Bedfordview

Misconceptions About Physiotherapy

8th October 2020

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Physiotherapy Bedfordview discusses some of the misconceptions about physiotherapy, and dispels some popular myths.

Myth 1: physiotherapy is only for muscle problems

Fact: physiotherapy is a diverse health care practice that helps prevent injury and pain, and promotes mobility, health and wellness. It can help in many situations, from sports injuries to post-fracture rehab, joint pains, back pain and cardiac rehabilitation.

Myth 2: physiotherapy helps only post-injury

Fact: with the help of a detailed history and assessment, a physiotherapist can identify areas that are at risk for injury. With a tailor-made exercise programme, that area can be strengthened, hence avoiding injury altogether. This is especially useful in preventing injuries in sports and daily life.

Myth 3: the duration of physiotherapy sessions are always long

Fact: healing is different from person to person, some people heal quicker and others take longer. This can be affected by age as well.

Myth 4: physiotherapy is a modernised term for massage therapy

Fact: physiotherapists use massage as one of their treatment tools but do not only do massage. Often what patients view as massage is actually myofascial release, where the physio releases tightness in the soft tissues to get them to move better and therefore to feel better.

Myth 5: physiotherapy will hurt a lot

Fact: many patients dread coming to physio as they have been told how much it hurts. Some of the treatments can be uncomfortable, but that is because physiotherapists are often getting things moving that have not been moving properly for a while. However, most people are surprised that it hurts less than they expected.

Myth 6: you will just be given a load of exercises to do

Fact: sessions include physiotherapists assessing and explaining your problem so that you know exactly what is going on. They carry out hands-on treatments and work through exercises with patients to improve pain, movement, strength and mobility. When patients are given exercises, they are specific to them and kept to a minimum.

Myth 7: no pain, no gain

Fact: rather there is the belief of ‘know pain, know gain’. Your physiotherapist will assist you to understand what levels, locations or occurrences of pain are safe, and which are not.