Although the body has amazing healing powers, it can take a long time to heal from injuries. Physiotherapy can speed up the process and get you back to doing your favorite things much sooner.
Physiotherapists use manual therapy techniques to relieve pain and stiffness, improve movement and promote wellness. They also offer modalities like heat/cold, electrical stimulation and ultrasound to boost circulation and reduce inflammation.
1. Reduced Pain
Pain can be a major factor in reducing your quality of life, but physio Bruce offers a variety of techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility. Also they can help manage chronic pain issues without the need for surgery or opioids, which can have serious side effects.
Physiotherapy can reduce the pain of an injury by improving joint mobility, decreasing stiffness, and reducing inflammation. In addition, physiotherapy can increase strength to help take pressure off the injured area, making it easier to move around and perform daily tasks.
Many people find that they can manage their pain with a combination of medication and physiotherapy. In some cases, the pain is so severe that taking medication is not possible. However, this approach is not a long term solution for many individuals. Using medications long-term can have negative side effects and even cause addiction in some cases.
Physiotherapy can speed up the healing process by offering a range of techniques to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by an injury. This includes acupuncture, massage, manipulation, and exercises. In addition, at-home exercises can help reinforce the work done in a physical therapy session and improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall function. The key to long-term results is practicing consistently and following your therapist’s guidelines. For best results, try to practice the exercises and stretching sessions at least 2-3 times per week.
2. Increased Mobility
The goal of Physiotherapy is to help you regain movement and increase your range of motion after an injury. Your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan that includes manual therapy, exercises and education to help you get back on your feet.
Physical therapists use their knowledge of rehabilitation sciences, anatomy and kinesiology to assess and treat patients who have a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems including muscle aches and pains, joint mobility and chronic movement issues such as arthritis. They also work with patients with neurological problems such as stroke, spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease and other conditions including cardiovascular and respiratory disorders such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.
One of the ways that physical therapy helps improve mobility is by increasing blood circulation to the injured area. This helps reduce swelling and enables the body to heal faster. In addition to stretching and exercise, physical therapists may apply heat or ice to the affected areas to reduce inflammation.
Over time, your physical therapist will gradually increase the intensity of your exercises as your mobility improves. This will push the muscles in the operated area to work harder and strengthen them. This will help you recover faster and improve your quality of life after surgery.
3. Better Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for a number of reasons. It helps maintain healthy weight, lowers risk for diabetes and heart disease, promotes mental sharpness, and strengthens your immune system. It is also critical for injury recovery because it increases the production of growth hormones that repair tissues and build muscle, which accelerates healing.
During the deep stages of sleep, known as non-REM sleep, your pituitary gland secretes growth hormones, which help repair injured muscles and regenerate cells. When you aren’t getting enough sleep, this process slows down and it is harder to recover from injuries.
Another way that good sleep is important for injury recovery is because it reduces inflammation, which in turn improves tissue repair and boosts energy levels. This is because when you don’t get enough sleep, inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines and interleukin, are released into the bloodstream, which can damage tissue and inhibit its ability to heal.
As part of their treatment, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can provide strategies for improving sleep. This may include recommending non-pharmacological techniques for sleep promotion, such as stress reduction and developing a bedtime routine. They can also teach patients how to better position themselves in their beds so they can get more restful sleep, as well as instructing them on proper posture while sleeping. They can even help a patient determine if an underlying issue is contributing to poor sleep, such as anxiety or depression.
4. Increased Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is a significant risk factor for poor mental health and can be exacerbated by feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, anxiety, depression or stress. It can also lead to addictions as a way of escaping negative emotions. Fortunately, physiotherapy has been shown to reduce low-self esteem and increase confidence. Its positive effects on mood, memory, and sleep promote a healthy outlook on life and boost mental resilience.
The goal of physiotherapy is to restore function and mobility, manage pain and improve body image. It can also enhance the performance of athletes and help them reach their full potential. In addition, physiotherapy can be used as a tool for goal setting, which can help individuals build their confidence and feel more in control of their recovery.
Moreover, regular exercise can be an effective stress-reduction technique. It releases feel-good endorphins, boosts self-esteem, and relieves depression and anxiety. It also increases levels of dopamine, which is known to improve motivation and movement.
Regardless of your age or condition, physiotherapy can speed up the healing process by improving your physical well-being. It helps you recover faster and reduces your pain. It can also boost your confidence and give you a better sense of your own strengths, so you can face challenges in life with resilience. To get started, make an appointment with a physical therapist.