In 2007 it was reported that 9 million adults utilized outpatient physical therapy (physiotherapy) services. It’s probable that the majority of these individuals wanted to get as much as they could out of their physiotherapy programs.
Physiotherapy is an Investment
For most people, physiotherapy is not free. Although insurance often covers physiotherapy services, there can be co-pays involved.
Physiotherapy not only costs money, but time. Simply put, physiotherapy is an investment, one that will pay off for the rest of your life by…
- Correcting issues that cause pain.
- Increasing your physical fitness and teaching you to maintain it long-term.
Physiotherapy can do this and more. Contact a physiotherapy clinic to learn about specific ways that this form of treatment can benefit you.
Get the Most Out of Your Physiotherapy Program with These 3 Tips
Showing up to your physiotherapy sessions and giving them your all probably won’t be enough to get you the results you want. What will give you those results (less pain, increased fitness, etc.) are these 3 tips when implemented:
1) Trust your physiotherapist — During your time in a physiotherapy program it is critically important that you trust your physiotherapist. He or she is a firstline healthcare practitioner who is fully knowledgeable about the issues you are being treated for. If your physiotherapist suggests something, it is for a good reason.
If you just don’t get along with your physiotherapist, keep looking for one whom you have good rapport with. Also, understand that trusting your physiotherapist does not mean not asking him or her questions. Most physios love being questioned and sharing their expertise, so ask away.
2) Ignore others’ advice — Have you ever noticed that when you are injured, lots of people start sharing their “remedies” for whatever ails you? For example, a well-meaning neighbor shows you how to “stretch away” back pain, or a health-conscious co-worker tells you to rest more than your physiotherapist suggests. In both cases, simply smile, nod, and let the advice go in one ear and out the other.
Let others’ advice be conversation points to discuss your physiotherapist, but only that. Unless your physiotherapist gives you the go-ahead to rest more or do specific stretches, ignore others’ advice.
3) Do your home program regularly — Doing your home program is not a suggestion, but a crucial aspect of your physiotherapy success. A physiotherapy home program typically takes only a few minutes at a time, but here’s the kicker: It must be done consistently, often every day.
If you don’t fully participate in your home program, you will not get the great results you want. If you are having trouble making yourself do the home exercise program, ask your physiotherapist for tips, support, and accountability.
Do you want to get the most out of your physiotherapy program? If so,
- Trust your physiotherapist.
- Ignore others’ advice.
- Do your home program.
These may seem like insignificant tweaks, but they can make a huge difference in the outcome of your physiotherapy program.
If you’re looking for a physiotherapist in Winnipeg, contact the team at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics.