Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : November 17, 2017 11:10 AM IST
Physiotherapy helps to optimize movement and improve quality of life. Most people approach a physiotherapist only to treat pain after a trauma like an accident or after suffering an injury. But in reality, physiotherapy is more than an extension of trauma care and rehabilitation. Unaware of the role of a therapist, people have their own misconceptions about the subject that has given rise to many myths. Here Dr Vijaya Baskar, Head of Rehabilitation, Nightingales-Home Healthcare Services, Mumbai busts a few of the myths related to physiotherapy.
Fact: No, physiotherapy cannot be painful as it helps to ease the pain. It treats the pain, but there are certain therapies or exercises that work towards mobilizing the stiff joints which can, at times, hurt a bit. But, in general physiotherapy is not painful; it is an integration of certain kinds of therapies that make use of pain relieving methods. Here are 10 things your physiotherapist wants you to know.
Fact: Every department in medicine is working in tandem with physiotherapy for its benefits. Orthopaedics, neurology, paediatric, cardiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, all involve physiotherapy as it is a super specialized therapy and is very vast. It is a misconception that physiotherapy only helps to strengthen muscles and joints post accidents or injuries. Read to know when you should visit a physiotherapist.
Fact: Not always, but this depends upon the condition of the patient. For musculoskeletal problems i.e., a range of disorders involving muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and other soft tissues physiotherapy has a huge role to play. The most common problems in this category are repetitive strain injury (RSI), carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis and bursitis. It makes sense to go for physiotherapy for increased chances of recovery than opting for surgery for musculoskeletal problems. But physiotherapy is only advised in cases where a surgery can be avoided. But in some cases, like a spinal problem where a nerve is compressed and a surgery is necessary, then physiotherapy in itself will not help.
Fact: Apart from exercise, physiotherapy also plays a major role in relieving pain and to accelerate healing. With the help of a laser, ultrasound and other similar equipment healing can be quicker. However, most of these techniques are adopted by the therapist to ease pain and optimize movement.
Fact: Nowadays, physiotherapy is even adopted for any kind of paralysis, post-surgery recovery, various kinds of joint replacements as well as pre-natal and post-natal care. It is not restricted to sports injuries only. But it is a super specialty therapy.
Fact: This is not mandatory, patients with random pains and aches like acute back and neck pain can directly consult a physiotherapist. However, it is very important to diagnose the cause of the pain rather than treating pain. So, it is important to go to a physician who knows the exact history of the patient and can then refer a physiotherapist to treat the patient accordingly.
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