According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physiotherapists are movement experts who diagnose and treat individuals, right from a baby to an elderly person. They are healthcare experts who improve the quality of life through pain reduction, enhancing function, and restoration of movements that are normal or near normal. Knowing when to consult a physiotherapist is essential for timely intervention and effective treatment. In India, where physiotherapy is a booming profession, yet the general public is still in doubt and waits for a 'reference' from another healthcare expert to begin physiotherapy when a patient with pain and loss of function can independently consult a physiotherapist. Do we really need it? Can we walk in directly to a physiotherapist? Is an investigation always needed? Let’s answer these questions through this blog.
Who is a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists in India are highly skilled healthcare professionals. They specialize in assessing and treating physical conditions, injuries, and disabilities. Leveraging their profound understanding of the human body's mechanics, they employ various techniques to alleviate pain and improve function, working on motor abilities and restoring muscle imbalances. A physiotherapist can work individually or as a part of a healthcare team in a hospital to help a patient achieve his or her functional independence.
Nowadays, any 'fitness trainer', 'gym trainer', exercise expert, or for that matter, a few other healthcare professionals also 'claim' to prescribe exercises without a solid logic or assessment. This might initially feel better but can lead to adverse effects. A physiotherapist is an actual expert who will assess accurately and structure the rehabilitation protocol based on your underlying condition. This ranges from various treatment techniques and not only exercises. Awareness of where to go and to whom is very important in such cases.
Signs and Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Physiotherapist