Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy has two simple goals: to reduce pain and to restore functional mobility. It aims to maximize free movement, so we can resume the normal activity of our daily lives. Physiotherapy can also improve posture, enhance physical performance, prevent injury or support recovery after surgery.

“PT” uses our scientific knowledge of the body to promote recovery through physical methods such as hands-on manual techniques, soft-tissue mobilization, joint manipulation, spinal realignment and therapeutic exercises.

How can physiotherapy help after injury or surgery?

Physiotherapy is a non-pharmacological approach that can be offered as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other medical services. It can be useful before, around and after surgery or other medical interventions, to improve the outcomes of those treatments. It can also treat acute injuries and persistent joint problems or pain.

Early rehabilitation from an injury or surgery can optimize recovery prospects. It may also improve the mentality of patients seeking to regain muscle strength and restore normal functional performance for the body.

Patients such as athletes, yoga teachers and contortionists use physiotherapy to improve performance. Physiotherapy can also treat physical stiffness, muscle spasms, joint instability, hypermobility, swelling, inflammation, nerve impingement, numbness, tingling, headaches and problems with coordination.

What kinds of pain can physiotherapy treat?

Pain and dysfunction can occur due to injuries. They can also result from repetitive strain (e.g. tennis elbow), functional overuse (carpal-tunnel syndrome), poor posture (seating position, incorrect lifting), spinal misalignment, neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson’s disease), autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), joint degeneration (osteoarthritis), and pregnancy-related conditions (back pain, poor bladder control, pelvic-floor weakness).

Tissue damage or a faulty pattern of muscle recruitment can result in localized symptoms such as pain or loss of motion. When this becomes chronic, we may compensate in other parts of the body, ultimately leading to additional dysfunction. The end result is a vicious cycle of pain and immobility.

For instance, knee pain can be caused by an old ankle sprain, or restricted movement in the hips. Chronic neck pain can stem from stiffness in the thoracic spine, since the entire spine functions as a single unit. Spinal inhibition can lead to a stiff neck that causes migraines and headaches.