When one hears Physiotherapy, they often think of pain, injuries, and exercises. Most commonly, even massages. It is widely misunderstood and has been stereotyped.
However, it is a dynamic profession, which uses various treatment techniques to optimize one's range of movement and function as well as reduce pain and prevent a recurrence.
It is a holistic approach to healthcare and plays a vital role in healing and rehabilitation in most medical and surgical conditions.
Research proves how Physiotherapy was beneficial during the harsh times of COVID-19.
Let us bust a few Myths among them and decode the Facts.
Myth 1 - Physiotherapy can increase the risks and complications in Pregnancy.
Women might be unsure as to how they will deal with the treatment and what exercises and equipment their doctors will put them through.
Fact
Studies show how physiotherapy plays an essential role in antenatal & postnatal care.
Pregnancy comes along with hormonal changes, an increase in body weight, postural changes, painful muscle cramps, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Since flexible hips and spine ease the labor, obstetric physiotherapists help in promoting strength, enhancing relaxation, preparing for labor, and guiding through a healthy lifestyle.
Myth 2 - It is similar to giving massages.
Fact
While massage is a practice for relaxation, physiotherapy is a practice to treat pain and disabilities via analysis, physical examinations, and thorough diagnosis.
Exercise is one of the many techniques used in physiotherapy, along with manual (hands-on) therapy, activity modification, lifestyle counselling, electrotherapy modalities and training schedules.
Depending on your specific problem and unique needs, they prepare a combination of treatments catering to your needs.
The necessity for physiotherapy is not limited to specific injuries; it can also result from ordinary wear and tear over time or more subtle problems that develop over time without your awareness.
Ignoring it frequently results only in more complications and risks of further damage. It can also be due to activity techniques or lifestyle Factors.
A physiotherapist can assist you in identifying the root cause and suggesting the necessary adjustments which can prevent recurring problems.
Myth 3 - I can do my own physical therapy at home.
Often people look up various articles and videos which have no authentic source, and they assume it is just exercising that can easily be done at home which ends up causing more damage.
Fact
Carrying out any exercise routine incorrectly can worsen the injury. Physical therapists use the latest research, specialized training, and clinical experience to deliver evidence-based care, from diagnosing and evaluating to developing a customized treatment plan.
A physical therapist can safely monitor your recovery to ensure complete healing and a return to function while developing a rehabilitation program that is specific to your needs.
They will not send you back home hoping for you to do those exercises. Instead, they will walk you through the healing process.
Myth 4 - Physiotherapy is only needed for pain management and specific injuries.
People often believe they need not see a physiotherapist because they don't think they have a specific injury that they are aware of, they just have pain or discomfort which would gradually vanish away.
Fact
Physical therapy has a very wide and broad scope for application. There are sub-specialties in physiotherapy where specific populations or specific disorders are treated.
Physiotherapy can be applied to all age groups of patients- right from newborn babies to senior citizens, targeting to improve their quality of life.
A wide range of conditions can be assessed and managed independently by physiotherapists, without any referrals, so one can come directly to a physiotherapist too who aims in reducing his ailments related to musculoskeletal pain, stroke, cerebral palsy, post-operative rehabilitation, balance and coordination problems, etc.
The scope has also increased to treat sports injuries, ergonomics, and fitness.
Myth 5 - The sessions will be expensive and go on for a really long period.
Fact
A lot of people may not know that multiple insurance companies have provisions to cover the expenses of physiotherapy.
However, the parameters of the insurance policy may vary for each company. Additionally, a lot of physiotherapists offer affordable services within your budget.
Results of physical therapy are typically noticeable after only a few sessions because it aims for a full recovery rather than just a quick fix.
The duration of the treatment can vary depending on how severe the issue is.
Myth 6 - If my leg hurts, the injury must be in my leg.
Fact
Pain in one body region could be a symptom of another underlying problem in another body part. The human body has a course of everything that runs inside.
In order to rule out other issues, your physiotherapist will frequently examine the joints above and below the location of the pain.
Clients are frequently taken aback when they learn that their initial assessments take a long time but only doing so enables them to identify and address every source of your pain.
Additionally, physiotherapy has its applications in almost all disciplines of modern medicine and is yet not much discussed. For example:
- Neurology
- Orthopaedics
- Cardio-pulmonary
- Oncology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Gerontology [Geriatrics]
- Paediatrics and Neonatology
- General Surgery
- Diabetology
- Rheumatology
- Sports Medicine
Don’t let these widespread Myths and misconceptions prevent you from getting the treatment you need.
Trust your doctors and take the necessary measures. They are well-equipped to assist patients in achieving their goals using a sound knowledge of biomechanics, exercise methods, professional hands-on treatment, and the latest equipment.
Guided by
Dr. Neha Kulkarni (PT),
Associate Professor,
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pimpri, Pune.