Reasons why people see a physio

Jamie Barianos, physiotherapist at PhysioEdge, Mile End, says there are many facets to physiotherapy which can be beneficial to everyone.

“As physiotherapists, we offer treatment for a variety of ailments,” Jamie says. “For example, physiotherapy can help ease symptoms relating to musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory issues. It could be something as straight forward as relieving pain as a result of injury, or something more complicated like developmental delay in children, or balance problems in the elderly. The aim is to correct the issue that is causing your problem and restore normal movement so you can return to enjoying the things you like to do with less pain and less difficulty.”

Prevention is better than cure

Even if you’re not injured, a physiotherapist can help you with tight muscles, stiff joints, balance problems or advice regarding posture and exercise.

“Being pain-free is the ultimate scenario,” Jamie says. “We can show you some exercises to help loosen tight muscles or strengthen the weak ones. For those limbering up for the start of another sports season, we also offer preseason screening which can be quite effective in identifying any weaknesses that may lead to an injury during the season.”

Other reasons to see your physiotherapist include:

Balance Problems

Your physiotherapist can show you some exercises to reduce the risk of falls.

Post surgery/injury

Your physiotherapist can get you moving again with exercises to strengthen and rebuild the area where the surgery or injury took place.

Sports injuries

For muscle strains, ligament sprains, or tendon injuries your physiotherapist can guide you through your rehabilitation program to get you back to your sport.

Maintenance

For those who experience chronic pain and/or stiffness daily in a particular part of their body, maintenance treatment may be beneficial.

“It’s like a ‘tune-up’ or ‘service’ in order to keep that body part moving freely and reducing or preventing you from experiencing symptoms,” Jamie says. “This can be effective for arthritic joints, headaches, and general aches and pains.”

Maintenance treatment can also help to keep the patient motivated in performing their exercises, and modifying them as progress is made.

Office/work Injuries

Spending a considerable amount of time at a desk or computer can lead to poor posture, causing tightness of the neck, shoulder and low back muscles, as well as headaches and pain. Repetitive strain injuries such as tennis elbow and wrist tendonitis may also develop as a result of excessive keyboard entry or use of the mouse. Lower back problems can develop from excessive sitting, standing, bending or lifting.

Your Health Partners physiotherapist can teach you exercises to alleviate and manage your symptoms and provide appropriate therapy to release tight muscles or stiff joints.

“Correct ergonomics is very important in reducing or minimising office injuries,” Jamie says. “It is advisable to have your workstation assessed for acceptable heights and distances between objects.”

Developmental Delay

A paediatric physiotherapist can identify developmental delay in children. An appropriate program will be provided to address any weaknesses or deficiencies.

Cardiorespiratory Problems

Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other breathing issues can be managed with the help of your physiotherapist. They can help you with techniques to ease symptoms.