For everyone walking, running, cycling, biking, and pretty much doing any prolonged physical activity- there comes the point in life where your muscles and your body says, ‘Stop! We need rest!”.
The best way your body sends this message is by emanating pain signals to your brain. It indicates that you require some rest, relax and rehabilitation. If it’s a severe injury or a post-op recovery, the healing process takes time. Physiotherapy is an excellent way to speed up the healing process.
Is it your first time going to a physiotherapy clinic? Here is how you can prepare for your physiotherapy first appointment:
Arrive to physiotherapy appointment on time
Before your first physiotherapy appointment, prepare yourself mentally. Get insight from friends and family. Check listings on the internet and read reviews online. You want to be well-informed when you book an appointment with the therapist of your choice. Ideally, find a physiotherapist that you are comfortable with because you’ll spend plenty of therapy time with them.
To maximize your one-to-one time with your physiotherapist, you want to be ready to go. On your first visit, arrive on time. You’ll have to fill out forms and register yourself. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Athleisure wear and loose-fitting clothing are always a good idea because you can remove them if needed or expose the body part in question for examination.
Also, check with your insurance provider if physiotherapy is covered. This will help with your treatment plan when you speak to your physiotherapist.
Communicate with your physiotherapist
It would help if you showed your physiotherapist where it hurts or what you can or cannot do because of your injury. Tell them how the pain or injury impacts your daily life, and be honest with your concerns about the damage. Communication is key in therapy.
For the physiotherapist to prepare the right recovery plan, they need to know as much detail as possible. It includes information about your injury, pain, needs, and even your daily habits and behaviours. When your therapist recommends treatment, ask them to explain the treatment plan. Find out what is expected of you, how long it would take and how much it would cost.
Be patient in physiotherapy appointments
Your body will take time to heal, so you need to be patient and follow through with your program. You need to commit to the rehabilitation program given to you and not rush the process. The physiotherapist has the same goal as you- to get you feeling better as quickly as possible.
Physiotherapy is not a get-well-quick program. It’s a journey that takes countless sessions and dedication. Being aware of this from the get-go is crucial, so you don’t end up sabotaging your treatment plan expecting quick results.
Be proactive with physiotherapy treatments
It would help if you also were proactive with your therapy sessions. There may be exercises you need to do daily and lifestyle changes as part of your therapy. They are all meant to prolong the benefits of your therapy sessions and aid in the recovery process.
Physiotherapy does not stop at the therapist’s clinic or the physiotherapy center. Therapy needs to continue until you get back to your best physical shape, including doing ‘homework’ given by the therapist. Keep your therapist in the loop if you experience more pain or discomfort. Having your injury checked before they turn into more pain is the goal.
Listen to your physiotherapist
Therapy takes time because the body takes time to heal. You may feel frustrated that your recovery is taking too long. It’s easy to go on the internet and consider doing treatments that your physiotherapist did not mention.
If you intend to incorporate specific treatments and remedies that you’ve read online, speak to your physiotherapist first to get their advice. Your treatment plan will be tailored for your needs because every person’s injury is different.
Technique matters when it comes to exercise and therapy, so place your trust in your therapist because their ultimate goal is to treat you for the best outcomes.
Be optimistic about recovery
Whether it’s an inflamed muscle, a sprained ankle or a broken bone- recovery does take time. Depending on the severity of your injury, you’re looking at two to three weeks or two to three months. In many cases, you can’t expect your injury to go away after a few treatments.
You must trust the process, commit to the sessions and plan given to you, trust your therapist and put faith in the recovery you’re going through. This is why it’s essential to choose a physiotherapist you are comfortable with. It makes it easier for you to feel at ease with them, communicate with them, ask them questions and avoid confusion.
If you need a physiotherapist, keep in mind these points so you can get the most of every visit.
