Physiotherapy is a science-based profession that involves a ‘whole person’ approach to health, wellbeing, and the patient’s general lifestyle.
The most important part of physical therapy is that patients are involved in their care, through education, awareness, empowerment, and participation in their treatment.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility, and in many cases help patients reduce pain, and avoid the need for surgery and the long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.
You can benefit from physiotherapy at any time in your life. Some common conditions that require Physical therapy are musculoskeletal condition, muscular dystrophy, and Postoperative Rehabilitation. Physical therapists evaluate, examine, and treat patients whose conditions limit their ability to move and function in daily life
You can make an appointment with a physical therapist without a physician referral. However, there are some tips and guidelines that you need to acknowledge during your appointment to ensure your visit is successful:
Dress Comfortably:
On your first visit to a physiotherapist, it is advisable to wear suitable and comfortable clothes to aid free movement and ensure that scarred areas are easy to access.
For easy assessment and treatment, clothing such as cotton shorts, shirts, and leggings are highly recommended when coming for therapies and consultations.
Medical Report and Examination:
Patients are expected to present their medical details to ascertain the safest treatment to be administered It is very important for your physiotherapist to know your medical history and general health before the commencing treatments
Your physical therapist will begin by asking you lots of questions about your health and about the specific condition, detailed information on the condition will help the physical therapist determine whether you are likely to benefit from physical therapy and the particular treatment plans to enhance your health.
They are likely to examine the affected area or perform a detailed examination of the mobility of your joints, muscles, and other tissues.
Early Arrival:
Be sure to arrive for treatment sessions at the appropriate time or a few minutes early so you are prepared. Late arrival may affect not only your session with the therapist but that of other patients in the clinic.
Participate actively in the discussion to determine visit frequency and work in partnership with the physical therapy practitioner to achieve your treatment goals. If for any reason, you plan to discontinue therapy or change the frequency of treatment, discuss this with your physical therapist.
If an emergency prevents you from meeting up with your appointment, it is important to provide adequate notice so as not to disrupt the therapist’s schedule, and to avoid extra fees.t is also essential to review the facility’s financial and cancellation policy prior to the start of treatment.
Physical Assessments:
Physical assessments will enable the therapists to understand your condition better. You might be asked to do a few motion exercises, such as a short distance walk, to assess your mobile capacity. A physiotherapist will carry tests to check your level of pain, function, limitations, and reflexes. A proper assessment will enable the therapist to get a clearer understanding of how to proceed with treatment.
Personalized Treatment Plan:
Patient recovery is dependent on the individual, after a physical assessment, the physiotherapist will recommend a recovery plan that best suits your condition. A personalized plan is necessary to follow through with the proper exercise regimen to boost your health and improve your general well being.
Conclusively, Observe all precautions as instructed by your physical therapist. If the instructions are unclear, ask for clarification. If u feel uncertain about the instructions, ensure to ask for clarification and perform only the therapist-specified exercises.