Do you know how often you should have physiotherapy? It’s not a straightforward question. Everyone’s different, so there isn’t one set schedule for when you should have physiotherapy again.
This article will give you some guidance as to when to have another session in order to get the best results from your treatment. There are many benefits of undergoing physiotherapy, which means that everyone with a chronic or acute injury should try it.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is the use of exercises and manual therapy to treat a range of conditions that affect a person’s mobility and ability to function. Physiotherapists at NHRC in St Catherines are highly trained professionals who are experts in treating the following types of conditions:
1. Acute and Chronic Pain
2. Arthritis and Joint Conditions
3. Neurological Conditions
4. Pregnancy
5. Related Issues
As you can see, physiotherapists can help with a wide range of conditions. A physiotherapist will work with you to come up with a plan to help you manage your condition, improve your overall health, and/or reduce your pain. A session (after your initial assessment) will involve different types of exercises and manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching. You can also often receive advice on how to manage your condition at home.
How Often Should I Have Physiotherapy?
As we’ve discussed above, the best way to understand how often you should have physiotherapy is to determine what’s causing the problem in the first place. Then, you can decide if this condition is something that requires treatment, or if it’s something that’s self-limiting and will heal on its own. Accordingly, you’ll be able to decide if you need ongoing physiotherapy sessions or if you can manage with a few sessions and then complete rest.
So, When Should You Have Physiotherapy Again?
If you have an acute injury, then you should have physiotherapy again as soon as possible. This is because an acute injury is a sudden, severe injury that is not likely to heal on its own. The best way to heal from this type of injury is through physiotherapy and rest. The goal is to reduce the pain and swelling of the injury and to prevent permanent damage, such as scarring and nerve damage.
If you have a long-term injury, then you should have physiotherapy again after a certain amount of time. Long-term injuries are usually degenerative conditions that are hard to treat and may also require surgery. Examples include a herniated disc and osteoarthritis. You will have to have physiotherapy again after a set amount of time and the more frequently you have treatment, the better your results will be.
If you have a chronic condition, then you must decide when to have physiotherapy again based on the severity of the condition and your goals. Some chronic conditions, such as arthritis, can be managed with a few sessions. Other conditions, like a herniated disc, require months of treatment.
When You Should Have Physiotherapy Again: Individual Factors
There are a few factors that are specific to each person that will determine when you should have physiotherapy again. Some of these include:
Your age: If you’re over 40, you may start to experience age-related injuries such as joint pain and nerve damage. Age-related injuries can be managed with physiotherapy, but they require consistent treatment over a long period of time.
Your fitness level: If you’re regularly active and exercise, you’re more likely to injure yourself than someone who’s less active. Regular exercise can often increase the risk of injury, which means you may have to have physiotherapy more frequently.
Your personal goals: What do you hope to achieve with your physiotherapy treatment? Are you trying to manage a chronic condition or heal from an injury? It’s important to know what your goals are, as this will help you decide when you should have physiotherapy again.
When You Should Have Physiotherapy Again: Conditions & Chronic Illnesses
Some conditions require ongoing treatment for the rest of your life. These conditions are known as chronic illnesses and will probably require regular physiotherapy appointments. Examples of chronic illnesses that require frequent treatment include:
Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes your joints to become stiff and painful. It can be managed with physiotherapy, but it often requires long-term treatment.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue and changes in your sleep patterns. It can be managed with physiotherapy, but it also often requires long-term treatment.
Joint Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility is a condition where your joints are loose and flexible. It can be managed with physiotherapy, but it’s another condition that often requires long-term treatment.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain and numbness in your wrists and hands. It can be managed with physiotherapy, but once again, it often requires long-term treatment.
When You Should Have Physiotherapy Again: Acute Injuries
Some injuries don’t require long-term treatment and can heal in a relatively short amount of time. These types of injuries are known as acute injuries and should undergo a short course of treatment.
Examples of acute injuries that can be treated with a short course of physiotherapy include:
1. Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury that can occur in a car accident and often results in chronic pain.
2. Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition that results in a buildup of fluid in your spinal cord.
3. Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in your elbow.
4. Shin Splints: Shin splints are a painful condition that causes pain and stiffness in your shins.
All of these conditions can be managed with physiotherapy, and they often require a short course of treatment.
Wrap Up
As you can see, there are a few factors to consider when you’re wondering how often you should have physiotherapy. Each person is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, if you’ve been injured or if you have a chronic condition that causes pain or discomfort, then you should try physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is a tried and true method of treating a wide range of conditions and preventing future injuries, and it doesn’t get enough credit. It’s a great way to manage your pain and improve your mobility. So, if you’re wondering how often you should have physiotherapy, call Niagara Health & Rehab Centre today. Our experienced and knowledgeable physiotherapists can help you decide the right frequency for your therapy and get you started on the road to recovery.