Physiotherapy is an area of healthcare that helps individuals function optimally and maintain an active lifestyle while preventing injuries. It focuses on a person’s rehabilitation and return to health following illness, injury, physical impairment or disability. As a clinical health science, physiotherapy is complementary to medical treatment and can hasten your return to normal activity.

Physiotherapists study the body’s anatomy and physiology using specialized techniques and exercises to assess and treat an array of conditions. For information about your specific situation, contact a Langley physiotherapy clinic. Here are six problem areas physiotherapists commonly treat:

1. Accident-Related Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are traumatic experiences that can result in emotional and physical injury. Physical injuries commonly experienced include headache, whiplash, loss of mobility, back and neck pain and stiffness, all of which can interfere with the enjoyment of daily life. In 2020, Transport Canada reported a total of 101,572 accident-related injuries.

Physiotherapy can improve range of motion, provide pain relief and restore function. Used at the earliest possible stage of injury, it can also fast-track a patient’s recovery and alleviate the risk of long-term problems.

2. Chronic Pain

Chronic or persistent pain is any pain that outlasts the normal healing time or lasts several months despite the use of medication or treatment. It can be debilitating. Back pain, neck pain, arthritis and migraines are types of chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, physiotherapy can provide relief and restore normalcy to your life by evaluating your situation and working with you to create a personalized treatment plan for recovery.

3. Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions occur when the body’s disease defence mechanism fights against itself. There are approximately 80 autoimmune conditions, and nearly 4% of the global population suffers from one or more of these conditions. The most common conditions are type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and scleroderma. In such cases, physiotherapy can provide some relief. For example, people who have lost mobility from multiple sclerosis may be able to improve mobility by increasing balance and building muscle strength through exercises tailored to their specific situation.

4. Repetitive Strain Injuries

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety estimates that 15% of Canadians suffer from repetitive strain injuries (RSI), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tension neck syndrome, shin splints and tendonitis. A physiotherapist can help patients find relief from the symptoms of RSI by correcting posture, strengthening muscles and improving range of motion.

5. Sports Injuries

Most sports injuries are caused by trauma – as in the case of a heavy blow – or the overuse of muscles and joints. They affect different body parts, including knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows and can lead to substantial pain and discomfort. Tennis elbow, fractures, strains, knee injuries and sprains are among the common sports injuries that affect athletes and others involved in sports or exercise activities.

Depending on the nature of the injury, physiotherapists employ treatments like acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation and shockwave therapy. Specialized programs are created on an individualized basis to maximize recovery and enhance performance.

6. Neurological Problems

People with neurological disorders may experience muscle weakness, pain, poor coordination and a lack of mobility and balance. In many instances, the effects are accompanied by loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Physiotherapy treatment can increase independence and improve overall well-being. Common benefits include:

  • Pain relief
  • Stronger muscles
  • Increased range of motion
  • Improved balance and coordination

Physiotherapy in Walnut Grove, Langley

Contact Movéo Sport & Rehabilitation Centre to begin your journey to recovery. The highly skilled healthcare professionals at our Langley physiotherapy centre are eager to help guide you through your recovery. Call us today at 604-371-4771 to schedule an appointment or book online.