Do you have a question about physiotherapy that you’d like to have answered outside of a physiotherapy office? Maybe you are interested in physiotherapy, but not interested enough to make an appointment with a physiotherapist. If this describes you, you’ll benefit from the list of FAQs (with answers) about physiotherapy below. Each FAQ was answered by Ricky Paggao, physiotherapist at Elite Sports Inury Physiotherapy Clinics in Winnipeg.
Physiotherapist Ricky Paggao Answers FAQs About Physiotherapy
Physiotherapist Ricky Paggao is an irreplaceable part of the Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinic’s team. He graduated from the University of Manitoba and has a particular interest in sports injuries and musculoskeletal rehab. Like all of the PTs at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics, Ricky is dedicated to continuing his education. So far, he has been certified in acupuncture, selective functional movement assessment (SFMA), Functional Movement Screening (FMS), Mulligan techniques, and many other advanced sports-related and orthopedic courses. This makes him a qualified candidate to answer the following FAQs about physiotherapy:
Q) What is physiotherapy?
A) Great question! Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which helps people restore, maintain, and maximize functional movement and reduce pain. Basically, physiotherapy promotes overall health and well-being. In a nutshell, physiotherapists are the movement experts! Physiotherapy is such a rewarding profession because not only do we (PTs) help people recover from injury, we also help them prevent injuries so they can enjoy the things in life that matter most.
Q) What type of people should consider pursuing physiotherapy as a profession?
A) One of the best parts of being a physiotherapist is getting to interact with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Anyone interested in pursuing physiotherapy should definitely be a “people person” and a great educator. The human body is so fascinating, and physiotherapists have a passion for understanding how it moves and functions. Aspiring physiotherapists should be able to critically think, embrace challenges, and accept a journey of lifelong learning.
Q) What sort of treatments are offered at a PT clinic?
A) Physiotherapists can treat a wide range of head-to-toe injuries, from the early, acute stage to the stubborn, chronic stage. It is never too late to see a physiotherapist!
Exercise is the best medicine! Physiotherapists often prescribe specific corrective and functional exercises to help patients overcome injury and decrease the risk of re-injury. Physiotherapists are extensively trained in manual therapy which means we are “hands on” with our clients. Depending on treatment goals, this may include techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue release. Acupuncture and dry needling are special techniques that physiotherapists may use. Physiotherapists can also use modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and interferential current to complement their manual skills.
Q) Do I need a referral to go to a physiotherapist?
A) NO! Many people don’t realize that you DO NOT need a referral to see a physiotherapist unless it is required by private insurance. Even if a person is being covered by WCB or MPI for their injury, they can attend physiotherapy even before seeing a doctor.
Q) Is there a reputable website that can teach me more about physiotherapy?
A) Ahhhh, one must be very careful when asking Dr. Google for physio advice. It is astonishing how many people seek the advice of a physiotherapist because their self-diagnosis and treatment from the internet was not helping or making things worse.
If you’re unsure if physiotherapy is right for you, there are many educational resources right here on the Elite Sports Injury website, including our blog. You can even chat live with a member of the Elite team to book appointments. If you are on Facebook, the Elite Sports Injury page often posts very useful educational resources.
Another great general website is physiocanhelp.ca. It was launched a few years ago by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) with the goal of being a good source of physiotherapy-related education.
Physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession. In Manitoba, physiotherapy is governed by the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba. Take a look at CPM’s website here.
Q) How many years of schooling have licensed physiotherapists had?
A) Physiotherapy is a MA program across all 14 accredited physiotherapy educational programs in Canada. At the University of Manitoba, prospective physiotherapy students must have at least a 3-year undergraduate degree with certain prerequisites to apply into the program, which is a 2-year MA of Physical Therapy program. In total, that’s at least 5 years of schooling after high school.
Q) Is physiotherapy painful?
A) This is a huge misconception! Pain relief is what many people come see a physiotherapist for. It is true that we have to find the structures and movement patterns that cause pain, but your physiotherapist will explain anything that may cause discomfort. This allows us to pinpoint the cause of your pain and treat it effectively. I suggest that potential patients read this article that discusses why people may experience some pain during physiotherapy.
Q) How long does the average physiotherapy appointment last?
A) In general, initial assessments are about an hour. PTs are very comprehensive at the first physiotherapy appointment so we that we can thoroughly assess the injury and develop an effective treatment plan that matches a person’s goals and lifestyle. Follow-ups are often necessary to enhance recovery and progress the home exercise program. These appointments can range from 30 minutes to over an hour.
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Do you have a question that wasn’t covered here? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ricky and the rest of the team at Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics in Winnipeg.