How do you get better with Physio? Learn what makes up this therapy, and determine if this is the right choice for you. We are proud to offer an abundance of therapies to choose from.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably accustomed to seeing the team physiotherapist make an appearance. Thing is, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to take advantage of physiotherapy. In addition, Physiotherapy isn’t just for new injuries. 

Everyone can benefit from Physiotherapy. Injuries happen all the time, especially during the most mundane tasks. In fact, we can even injure ourselves in our sleep. “Just woke up on the wrong side of the bed” they say, but you don’t need to suffer or even numb the pain. 

Our muscles inflame when we injure ourselves. This is the first stage. (1) Internally, the injury feels like a tight pressure. Pulling a muscle, a sprain, or repetitive actions all have the same effect. For example, say you pull a muscle, your hamstring or back, or overextended your elbow at the gym. Furthermore, say you sprain your ankle in heels you should have left in your cart. Lastly, sitting at your desk. Day in, day out. Extending your arm, clicking away at the mouse, hunching your back, your shoulder and neck begin to ache… Sound familiar? Visiting your physiotherapist with these issues is great. But, what about that old shoulder injury you got in high school? You know, the one that keeps bothering you? Or that neglected sprained ankle you’re ignoring when you *INSERT HEROIC STORY OF SAVING YOUR DOG RATHER THAN ADMITTING YOUR EMBARRASSING REALITY*? 

Physiotherapy is nothing to be afraid of. In the first visit, there is an initial assessment. Your practitioner preforms basic mobility tests to examine your range of motion. From these movements, the therapist concludes a diagnosis and begins to treat. Typical machines used to reduce inflammation are ultrasound and electrotherapy. Treatment will gradually upgrade to improving range of motion through exercises. 

WHAT DOES ULTRA SOUND DO?

Therapeutic ultrasound is primarily for two effects: deep heating muscles, and its counterpart non-thermal uses. 

Deep heating the muscles via ultrasound increases circulation in the targeted tissue. This therapy helps reduce pain, especially in the first stage of injury. If you go to hot yoga, you can understand that the heat helps your muscles stretch. The same can be said with ultrasound, yet this targets the injury. Stretching the muscles on a micro level to improve and fast track healing. Patients with chronic pain issues, such as “frozen shoulder”, also benefit from deep heating. Physiotherapists may use ultrasound to improve flexibility, and ultimately range of motion. 

The Non-Thermal Effects describes the energy introduced into the body. Microscopic gas bubbles form around your tissues to expand and contract rapidly. This process is cavitation. Theoretically, these bubbles help speed cellular process and help improve injured tissue. Your physiotherapist professionally applies the ultrasound to achieve the desired stable cavitation. Your physiotherapist’s expertise and knowledge ensures unstable cavitation – a potential dangerous effect to your body’s tissues – does not occur. (2) 

WHAT DOES ELECTROTHERAPY DO?

The name can be scary, but electrical stimulation works wonders for some types of nerve pain. Your physiotherapist may apply this treatment when you’re experiencing symptoms such as: muscle weakness, headache, pain in general, extreme sensitivity, loss of feeling, tingling, and experiencing the sensation of pins and needles. Nerve pain occurs when an electrical signal is sent from a damaged nerve to your brain. Electrotherapy works by sending out its own electrical impulses to interrupt or block the pain signals, reducing the pain you feel. (3)

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Your physiotherapist is trained in exercise therapy designed to strengthen muscles and improve function. These exercises have been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways you can solve or prevent pain and injury. 

The expertise comes into action when prescribing the best exercises for the unique injury you are dealing with. In addition, your physiotherapist will outline the most appropriate “exercise dose” depending on your physical status.(4)

Each patient is unique. Seeking medical attention from your physiotherapist will improve quality of life. Call today to book your appointment.