The question of when and whether to visit a physiotherapist is a commonly asked question.
The wide scope of physiotherapy services available to patients can make the answer to this
question overwhelming and potentially confusing.
If you’ve been looking for information on which services a physiotherapist offers as well as
the signs that may indicate that you need to visit one, look no further!
What Are the Services That Physiotherapists Offer?
In order to understand when you may need physiotherapy services, it’s important to
understand what services may be offered. Physiotherapists provide patient care including
rehabilitation, educating patients with healthy and proper habits, managing pain-related
issues, etc.
Part of the physiotherapist’s role is to conduct a careful assessment of a patient’s condition
in order to provide an effective diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, a physiotherapist will
create and prescribe treatment uniquely tailored to the patient’s needs.
Here are some examples of physiotherapy services typically offered:
● Assessment of posture, range of motion, etc.
● Prescription of an individualized treatment plan
● Development of an exercise plan
● Treatment of injuries
● Manual therapies including manipulation and massage
● Electromagnetic therapies
● Advice and patient education
● Splinting, casting and taping
Indications or Signs That You May Need to See a Physiotherapist
1. You experience recurring pain
If you are suffering from pain that is constant or recurring, you would likely benefit from
seeing a physiotherapist. Recurring pain often occurs in the neck and lower back. After
assessing the condition of your pain, a physiotherapist will provide you with a treatment plan
that will include adequate rest as well as exercise.
2. You are looking to manage an illness
Besides the exercises provided by physiotherapists for managing recurring pain, some
exercise plans can also be used for managing other serious illnesses and their side effects.
In the case of diabetes, certain prescribed exercises may help lower blood sugar levels.
3. You would like to improve your stability and balance
If you experience trouble with balance and stability, you may need to visit a physiotherapist.
These issues may stem from problems with the vestibular system, including headaches,
dizziness and vertigo etc. A physiotherapist will provide you with a treatment plan that
consist of different exercises focused on the neck in order to manage and prevent balance
and stability issues.
4. You’ve been injured
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident or playing sports, you may also benefit from
visiting a physiotherapist. A specific recovery plan and routine will be given to you in order to
help you develop a faster healing process. The treatment plan provided by physiotherapist
can help reduce and manage the pain that injuries may cause.
5. You experience mobility issues
Changes in your mobility may be indicative of the need to visit a physiotherapist. Those
changes may be a result of deterioration in joints and muscles.
Physiotherapists will work with you by assessing your mobility, and prescribing stretches and
exercises to strengthen your tissues, joints and muscles.
6. You would like to strengthen your body pre- or post-surgery
In preparation for surgery, you can opt to see a physiotherapist. Certain treatments can help
strengthen your body, so you will experience less pain during surgeries.
In addition, certain physiotherapy treatments may help patients post-surgery by
strengthening the body as well as managing pain-related issues.
7. You experience urinary problems
Problems with your urinary system can also be managed when you visit a physiotherapist. A
physiotherapist can provide you with exercises and treatments to improve the condition of
your pelvis and further improve your urination.
8. Pharmaceutical drugs and medicines have not helped your condition
Some bodies become resistant to medicine after long-term use. Once the body reaches that
condition, the effects of medicines or pharmaceutical drugs may lessen. In some cases,
physiotherapy including stretching, exercise, and manipulation can be the best option.
9. You often feel uncomfortable by just sitting or standing
Being uncomfortable while sitting or standing still may be an indication of posture issues. If
not corrected, issues with posture may lead to serious health problems associated with
chronic pain. In this case, a physiotherapist will provide techniques, advice and tips on how
to achieve proper and correct posture.
10. You have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder
A neurological disorder diagnosis can limit movements and cause stiffness in some body
parts. An individualized treatment plan prescribed by a physiotherapist will help to assess
and treat movement-related issues.