Health

What to Expect in Physiotherapy

3 Mins read

Rehabilitation is a process, and it’s one that looks completely different case by case. Whether you’ve undergone a major surgery, suffered a sports injury or you’re repairing underlying pain that’s been with you for years, your physiotherapist will be able to aid you on the road to recovery. You have every right to feel apprehensive or hesitant when you’re transitioning into a different kind of treatment or if you’re going into professional treatment for the very first time – but there’s nothing to worry about! Here are some of the treatment methods that you can expect to enhance your rehabilitation during your time with your physio…

Dry Needling 

Dry needling is a way of relieving tension, pain or spasms within a muscle. Acupuncture needles are inserted into problem areas to target seizing and encourage the entire muscle to relax. 

Stretching 

Increased flexibility keeps your muscles limber, joints protected and posture perfected for as long as you’re willing to commit to it! Stretching is so beneficial to our wellbeing and yet so many of us are more than happy to forget about it completely after a workout or following the successful recovery from an injury or procedure. Your physiotherapist will help to create a stretching routine that works for you and your physical condition, you’ll learn custom movements that you can practice for life! Take home stretches and exercises are a huge part of the physio process. 

Strength Training and Pilates

Strength training and conditioning exercises are largely used for sports physiotherapy however you might also undergo this method during general sessions as well. Strength training helps to correct your form and avoid injuries down the line due to misalignment or poor posture. You might use pilates style exercises, fitness routines or specialised equipment such as the Alter G treadmill to build up your strength and improve your mobility. 

Remedial Massage 

The manipulation of muscle tissue is integral to healing and repairing. Your physiotherapist will use massage to relieve pain and tension, speed cell turnover, increase blood flow and encourage a more limber muscle throughout your treatment time. 

Posture Correction

Your posture makes more of an impact than you might think! Carrying yourself throughout the day, when you’re at work and even when you sleep creates a ripple effect on your overall physical condition and long term health. One of the most significant benefits of physiotherapy is that it’s a treatment that is tailored specifically to you and your needs. Your posture will be assessed and adjusted to optimise your lifestyle and minimise the risk of long term injury. 

Ultrasound 

Ultrasound penetrates muscles and other soft tissue with a deep heating effect, which can result in improved circulation, decreased tension and an overall faster healing process. 

Ice and Heat Therapy

Ice and heat therapy are fantastic for targeting pain through the treatment of larger muscle groups. Ice helps to reduce inflammation following injury or rigorous physiotherapy treatment. Heat eradicates tension and encourages better flood flow throughout the muscles. These are both treatments that you can perform at home with the advice and guidance of your physiotherapist. 

Whether you’re booking into your local physiotherapy in Sydney for specific treatment, or you’re simply wanting to invest in a more healthy lifestyle you’ll likely undergo a dynamic combination of all treatment methods listed here. From sports to rehabilitation, general to specific sleep posture modification, physiotherapy always uses a holistic approach to wellbeing. This big-picture treatment method means that you’ll see an overall improvement in your body and mind, resulting in a happier, healthier, more active lifestyle for many years to come. 

Are you ready to get your health up to scratch again? Start searching for local physio practices to optimise your day to day now. Whether you’re recovering from a physical undergoing, a professional athlete in need of conditioning or just a vigilant healthy lifestyle leader, you’re going to get an awful lot out of just a few sessions.