Common Myths and Misconceptions About Physiotherapy
If your doctor recommends physiotherapy and you're unsure if it'll work for you, it helps to clear up some myths. Whether you're worried it will cause you pain or you receive treatment you don't expect, learning more about your physiotherapist and how they work can help you get more from your appointments.
Physiotherapy is always painful
Sure, there are times when physiotherapy causes pain. That doesn't mean it's always painful. Wherever possible, your physiotherapist will use an approach that limits pain. However, there are times where they'll push you to work against pain. While this is undoubtedly a little scary, there's a positive way to think about it. With each move you're a step closer to minimising your injury, which means less pain long term.
It's always about exercise
While physiotherapy can involve exercising and stretching, that's not all your physiotherapist can do. They'll also provide lifestyle advice that makes everyday living easier. Even better, they can give you tools such as pelvic braces that support your body as it heals. Their approach is holistic and will suit your unique needs.
Neck braces are always good for whiplash
In some cases, neck braces may make whiplash worse. Always wearing neck braces to treat whiplash is an old-school approach. Avoiding neck braces has its advantages, such as allowing your neck to develop support mechanisms by itself. In addition, wearing a neck brace may have disadvantages. This includes limiting the ways your neck moves naturally, causing ongoing stiffness and encouraging he muscles to weaken. In short, don't worry if your physiotherapist doesn't prescribe a neck brace. They train to know when it is and isn't appropriate.
Physiotherapy isn't good for back pain
Again, rest as a prescription for all causes of back pain is an old-school technique. Your physiotherapist may identify causes of your back pain that they can eliminate early, such as your posture or the shoes you're wearing. The exercises they recommend will also strengthen the muscles in your back, as well as the surrounding ones that can affect it. As a result, you'll experience less aching. Taking this approach has multiple advantages to resting and relying on painkillers, such as reducing the risk of addiction.
If you're still worrying about using a physiotherapist or if you aren't sure what they can do for your condition, reach out to one and start asking questions. Once you know more about how they work, you may decide they can help you.