Physiotherapy—or physical therapy—is a medical specialty that focuses on restoring health through movement and exercise. It is a conservative approach to managing various health issues. Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions related to an injury or other health conditions. Here are some ways you can benefit from physiotherapyꓽ
Manage pain
For patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain, physiotherapy can be very effective. A physiotherapist can help identify the source of the pain and create a plan that includes exercises targeted at your specific issue. Soft tissue work, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and corrective exercises are just some methods used in physiotherapy to treat pain. These methods help release tight muscles and relieve tension on nerves to ease the pain.
Reduce the need for medication
With physiotherapy, you can reduce your dependency on medication. Some medications prescribed for pain or other health conditions can be highly addictive and have many side effects ranging from mild to severe. Physiotherapy helps you manage your symptoms safely and targets the underlying causes of your condition to reduce chronic pain and improve strength.
Improve mobility
People of any age may experience issues with mobility. Reduced mobility may be from injury or health conditions that affect movement, such as arthritis. By improving muscle strength and joint flexibility, physiotherapy can restore your independence in completing simple day-to-day tasks. Mobility exercises and movement pattern training are physiotherapy treatments that can help increase mobility.
Reduce the need for surgery
Invasive medical procedures such as surgeries carry many risks. In many cases, physiotherapy can effectively eliminate the need for surgery by reducing pain and inflammation. Physiotherapy also improves strength, stability and movement patterns, which aid in recovery from injury. A research study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that physiotherapy is just as effective as surgery in treating knee osteoarthritis and tears in the meniscus. If the need for surgery still exists, it may still be beneficial to do therapy before your procedure. This will improve the success rate of surgery and also reduce recovery time.
Manage symptoms of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular disease is the term used to refer to conditions that affect the heart and lungs. Physiotherapists can prescribe safe and effective exercise programs to improve your cardiovascular fitness. They can help stroke patients regain function and movement.
Prevent sports injuries
Physiotherapists possess knowledge that helps them understand how sports can increase your risk of suffering from certain injuries. With this knowledge, they can screen for injury risk factors such as age, body composition, physical fitness and skill level. After an assessment is done, your therapist can create a sport-specific exercise program to prevent common sports-related injuries.
Improve mental health
Physiotherapy can also impact mental health. With benefits like improved sleep, reduced pain, reduced stress and enhanced mood, many physiotherapy patients have also noted improved mental well-being.
Manage age-related conditions
As you age, it can be hard to maintain an active lifestyle due to the changes in your body. These changes include decreased bone density, stiff joints and diminished muscle strength. Physiotherapy can reduce the impact of these age-related issues by increasing mobility and flexibility and improving overall health.
Enhance women’s health and postpartum care
Women endure many changes in their bodies during pregnancy. These changes include fluctuating hormone levels, reduced energy levels, and pain. A physical therapist can offer specialized care to help with pregnancy-related changes. Through pelvic floor exercises and core exercises, physiotherapy can also help to restore muscle function postpartum.
Improve strength and balance
Physical therapy also improves strength and balance through exercises that target muscles and focus on movement patterns. Once your muscles have been strengthened, you will start to notice your movements will be easier and more comfortable. Therapy can also decrease the symptoms of vertigo and dizziness through specific techniques and exercises.
Access the benefits of physiotherapy in Langley or North Vancouver
Do you need physiotherapy in Langley or North Vancouver? Contact Movéo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre. We have been helping clients achieve optimal health since 2006. Call us at (604) 371-4771 to schedule an appointment at our clinic in Langley or (604) 984-8731 for North Vancouver, or book online today.
