1 out of 3 adults in Canada suffers from chronic pain each year. Without the proper care, people are turning to prescription drugs and surgery to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, that often leads to addiction and complications that can hurt your quality of life.
Fortunately, holistic medicine, like physiotherapy, can help alleviate or manage chronic pain. Not a lot of people know about this, but what is physiotherapy? Keep reading to learn more about this healing method and its benefits.
What Is Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treats pain and dysfunction in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. The physiotherapist will evaluate your problem and provide a treatment regime, such as:
- Active Release
- Deep tissue laser
- Graston technique
- Shockwave therapy
- Needling
- Movement/exercise
They tailor your therapy to the particular ailment. They can also prevent injuries and play a crucial part in your general health.
Physiotherapy is a continuous process; you will most likely need numerous sessions to attain your objective. You will also need to do specialized exercises at home in between sessions to get the maximum advantages.
What Conditions Can Physiotherapy Treat?
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for various disorders that cause pain or reduce mobility. Here are the common problems it treats:
- Strains or tears of the muscles or ligaments
- Tendonitis
- Broken bones or dislocations
- Muscle rips
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMJ)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis or golf elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Degenerative disorders
- Injuries sustained in sports or automobile accidents
- Pelvic pain
Many individuals seek physiotherapy for pregnancy-related ailments. In fact, studies have shown that it may help with various pregnancy-related conditions, like lower back discomfort. Whether you’re getting out of surgery or dealing with chronic pain for years, physiotherapy can help improve your quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Physiotherapy
46% of patients using physiotherapy seek pain relief for their spine. It makes sense since you use the back to lift and maneuver the body in various directions. A strained muscle or herniated disc can cause massive pain, sending you straight to the physiotherapist.
Did you know that physiotherapy also has other benefits? If you don’t here are some to keep you informed:
Migraine Relief
Migraines are severe headaches felt as a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. The pain is so unbearable that it can last for hours or days. It can also cause other symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Physiotherapy can help relax the muscles in your neck and shoulders, thus alleviating the tension in your head. It can also reduce the pressure on your spine to relieve the migraine.
Stress Relief
When stressed, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, releasing a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps you deal with short-term stress. However, when it’s constantly being released, it can lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, and other health problems.
Physiotherapy can help reduce the cortisol in your body by promoting relaxation. It stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers with mood-boosting properties.
Prevent Surgery
To treat an accident or persistent pain, physicians may offer surgery, but that has its own inherent dangers. A patient may avoid surgery for many conditions by opting for physiotherapy to control or cure the problem before it worsens.
Although not all surgeries are preventable, it is advantageous to investigate alternative treatments. Even if your physician says you need surgery, physiotherapy can speed up your recovery time.
Mild Form of Therapy
Many individuals appreciate physiotherapy because it addresses their problems gently. Your physiotherapist will provide workout and treatment strategies that are non-painful and comfortable.
In addition, they will always inform the anticipation of the treatment and make every effort to ensure you are comfortable. Plus, the gentle movement stimulates tissue repair and aids in rehabilitation.
Restores Range of Motion (ROM)
A disease that restricts your movement is frustrating since it can impact your overall quality of life. Physiotherapists will work with you to regain lost mobility, often restoring it to normal. You will increase your ROM with strength and flexibility exercises that support healing.
They will design exercises that simulate real-world conditions. These techniques will maximize your range of motion, allowing you to return to pain-free everyday activities.
Prevent Sports-Related Injuries
People who engage in sports regularly put their bodies to the test. Physiotherapy can help enhance general strength and coordination. This conditions the body to avoid sports-related injuries.
The physiotherapist will offer sports awareness injury strategies to show you how to recover faster and better. They can also provide exercises and suggestions to help avoid this and future injuries. Consider seeing a physiotherapist as part of your fitness regimen if you often engage in high-impact sports.
Facilitates Stroke Recovery
Working with a physiotherapist can lead to a speedy recovery for stroke sufferers that have lost some degree of function or mobility. They can also help restore your strength and mobility.
Manage Diabetes
Patients with diabetes have knee, shoulder, back, and other types of discomfort due to imbalanced sugar levels. They can benefit from physiotherapy, which provides activities to lower blood sugar levels.
Treat the Body Holistically
Many people choose physiotherapy over traditional medicine. This is because conventional medicine focuses on the specific location of pain or discomfort. In contrast, physiotherapy will evaluate the body as a whole.
With a holistic treatment strategy, patients can wean off of prescription drugs from pain management. This can help reduce side effects and addiction to drugs.
What Is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the body. It treats various conditions, like pain, nausea, and fatigue.
It stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. These chemicals will change how your brain perceives pain or promote healing.
Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapy can restore your range of motion, prevent sports-related injuries, and manage pain. It’s best to treat the body holistically with acupuncture and physiotherapy. This prevents the need for surgery and prescription pain medication that can lead to complications or addiction.
If you are in pain or have suffered a loss of mobility, consider seeing a physiotherapist. If you are in the Brampton Location, we can help. Still wondering “what is physiotherapy?” Contact us today to learn more about this treatment technique and how it can speed up your recovery.