While most people have a general understanding of what physiotherapy is, there remain many myths and misconceptions surrounding exactly what it can do, and what it entails. In this blog, we are going to look at some of the key myths and facts surrounding physiotherapy.
Myth: Physiotherapy is for Muscle/Sports Injuries
While physiotherapy is closely associated with sports and muscle injuries in particular, it actually serves a much wider purpose in the medical world. These days, physiotherapy is standard procedure for many different cases, such as post-op recovery, loss of motor function, and even prenatal care.
Fact: Physiotherapy can Prevent Surgery
Although physiotherapy is often used after surgery, it can also be used as a preventative measure or alternative to surgery as well. In fact, physiotherapy can often be just as successful as surgery, but without the risks and complications that accompany going under the knife. In the knees for example, physiotherapy has been shown to be just as effective treating conditions like meniscal tears and osteoarthritis.
Myth: Physiotherapy is when you Walk and do Stretches
Doing tough stretches or learning to walk again are among the most popular images that come to mind when people think of physiotherapy, but the practices involved are more varied and advanced than we give them credit for. Certain aspects of physiotherapy, like massaging or acupressure/acupuncture have been around for years, while advances in technology have also introduced new treatments, such as laser or ultrasound therapy.
Fact: Physiotherapy is Ancient
Physiotherapy can trace its roots back over 2000 years, with great minds like Hippocrates (after whom the Hippocratic oath is named) and Galenus being credited as some of the founding fathers of physiotherapy. As well as using some of the same physical exercises we use today, these men even used massages and hydrotherapy in some of their treatments.
Myth: Physiotherapy is Painful
It may sound as though we’re splitting hairs, but physiotherapy should be uncomfortable, not painful. Unfortunately, it is not possible to simply come up with exercises that make us feel great and improve our health. Good health requires work, and work in this case means working through that discomfort. But pain is your body’s way of telling you to stop, and your physiotherapist will not make you do anything that causes you pain.
