Physiotherapy has been shown to be a safe and effective way to conservatively treat MUSCULOSKELETAL issues for many years. A Physiotherapist’s focus is always reducing pain and improving movement and strength, thus improving quality of life and overall function. Education and strategies to prevent the pain from returning in the future are another goal for Physiotherapists. This is where, for example, core strengthening and keeping up with it as well as being mindful of posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics in the workplace are vital.
Despite Physiotherapy’s positive reputation, there are still many common myths and misconceptions out there, especially online. Understanding the limitations and advantages of this method of treatment is essential to better decide about trying it as a treatment.
Below are eight of the most-heard myths about Physiotherapy and the truth behind them:
1. Physiotherapy Is Painful
One of the most common hesitations people have about trying Physiotherapy is pain during the session. It already hurts so it makes sense to fear more pain, and how is that supposed to make it better? Rightfully so—no one wants to be in pain for a 30-minute treatment session, not to mention the tests at your initial assessments to try and provoke or find the source of pain. But the truth is, it shouldn’t be painful. One of its major purposes is to eliminate pain and discomfort caused by issues in your body’s tissue structures, and it is never the Physiotherapist’s intention to hurt you. Most patients describe the treatment as a “GOOD SORE”—a stretching and releasing type of sensation accompanied by a dull ache.
Consistency is much more important than intensity in treatment, so it should be relatively easy with the odd moment of challenge from time to time. While certain people might find certain manual therapy (soft tissue release, joint mobilizations, manual traction, muscle energy techniques, passive stretching, and so on) exercises slightly uncomfortable, Physiotherapy should never be outright painful. Plus, remember that moments of discomfort are all in the effort of eliminating pain moving forward.
2. Physiotherapists ‘Fix’ People
Some people have the impression that Physiotherapy is simply a service to pay for, receive, and enjoy the benefits of, as if pain, discomfort, and limited mobility might wonderfully disappear. However, Physiotherapists don’t fix people—at least, not in the way you might think.
While we all wish treatments could instantly transform your physical health, this is simply not the case. Instead, you’re given the tools, knowledge, framework, and confidence to learn to manage your own physical well-being, all under the guidance of an experienced professional. While receiving care is an essential part of the process, you’ll still need to put the work in yourself. We perform manual therapy to help you feel better right now (as well as, reduce muscle spasms, and improve joint mobility). The tools we give you in addition are what will continue to keep the condition under control and hope to prevent it in the future.
3. Physiotherapy Is Solely Exercise-Based
Some people are turned off from the idea of Physiotherapy due to the belief that it’s just a ‘home workout routine’. While it’s true that your Physiotherapist will provide you with a personalized exercise program to do at home between sessions, these are by no means a workout in the traditional sense of the phrase. The routines we typically provide at our clinic are stretches, self-massage, and gentle resistance exercises. Most often, they’ll be slightly challenging at worst, and downright relaxing at best.
4. Physiotherapists Stop You from Doing The Things You Enjoy
Physiotherapists truly dislike telling patients to stop the physical activities that make them happy and physically fit. People seeking injury care often need to take some time off their typical activities otherwise they won’t properly heal. Rest time will be included in the initial treatment plan to best support their client and ensure a positive recovery. However, the goal of this rest time is to make sure you can eventually return to the sports and activities that you most enjoy, without having to endure pain and discomfort while you do it. Returning to sport too soon after an injury won’t allow the healing to take place in full and will very likely lead to re-injury. Recurring injuries can lead to chronic pain which many are unfortunate to have,
5. You Can Teach Yourself Physiotherapy
Learning a certain exercise online is (typically) straightforward, which has led many people to believe that Physiotherapy can easily be self-administered. However, the missing element to this approach is the expertise and custom treatment that a qualified Physiotherapist will provide. Not to mention an accurate diagnosis to start off. If you don’t have the proper diagnosis, you may be performing exercises that will actually harm you.
6. Physiotherapy Is Only For Pain Management
Some people believe that Physiotherapy is only for people who deal with ongoing chronic pain, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Treatments are for anyone who wants to improve the way their body functions on a day-to-day level, ensuring they’re supported for the tasks they do most often. Whether you work at a desk or on your feet, play team sports, or simply exercise individually, Physiotherapy can help you keep your body healthy and happy, improve strength and flexibility, and prevent re-injury.
7. Physiotherapy Is Only for People With Injuries
Similarly to the last point, there’s a common misconception that Physiotherapy is only for people who have been injured, such as in a sports injury or motor vehicle accident. And while it is often a vital part of recovery from these situations, you can also benefit if you have no injuries at all. As a matter of fact, the strength and flexibility improvements brought on by consistent treatment can reduce your risk of re-injury. Other benefits include improving cardiovascular fitness and improving your sports performance, making it an excellent way to be proactive about your health.
8. You Need A Doctor’s Referral To Consult A Physiotherapist
A referral from your Family Physician is not necessary to get an appointment booked. It is always nice for the Physiotherapist to receive as much information as they can but ultimately they will always perform their own assessment and may report back to the Physician with a different diagnosis than mentioned previously. The only time a Doctor’s prescription is necessary when coming for Physiotherapy is if your insurance provider requires it to authorize payment of your claim.
Whether you’re dealing with a current physical challenge, or you simply want to take a preventative approach to your health, our services are an accessible means to take control of your overall well-being.
If you’re looking for compassionate and trustworthy practitioners, a client-centred approach to care, and years’ worth of 5-star Google reviews, Fit4Life Physiotherapy is the Clinic for you. Our friendly and skilled team is here to answer any questions you might have about our services, both in general and as it relates to you. We know how important your physical health reinforces your general well-being. We’re here to help!
Have a question before you make an appointment? You can email our Physiotherapist and Athletic Therapist through our website at WWW.FIT4LIFEPHYSIO.COM.
“TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY AND IT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU!” –F4L