Have you recently gotten a full checkup and your primary care physician referred you to a physio clinic? It could be because your physician has diagnosed you with chronic back pain. So, how does this relate to having to visit a physiotherapist? How can they help you? Read on to find out what to expect on your first visit, and how they can treat your condition.
What is Physiotherapy?
The philosophy behind physiotherapy is improving the quality of life of a patient by bringing back the normal function of their muscles and joints. It makes use of manual therapies and rehabilitation techniques to reduce pain and treat injuries. So, expect more exercises and workouts with your physio every time you visit a physiotherapy clinic.
How is Physiotherapy Different from Osteopathic Doctors and Naturopathic Doctors?
Most often, physiotherapy is perceived as a treatment that is similar to osteopathy and naturopathy. However, these three medical treatments are different.
In Singapore, although an osteoalso uses manual therapies, its approach is different from a physiotherapist. Their approach is more on hands-on treatment. It means using stretching, massage, and physical manipulation to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. Whereas, in physiotherapy, it focuses more on treating injuries that are related to tendons and muscles.
A naturopathic doctor in Singapore also has the same philosophy as an osteo. They both administer treatments to enhance the ability of the body to heal itself. Their approach is almost the same as an osteoand a physiotherapist as they also use physical manipulation and manual therapies. However, they are quite different from a physiotherapist. A naturopathic doctor has a broader approach. They do not only provide manual treatments, but they also cover herbal medicinal treatments to restore the normal condition of your body.
Signs You Should See a Physiotherapist
It can be still difficult to decipher how a physiotherapist may help you, especially if you only read the medical definition. If it is still too vague to understand what a physiotherapist does, then you just have to watch out for these signs and symptoms:
- Frequent Pain
Working at home could be convenient. You do not have to go through the hassle of preparing for work and commuting to the office. However, it also means frequent back pain. It is inevitable as you have to sit in front of the computer all day. However, experiencing frequent back pain could affect your productivity at work. Instead of relying only on painkillers and herbal ointments, consider visiting a physiotherapist clinic. Their physiotherapists can come up with a rehabilitation programme that could help treat chronic back pain.
Another instance of how a physiotherapist may help you is when you are experiencing recurring pain. It happens when pain is still present even though you have already recovered from an injury. A physiotherapist will do a physical examination and perform some tests to find out whether you have an underlying condition that is causing the recurring pain to appear.
- Sudden Pain While Doing a Certain Movement
Have you always felt uncomfortable doing a certain movement because it causes sharp, sudden pain? Like for example, you are already having a hard time climbing up the stairs. If yes, then it may significantly limit your body’s mobility. You are unable to perform at your best. Fortunately, a physiotherapist may help strengthen your muscles with various exercises and workout programmes. Simply put, they improve your quality of life.
- Feeling “Out-of-Balance”
Have you noticed that you always fall out of balance even though you do not have any ear problems? There is a long list of causes. It could either be because of nerve damage or a joint & muscle problem. Whatever the reason is, you should visit aphysio clinicto get an accurate diagnosis. You may also undergo a balance exercises programme to improve the reaction time and movement in the muscles.
- You Can’t Control Your Bladder
It is a sign of urinary incontinence. It is the urge to frequently urinate and your bladder cannot control the flow of urine. This condition is common to women with a history of pregnancy. It occurs because their pelvic floor muscles become weak after childbirth. If this happens, then it would be difficult for the muscles to hold the urine, until the bladder is full. It is a good thing that there are now physiotherapy clinicsthat provide Pelvic Floor Exercises (PFE) programmes to women who are suffering from this kind of condition. However, this programme is not only limited to women. Men who also have urinary incontinence may also seek such treatment.
- You Have a Scheduled Surgery
Although surgeries can help certain chronic conditions, your body may need to have ample rest after it. It will not be good to move around that much as your wound may suddenly open. Because of this, your muscles will remain inactive, and this may lead to muscle atrophy. To avoid such a condition, it is best to seek a physiotherapy treatment before your scheduled surgery. A physiowill help prepare your body for your surgery.
How to Choose a Physiotherapy Clinic in Singapore
Even though physiotherapy may entail a lot of health benefits, it does not mean that it is an effective treatment for you. The success of your treatment depends on thephysiotherapy clinicyou choose. So, remember to choose those that have a good reputation and have qualified health experts to attend to you. You may also want to consider the clinic’s location since you would most likely have to go for several physiotherapy sessions before you fully recover from your condition.
Are you looking for a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore? Check out Edge Healthcare now!
