What is a Physical Therapist?
A Physical Therapist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating physical impairments, injuries, and disabilities. They focus on improving a person’s physical function, mobility, and overall quality of life.
What do I need to bring?
Be prepared to provide your previous medical or surgical history. If you have them and if they are relevant bring scan/MRI reports, and list of medication. You may wish to bring shorts and t-shirt.
How many visits will I need?
The number of treatments will vary depending on the problem and individual. After a thorough assessment, the Therpaist will discuss their treatment plan for the rehabilitation process.
What should I wear to my appointment?
If we are treating your feet you will not be asked to undress but if we are treating your spine, you will be so comfortable and modest underwear or even a pair of shorts is appropriate.
Do I have to be referred by a doctor?
No,Physical Therapists can assess and treat without referral by a doctor. However most health insurers require a doctors referral before they authorise cover of fees, some only require a phone call.
Here are some key aspects of what a Physical Therapist does:
Assessment and Diagnosis: Physical Therapists evaluate patients to assess their physical condition, mobility, and any movement-related issues. They may use various assessment techniques to identify the root causes of problems.
Treatment Planning: Once a diagnosis is made, physiotherapists develop customised treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. These plans often include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other interventions.
Exercise Prescription: Physcial Therapists prescribe specific exercises and therapeutic activities designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. These exercises are often an essential component of the rehabilitation process.
Manual Therapy: Physical Therapists may use hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and manipulation to alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and facilitate healing.
Education and Advice: They educate patients about their conditions, provide guidance on proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and offer strategies for injury prevention and self-management.
Use of Modalities: In some cases, Physical Therapists may use modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or traction as part of the treatment process.
Rehabilitation: Physical Therapists work with individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions (such as strokes or neurological disorders) to help them regain functional independence.
Chronic Pain Management: They assist patients in managing chronic pain conditions, offering techniques and strategies to improve pain control and quality of life.
Sports Rehabilitation: Physical Theraposts often work with athletes to help them recover from sports-related injuries and enhance their performance.
Pediatric Care: Some physiotherapists specialise in working with children, addressing developmental delays, congenital conditions, and pediatric injuries.
Geriatric Care: Others focus on elderly populations, helping seniors maintain mobility and independence as they age.
Physical Therapists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, contributing to the recovery and well-being of patients across various age groups and with a wide range of physical challenges. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private clinics, schools, sports facilities, and home healthcare.
TIPS
Our brains are responsible for processing and determining various aspects of pain, including its intensity and duration. While certain pain problems may necessitate more advanced treatments, many of our discomforts can be alleviated
or resolved through the simple, practical strategies outlined below.
Cooling
A high quality cold spray, applied 2 to 3 times of 1.5 seconds each to the affected area, can significantly reduce pain levels.
Sensation
Application of a topical gel or cream, such as bio-freeze or deep heat, over the area of pain, causes a tingling sensation and instantly reduces the sense of pain as the brain has difficulty detecting tingling and pain sensations at the same time.
Sound
Placing a painful hand or foot into a basin of cold water for 1 minute followed by placing the same hand or foot into a basin of warm water and repeating this for 2-3 mintues (starting with and ending with cold) can result in reduced pain levels and provides the foundation for a great nights sleep.
Breathe
Very slow breathing is a great pain hack that few people have heard about. Find a quiet, relaxed area and if possible, lie on your back or sit comfortably. Breathing slowly (Not Deeply) in through the nose and out through your mouth as slowly as you can, will have a positive impact on reducing pain.
