Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who help individuals whose motor functions and range of motion have been affected by injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Instead of resolving people’s pain through drugs or surgery, they help patients through exercises to achieve maximum range of movement and physical ability through programs of movements. They can play a huge role in your well-being and health.
Based on Health Workforce Data, the number of registered physiotherapists in Australia increased by 14.5%, from 27,011 in 2014 to 30,916 in 2017. There are also over 3,700 physiotherapists registered across Alberta. With the rise in physiotherapists ready to help patients, so too have myths and misconceptions arisen surrounding their practice.
Many people are missing out on the enormous benefits of physiotherapy due to misinformation. Thankfully, we created a list of these misconceptions to debunk. This will help you make the right decision for your health.
Myth #1: Physiotherapy is painful
This is probably one of the most common myths surrounding physiotherapy. In the past, people believed in the saying “no pain, no gain”. Truthfully, a physiotherapist’s job is to relieve pain and discomfort. They go out of their way to keep you as comfortable as possible.
During an assessment, you may feel a little sore because the physiotherapist will try to understand the limits of your movement and strength. The physiotherapist can create a program to relieve you of the pain from the injury or condition. That being said, physiotherapy sessions do not hurt.
The goal of each physiotherapist is for you to move and function again without pain. Since treatment should not rely on just one party, you would be expected to do your part too. Put in some effort to practice moving to get better and stronger.
Myth #2: Physiotherapy is only for people in pain or with chronic injuries
Physiotherapy is not only for chronic injuries. It covers a lot of areas, such as sports injuries, pre- and post-op rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory conditions, neurological conditions related to motor function, women’s health, chronic pain, pediatrics, and more. Physiotherapists can also suggest injury prevention programs. Whether you are experiencing a chronic condition or an acute injury, a physiotherapist can help you.
Myth #3: Physiotherapy is expensive
A lot of people believe that physiotherapy isn’t covered by extended health benefit plans. The truth is, you can be reimbursed for your sessions, whether in part or fully. It’s best to check how much your insurance plan covers. There are a couple of affordable physiotherapy practices in Bondi from which you can benefit.
Myth #4: Physiotherapy is just a couple of exercises or massages
Physiotherapists are skilled at determining red flags in your body. They know when you need a trip to the ER or not. For your treatment, they would use a combination of hand techniques to help you with your injury or illness. Some even know how to manipulate the spine to great benefit.
Myth #5:You need a prescription for a physiotherapy assessment
You don’t need a referral or prescription to see a physiotherapist. You can simply book an appointment for a sports physiotherapy session. However, some insurance plans may require a referral to cover the cost of treatment.
Conclusion
Discerning fact from myth will help you make the right decision. Physiotherapists can help you with your injury or illness, allowing you to return to normal (or even better than normal) conditions. Simply book an appointment with them, and they would be happy to assist you.
If you are looking for affordable physiotherapy in Bondi, you can contact us at Invigor Health. We offer Physiotherapy, movement screening, and running assessments to get you back in shape. Book an appointment today!
