Chronic pain, dehydrated connective tissues, and pinched nerves are just a few issues that severely affect your ability to do daily activities. Pain medication may help to temporarily ease the pain, but it does very little to treat the actual ailment.
If youโre looking for a more effective way to deal with everything from back pain to heel spurs, itโs a good idea to visit the physio Gympie residents are turning to. Not sure if a physiotherapist can help you with your specific condition? Read on to find out.
Turn to the Experts for Long-Term Relief
Physiotherapists have an extensive range of knowledge of overall body function, structure and movement.
They combine this with training to assess and manage disorders that cause recurring pain and limit an individualโs ability to perform daily tasks. Here are a few of the more common issues your local physio can assist with.
1. Provide Long-Term Pain Relief
Pain is the single most common reason why many people decide to visit a physiotherapist. If your pain is ongoing, has become chronic or doesnโt seem to have an identifiable cause, it may be time to visit your local physio.
A physiotherapist will assess the pain and trace its root cause to treat the condition, not just the symptom.
They will recommend a course of treatment that extends from your muscles to your nervous system. Common pain-related ailments that a physiotherapist can treat include the following:
- Back and neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
2. Developmental Issues in Babies and Small Children
Children born with developmental delays can find it difficult to crawl or walk. A physiotherapist can assist your infant in the following ways.
- Teaching and developing different gross motor skills.ย
- Achieve normal milestones such as crawling and walking.ย
- Encouraging active play and participation in exercise and sport.ย
- Assist with the correct development of joints, spine and even the nervous system.ย
3. Can Help with Treatment of Neurological Conditions
Individuals who experience a neurological event, such as a stroke, Parkinsonโs disease, or even multiple sclerosis, often experience limited mobility as a side effect.
Regular physiotherapy sessions may assist patients with regaining some function in the following ways:
- Exercises to improve flexibility.ย
- Assist with functional task training to be able to perform daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, holding cutlery or dishes, and even sitting down and getting up out of a chair.ย
- Teach the patient to use assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs and crutches.
4. Provide Post-Injury Care
A key aspect of a physiotherapist’s function is to provide post-injury or post-surgery care. This type of pain management programme may include a few of the techniques listed below:
- Rehabilitation to rebuild strength, flexibility and eventual ease of movement.
- Strapping or tapping techniques to protect the injured area โ this can include a knee brace or moon boot.ย
- Teaching RICEM (rest, ice, compression, elevation and gentle movement) techniques to assist with minor pain flare-ups at home.ย
- Prescribing necessary assistive devices such as a wheelchair, crutches or even walkers.ย
- Assistance with movement techniques to heal the affected body part to facilitate returning to work.ย
5. Assist With Mobility or Limited Movement Issues
Mobility issues, muscle stiffness, and joint pain not only make it difficult to move around but can also leave an individual in constant pain and discomfort.
If your flexibility doesnโt seem to get better with at-home treatments and exercises, it may be time to visit your physiotherapist.ย
Your physio will attempt to improve your mobility in the following ways:
- Focus on overall joint mobilisation.ย
- Perform soft tissue mobilisation and massage techniques to increase mobility.ย
- Provide easy stretching techniques that you can do at home.ย
- Share expert training to improve posture during regular movements such as walking or sitting at your desk.ย
- Provide suggestions to invest in ergonomic furniture for people suffering from head and neck pain as a result of sitting at a desk all day.ย
6. Assist with Chronic Breathing Issues
Physiotherapists also treat a wide range of different chronic breathing and lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
While a physiotherapist may not be able to cure these illnesses, they can assist you with a few techniques to help you manage symptoms such as shortness of breath and light-headedness caused by a lack of sufficient oxygen.ย
Your physiotherapist will also treat conditions that are related to various lung conditions, such as:
- Poor posture.
- Sleep apnea.
- Chronic chest and back pain.ย
- Excessive phlegm in the airways. (Symptom of cystic fibrosis)
Final Thoughts
Regular sessions with your physiotherapist can be the difference between successfully managing an ailment and barely dealing with it.
Assisting with functional task training and developing an effective pain management routine are key ways that your physiotherapist will be able to assist you.
If youโre suffering from any of the conditions weโve highlighted, visiting your physio may be the solution youโve been searching for!
