Physiotherapy can benefit everyone, regardless of health condition.
Physiotherapy aids in the restoration of body movement and function of those who were injured or affected by disability or illness. Also referred to as physical therapy, physiotherapy also helps prevent injury and maintain one’s health and fitness.
10 significant benefits of physiotherapy
People of all ages can greatly benefit from physiotherapy, especially those having problems with their joints, nervous system, heart, and lungs. Whether you are dealing with a chronic condition that affects your physical function, or you’re healing from a sports-related injury, physical therapy can help you get back on track.
Here are ten ways physiotherapy can improve your quality of life.
1. Physiotherapy helps in pain management.
Physiotherapy addresses not just the pain itself but also its source. It is particularly helpful for those suffering from chronic pain that has lasted more than three months.
One study found that early physical therapy interventions decreased the short-term and long-term use of opioids in people with low back pain. Another study that involved chronic low back pain found that opioids were less prescribed to follow-up patients who underwent physical therapy.
Some pain management techniques physiotherapists use include stretching, therapeutic exercises, massage, and cold and heat therapy.
2. It improves mobility and movement.
Physiotherapists can help improve your ability to move through stretching and strengthening exercises. They use a variety of techniques that can help individuals achieve optimum levels of mobility, which include motion exercises and manual therapy.
As you undergo endurance training, gait retraining, and balance and fall prevention, you will see improvement in your muscle strength, coordination, balance, and joint flexibility. Sometimes, physiotherapists also provide assistive technology or equipment to facilitate mobility.
3. Physiotherapy can help avoid surgery.
Sometimes, people who require surgery turn to physiotherapy to treat their condition. Surgery may not be necessary when this happens, especially if physiotherapy is able to eliminate the pain or discomfort of the injury. But for this to happen, the patient must be willing to undergo therapy and under the right circumstances.
For people who choose to delay or avoid surgery, physical therapy is preferred due to the following reasons:
- It is non-invasive.
- It poses less risk than surgery.
- It is considered more cost-effective compared with surgery.
- Physiotherapy can prevent further injury.
4. It assists in recovery from stroke, paralysis, and other neurological disorders.
Techniques used in physical therapy may help improve the symptoms caused by stroke, paralysis, and other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and MS. For instance, physiotherapy can help you get moving, like when using your arms and hands in everyday activities. Your therapists can help you find ways to enable you to do to things that are important to you.
5. It improves overall strength.
Weak muscles affect a person’s movement. Physiotherapists know the areas of the body that need work out in order to improve the strength of that particular body part. Physical therapy also facilitates strength improvement through stretching and strengthening exercises. Along with these exercises, physiotherapists may also apply massage, heat, and ultrasound treatments that help improve flexibility and muscle function.
6. It shortens recovery from surgery.
Following surgery, doctors may recommend their patients undergo physical therapy. The sessions with the psychotherapist may last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the injury as well as the surgical procedure and course of treatment.
According to a study, critically ill patients who were hospitalised and underwent early mobilisation and physical therapy were shown to lead a better life quality. For example, they are able to walk longer distances and have better functions of the muscles upon discharge.
7. Physiotherapy helps manage women’s health and other conditions.
Pregnancy and post-partum treatment are critical stages for women. Through physiotherapy, women can get personalised care to address these matters. Other health concerns physiotherapy can address include bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and other related concerns.
8. It can prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy can be used for the treatment of injuries. Still, those who are in good health condition or into sports and other physical activities can benefit immensely from physiotherapy by helping prevent injuries.
If you go to a physiotherapist, your therapist will guide you on how to move your body properly. You will be informed how the body can minimise stress and avoid potential strain, sprain, and fractures. You can also strengthen and increase the flexibility of your muscles and joints through proper exercise techniques, thus preventing injuries from happening.
9. It boosts lung and heart function.
Physiotherapists can design a work program that helps those suffering from coronary heart or lung disease. Several studies have already shown that exercise and physical therapy are effective methods of pulmonary rehabilitation.
10. It aids in age-related mobility issues.
Physiotherapy is shown to effectively treat many age-related pain and decreased mobility, thus improving the person’s overall quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, neck pain, knee replacement, and other illnesses affecting a person’s joints and ligaments are some conditions that can be improved by physiotherapy.
The lists above are just some of the many benefits that you can obtain from physiotherapy. As mentioned, even if you are in optimal condition, physical therapy can still improve your quality of life. Meanwhile, for those who are suffering from pain and other illnesses, you should consider scheduling a session with an experienced and reputable physiotherapist.
Call now and start your journey towards optimal health.
If you want to explore how physiotherapy can improve your quality of life, don’t hesitate to contact Transcend Health now for booking inquiries and reservations. Our professional physiotherapists can assist you with health issues and suggest the best treatment for your injury or condition.
Book an appointment soon or get in touch with us at 02 4961 3399. Alternatively, you can send an email to hello@transcendhealth.com.au for enquiries about our services.