Physiotherapy can benefit individuals of all ages who have medical problems, disabilities, injury, or an accident. These issues can hinder your ability to function on a daily basis. When pain prevents us from completing work, spending time with family, and enjoying activities we love, it not only affects our physical well-being but also our mental well-being. If you have never experienced or been to a physiotherapist before, you may be wondering whether it will benefit you or not. Physiotherapists see such as physiohub.ie see a diverse range of patients with many different conditions. Read on for the main key benefits of physiotherapy.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy provides knowledgeable information on how the body works and uses medically proven procedures for the assessment and treatment of patients. Physio can help the overall well-being of a person. Physio is a highly beneficial and niche treatment using specific physical methods. It helps restore the function, mobility, and movement in an affected area. Physiotherapy is also very beneficial in the prevention of further damage or injury on the previously strained body parts. Physiotherapy is a degree-based occupation, where experienced, trained, and highly qualified professionals provide the best treatment and care for patients. They are there to help you get back to feeling your best and enjoying the things you love the most.
Benefits of Physiotherapy
- Eliminates or Reduces Pain
Manual therapy procedures and therapeutic exercises like soft tissue mobilisation or the use of modalities like TENS, ultrasound, and IFT can help relieve pain due to issues such as muscle strain/sprain, arthritis, or tendonitis. Physiotherapy sessions can help alleviate discomfort and restore muscle and joint function to minimise pain. Your physiotherapist will start off with an initial assessment to discuss your medical issues and the cause of your pain and will then evaluate where to start. The physio will use several physical therapy treatments to help reduce pain and improve function in whatever way possible. These therapy procedures will help prevent pain from returning.
- Assists in avoiding Surgery
Physiotherapy can help manage and heal the initial stages even if surgery is required. In some situations, surgery is required. Surgery may not be required if physiotherapy can help eliminate discomfort or recover from an injury. Pre and post-rehabilitation programs are available to help mitigate the complications that can occur in the surgery. Often health care costs are lowered by avoiding surgery. If surgery is required, a physio will assist with improving mobility and function, pain management, and regaining strength to get you back up to speed.
- Improves overall co-ordination and Strength
While physiotherapy is hugely beneficial to reduce pain during or after surgery, it also helps improve the overall robustness and strength of the body. Physical therapy generally involves stretches and exercises which ultimately help you improve the overall strength of the body. It also aids with assistive devices and exercises to improve the coordination of the entire body. A physiotherapist will use specific rehabilitation techniques to help you reduce and eliminate symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, and many more health-related issues.
- Improves Cardiovascular Functioning and Lung Capacity
Physiotherapy can help patients recovering from a stroke in regaining a degree of movement, balance, sense of direction, and function. Post-stroke requires an extreme recovery and care program. A tailored exercise plan will be put in place for the patient to help retrieve their activities of daily living. Special breathing exercises help to restore optimal blood circulation and lung capacity.
- Managing Diabetic and Heart Conditions
In many cases, diabetic patients suffer from back pain, knee, and shoulder pain. This is often due to unbalanced sugar levels in the body. To manage diabetes exercise is essential to help regulate blood sugar levels effectively. In addition, individuals with diabetes can have sensation issues in their feet and legs such as diabetic neuropathy, diabetic foot, etc. Physical therapists will provide help and teach diabetic patients about proper foot care in order to avoid more complications down the road.
- Manages and helps Prevent Sports-Related Injuries
Physiotherapists understand and know how sports can increase your risk of many different types of injuries and conditions such as ACL tear, golfer’s elbow, hamstring strain, and many more. A therapist will put together a suitable rehabilitation exercise program to help a patient return safely to the world of sport again pain-free and in good long-term health. Physiotherapists are equipped with a greater understanding and knowledge of a range of sporting injuries which will allow them to identify your injury and promote long–term healing. This will prevent you from visiting your doctor and harsh medication.
- Improves and Manages Women’s Wellbeing and Health
Exercise physiology and physiotherapy both play a big role in women’s wellbeing and health. Women have particular issues with their health such as post-partum and pregnancy. Many women face issues during these times and their bodies go under many changes which can impact over health and well-being. Many of these issues include changing eating habits, fluctuating hormones, and increasing body weight. Advanced physiotherapy care can also be provided for many other health–related issues such as pelvic pain, intestinal incontinence, fibromyalgia, breast cancer, lymphedema, constipation, urinary incontinence, and male pelvic health.
- Managing and Staying Fit at Every Age
Age–related injuries and health conditions aren’t always pleasant and can bring certain complications that can affect a person’s daily lifestyle. Certain people develop osteoporosis and arthritis which can come with age. Other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, knee replacements, dementia, back pain, neck pain, and many other ailments can be managed and improved with the help of a physiotherapist. Physiotherapy can help a patient heal over time and sometimes prevent the need for surgery operations such as knee replacements.
- Enhances Versatility
No matter what your age if you struggle with walking, standing, or driving, physiotherapy can help and improve all movements. Exercises to reinforce and stretch, help regain your ability to move. Physiotherapists can test for orthotic medication or fit many people with crutches, a walking stick, or some other device. They can tailor an individual care plan to ensure optimal movement, efficiency, and versatility.
