5 ways physiotherapy is good for you

Overview

John Doyle Professional Head of Physiotherapy

Booking your first physiotherapy appointment can be daunting. John Doyle, Physiotherapy Lead at Nuffield Health, explains why physiotherapy has been proven to help people of all ages with the pain relief, healing and rehabilitation of most medical and surgical conditions.

Physiotherapy gets results

In most appropriate cases, including problems affecting the bones, joints and soft tissue, the brain or nervous system, the heart and circulation and the lungs and breathing, physiotherapy is very effective. Research suggests that physiotherapy significantly improves rehabilitation and recovery and helps prevent further injury.

The amount of treatment required will vary from person to person, but most people see improvements within five sessions.

Physiotherapy is gentle

Your Physiotherapist will explain what to expect during and after the treatment and will give you guidelines regarding normal reactions. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your Physiotherapist immediately.

Physiotherapy is collaborative

You’ll be part of the process every step of the way. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Your Physiotherapist will provide a bespoke exercise, and physical activity program and manual therapy will be tailored to your needs.

Physiotherapy is empowering

It allows you to be active in your treatment — by doing the exercises and actions as prescribed, you should start to see progress and find yourself more able to lead an active life.

Your Physiotherapist will educate and advise you on how to avoid irritating the problem in future, so you avoid further injury.

Physiotherapy is holistic

It involves looking at the person as a whole. It is usual for individuals to have anxieties and worries about their injury or problem.

The Physiotherapists at Nuffield Health are specially trained to understand your individual needs, preferences, and fears. They will guide you toward recovery via the best route for you.

Exercises to support recovery

Once you’ve seen a Physiotherapist, you can begin to increase your activity. In almost all circumstances, gentle movement will be beneficial and complementary to your treatment, promoting tissue healing, easing pain and supporting recovery. Chose low-impact and low-intensity exercise and move at your own pace with the support of an expert.

Walking

Walking is an excellent way to get the muscles moving and kick the cardiovascular system into action. Walking outdoors on an uneven surface is excellent for your core, but if this is too difficult or impactful on your joints, try a cross-trainer at the gym.

Swimming

Swimming is a full body exercise that gets your muscles working and improves cardiovascular fitness. Even if you can’t swim, pool-walking against the resistance of the water is a great low impact workout.

Weight training

Weight training (or resistance training) under the guidance of a health professional can promote healing in muscles, ligaments and tendons while keeping the joints moving. Always seek supervision and advice from a professional.

Pilates and yoga

Pilates and yoga can be useful for flexibility, strength-building, pain relief and relaxation. Be sure to explain your condition to your instructor at the beginning of the class so they can modify exercises to suit you.