Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : September 16, 2016 7:58 PM IST
Physiotherapy is increasingly becominga popular for the treatment and management of pain. Be it the pain in the back or neck or in joints such as hips, wrists, shoulders, knees or elbows, physiotherapy shows significant improvement in the condition post treatment. But do you know what to expect from your physiotherapist? How to get the most out of a physiotherapy session? Our expert Dr M Udaya Kumar Maiya, Medical Director, Portea Medical, shares 10 key things every patient consulting a physiotherapist should keep in mind.
1. Have an open mind
A physiotherapy session can be overwhelming for some due to the techniques used but having an open mind to the treatment can help you in getting the most out of your sessions. Wondering how physiotherapy works? Click here!
2. Be appropriately dressed
Unlike other treatment options, which do not take into considerations the clothes that you wear, physiotherapy is most about exercising, and movement and hence, wearing proper clothes is of utmost important. For any session to be smooth, it is important to dress right and avoid wearing ill-fitting or tight clothes, which can cause a hindrance during the process. The right type of clothes are the ones that can help you in moving correctly through the sessions comfortably.
3. Ask questions
Your physiotherapist might tell you what is the right technique and how to go about it. But this doesn't mean you blindly follow what the doctors tell you to do. Instead, make a habit of asking questions as it will help you to understand your injury and if needed, explain the expert about your condition in detail. It also helps help you take control of the sessions and also know what your body is experiencing to make progress in the treatment.
4. Have clear expectations
Know what you want from a particular session and inform the same to your physiotherapist. Discussing what you want to achieve at the end of your session will help a physiotherapist tailor your sessions according to the set goals. Read to know about when do you need a physiotherapist?
5. Communicate
Also, if you experience severe pain during or after the session, then it is best to talk to your doctor rather than ignoring it. Letting your therapist know of any pain while exercising will help them in modifying the sessions accordingly. So communicating with your therapist about the type of activities you are finding it difficult to do can help him in tailoring your needs to the fullest
6. Be realistic
Physiotherapy is not about quick fixes. The sessions cannot offer instant results but are beneficial in the long term. Understand how long the recovery process will take and work in tandem with the physiotherapist to get the most out of it. Set practical goals and not instant ones.
7. Do your homework
One of the most important points to remember is to do your homework before visiting a physiotherapist. It not only means knowing about the therapist and the exercises you might be undergoing at every session but also setting a milestone for yourself. Even when the physiotherapy sessions are over, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle and look after your health to ensure that your condition does not bounce back. Here are 5 physiotherapy techniques that help osteoarthritic patients live better.
8. Keep yourself hydrated
It goes without saying that water is as essentail as diet and exercise for any healing. Load up your intake of water to keep your body hydrated before, during and after sesions. You can even drink soups and coconut water to stay hydrated but avoid drinking soft drinks, tea or coffee.
9. Eat a balanced diet
Keep in mind that a body recovers not just through exercise but from a healthy and balanced diet. For physiotherapy to work, it is imperative that you eat the right food. Make sure that 60% of your plate is filled with carbodydrates, 30% with proteins and 10% with fats for quick healing.
10. Stay positive
Not all injuries might heal within the same period. It depends on many factors. A long-term pain or injury can affect your beliefs very strongly but keep your thoughts positive and change the way you look at the injury or condition. All you have to do is stay positive and let your physiotherapist do his best to make the treatment work for you.
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