So you’ve been religiously using the brace & support that you bought last month. You've been using a frozen bag of peas to ice yourself. You even skipped going to the gym all week, hoping that the pain will go away. But, the throbbing pain is still there. Now what? You have seen the ads and have heard your co-worker talk about her success with physiotherapy for her injury, but you are not quite sure how physiotherapy works. How does it differ from massage therapy or chiropractic? Could physiotherapy be the solution for you?
Research has proven that people who seek therapy early after an injury have shorter recovery periods and are 8 times less likely to develop chronic pain. Under the guidance of a registered Physiotherapist, you can get back to doing the things you love! Before you go out to buy more painkillers, here are four things to understand how physiotherapy can help you with your injury.
1) Physiotherapy, chiropractic and massage what's the difference?
Physiotherapy involves a broad scope of practice that includes a combination of massage, rehabilitative exercises, manual therapy, and acupuncture. In contrast, chiropractic focuses on the use of spinal manipulations to treat pain. Massage therapy involves a hands on treatment to soften tissues, thus restoring function, relieving pain, and decreasing muscle tension. A good healthcare professional will usually create a treatment plan that includes all three professions to help you boost up your recovery times.
2) How can physiotherapy help me?
You are very frustrated with your injury. Not only are you experiencing chronic pain, but your life is on pause. Physiotherapists take a holistic approach when treating your pain. They look at the entire body as a whole rather than focusing only on the area of pain. Physiotherapists can help you restore your mobility, function, and confidence. Under the guidance of a certified Physiotherapist, you can get back to doing the things you love! During your treatments, the physiotherapists will:
- Manage any pain you might be experiencing.
- Assess, diagnose and treat mobility issues and symptoms caused by injury, aging, disabilities or illnesses.
- Help you understand what’s causing your pain.
- Create an individually customized treatment plans that help you restore, maintain and maximize movement, flexibility and physical independence.
- Educate you on how to reduce pain, and manage chronic symptoms.
- Teach you how to improve your general well being, and avoid recurring injuries.
3) What kind of Therapeutic Options are Available?
Physiotherapists follow a multifaceted approach to treatments. They are continually being trained in the latest techniques and procedures. These healing options can include (but not limited to):
- Pain management
- Acupuncture
- Intramuscular stimulation (IMS)
- Manual Therapy
- Myofascial release
- Graston Technique
- Therapeutic Exercises to restore strength and mobility
- McKenzie Method
- Urinary incontinence
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
- Ultrasound, laser, electrical muscle stimulation, heat and ice
- Orthotics
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Ergonomic assessment
4) You get a Customized Treatment Plan Designed for You
Because every patient is unique, and every pain is different, physiotherapy does not follow a one-size-fits-all treatment approach. The physiotherapist will develop a customized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, meets your goals, and maximizes treatment benefits. The individually customized treatment plan will help you restore, maintain and maximize movement, flexibility, and physical independence.
5) How can I get Physiotherapy for Free?
Did you know that you do not require a referral from a doctor to visit a Physiotherapist? In addition, you may be eligible for free physiotherapy coverage. Here are a few ways to get it for free:
- Employee Insurance or Benefits Plans (most cover up to $600 per year)
- If your injury is from the work, WSIB or WCB will cover
- Your auto insurance company covers motor vehicle accidents
- If you are a Veteran and have the Veteran Affair Card Health
Still unsure about physiotherapy? We have partnered with experienced physiotherapists across the country to help you start feeling better. If you would like to get help from a physiotherapist in your community, we offer a
free 15 minute consult for our customers. This no-obligation appointment allows you to learn more about the physiotherapy before considering treatment.