There are many myths and misconceptions about physiotherapy that can prevent people from seeking treatment to enhance their lives. So, let’s bust some of the common physio myths!
Myth: Physiotherapy only helps your muscles
People think that physiotherapy only helps with your muscles.
It’s true that physio treatment can help if you have pulled a muscle or have an area of muscle weakness that needs strengthening. However, it has many other benefits for your health and wellbeing. Physical therapy can reduce pain and increase mobility if you have stiff joints or are suffering from arthritis, it can also help to strengthen your bones and prevent them from weakening. There are many ways that physiotherapy can help to enhance your well-being and your life.
Myth: You only need physiotherapy when you have an injury
The belief that you only need physiotherapy when you are injured is a common misconception.
As physios, we can help you to recover from injury and promote rehabilitation by developing a program of specific exercises and stretches designed to restore function and strength. However, you don’t have to wait until an injury pops up to come and see us. Prevention is better than cure! If you are putting up with any niggling pain or discomfort in your day-to-day life, come and see us before injury occurs and it becomes a bigger problem.
Myth: Only athletes need regular physiotherapy
On TV or at sports games, we often see professional athletes or sports teams with a dedicated physiotherapist (or several) on the side-lines ready to assist with injuries. This probably adds to the misconception that regular physiotherapy is only for professional athletes or people into sports and fitness.
It’s true that we help sports people whether professional or amateur, to improve their strength and fitness or recover from injury. However, everyone can benefit from physiotherapy! We treat a range of patients from all ages and levels of fitness and mobility. Regular physiotherapy can be beneficial if you are suffering from chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis or are experiencing chronic back pain or headaches.
Myth: Physiotherapy treatment is just stretches and exercises!
Most people think that physiotherapy treatment consists of a list of stretches or exercises to do.
Depending on your condition, your treatment will possibly involve a range of exercises and stretches to improve your strength, flexibility and mobility. There is so much more to physio treatment though! We may use techniques such as massage and soft tissue therapy, lifestyle advice, education, training plans, acupuncture and dry needling, joint mobilisation and more!
We will take the time to listen to your symptoms and medical history, assess your condition, and develop a treatment plan that is specific to you and your needs.
If you have any other questions about physiotherapy, let us know! We will do our best to answer and hopefully put your mind at ease. Please call us on (08) 9203 7771or email us at info@ngp.net.au with your concerns.
References:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association. What is Physio? [Online]. Available at: https://choose.physio/what-is-physio (Accessed 24 June 2022).
