As the understanding of people is increasing regarding various specialists doctors. Therefore, there is a need to know the roles that a physiotherapist performs. The following facts appropriately describe the physiotherapist:

Physiotherapists are not Massage Therapist

Physiotherapists do perform some form of ‘massages’ during the treatment session but that is just part of the whole treatment process. This form of massage is usually known as soft tissue release or deep tissue massage. The difference between Physiotherapists and masseuses is that we diagnose, assess, and then put all the information we gathered through a clinical thought process to find out the cause of the pain. If muscle tightness is found to be one of the causes of the pain, Physiotherapists will address it by executing soft tissue releases. The ‘massage’ usually does not last through the whole treatment process. Good Physiotherapists will eventually work together with the patient to address other issues leading to tightness ie joint stiffness, muscle imbalance, or weakness in other muscles.

Physiotherapy is Way more than Exercises

Customized exercise prescription is a skill that separates Physiotherapists from other professions. Physiotherapists are the only people you can trust when it comes to exercises when you are having an injury. They are rigorously trained in areas of exercise rehabilitation which take into account medical conditions and musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, and joints) injuries when designing an exercise program for the patients. Good Physiotherapists can customize exercises to help improve the patient’s condition and also help to monitor if they are doing correctly. A good physiotherapy session will always involve the Physiotherapist going through the exercises thoroughly with the patients before sending them home with an exercise program. Various electrical modalities in Physiotherapy help in relieving pain and improvement of conditions.

You Can Directly See a Physiotherapist without any Referral from a Physician

Physiotherapists are trained to be first-line practitioners. This means they are qualified to see the patient directly if the patient walks in without any referrals. That being said, Physiotherapists can’t help with all conditions, just like we can’t expect a doctor to know how to fix a car engine. However, all good Physiotherapists will be able to identify problems that require further medical attention and refer them to seek appropriate and accurate medical attention. Physiotherapists are trained this way to ensure patients who can benefit from early physiotherapy treatment can receive intervention faster without going through a long referral process.

Physiotherapists have Various Types of Treatment for Spine Problems

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for spine issues and pain. This fact is backed up by extensive and ongoing research. Physiotherapy treatments fit seamlessly with orthodox mainstream medical interventions and are recognized by the medical profession to be one of the safest ways to treat spine problems conservatively. Good Physiotherapists don’t just treat the scans patients go through. They will be able to take into account the patient’s functional problems, activity levels, and psychological well-being to prescribe a holistic and effective approach to a patient’s spine problem. At the end of the day, Physiotherapists are health advocates who promote active lifestyles and encourage patients to take a proactive approach to managing their health problems.

Physiotherapy Treatments are Pain Relieving and Relaxing

Good Physiotherapists will always seek to reduce pain and discomfort within the session even if patients have been suffering from pain for a long time. The fact is patients may feel some soreness sometimes after a session of physiotherapy which involves manual therapy and soft tissue work. This soreness is normal and is expected to subside within 48-72 hours, after which patients will usually report an improvement in function or movement or further reduction in pain from their primary condition.