Finding the right physiotherapist for you is incredibly important. There are many factors to consider to ensure that you make the correct decision. Our blog will help you along the way and guide you in finding the right physiotherapist for you.
At Falcon Health, our Chartered Physiotherapist, Marcin is highly trained and experienced in physiotherapy, providing treatment to a wide variety of patients. From whiplash with the NHS, to sports injuries with Burgess Hill Rugby Club, Marcin has seen it all.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the treatment of physical problems and injuries using exercise, massage and other techniques. It can help to relieve pain, improve movement and increase strength. Whether you have chronic pain, or a sporting injury, physiotherapy can provide a solution for a variety of ailments
Physiotherapy can treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- back pain
- neck pain
- headaches
- sports injuries
- repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- postural problems
- arthritis
- joint pain
- Muscle weakness
How does Physiotherapy work?
Physiotherapy works by treating the underlying cause of the problem, rather than just the symptoms. It undertakes a holistic approach, looking to find weaknesses or stiffness in areas of the body which may cause pain or injury. Therefore, it is effective in treating pain as well as preventing future injury.
Physiotherapy can also help to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints. This is done by using techniques such as physical therapy, which can help to improve blood circulation and in turn reduce inflammation. This reduces inflammation by helping blood circulate around the body, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, keeping them loose and more flexible. Therefore, when treating the injury directly, there are no obstructions preventing the physiotherapist from working effectively.
Physiotherapy can help improve joint flexibility and range of movement. By increasing the range of motion in your joints, physiotherapy can help you move more easily and without pain. Physiotherapy does this by, stretching the muscles and tissues around the joint, strengthening the muscles that support the joint, and improving your balance and coordination. Not only does this increase the range of movement of your muscles and joints, but your stability is improved. As your muscles become stronger at supporting joints, they can react faster to loss of balance, thus reducing the damage a fall can cause. In physiotherapy, appreciating the benefits of preventative measures is crucial as it ensures that we can retain the health of our clients, particularly after experiencing injury.
Treatment Methods in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that deals with the assessment and treatment of patients with physical impairments or disabilities. The main goal of physiotherapy is to help the patient regain their ability to function independently in daily life. Physiotherapists use a variety of methods to achieve this, including exercises, massage, electrical stimulation and heat therapy.
Exercise is one of the most important aspects of physiotherapy. It helps to improve flexibility, strength and endurance. It can also help to reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. Massage is another popular method of physiotherapy. It helps to relax the muscles and reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. Electrical stimulation and heat therapy are also used in some cases to relieve pain.
All of these treatments are designed to enhance the range of movement, flexibility and stability of muscles and joints throughout the body.
How to Find a Good Physiotherapist
When you are in pain, the last thing you want to do is spend hours searching for a good physiotherapist. But if you want to get the most out of your physiotherapy treatments, it is important to find a qualified and experienced professional who can help you achieve your goals. Here are a few tips on how to find a good physiotherapist:
Get referrals from friends, family, or your doctor.
If you know someone who has received physiotherapy treatments in the past, ask them for recommendations. You can also ask your doctor for referrals.
Do some research online
Once you have a few names, take some time to research each one online. Check out their website
Check Credentials and Certifications
When you have narrowed down your list, be sure to check the credentials and certifications of each physiotherapist. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) have many guidelines on the credentials and qualifications required for physiotherapists. If you are unsure, be sure to check the CSP website.
Ask Questions
Feel free to contact your physiotherapist ahead of time to ask questions. Alternatively, ask questions on your first treatment session. Be sure that your physiotherapist is confident and can provide detailed and clear answers to each of your questions.
In physiotherapy, being open and honest is a crucial part of treatment, so do not hesitate to have discussions with your physio.
Make sure they are experienced in treating your condition
When you book an appointment, be sure to ask the physiotherapist if they have experience in treating your particular condition. If they are not experienced in treating your condition, they may not be able to provide you with the best possible care.
Ultimately, it is important to be confident and comfortable that you are receiving the care you require. As long as you are happy with the qualifications of your physio and their treatment, then they are the right physio for you.
What to Expect in a Physiotherapy Session
At Falcon Health, our physiotherapists are highly trained in a number of different techniques. This means that each session is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. However, there are some common elements that can be expected in every session.
In physiotherapy it is important to understand our patients' condition. The initial consultation will involve a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s history, symptoms, and level of function. This will help the physiotherapist to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual’s needs. It is important to be as open and honest as possible to give your physiotherapist a clear idea of what they are dealing with. This is also crucial throughout in order to monitor progress.
The physiotherapy treatment itself will vary depending on the specific condition being treated. However, all treatments will aim to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing. Common techniques used in physiotherapy include exercise prescription, manual therapy, and electrical modalities such as ultrasound and TENS.
The next step is the prescription of exercises. The physiotherapist will develop a specific exercise programme to address the patient’s individual needs. The exercises may be designed to improve range of motion, strength, or endurance. They may also be used to help prevent further injury.
It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s recommendations in order to get the most out of treatment. This includes both the treatments received in the clinic and the prescribed exercises. At Falcon Health, we are committed to helping our patients reach their goals. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is realistic and achievable.
Physiotherapy can be an extremely effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. However, it is important to remember that results take time. It is important to be patient and committed to therapy to ensure you see results.
Is physiotherapy safe for pregnant women?
Yes, physiotherapy can be a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant women, helping to address conditions such as lower back pain and pelvic pain.
Falcon Health
Falcon Health physiotherapists are always happy to answer any questions that you may have about your condition or treatment. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your care, so please do not hesitate to ask! Communicating throughout therapy is common with us.
We are highly trained and experienced in physiotherapy and would be happy to discuss treatment with you before committing to a session. To learn more about our treatments, explore our website, or contact us today on 01444 257555 or info@falcon-health.com.
Article: Phoenix Marketing