Surprising Reasons to See Your Physio
A visit to the physio is often at the front of your mind when you tear a muscle or wake up with a stiff neck, however, there are many other conditions that you might be surprised to hear physiotherapists can help with. Here are a few that you may not be aware of.
Respiratory Problems
Physiotherapists are one of the first ports of call to help clear a chest infection, particularly for the very young, elderly and those with chronic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Your physiotherapist can assist with drainage, breathing cycles and physical percussion techniques to help you breathe easier.
Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a specific type of vertigo caused by loose microcrystals in the inner ear, resulting in dizziness when the head is turned in different positions. Your physiotherapist can give you exercises to relocate these crystals and regain your balance. Physiotherapists can also help with habituation exercises to help manage other types of vertigo and improve symptoms of dizziness.
Incontinence
For one in three women, incontinence is an ongoing problem after childbirth and one that has a huge impact on quality of life. Much improvement for this condition can be attained from Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist is well versed in teaching pelvic floor exercises, which can help you regain control.
Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is commonly defined as non-malignant intermittent or continuous pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or intrapelvic structures, lasting at least 3–6 months. CPP may originate from one or more organ systems or pathologies and may have multiple contributing factors. It usually involves an interaction between the gastrointestinal, urinary, gynecological (endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic congestion syndrome, fibroids, and ovarian remnant after surgeries for examples), musculoskeletal such as (tension of pelvic floor muscles, inflammation of the pubic symphysis), neurological and endocrine systems. It can also be influenced by psychological and sociocultural factors. The optimal treatment of chronic pelvic pain needs to address a holistic therapy approach. This multidisciplinary treatment and physiotherapy treatment includes oral analgesics and other medications, pain management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, nerve stimulation therapies, teaching cognitive coping strategies, education about the importance of planning and pacing exercise and activities.
Developmental Delays, Balance and Incoordination
For some children, balance and coordination don’t come easily. These issue may be associated with developmental delay, neuroglogical conditions and other medical conditions. Your physiotherapist can prescribe exercises to assist with improving balance and coordination for people of any age.
Neurological Conditions
Strokes, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and head injuries are allconditions that your physiotherapist has been trained to treat. In the private practice setting, they are particularly helpful at stretching the tight muscles affected and providingspecially tailored strengthening exercises.
This article is not intended to replace medical advice. Speak to your therapist for more information on how physiotherapy might be able to help you.
