The benefits of a routine physiotherapy check up

One of the many trends I've noticed since starting my career is that most people wait far too long before they come to see me for an assessment. I've heard countless stories of pain that started months if not years prior to receiving treatment. The narrative that bothers me more though, is the story of a small discomfort that goes ignored until a major injury occurs. These "straw that broke the camel's back" injuries are easily (yet rarely) avoided.

By seeing a physical therapy for a check up every few months it could be possible to highlight and prevent potential injuries rather than having to put ourselves back together once we're already hurt. Working together with a physio, you can determine whether or not your functional abilities are aligned with the demands of your job and hobbies. We can determine your abilities by looking at your mobility, strength, and coordination. Based on these findings, a physiotherapist can create a corrective exercise program to address any limitations or weaknesses that could otherwise lead to injury.

A routine physio check includes tailoring a program to whichever physical activity goals you may have such as walking more, starting a new sport, or training for a major event. Your physio could also educate you on the aspects of your job that may contribute to future pain and discomfort, increasing your awareness of your ergonomics and reducing your risk for workplace related injury.

Physiotherapists provide longer term solutions by acting as facilitators rather than fixers. We can help you to achieve your goals and provide step by step advice along the way. If you get ahead of injuries by working to prevent them you can keep doing what you love and spend less time in rehab getting put back together!

#prevention #patienteducation