movement; knowledge of diseases, how the body functions, injury and the healing process.
Physiotherapy can help with recovery from injury, reducing pain and stiffness, and increasing mobility, as well as prevention of further injury.
You should seek physiotherapy treatment and advice if you cannot function normally at work, home or in your sports or activities, due to pain, stiffness, weakness or other physical problems.
This may be after an accident, an injury or due to a build-up of strain, for example from poor postures or positions.
The sooner you see a physiotherapist the better.
They will help you to understand your injury, what stage you are at and how to manage it through the different healing stages.
Physiotherapists are trained to assess your condition and diagnose the problem.
Your treatment plan will take into account your lifestyle, activities and general health. The following are common treatment methods physiotherapist may use:
* Exercise programmes to improve mobility and strengthen muscles.
* Joint mobilisation to improve pain and stiffness.
* Muscle re-education to improve control.
* Airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises.
* Soft tissue mobilisation.
* Dry needling.
* Assistance with use of splints, crutches, walking sticks and wheelchairs.
* Various taping techniques.
You may need to see the physiotherapist twice a week initially, and then once a week once you are doing exercises at home.
You would normally require at least two sessions but this depends on the specific problem and stage of the problem.
Your physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment to identify any possible risk factors to any of the management strategies used.
Physiotherapy has the potential to help anyone who has pain and dysfunction in their body. It can help prevent injuries if imbalances in the body are picked up and managed at an early stage.
It can also help people better understand their posture and working environment to prevent strains which could lead to damage.
*Â Information courtesy of Monique Peterson Physio.
