We've all been there. A sore spot in the lower back from a day of yard work, a stiff neck from sleeping in a strange position, or a knee that "clicks" a bit more than before. Our immediate reaction is usually to try to ignore it, take a painkiller, and hope it disappears. We rationalize it's just life or growing older.
But what if that small, persistent issue is your body’s way of sending up a flare?
Physiotherapy gets a bad rap. People believe it's something only top athletes or the severely injured need after big surgery. It's essential in those instances, but physiotherapy is a wide-ranging branch of medicine all about returning movement to your body, eliminating pain, and enhancing your quality of life overall. A physiotherapist is a movement specialist trained to diagnose what's causing your pain and set you on a path to feeling like yourself.
So, how do you know when it's time to pass "wait and see" and schedule an appointment? These seven key signs are something you shouldn't ignore.
Pain after a challenging workout is normal. But pain that persists for more than a few days, or pain that worsens and then improves in the same area, indicates that something is amiss. Whether it's a dull throb in your shoulder when you stretch up to retrieve something from a high shelf or a stabbing pain in your hip when you get up, chronic pain is your body telling you something's wrong—such as muscle imbalance, joint irritation, or nerve compression. A physiotherapist can find the cause of the pain, not just cover up the symptom.
Can you no longer turn your head that far to look in your blind spot when you're driving? Do you have trouble raising your arm to put a coat on? Is bending over to tie your shoelaces a big deal? A gradual or abrupt loss of movement is a strong red flag. This restriction can arise due to tight muscle, stiffness in the joints, or scar tissue. A physiotherapist employs specific exercises and manual therapy to regain mobility, enabling you to move freely and confidently once again.
Dizzy spells, being unsteady on your feet, or feeling as though the room is spinning (vertigo) can be extremely distressing. These symptoms can have a wide range of causes, but they tend to be linked with the vestibular system—the part of the inner ear and brain responsible for balance. Vestibular rehabilitation is a highly specialized field of physiotherapy that can successfully treat these conditions, with outstanding success in many cases.
Does your ankle constantly appear to collapse? Do you "throw out" your back periodically? If you're experiencing the same injury repeatedly, that means the root cause was never remedied. Half the fight is treating the original pain. A physio will carry out a proper assessment to determine why the injury continues to occur. It may be as a result of muscle weakness, poor biomechanics, or faulty movement patterns. Strengthening the affected areas and improving your form is how they assist you in ending the cycle of re-injury.
Our contemporary, sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of pain. If you sit for hours in front of a computer, you may be well-acquainted with "tech neck," chronic lower back ache, or numbness in your wrists and hands. These usually are symptoms of postural strain or repetitive stress. A physiotherapist can not only address the immediate pain but also offer vital ergonomic tips for your working environment and order exercises to reverse the effects of prolonged sitting.
Consider physiotherapy your surgical partner in crime. Pre-habilitation ("Pre-hab"): If you have surgery on the horizon (such as a knee replacement or ACL reconstruction), visiting a physiotherapist first can be a game-changer. Pre-strengthening the muscles surrounding the surgical area before the procedure can result in a quicker, smoother recovery. Rehabilitation (Rehab): Following surgery, an organized program of physiotherapy is essential to regain strength, restore movement, and assist you in healing properly so that you can resume your activities in safety.
It's a subject most people are reluctant to talk about, but it's very prevalent. Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise is not something you necessarily just have to accept. It usually indicates a weakness in the muscles of the pelvic floor.
Your body is your greatest wealth. Paying attention to its early warning signs is the best way to avoid allowing small issues to become chronic, debilitating ones. If any of these signs ring true to you, it's a good sign that a physiotherapist can assist.
The aim of a physiotherapist is to give you the tools and education you need to take charge of your body, alleviate your pain, and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Don't settle for pain and limitation—take the first step towards moving and living better.
