Will Physio help me? Should I do Aqua Physiotherapy instead? What is a physio assessment? We know it can be daunting to decide if Physio is the right thing for recovery or if it is just a waste of money. We put together the 10 most important questions to ask a physical therapist.
Let’s start with what a Physiotherapist can do for you
Physiotherapists are experts in diagnosing and treating painful musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. They can:
- help find the cause of your pain or disability
- educate you about your condition and how they can help
- plan a treatment program
- explain your recovery time frame
- give advice on managing your condition and reducing the need for medications
So what questions should you ask your Physio for the best outcome?
1. What Can I Expect on My First Physiotherapy Session
Your first physiotherapy session will begin with a detailed history of your injury or concern. Your physiotherapist will ask you questions about your pain, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and what activities you have been unable to do because of it. They will also ask you about your medical history and any other injuries or conditions you have.
After taking your history, your physiotherapist will perform a physical examination of the injured area. This may include range-of-motion testing, muscle strength testing, and palpation (feeling the muscles and tissues). The examination will help your physiotherapist determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan.
At the end of your first session, your physiotherapist will discuss their findings with you and explain your treatment plan. The plan may include exercises, manual therapy, or other modalities. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your injury at home.
2. How Long Will It Take to Get Better?
The time it takes to recover from an injury varies depending on the severity of the injury, the patient’s age and fitness level, and the patient’s compliance with the treatment plan. In general, however, most people start to feel better within a few weeks of starting physiotherapy.
3. What Can I Do to Assist My Recovery?
The best way to assist your recovery is to be consistent with your treatment plan. This means doing your exercises as prescribed, attending your physiotherapy sessions, and making lifestyle changes as recommended by your physiotherapist.
4. What Should I Avoid?
The specific activities you should avoid will depend on the nature of your injury. However, in general, you should avoid activities that aggravate your pain. You should also avoid activities that put too much stress on the injured area.
5. Can I Contact My Physiotherapist in Between Sessions?
Yes, you can contact your physiotherapist in between sessions if you have any questions or concerns. Your physiotherapist will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with support.
6. Will I Just Be Seeing You All the Time?
In most cases, you will see the same physiotherapist for all of your sessions. However, if your physiotherapist is unavailable for any reason, another physiotherapist at the clinic will be able to see you. Your lead physiotherapist will communicate with the other physiotherapist to ensure that your treatment plan is continued.
7. What is Aquatic Therapy or Hydrotherapy?
Aquatic physiotherapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a low-impact form of exercise. The buoyancy of water supports the body, reducing the amount of stress on the joints. This makes aquatic physiotherapy a safe and effective way to exercise for people with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions that affect the joints.
If you are considering aquatic physiotherapy, be sure to talk to your doctor or physical therapist to see if it is right for you. Aquatic physiotherapy can be a safe and effective way to improve your health and well-being.
8. When do I need Aquatic Physiotherapy?
At Care Physio we combine Land-based with Aquatic Physio for the best outcome. In our first assessment we will discuss what is best for you and if Aquatic Physio will produce a good outcome for your rehabilitation.
9. I Am a Busy Person, How Can I Best Integrate the Exercises You Have Given Me into Everyday Life?
At Care Physio, we understand that you are a busy person. That is why we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits into your lifestyle. We will also teach you how to incorporate the exercises into your daily activities.
10. Will You Communicate with My GP or Other Health Providers Involved in My Care?
Yes, your physiotherapist will communicate with your GP or other health providers involved in your care. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your treatment plan is coordinated.
We hope this answers a few of your questions!
We hope this article has answered your questions about physiotherapy and Care Physio. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call us on 0419 641 050 or if it’s easier, email us at: info@carephysio.com.au.
You can also use our contact form to send us a message with your questions.