Our modern lifestyle – with all its perks and benefits – has started to take a toll on our bodies. Back pain, knee pain, and neck strains have become everyday problems. People use over-the-counter ointments, oils, pain killers and sometimes even massages for such problems. However, seeing a physiotherapist doesn’t cross anyone’s minds till things are so bad that they are actually referred to one by their doctor. In this post, we try and increase your understanding about times when you should seek a physiotherapist’s help.
Physiotherapists are trained professionals who help their injured patients get back to the highest possible range of movement. You may have sustained a severe injury while playing cricket or may have sprained your neck while sleeping; physiotherapists can help you in both situations. Though all small sprains and aches do not need an appointment with a physiotherapist, here are some reasons why you may require one:
You are injured while playing
If you are a sportsperson or an avid sports fan, you understand the importance of taking care of yourself especially when you are injured. You need expert advice from a physiotherapist to give yourself a better chance at recovery and getting back to the state you were before you sustained your injury.
You live with chronic pain
If your pain persists more than a few days and affects your ability to perform day-to-day actions, you need to see a physiotherapist so he can identify your problem and come up with a treatment plan. If this is a recurring pain that occurs frequently after specific actions, then you must see a doctor immediately.
During and after pregnancy
Pregnancy and post-pregnancy, your body needs attention. Rapidly changing hormone levels can soften the ligaments which support your back and cause them to stretch. The muscles of your pelvic floor and stomach also stretch as your baby grows inside you. If your joints are not well supported during this time, you can easily injure your pelvis or back. A physiotherapist can teach you the proper techniques and exercises to support and protect your body as it goes through these changes and help you recover faster after the baby is born.
During and after surgery
Physiotherapy is essential both pre- and post-operatively. Pre-operatively, the risk of developing complications after the surgery is assessed. The physiotherapist will explain to the patient all the exercises that he/she needs to perform post-operatively. Patients who are undergoing cardiac and chest surgeries will be taught how to cough properly while supporting the wound site. Depending on the specific surgeries, patients will also be taught various leg and other exercises they will need to perform after the surgery.
Post-operatively, physiotherapy is given for four main reasons depending on the type and location of surgery performed – to prevent chest complications, to prevent thrombosis (or clots in the blood), to prevent pressure sores, and to prevent muscle wasting and joint immobility. Let me explain these reasons in detail.
To prevent chest complications: Due to the anaesthetics administered during surgery, the respiratory tract of the patient is affected in two ways. Firstly, pain causes reflex inhibition of the diaphragm which leads to breathing difficulty. Secondly, for surgeries involving abdominal muscles, the patient hesitates to use them because of pain or fear of pain. This obstructs respiratory movements. To avoid these problems, breathing exercises are taught to the patient. He is encouraged to cough with support on the incision site to clear any accumulated secretions. In severe cases, other techniques like postural drainage and vibrations are used to remove the secretions. Chest complications generally occur in the first 48 hours after surgery; hence physiotherapy is given frequently during this time.
To prevent thrombosis: Post-surgical patients are usually confined to their beds for some time. During this time, adequate leg movements are essential to prevent thrombosis. Leg exercises are taught to the patient and once he is up he is advised to be active and continue the exercises. The exercises must be repeated frequently to be effective.
To prevent pressure sores: Pressure sores or bed sores, as they are commonly known, occur in patients who are bed-ridden after surgery, especially the elderly. Care must be taken to position the patient properly and ensure that he moves around in bed. Family members are taught to watch for and report any sign of bed sores.
To prevent muscle wasting and joint mobility: Immobilization after surgery, especially in elderly patients can lead to joint stiffness and muscle weakness. The physiotherapist gives general strengthening and mobilizing exercises to regain mobility.
You have a chronic condition or neurological disease
Conditions which severely affect the patient’s movements like cerebral palsy, Parkinson ’s disease, Substantia Nigra, spinal cord injuries and stroke. Although physiotherapy does not heal the disease or even slow down the disease process, it does increase the quality of life, helps the patient become independent and live as normal a life as possible.
You decide to start exercising or take up a new sport
If you decide to start up a new activity or sport and have a history of recurrent injury, it is good to see a physiotherapist so he can guide you slowly into your new activity. Physiotherapists are helpful even when you are not actively experiencing pain. Keeping your history in mind, they can advise you how best you can start up with the new sport or activity you have chosen.
It’s easy enough to find a physiotherapist. Ask your friends and family for referrals so you know beforehand what to expect. Just make sure you only see a registered physiotherapist.
Having access to a physiotherapist is one of the best ways to speed up your recovery and get your body back to normal. However, it isn’t an easy road. There will be pain. However, after all that effort and pain will come a time when you begin regaining your flexibility. And somewhere along your therapy sessions, your pain will also reduce and finally disappear. So, while physiotherapy is not an easy option, it is the best one.
