Questions to Ask Your Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy can help your body to recover from injuries or conditions that require manipulation, massage and exercise. Becoming a qualified physiotherapist takes years of study and an in-depth knowledge of how the muscular and skeletal system works. Needless to say, you don’t share this knowledge, but you are interested in your recovery. Ask a few questions that will help you to get the most out of your treatment.
What Does Physiotherapy for my Condition Entail?
Although physiotherapy isn’t painful or even particularly uncomfortable, you will be interested in knowing what to expect from your treatments. Although an individual assessment is needed to get all the details, the physio will be able to provide a broad outline of what he or she hopes to achieve and how it will be achieved. After your assessment appointment, the physiotherapist will be able to confirm which interventions will be most helpful to you.
What Will I Have to Commit to?
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll get much benefit from a single visit to a physiotherapist – and you may well have to commit to a few minutes of special exercises a day. Find out:
- How often you will need to visit the physiotherapist.
- How many visits the therapist expects you to need.
- How much time you should budget to do any recommended exercises.
What Outcomes Can I Expect?
You will want to know just how much physiotherapy is likely to help you. For example, how long will it take before you begin to recover mobility? Whatever your issue may be, you will want to know whether you can expect a full or partial recovery as well as the time it will take before you begin to experience the benefits of physiotherapy.
Are There any Complimentary Therapies That Can Help?
Since you’re hoping for the fastest recovery possible, you may be interested in taking a multi-disciplined approach. For example, some physiotherapists may recommend acupuncture to help you with pain management. Ask your physiotherapist whether you will benefit from any extra types of therapy and if so, whether there are any particular therapists whose work he or she recommends.
Are There Any Lifestyle Changes I Should Consider?
You should ask this question after your initial assessment appointment. It may not even be necessary to do so since your physio will usually tell you if you should avoid participating in certain activities. However, if you have specific questions about things that are very much part of your lifestyle and their impact on your recovery, you should ask them at this point. For instance, if you have been told to avoid contact sport, can you still ride a bicycle or swim?
Your Recovery is in Your Hands too
Physiotherapy helps the body to cope with and recover from a wide variety of problems. From sporting injuries to partial paralysis following a stroke, physiotherapy can be very helpful indeed. However, it’s important to remember that you will have to do your share in working towards recovery and that it won’t happen overnight. Be sure that you are forming realistic expectations by asking the questions we’ve recommended. Your commitment to following your physiotherapist’s recommendations is every bit as important as your physiotherapist’s skill.
