When You Should See a Physiotherapist?
If you have an injury, the first thing to do is see a physiotherapist. A physio will run you through some tests and give you some exercises to help with your recovery.
Physiotherapy is not just for athletes or people who exercise regularly; physiotherapists can help patients suffering from any type of injury or condition.
In fact, many injuries that might seem minor at first turn out to be much worse than originally thought! Here are some common injuries that require treatment from a physiotherapist:
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is a common condition, affecting the lower back and pelvis. The sciatic nerve runs down the side of your spine, passing through the lumbar region (the middle part of your back) and exiting at each hip. In most cases, low-back pain involves inflammation along this nerve pathway, which can lead to numbness in one or both legs; however it also can occur as a result of other factors such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
Physiotherapy is available for those suffering from low-back problems including:
- Sciatica: Caused by compression or irritation on one or more nerves travelling down into leg muscles;
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Where pressure builds up between two vertebrae causing them to rub together causing mechanical irritation within disc material causing wear & tear over time leading eventually towards rupture – there are different types depending upon where exactly they occur within your spine so seek advice before deciding if surgery may be necessary;
Headaches
Headaches can be a fairly common complaint, but they are also one of the most difficult to treat. The causes of headaches vary and include not only physical trauma to your head, but also stress and anxiety as well as other factors such as diet and lifestyle habits.
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, it may be worth seeing a physiotherapist to help determine whether there is a problem with your neck or back that needs treatment rather than just taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol (which can cause side effects).
It takes time for results from physiotherapy for headaches – so don’t expect instant relief! However, if you do experience ongoing pain after undergoing treatment then speak with your doctor about what else could be causing it (such as stress).
Knee and Ankle Injuries
Knee and ankle injuries can be painful and take a long time to heal. Physiotherapy can help with pain relief, strength and mobility.
Physiotherapists can also help you return to your normal activities like walking, running or playing sports again.
Hip Pain or Injury
If you have hip pain or injury, then it’s important to see a physiotherapist. Your GP can refer you to a physiotherapist if they think that you need some help managing your condition.
Hip pain is one of the most common conditions affecting people in the UK and it’s often caused by arthritis (or degenerative joint disease). Hip problems include:
- Arthritis of the hip joint;
- Fractures or dislocations of one or both hips;
- Pelvic girdle pain due to arthritis of muscles around your pelvis;
Shoulder Problems
Shoulder problems are common and can be caused by injury, arthritis, overuse or repetitive strain. Physiotherapy can help you with the recovery process after any of these conditions. It will also strengthen muscles and improve range of motion in your shoulders so that they’re in the best shape possible for you to move around comfortably.
Physiotherapy may prevent future injuries by improving muscle strength and flexibility in various parts of the body—including those that support your elbows or wrists!
Chronic Pain
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, it can be difficult to know when and how to seek help. Chronic pain is defined as an ongoing condition that lasts for at least three months. In this case, physiotherapy can help with:
- Stopping or reducing the amount of pain you feel
- Improving your quality of life in general
Verdict!
The good news is that there are many options for how to deal with your injury or pain. If you’re wondering whether physiotherapy is right for you, talk to your doctor and see what they recommend. The professional physiotherapist is a good option for you in this case!