Across the world, it’s estimated that 2.4 billion people need some kind of rehabilitation treatment for their bodies. Are you one of them? If you’re recovering from an injury or you’re dealing with debilitating chronic pain, it can feel like there’s no hope in sight. Good news, there is hope in the form of physiotherapy. But, what kind of treatments should you try, and how do you choose the right physiotherapist to help aid in your recovery? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about physiotherapy and how it can help you feel like the best version of yourself.
Physiotherapy vs Physical Therapy
Before we detail some of the physiotherapy treatments you should consider trying, let’s do a quick breakdown of the physiotherapy vs physical therapy.
Often times, the terms “physiotherapy” and “physical therapy” are used interchangeably. And, in most cases, they do mean almost the same thing.
However, the biggest difference is that physiotherapy is generally more of a manual, hands-on type of therapy, while physical therapy often takes a more exercise-based approach to treatment.
So, keep that in mind when talking to your doctor about a treatment plan that works best for you.
Physiotherapy Treatments to Consider Trying
Whether you’re dealing with arthritis pain or you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident and have lingering health issues, physiotherapy can be one of the most effective ways to promote healing.
Here’s a closer look at some of the specific physiotherapy treatments you might want to consider trying.
Ultrasound Therapy
When you think “ultrasound,” you most likely imagine an expectant mother getting a check-up for her growing baby. But the truth is that ultrasound therapy is a great way to relieve pain and heal damaged tissue.
During mechanical ultrasound therapy, sound waves pulse and work through your tissue to help decrease swelling and inflammation.
Or, you can try thermal ultrasound therapy, which uses continuous sound waves instead of pulses. This creates a warming effect, which helps soft tissues in your body heal by increasing the metabolism level in cells.
Shockwave Therapy
Another physiotherapy treatment that is continuing to grow in popularity is shockwave therapy. If that sounds painful, have no fear. While you might feel slight discomfort during the procedure, it’s generally not painful for patients.
During this treatment, your physiotherapist uses a device that produces waving pulses on the injured spot of your body.
This promotes blood flows and triggers your body’s natural healing responses so you can enjoy a less painful life.
Joint Mobilization
If you suffer from chronic pain in your joints, then the passive physiotherapy technique of joint mobilization could be what you need.
During this treatment, your physiotherapist uses a hands-on approach to gently move your joints to help restore the normal range of motion.
To start, your therapist will focus on small, limited movements, increasing them over time as you progress through treatment.
Neurodynamics
Sometimes, the pain you feel isn’t actually in your joints, but it’s a result of pressure on one of your nerves. This can happen in the case of injury or when you have inflammation in your muscles.
In that case, neurodynamic treatment can be used to promote healing. With this approach, the source of the nerve pressure is determined, and then a plan is put in place to help alleviate that pressure and, in turn, your pain.
Stretching
While it may seem like a simple thing to do, never underestimate the importance of stretching and keeping your muscles loose.
Your physiotherapist will walk you through stretching exercises during your appointment to ensure that you’re doing the movements correctly.
Then, unlike some of the other treatments we’ve discussed, you can continue to make progress on your own at home. Your physiotherapist will likely give you stretching exercises to continue outside of your appointments, to help you heal faster.
Taping
Kinesiology taping is an effective mode of treatment because it helps limit how you move certain parts of your body.
During this treatment plan, your therapist places special tape on your body, positioned in specific directions, to help support your joints and limit movement that could worsen your injuries.
In doing so, you’ll gain more mobility over time and reduce your pain levels.
How to Choose a Physiotherapist
Now that you know more about the types of physiotherapy treatments you might consider trying, you’ll have to choose the right physiotherapist to help aid in your treatment.
Here’s how to make sure you choose the best of the best.
Ask for a Doctor’s Recommendation
If you have a primary care physician, ask them for a recommendation when discussing your treatment options. They’ll likely have connections with local physiotherapists, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can trust them.
Check Certifications
Before you decide to work with a physiotherapist, check to make sure they are licensed to practice. They should also be up to date on continuing education requirements.
Read Reviews
Perhaps the best way to see what it’s like to work with a particular physiotherapist is to hear from their other patients. In the digital age in which we live, that’s now easier than ever.
Read through online reviews from past patients to get an unbiased look at what you can expect during your treatment.
You Don’t Have to Live Your Life in Pain because of Physiotherapy
No one should have to live a life just trying to get through the day in pain. With the proper physiotherapy treatments, you don’t have to. Talk to your doctor about the treatments we discussed above to develop a plan to help you live a pain-free life.
And, to promote even more healing, browse through our in-home therapy products so you can continue progressing, even outside of your appointments. A happier and more comfortable life is within reach!