You might think of a physiotherapist only when you are recovering from an injury or sporting setback. Yet physiotherapy can be effective at relieving the pain of everyday aches, improving mobility, easing the pain of chronic conditions and even supporting those with respiratory illness. Here are our top 5 benefits of physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy for pain relief
Over time, and with age, joints and muscles become worn. If you are a sportsplayer, areas of weakness can be more vulnerable to recurring injury. And sometimes the stresses and strains of everyday life build up, resulting in a sore back or tight muscles that interfere with sleep and with your enjoyment of life.
Your physiotherapist can recommend stretches and an exercise routine that’s tailored to you and your lifestyle. This will help with pain relief in the affected areas. Massage techniques are offered as part of a physiotherapy appointment, and this can both relieve pain and reduce the risk of future injury.
Physiotherapy for flexibility
Your degree of flexibility depends on the way your connective tissue works with your joints. As we age, unless we stretch regularly, we lose flexibility, and the result is that everyday movements such as bending or stretching to reach something can be painful and difficult. If your days are spent sitting a lot, for example with office work or driving, it’s essential that you balance this out with exercise that focuses on flexibility.
It’s not just those with sedentary lifestyles who lose flexibility though. Those with repetitive exercise routines can develop tightness in certain joints or muscles.
Your physiotherapist will create a routine of stretches and exercise that suit you, focussing on boosting mobility and working gently on any sore areas. This can particularly be useful alongside corrections to posture and gait analysis. Manual therapy provided by your physiotherapist will reduce pain and boost circulation to any injured or weak muscles or joints.
Physiotherapy for Injury Recovery
If you are recovering from injury or surgery, physiotherapy can support pain relief and speed rehabilitation to get you back to living your life pain-free. By targeting those parts of your body that may be affected by scar tissue, or reduced blood flow, your physiotherapist will gently work to maintain tissue elasticity and improve mobility as well as restore strength.
Physiotherapy for Mental Health
Good mental health is dependent on a range of factors. One key factor is feeling good in your body and confident in your ability to do the things you love as well as the day-to-day things you need to do. Physiotherapy takes the whole person into account, including the way any aches and pains make you feel. The aim of treatment is to help you reach your full potential in every way.
Physiotherapy and neurological conditions
Physiotherapy can help with the symptoms of neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. A recent study showed that 4 weeks of gait training or 8 weeks of balance training result in positive effects lasting up to 12 months after the final session. Physiotherapy can play a valuable part in supporting patients struggling with issues of balance and coordination, as well as strength and flexibility.
Contact our Cambridgeshire clinic for physiotherapy
Our experienced physiotherapist, Annemette Jepson, will be happy to see you in our Cambridgeshire clinic, to assess your condition and work with you on a treatment plan. Contact us to make an appointment.