Physiotherapy targets the muscles and joints, which can be harmed by accidents, disease, or natural wear and tear. Therapists work to improve patients’ posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and more. It can be a primary or secondary treatment for patients with health issues.
A physiotherapist evaluates their patients and then creates a treatment plan to address issues with their joints, bones, and soft tissues. They are a separate medical discipline that also works with primary physicians and specialists to restore mobility and lessen pain. Physiotherapy can help people with a wide range of issues.
Candidates for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
No one escapes this life without some physical issues, so most people could benefit from this therapy at some point. Candidates include those with:
Back pain
Neck pain
Arthritis
Work Injuries
Carpal tunnel and other repetitive strain injuries
Osteoporosis
Knee and Hip Replacements
Sports Injuries
People injured in automobile accidents frequently seek treatment from physiotherapists. Amputees often benefit from this treatment as well. If you are experiencing muscle or nerve pain, you are a candidate for this treatment.
Australians are avid physio patients, with therapists holding more than 23 million consultations each year. They fully embrace the benefits of this medical discipline and incorporate it into their daily lives.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Treatments
This discipline uses multiple approaches to improve a patient’s condition. Most musculoskeletal physio appointments begin the same for new patients. Your physio will give you a physical exam to evaluate your muscles, joints, flexibility, and mobility. They will take a health history and discuss your diagnosis and prognosis as well as a care plan.
The treatment may include physical manipulation and at-home, exercises. Having your bones and muscles aligned can almost immediately improve your health. In addition, your physiotherapist may use the following:
Electrical stimulation (e-stim): You may receive two types of e-stim: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve muscle performance. The treatment is not painful at all, and you can remain relaxed while the physio performs it.
Iontophoresis: Electrical current that delivers topical steroids and other medications to treat inflammation. This method delivers the medications more efficiently so you will get faster relief.
Light Therapy: Lasers and other lights can treat some medical issues, relieving pain and helping muscles and joints heal.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Physios will often advise alternating heat and moist heat with cold packs to relieve muscle strain and tightness. It provides relief for many patients and is easy to perform at home.
Therapeutic Massage: Deep muscle massage can loosen the muscles and help relieve pain.
Relaxation Techniques: These techniques help patients manage pain by relaxing their bodies through breathing exercises, meditation, etc.
Benefits of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Patients benefit in multiple ways from this therapy, which is often combined with three medical treatments. Some of the most common benefits include:
Improved Strength: Your muscles should get stronger while your endurance improves. Your pain tolerance may increase, and you’ll improve your overall fitness level.
Greater Range of Motion: Treatments such as muscle manipulation, massage, stretching, e-stim, etc., will improve your range of motion and general mobility. Your quality of life should improve as well.
Better Coordination: Some patients have poor posture due to injury, weak muscles, or bad habits. The therapist will work to align your body and strengthen your muscles, which promotes better coordination, posture, and balance.
Athletic Performance: Athletes benefit from regular physio treatments because they routinely strain their muscles and often suffer serious injuries. A physio helps them to heal faster and lessen their pain so they can return to their sport.
When choosing a physio in Perth, do your research. You should check out any medical professional credentials and look at their online reviews. Ask your friends and family members for recommendations. They are often your best source for excellent physios. Your primary doctor may also recommend a physio for you. Before booking an appointment, visit the facility and talk to the physio briefly. You are allowed to interview your caregivers before beginning treatment.
Fortunately, Australia in general and Perth specifically has many excellent physiotherapists who can help you heal from accidents and illnesses.
Why Choose Physiotherapy?
Other doctors recognize this medical discipline as an effective supplemental treatment to their own work with a patient. A dual approach often brings faster relief to sufferers and helps them heal in the short term. In the long term, the therapy can protect you from future issues by strengthening your muscles and joints and teaching you how to manage pain.
You don’t have to wait for a doctor’s recommendation to benefit from physiotherapy. You can set up an appointment on your own and be evaluated for possible musculoskeletal conditions. Taking care of your muscles and joints now means better health now and in the future.
