Although physiotherapy is typically used to treat athletes and those who have suffered injury from an accident, it can actually provide relief to some of the most common aches and injuries. Physical therapy has proven to be an effective form of treatment for muscle pain, joint injuries, arthritis, mobility issues and even respiratory problems, like cystic fibrosis.
Effective Pain Relief
Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts develop pain in well worn joints and muscles as they age, and these problem areas can cause recurring injuries and difficulties. However, many people who don’t participate in sports or strenuous exercise can just as easily develop these aches and pains. For example, back pain is one of the most common injuries that people suffer from at some point in their life, and it affects about 80 per cent of the UK population. Physiotherapists will recommend stretches and exercises that target problem areas and offer relief, as well as administer massaging techniques that can help relieve pain and minimise the risk of further injury.
Better Flexibility And Mobility
The human body is a remarkable machine, and it is home to thousands of networks that connect muscles, tissues and tendons. However, just like a machine with lots of moving parts, it can get rusty and worn out. Over time, movements and joints can lose their flexibility and basic movements, like crouching at the knees or bending over to pick something up, can be strenuous and difficult. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle or who spend most of their time behind a desk or steering wheel are likely to develop mobility and flexibility problems, but it can just as easily occur in healthy people who have repetitive exercise routines. Sessions of physiotherapy can help improve flexibility and identify problematic joints and sore spots. For some people, a routine of stretches and exercise that has been devised by a physiotherapist can help compliment their lifestyle and improve any problems with gait, posture and routine. Manual therapy, like massage, can greatly help as it reduces pains and promotes blood flow to injured or atrophied joints and muscles. Physiotherapists may also devise a routine of strength training for patients to help improve their current levels of health.
Injury Recovery
Many people who are recovering from injury and surgery are offered physiotherapy as a way to manage pain and help speed up their rehabilitation. Although the body is capable of healing by itself at its own pace, physiotherapists can target parts of the body that typically take longer to mend and can have long-lasting damage. Bones may heal, but muscles damaged by scar tissue can leave patients with pain and a reduced range of movement. Physiotherapy will help bring relief to pains and aches, as well as build strength in injured patients.
This post was written by a Qualified Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor.
